Faithful Friends: Rency and Mae

I met Mae and Rency almost two years ago when I decided to follow God’s leading in my life to stay in Batac for a while. It’s amazing how God has been opening my eyes to the bigger picture of why I had to help out in teaching high school during that time (which I will write about the next time). Another reason is for me to meet these two amazing women, establish friendship with them, and walk the Christian walk with them.

Yesterday was definitely disenthralling for me and so I want to write it down for me to be able to remember it for the rest of my life. For a while now, I told them to stop calling me ate. Ate, in our culture and norm, is a sign of respect to a woman older by some years. However, it can also be a stumbling block in a growing friendship as it establishes a position of authority and seniority. I didn’t want that to get in the way and I was ready and willing for these women, younger than me, to openly rebuke and correct me without inhibitions.

I saw them struggle with removing the ate in our daily conversations. They would correct themselves in the middle of their sentences, say sorry because of it, then continue or start over their story. It was a funny yet beautiful transition, which to me, came to full bloom yesterday.

It’s never easy to open your secret chest to anybody, not even to your close friends. It was particularly hard for me to open mine for these two to see because I was afraid that it would cause them to stop looking up to me and think differently of me already. But yesterday, the ball was already in my court. It was my turn to put the lack of “seniority” in our relationship from theory to practice.

The result was, as I said, liberating. My secrets, pretenses, and weakness were laid on the table; I was left vulnerable, but Mae and Rency sat down there and (really) listened to me.  No judgment was uttered. There was just grace, compassion, and love.

And so I also write this to honor them. Rency and Mae proved me that respect goes beyond how you call each other. I am humbled to learn Lordship and heavenly living from these people who are younger than me. Their lives speak nothing but who Jesus is. How they live out their freedom and obedience to God in every area – finances, relationship, calling, name it – blesses my heart, and I know it blesses God’s heart more. The two of them are definitely my adings in age, but their spiritual maturity goes beyond my years Tell me, who should call ate who now?

I am forever grateful because they are my friends. Actually, scratch that. I am eternally grateful because they are my faithful friends. Faithful friends will always have a special place in my heart. It is the kind of friendship that grows despite the distance because it is founded in nothing less than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

SEALNet Reflection: Letter to yourself 5 years from now

Dear Atty. Agrupis,

Girl, you’re getting old. I hope by now you’ve climbed Mt. Pulag and have done a marathon already. But more than that, I hope you are staying true to our agreement of becoming a lawyer to help the needy. I hope you still visit our relatives in Cagayan; I hope you are still taking part in giving hope to the poor. Many things must have happened in the last five years, huh? If anything, I hope it made you stringer, braver, and fiercer in life. I hope you are still growing in love every day, I hope you always reflect on why you are doing what you are doing.

I cannot really give much advice to you. What do I know, I am just the incoming second year law student part of you. I cannot give you any advice because by now you’ve achieved more than I did. But listen, because even thou I am far from where you are now, I am still the one who made you. As I go thru everyday of my life, I am molding you and forming you. So if along the way you lose sight of your track, talk to me. Because right here, right now, I am sure and I know who you want to be and who you’re supposed to be.

Remember the summit you went to in Ha Noi when you were twenty-two? Remember how that summit thought you about service and leadership? Yeah, so go back to it. Go back to the basic. You are more than just a public servant, you are a servant leader. Stop being so caught up with processes and procedures and politics, but focus on the people – because they are the ones that matter most.

Remmeber how much you appreciated human connection and a sense of belongingness when you talked to random strangers in the Old Quarter. When was the last time you addressed their needs without any other motive than to help and be of service?

You are in a position of influence right now with so much potential and opportunity to make an impact to other people. Let me remind you where you get your joy when you were twenty-two: by touching people’s lives. When was the last time you felt that joy, Arla? Your title and position amount to nothing to me if you lost this part of us that made waking up the next morning meaningful.

You’re good at failing and making mistakes, and trust me, that’s one thing consistent about you. But what makes me really proud is that we manage to pick ourselves up every damn time. You’re humility to accept your mistakes and to do something about it is something that strengthens you throughout the years. So if you don’t feel the joy right now, or feeling lost, wear your good old t-shirt, flared jeans and slippers, and reconnect with me. Better yet, go to Givral Café behind RMIT in Ha Noi. Have a cup of coffee at the second floor, and start all over again. I’m right here, waiting for you.

Victory Batac: Celebrating 10 years of God's Faithfulness

It was in 2006 when I and Shareid first attended a Youth on Fire-Batac event (I think it was called Campus Harvest) at Teatro Ilocandia. I told her that we should go because my sister also goes to a Victory Christian Fellowship and Youth on Fire-thing in Manila. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the Teatro Ilocandia, they were already singing the last song. We were wearing our uniforms so one could easily recognize us as high school students. That's when Ate Rohma approached us and made us write our names on what looked like an attendance sheet. On the top of the paper, "MMSU High School" was printed. There was a name written: Ina Felize Ramajo, nothing follows. And so I inscribed my name, "Cheska Arla C. Agrupis" and so did Shareid. Who would have thought that I was signing up for the best thing that could happen in my life?

Victory Weekend 2009

I had my first and second altar calls (yes, I responded to two altar calls) at the golden rule building. Attended youth jams and Sunday services at the same place and at the NTA building, until the church transferred to the Novelty Building. It took two long years for me to go through the twelve chapters of one-to-one - with a lot of heartbreaks and high school dramas and rebellion and running away in between. And then there was Victory Weekend. Unfortunately, four months later, I had to leave and study elsewhere. Deciding to leave Batac was tough for me. I was building relationships and starting to love the people and the church. Nevertheless, I had to leave for my future and for me to become more equipped on what God has called me to do. I always tell my heart to hush, for at the right time, I will not have to leave Batac again.

High School delegates, Victory Weekend 2009

I remember in 2009, "God of the City" by Chris Tomlin became a hit in Victory churches because of the Lupang Hinirang Series. I was in Los Banos during that time, but whenever that song was sang and we're asked to pray for "the" city, my heart would yearn and cry out for Batac. And so every time I go home for vacation, I make it a point to visit the church. And every time, it never fails to amaze how God is adding number into the church. From the kids, to the young people, to the professionals, and the families...you just know that God is at work. It always excites me to meet new and old people whenever I go home.

For most of the time, I have been away because of school. However, there is always excitement when I go back to the place where I first encountered the love of God; where I met my faithful friends who never fail in praying for me and encouraging me despite our distance; where I found people who patiently and lovingly guided me in my walk with God - who taught me how to do my devotion, how to pray, and to share the gospel to others...you will always go back to that place called "home".

And so to my spiritual family back home, Happy Anniversary! Ten years of honoring God and making disciples in Batac and I am blessed to see that everyone who is taking part in the great commission have their eyes focused on Jesus. You are one of the most genuine, loving, and honest-to-goodness people that I know. Whenever I get too overwhelmed and caught up with a lot of ideologies and seemingly right concept in this world, talking to someone from Batac would always remind me to got back to the very foundation, that is, the word of God. Thank you for your passion to make a positive impact in Batac. 

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Spotlight: Ryan Daliva

If it was seven years ago, I won't even greet him, "Happy Birthday!" if I see him around. I have told this too many times to too many people, I never really liked Kuya Ryan before. He was too mayabang, pa know-it-all, legalistic, authoritative, and the list goes on and on. That is why seeing seeing his life makes me believe that God is real! (Haha!) But really, it's amazing how God matured and changed him (and me!) throughout the years. This man, by the grace of God, has become one of the men that I truly respect and honor. So much that I am willing to set aside a portion of my study time just for me to be able to write this blog for him.

I do not have any problem mingling with people, but for me to able to trust them is a long way to go. And I don't know how it happened, but I know I trust Kuya Ryan. I am not afraid to be myself, to speak up my mind, and to be "read" by him, because I know that he won't judge me but protect me, and guard me instead.

Now, I am not saying he is perfect. He knows it too that he is not. I have seen him lose his cool. I have seen him be disappointed. I have seen him be angry. But his humility to seek forgiveness from God and from the person he has offended is just beautiful. It just goes to show how much he values his right standing before God...and that kind of heart is just awesome and worth emulating.

I know that it is not Batac's culture to say, "I love you," specially to the opposite sex, but I'm going to say it anyway: I love you, manung! I am a person who values the word "manung" so much and thank for being that to me. Thank you, because I can count on you to pray for me, to remind me to never stop pursuing God's call for my life, and to push me to be intimately devoted to Him in and out of season.

I was able to get to know you more and be with you for six months. It only took God six months for you to have an impact in my life. And I can just imagine how much more God can do through you in one-school year or in the four or five years of a student's life. I appreciate your leadership and your heart for the young people, Kuya! Excited na ako kung anong mangyayari at gagawin ni Lord sa Batac pag nilagay na ako ni Lord kung saan Niya ako gustong ilagay at kung saan ka din Niya ilalagay pag dating ng panahong 'yun. :))) I am excited to labor with you (again) to advance God's Kingdom and make disciples in Batac!

So, I'm going to end this already because I already have to study and let me do that by saying what I really have to say: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KUYA RYAN! 

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for the new year that you have given Kuya Ryan Ryan. Thank you all the days of his life, goodness and mercy will follow him, Father. Continue to do your very will in his life, Father because I know that that is his desire- to be used by You for Your glory. Thank you, that you are once again renewing the promise and the covenant you made with him, assuring him, that your promises are true and that he just needs to wait and hold on to you for in the right time, it will come. Thank you even because you are anointing Kuya Ryan the same distinction you have given to Samuel - favor from men and God. Thank you, because Your mighty hand will always be his guide. Bless him, dear Lord that he may be a blessing for others (and that he will bless my fare for the anniv :P) in Jesus Name I pray and I ask these things.

Humility: Learning from the Life of John the Baptist

We all know John the Baptist. He is the cousin of Jesus. Set-apart for a specific mission of preparing the way for the works and ministry of Jesus here on Earth. You can read more about John here.  

I am just amazed how John lived a life of humility during his time of ministry. He was with wisdom not known to this world. People loved him. He already have a number of followers, but never did he point his followers to himself. He preached, in our church context he did one-to-one, did victory group, he comforted and encouraged people...but he never asked for praise to be given unto him. He need not to be acknowledged. He did everything and directed all his for for Jesus Out of love, he did everything that needs to be done.

"I'm [John] baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I'M A MERE STAGEHAND, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, CHANGING YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT" - Luke 3:16, MSG (Emphasis mine)

I'm a mere stagehand

Know your position before God It should be less of us and more of Him. Not about us but all about Him. And just like John, I hope and pray that we will have that joy of being just a stagehand, assisting the main character to do what he has to do.

Changing you from the inside out

No matter how many work we do, or how many time we invest in discipling others, we can never change them. Our words will only be encouraging and comforting but not life changing. Only Jesus can transform a person and you will know that for sure if you are a follower of Jesus. And John, he understood that. He knew that apart from Jesus, his followers will never be transformed. That if they follow only his instruction and teaching, they are pitiful for putting their faith on a foundation that is not solid.

I don't know if it is me being sanguine and influential, but I definitely love the stage. I love to be on the spotlight. I love to have people's attention on me. But for the sake of Christ, I am willing to give up the center stage so that it will be Him that people will see.

Lord Jesus, I pray for humility like that of John. Let my life point to you always. <3

The Discipleship Example of Jesus

" So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere." - Luke 9:6

Somebody needs you Find them! Move towards them!

Jesus did not just stay in one place and waited for people. He went to the marketplace He went to the seaside He went to the synagogue He went to the homes of people. He went everywhere. He did not just stay in one place and waited for people to come to him. He made himself reachable and and available to people by going to them. In fact, Jesus did not just go to places, but he went to people and built relationship with them He went to the blind, the poor, the wealthy. He even talked to the learned, ignorant, hungry and thirsty.

Jesus left the comfort. He left the presence of angels and His heavenly Father He willingly walked into an atmosphere that was unholy and imperfect He stepped out of a magnificent and perfect kingdom into a world that was stained, confused and deadly. Jesus was willing to give it all for the cause of discipleship. 

How about us, what is keeping us from reaching out towards others? Is it an inward fear or dread that we may be rejected or turned down? Are we intimidated in some way? Discipleship is far more important than rejection.

That is why the great commission says "Go!" We have to get out of our comfort zones, step out and reach out to people, leave the familiar and let go of insecurities. Going for God sometimes even means having to leave our geological location, our culture, and our job but what is there to lose when Jesus already gave it all for us?

That Thing Called Love

LOVE. It is one the most commonly used word today and often times they hold a lot of different meaning, I love my journal and pen collections. I love my dresses. I love my family and friends. But do I love them all the same way? To the same degree? Of course not! Yet, I can use the same word in all situations.

When I was in high school, I learned that in Greek language, there are four different words to describe love.

My cousin-in-law, Ate Tina and her daughter, Tintin

The first one is Storge. They say this is the natural kind of love like the love of a parent to their child. Storge is used almost exclusively as a descriptor of relationships within the family. I can proudly and happily say that I've been lavished with this kind of love not just from my parents but from my siblings and extend family (cousins, uncles, aunties, nephews, nieces). But I have also seen this kind of love at work in my cousin-in-law and my niece. I love my niece very much! But there are things that is beyond the capacity of a tita to do like cleaning her up after she poops or be patient with her when she gets all noisy and nosy. I honor this kind of love. I just know that when this kind of love is properly showed to children, they will become a people of great character and right motivation when they grow up.

With some of my churchmates during my 21st birthday celebration

The second one is Philos, the friendly kind of love. According to Aristotle, this kind of love requires virtue, equality and familiarity. This love holds true when I say "I love you" to my friends. Out of Philos comes my genuine concern for them. Because of this kind of love, I have the ability to pray for them, spend time with them and share lives with my friends. It is also because of Philos that we have the ability to overlook offenses, choose to forgive and look pass our differences. 

I specially appreciated  Philos when I realized how different some of my friends and I can be in terms of attitude and personality yet we choose to be friends and stick with each other through thick and thin. I am also glad that I can detect Philos from Eros (which I will be talking about later) because it helps me be secure and confident with the friendship that I have with my guy friends. Knowing the distinction between these kind of love saved my heart from false assumptions and wrong hopes and unnecessary heartbreaks.

Oyo Sotto and Kritine Hermosa-Sotto

Like what I've mentioned earlier, the third one is Eros. It is an intense physical or sexual type of love. Now this is the romantic type of love that most people misuse now a days. It is sad that it became way too easy for one to say "I love you" romantically without fully understanding what they are saying. Eros kind of love is meant to be beautiful and treasured. We should not just give this kind of love easily. It ought to be protected and nurtured. People mature enough for Eros  know that love entail commitment, responsibility, faith and sacrifice

The last one, but definitely not the least is Agape, God's kind of love.

Agape love is so incredible! It's unconditional - no strings attached. It's unselfish - totally giving. It's unending - it never tops. It's forgiving - no grudges here! It's love that is based on commitment, not wishy-washy feeling. It's a God kind of love 

The word Agape is used throughout the New Testament to teach us how to love the way God loves. See, love is a huge deal to God. It is the very core of who he is and who he wants to be. The amazing thing is, we too can learn how to love God's way because the Bible teaches us what love is in God's standard. The Bible descriptions of love is Holy Spirit empowered! It is beyond what we can muster up on our own. The Holy Spirit working in us helps us to love in these supernatural style. Want to be truly loving? Learn to love with absolute Agape!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails."

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8