Writing for Him

For the past months, I've been doing things that I've never done before or things that I've never even imagined of doing. One of them is writing a newsletter for an outreach event. When it was first brought up, I was too hesitant (because I only write blogs and I almost forgot that comm was my major!). I was reminded though that I declared in my heart that I will not put any boundaries on how He'll gonna use my hands, feet and life. 

I am blessed to be part of the Core team of Hike For Christ Movement now and this was my first task. I resolved to rely on His grace.

Days after, I was so happy to actually come up with this (though this is still for approval!). I was like, "Whoa, this really looks like a newsletter!" I can't believe this! I thank Daddy God for His Word for me last night..

Generation after generation stands in awe of Your work;

each one tells stories of Your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4 MSG)

Your marvelous doings are headline news;

I could write a book full of the details of Your greatness. (Psalm 145:6 MSG)

I'm amazed when the author of Psalm said "I could write a book full of the details of Your greatness." I realized it's a great privilege to write about Him and what He is doing! 

So here's the newsletter I tried to do for Hike For Christ Movement's Balik-Eskwela missions (this is not the official newsletter) : 

The text isn't  that clear so if you want, you can read it here:

Balik-Eskwela Missions 2018 

We are very much grateful for your partnership in blessing our Aeta students in Sitio Cawag and Sitio Banawen, Zambales through our Balik -Eskwela missions last May 19, 26-27,2018. We are privileged and humbled that God is continually using us to bring hope and faith in the said communities.


At Sitio Cawag


It’s great to go back to this community. It’s been 5 months since we last visited and it’s heartwarming to see familiar smiles all over again. Our team (which was composed of 54 volunteers) was expectant of what God will do in and through us this time.


In this one day missional outreach, we’re able to give 115 school bags with school supplies. Initially, we thought that we will only be able to give school kits, but because of God’s provision through your generosity, we’re amazed that we’re also able to bless them with new school bags.


In addition, we also gave toys to the preschool children, prizes for the games and fed them physically by cooking and distributing snacks (“sopas” and juice).


Most importantly, we’re able to feed them spiritually.


We praise God together, conducted Bible story telling and had a discipleship time with the youth. Specifically, we taught the children to love others as Jesus Christ loves us. We’re grateful that we’re able to share the Gospel to the parents as well. We believe that they could and should be our partner in leading the next generation to Jesus. We must always go back to our mission. We exist to reach out different tribes around the Philippines to share His hope and His love.


It wasn’t only a wonderful time for the community but for the volunteers as well. We had a chance to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ, had a deeper revelation of why we were doing these things through our time of devotion and we were able to use our different skills and gifts so that we can serve more. Some had fun cooking, ministering, preparing the place, teaching, singing, dancing and even acting! Yes, some tasks were challenging, but we declare that we’re unstoppable in doing what God wants us to do. We’re grateful for the spirit of fun, faith and family in our midst. The outreach shaped our faith and we’re forever grateful that we’re there to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.


At Sitio Banawen

It’s the second time that we blessed this community and it’s great to be back. The 2-3 hours trek just to reach them was really worth it. Our team was relatively smaller (we only had 33 volunteers) this time but God still worked mightily through us.

In this two-day missional outreach, we’re able to reconnect with the children and bless them with snacks, 85 school bags with school supplies and toys. It’s our prayer that they will be able dream big and believe that nothing is impossible with our God.

Just like in Sitio Cawag, we were intentional in sharing what they ultimately need - the saving knowledge Jesus Christ. We shared the story of Joseph the Dreamer to the young ones and presented John 3:16 to the youth. We were also able to reach the parents with the Gospel.

It was also a great privilege to lead the children as they sing and dance for Jesus. To celebrate His great love with them is a sight to behold.

The volunteers had a great time of fellowship on the second day. We reminded each other that Jesus is a compassionate God who can relate to us. We also ponder on what He did on the cross for each of us. We can only love the community that we’re in because He first loved us.

Again, we thank God for you. We truly appreciate your prayers and support to our Balik- Eskwela Missions.

God bless you always!

Hike For Christ Movement

After a series of meetings and heeding suggestions, here's the final look of our Balik- Eskwela missions newsletter: 

This might be not as long as a book but this is from my heart to our God and our partners. 

LORD, have Your way as I write for You

First Hike For Christ

I wanna set the world on fire

Until it's burning bright for You

It's everything that I desire

Can I be the one You use?

I want to put  the lyrics of  one of my earliest favorite Christian songs - Set The World on Fire by Britt Nicole in this post because it's been my anthem since I heard it in a youth service. I loved and prayed this song.  I believe that God used this to give me a vision that one day.. He will use me, one day, I will be beyond myself, one day,  I will set the world on fire. That's a big vision though and I felt so small...

Just like how it is in the song:

I, I am small but

You, You are big enough

I, I am weak but

You, You are strong enough to

Take my dreams

Come and give them wings

Lord with You

Nothing I can not do

Nothing I cannot do

...but He is big enough and strong enough.


Last Saturday (February 10, 2018) marked my first participation in an out of town outreach event. It happened over at Sitio Banawen, San Felipe Zambales.

My journey towards this event and the event itself was simply amazing.

Last December, we had a dinner bonding with my Kids ministry family. I wanted to give something to my co-volunteers to remind them of God's faithfulness over the year 2017.  I thought of giving them printed pictures of some of the highlights of their year. I visited their timelines and chose pictures! One of the pictures that I loved was the picture of the children smiling in Teacher Jayson's post (he's a part of a movement called Hike for Christ Movement  and they had an outreach event in a community last December). I chose that picture and gave it to him. He talked about it and the movement over our dinner and in my heart, I uttered "Dad, I hope I could also do something like that".

I wanna feed the hungry children

And reach across the farthest land

And tell the broken there is healing

And mercy in the Father's hands

Days after, my grandmother passed away and the brevity of life was taught to me and I also eventually discovered the beauty of outward-focused life . I really wanted to do more for Him in this lifetime. It became a faith goal to serve more and to do more for women, children and the Gospel.

I liked the facebook page of Hike for  Christ Movement (HFCM) sometime last year and I started to see their posts. I was thrilled to discover that they will have an event soon and it's an "Engage" event!  Children + Evangelism! Oh, my heart. Hehe.  "Dad, can I be part of that?"

I remembered  this Word:

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

He planned for me to do good things. He created me anew for these things. WHOA.

I sent them a message, clicked going, last two slots na lang but still can't help but be so excited!

But a few weeks before the event, doubts crept in and so does fear.

I doubted  my motivation and intention. Am I really doing this for Him alone or am I just gonna do it for myself? :"( I needed some time to think about that because, I'm not so sure of my heart.  I needed  to surrender to Him and to His purposes and will alone. "Dad, I don' t want to go if this is just about me and my selfish desires."

Fear crept in too. I talked to my friends about it and one well- meaning friend asked me if I'm sure about it  because she heard some volunteers  died few years ago while crossing a river for an outreach event. The other volunteers were also traumatized.  She asked if we have to cross a river, and I said I'm not sure. She advised me that if we have to cross a river, please, if possible, ask for another route.

I started asking, "Dad, is this wise?Should I back out if we have to cross a river? Is this really Your will for me? "

I'm really amazed when He let me encounter these words:

"...stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Princess. in awe. indeed.

GRABE. Okay, so stand firm daw. Trust tayo.

He knows I needed more encouragement so eto pa..

 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12

For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9b
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  Exodus 33:14

YAY!!!! Okay, Lord. Let's do this!!!!

Along the way, I'm amazed at how supportive my friends and co-workers are. They gave hygiene kits and donated. I'm beyond grateful for their beautiful hearts! This made me so excited.

Feb. 9    Prepared and slept for an hour
Feb. 10  Walked around Cubao at almost midnight. I'm not sure kung may jeep pa from SM Fairview na dadaan sa may P. Tuazon. Inhale. Exhale.

And, yay! Meron pang jeep! I had a little accident though. Biglang nag preno yung driver because of a cat. Hindi ako nakahawak. My right knee hit the metal at the back of the driver. Huhuhu. "Dad, please. May it not be serious."  I started to kinda panic because it's painful nung tatawid na ko, bigla pang may truck na mabilis so I had to walk faster. Wahhhh! Whew. Great thing that I could still walk well. (Right now, I noticed na may pasa pa din yung knee ko. hehe)

Anyway! I arrived at the meeting place (Jollibee) and awkwardly asked a woman  inside if they are from HFCM. She  shaked their head though. Texted someone from HFCM and asked where they are. He said that they're outside near a speaker.

Yay! I found them! I met Grace and Mat (Hi girls! It's so lovely to meet you!) . It's Mat's first time too and we had good chat. I also met Van and eventually, Jayson arrived and introduced Pao to us. It's her first time too! She is such a sweet young woman. I'm so happy that we're on the same van - Van 1!

We also met the other volunteers  inside the van and prayed before we go.  It was kinda hard to sleep. I don't know.. did I sleep? Maybe I did.Hehe.   It was cold and I regret  not bringing my sweater. :"( Anyway, I'm happy that the other volunteers could finally have a good rest. Hopefully. Hehe.

Ate at Jollibee for breakfast. (I don't know kung saang Jollibee na haha)
Chaye (HFCM's founder)  said something that made me blush. HAHAHAHA.  Ayoko na sabihin. I'll just keep it in my heart. I'm sooooo grateful to finally meet her!!!! (Hi Chaye, if you're reading this, I also want to say to you what you said to me (I hope you remember)  and even more because I also saw a glimpse of your beautiful heart!!!)

Went  back to the van. Tried to sleep and the sun is rising.

Eventually, we're there! The mountains greeted us.  Had a huddle time.Prayed. Got my shirt (Oh, the shirt's awesome!). Carabaos arrived and flashback starts. I remember riding it when I was young in a harvest season (pauwi galing bukid at nakahiga sa mga sako ng palay). Hehe. This time,  walang palay (just our bags) and sumakay kami. :") It's wonderful to experience it again.


Nung tamawid na kami ng unang ilog (eto na, yung ilog!), I was riding the carabao and I was staring at my feet and the water. I remember His word for me:

 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12

Biglang nagkapakpak yung kalabaw sa paningin ko. It's like an angel used by God for me at that time. HEHEHEHE. Kasi nga na amazed ako na nakaangat yung paa ko sa ilog habang tumatawid!

Glad to have good chat and hugot with other volunteers too like Dina, Albert and Earl!

Pao and I  eventually walked and encountered yung iba pang mga  ilog  na mababaw lang.  I thought,
"eto ba yung mga ilog na kinatakutan ko? Awww Dad, sorry."

Now, when I close my eyes I can still remember the lahar on my feet, the clear water, yung mga talahib and the mountains!!!!

We arrived at Sitio Banawen at around almost 11 AM. We had  our morning devotion and I'm amazed that Lorainne shared the Word that God gave to me for the new year - Ephesians 2:10!!!!!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. :")

We had a delicious early lunch (tinola and tilapiaaa)!!!! And I got another answered prayer (It was a prayer to Daddy to really help and not be a burden)! Earl asked me to help him as he share the Bible story to the kids. (Earl, I hope I did help you. HAHA)

Find Me. HAHA

Had a huddle time with the kids! I talked with two girls and three boys with random ages. It's warms my heart  that they know Jesus. I think when they know Him and call unto Him, they are rich in life already. Why did I say that? because I experienced talking to well-off children who doesn't even know His Name. One once told me, "Jesus, what's that?" That's  one of the most heartbreaking thing and worst than being poor for me.

Okay so back to our  huddle time, I pounded more how great God is in creating things and even greater because He sent Jesus for us. He gave His best for us and nothing is impossible with Him. I wanted to inspire them to keep on dreaming and lift their future to Him. I asked them what they want to be and they answered that they want to be a soldier, policeman, teacher and ...a Pastor! An 11 year-old boy said it! WHOA. Oh, I really hope he would be!!!

We had a group picture and we started giving the hygiene kits, Chicken Joy, toys,  juices, Bibles and some clothes. It was challenging at first to keep things organized because the people we're pretty aggressive and ... excited? hehe. Eventually, it was okay and I had a  little chat with other kids as well. I met Aileen, a pretty girl and had a small talk with her and her sister-in-law too.  I'm surprised when she asked for my number. hehe. I also had a chance to talk to a grandmother. I asked her if she's happy that we're there and she smiled brightly with her yes.  :")

We ate an egg sandwich, cleaned the place, took some pictures, took the group picture, more pictures and rode the carabao again going home.

After 2 and a half hours of staring at the mountains, sharing stories, jokes (HAHAHA PAO!!!!!) , sound trip, praise and worship, we arrived where our vans are. Changed clothes, went inside the van, prayed and exchange stories and funny moments.

Slept and woke up to eat dinner. We ate at Rico's (I think that's in Subic).  Listened to a love story and ate Sinigang na Hipon after a long wait. We went back to the van and sleep... ... .... ....woke up at times and then sleep... ... ...sleep. And tanannnnn! Hello Cubao! :")

Thank You Daddy God for our safety!



Awww. It's time to say goodbye to one of the best 24 hours of my life.  Bid goodbye to the other volunteers  and I'm sad. I walked with Van and Renjo going to Farmers. Arrived at home at around 1 AM and slept  with a supeeerrrr happy heart. :")

Oh what a privilege!
 I'm excited to go and make JESUS famous again in the mountains!

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them. Psalm 40:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

My hands, my feet

My everything

My life, my love

Lord, use me


1st Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash
Other photos are from Pao, Dina and Kuya Ronald :") 

Mt. Batolusong

September 29 -30 are special days for me. That's when my Victory Weekend happened. Victory weekend is a two-day retreat that helped me in establishing my faith.  I can still vividly remember the best weekend of my life. I received the best gift ever (which is the Holy Spirit) and then I publicly declared that I am Christ's follower!  

To celebrate, I organized a hike going to Mt. Batolusong located in Tanay, Rizal last September 30. I never heard of this mountain until I read an article about Erich Gonzales'  climb. I searched the pics and amazed to realized that it's possible as well to see a sea of clouds. By faith, I hope people will accompany me. :")

There are some who responded they're going with me but in the last days messaged that they're not available anymore. I'm grateful for my dear friend / discipler Ana for staying and for Daddy God sa pag gising sa kanya (HAHAHA) . Kasi ang usapan, 2 AM, but my friend arrived at around 4AM! Yeah that's 2 hours of waiting but I just talked to Daddy na.. if before 5 AM dumating sya, tuloy kami, if not, it's His will na wag na lang muna mag bundok. :") Ayun nagising sya ng mga 3 AM plus. (Hi mars, you know you're forgiven hehe.) Ayun, hindi na namin naabutan sea of clouds. You have to start trekking ng 3 AM para maabutan!!! We also didn't go to Kay Ibon Falls ( a popular side-trip) because it's so slippery going there. 

Here are some of our pictures! :") Breathtaking sya! :") 

                

Let's go! :")

Ang linis ng tubig!! :") 

Stopped  to enjoy the view!

Buhay na bato :")

Mapatag Plateau

       

Tindahan ni Aling Yolly :") 

Talahib is love!

Buwis buhay part! (kinabahan ako dito haha)

We survived!! Whew!!!

Summit!!!

Prepared! Haha! I love our raincoat! Inspired by Love you to the stars and back! #joshlia HAHA

Erich. Hahahah

5 years ago she's with me on my Victory Weekend, and until now, she's here beside me. I thank God for her life!!! We're excited to climb with our MOGs in the future. HAHAHA!

I tried  to document what happened so that I can help you if ever you want to climb this beautiful mountain too! Here's what happened to us: 

4 AM - Jollibee Pureza (Ate breakfast, rode jeepney to Cubao) Php 13

5 AM - Cubao (rode a jeepney to Cogeo)  Php 25

6 AM - Cogeo (rode a jeepney to Sampaloc - pababa kayo sa Batangasan San Andres) Php 42

7 AM - arrival at Batangasan  (Rode a tricycle going to San Andres) Php 120 isang byahe  *60 each 

          - registered at the Brgy. hall of San Andres *Php 100 each

          - meet our tour guide (Ate Rose)  Php 500 ( *Php 250 each) 

          - start trek 

          - side trip to Sangab Cave  

          - some stops to drink water (you can drink in a mountain spring! Isn't that AWESOME?!!) 

          - met other mountaineers/ tour guides

          - amazed with the clean river (ang cute cute! ang linis) 

          - Duhatan Ridge

          - ate egg, banana and siomai sa tindahan ni Aling Yolly (Php 12, Php 10, Php 25) 

          - Mapatag plateau 

          - Buwis buhay part (AHAHAHA) 

11 AM - summit!!! (shouted "Thank You for Your love, Jesus!!!) 

12 NN  - descent 

             - tambay ulit sa tindahan ni aling Yolly. Heard their funny stories when they met Angel                                        Locsin and Erich Gonzales 

               - ate pansit canton (yes, even sa taas ng bundok may pansit canton!! (Php 25)

              - umulan na, ang  slippery na pababa!!! Thank God for the safety!!!

   2PM (I think) - took a bath at Sangab Cave. Ang lamig ng tubig!!!  Nakipaglaro sa mga local kids too!

   3PM   - nagbanlaw, roller coaster of emotions... nawala yung wrist watch ni Ana :"( Hindi na namin                           nakita. Do not leave your valuables unattended!!!  (Php 20 - hindi na kami pinagbayad                                 dahil   sa   nawalang watch though) 

   3:30 PM - Brgy. Hall (hugas ulit ng shoes hehe) 

              - said good bye to our Tour Guide na super bait. :") First time ko magkaroon ng female na                                guide - Ate Rose. It's like hiking with your Mom!

              - rode a tricycle to the highway Php 120 - (*60 each)

              - rode a tricycle  pa sakayan ng Cogeo na jeep (Php 50) - mahirap na sumakay at maghintay                        ng jeep eh

              - rode a jeep to Cogeo Php 30

              - ate dinner sa Cogeo 

              - rode a jeep to Cubao Php 25 Roller coaster of emotions, got a news that my grandmother is                             in the hospital  :"( 

              - rode a jeepney to stop n' shop and pureza (Php 11/ Php 13) 

It's been 5 years since I responded to Your great love. 

It's been 5 years since I believed that You are bigger and greater than any mountains. 

It's been 5 years of realizing that I'm not really alone. 

It's been 5 years of strengthening the faith and trusting You anyway. 

5 years of being in Awe of You, Daddy God.. Jesus and Holy Spirit.

I'll always be Your #princessinAwe 

In awe of Your favor in good times. In awe of Your comfort and power in the midst of challenges. 

In awe of Your creation. 

In awe of who You are.

Thank You for being my ultimate source of Kilig!!! Happy 5th anniv to us my Lord!!! Excited for more years and seasons with You!!!

Mt. Manalmon

111 likes on Facebook! Yay! haha! 

It was suposedly a "High school" event but it  turned out to be a "family" bonding time. I was actually so disappointed prior to this hike. I organized this for hs friends yet no one  confirmed and came (maybe they're just so busy). It's  a good thing somehow because the day before the climb, I found out that a "permit" is needed. AND guess what, you need to have it 5 days before the hike! Uh, 5 days? and we will climb tomorrow? Whut???? What to do now?

I hastily call the numbers that I got from different blogs online. Yet, no one answered right away. I way starting to worry (oh nooo). I asked my friends who went there if it's possible to hike  without a permit and they said that we really need it since that's what they did. I still send an e-mail and texted all the numbers that I was calling earlier. I was really sorry this time.

I prayed and just talked to Dad that if it's His will for us to climb, we will. And if not, He's just protecting us.

Just when we're about to give up, I received one  text message! According to him/her, we can still go hiking but we need to sign a waiver. I was so happy! Then I received another one from Sir Rexel (Marketing and Promotions officer of M.A.D.L.U.M. Inc.). He asked me to send a letter of intent and the name of participants in another e-mail address. I also received a reply to my e-mail and he asked me to share this to all of you who wants to hike there as well:

This is to inform you the requirements and procedure to get a permit are as follows:

5 days before the activity/event email your letter of intent and the names of the participants to the following addresses:

sanmiguelbulacan1874@yahoo.com

rrboyflorencio@yahoo.com

m.a.d.l.u.m.inc@gmail.com

Wait for their reply or call these numbers to follow-up your application: 

0447640154 - Municipal Office of San Miguel Bulacan

09053726148 - Boy Florencio (Municipal Tourism Officer of San Miguel Bulacan) 

note:

Pls. call during office hours only!!!

Let us know if your permit has been approved or leave your number when you send your request.

To make your arrangements call or text the following before entering the park:

09195746470 - Carlito "Tata Carling" Carpio President M.A.D.L.U.M. Inc.

09434440033 - Rexel Marketing and Promotions officer M.A.D.L.U.M. Inc.

" Please share "

Regards,

M.A.D.L.U.M. Inc.(Tour Guiding Organization)

How to get there? 

Ride a bus in Cubao going to Cabanatuan/ San Miguel (Five Star/ Baliwag Transit/ ES Transport)                    -I'm not sure how much because we came from our home in San Rafael Bulacan

Say to conductor that you want to down to "Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel" 

Ride  a tricycle going to Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul   (Php 240)

Itinerary

It was so simple for us since we need to go home by 1200 (we have a family lunch).

630 ETD from San Rafael
710 Arrival at Brgy. Kamias

Adventure na, riding a tricycle  pa lang!

750 Arrival at the registration area/ Jump-off

Look for Tata Carling here.

Registration Area, you'll pay Php 10 each, then they'll give you your guide

           
800 Start trek Mt. Manalmon

Mark, our guide talked to us first about the things we need to remember.

Then off we go! We got to pass by the Madlum Cave (Ouch, nauntog ako dito, madilim talaga eh hehe)   then the Madlum River  (yes, you heard it right. The river where 7 students died because of the sudden rush of water. It was so calm at that time. It's hard to imagine how suddenly it could take lives.  Thank God we're safe!!! 

See? 

sa paanan ng bundok

900 At the summit

Thank You for Your love Jesus!!!! (Yes, I shouted this!, but It'll be louder na next time!) 

So happy to be with brothaaa! Joke lang. lol

I really love the sight of mountains!!!!

1000 Start Descent

cover photo!! Aww clouds. One day I will see a sea of you. I'll be higher! Pulag! Pulag! :) 

We were supposed to try caving also but we realized that it will have an additional fee and we're running out of time too if we want to eat lunch at home. So there, we said good bye to our guide, Mark (Tour guide fee is: 300, but we made it 400. Additional 100 for his lunch :)). I felt sad because he thought we'll go caving. :( He was so kind to still assist us because we want to try the Monkey Bridge.

Nakakakaba talaga. Kinabahan ako na mahulog yung hat at eyeglasses ko. hehehe

Yay! I made it! 

Tambay muna while looking for the tricycle. 

So there. It was really short but fun. For those who want to try mountain climbing for the first time or kinakabahan umakyat dahil hindi ka nakakapag exercise, this mountain is good  kasi hindi sya ganon kahirap. Pabebe climb lang. Haha. 

Again, Thank You for Your love Jesus!!! 'til our next climb!

P.S.


Please wag nyo akong gayahin. Kumuha talaga kayo ng permit ah? Thank you!

*Special thanks to Kuya Rexel of M.A.D.L.U.M Inc.!!!