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

Non-negotiable

One day, someone will stand next to me :)

Ever since I graduated from College, I became part of the single professional's ministry in our local church. I have found myself spending time with many single men and women and some couples and it has been a wonderful growing and learning season for me.

Often times, whenever I date with single (not to mention beautiful, faithful, awesome and wonderful) women, we talk about our "non-negotiables" - the characters and traits that should not be compromised with our future partners. As Christian women, a God-fearing and God-honoring man who isn't just a church attendee but a radical disciple maker is definitely in our top of the list. My friends can still add a long list to that but as for me, I would often stop and think to myself, "what else do I want to see in my future partner?"

When I still in high school and college, I definitely wanted a pilot or a dentist who cooks well and does household chores. I wanted an english-speaking guy who plays the piano, dances, sings and a black belter in taekwondo. But all these things, I realized, were not requirements. These are bonuses. And whether or not God would put these bonus traits to my future partner, I will still love him completely and worship Him daily.

I don't really have a long-list of what-have-yous. But as I continue to pray for my heart and my future partner, I came up with one non-negotiable in which all that my future partner is and should be revolves around: Follower of Jesus. A kind of man that I can honor. Someone I can submit to. Someone who is persistent in honoring God and making disciples. Someone who is lives out the definition of love. A man who exemplifies the fruits of the Holy Spirit. A man devoted in pursuing God's call in his life.

Dear 'John'

"And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." - 2 John 1:5,6

This morning, I read the book of 2 John in the Bible for my devotion. It has been my practice to study the bible by looking at the different commentaries and understanding the original Greek or Hebrew meaning of the words in passage. 2 John is no exemption. Bible scholars still debate about who the author of this book really is. They have even come up with many definitions and interpretations of the "lady". But indeed, the word of God is alive and active. It can speak to us uniquely, according to our situation.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner again. People would say it is the most unfortunate time of the year to be single. I say, not really. I have been single for the 20 Valentine's Day that have passed and I am fine. I am not really longing for someone this Valentine season, but there is no denying the fact that I am excited for the day that he will be beside me. And I know that spending Valentine's Day "alone" for another year (and more) is worth it when everyday with him in the future will feel like it's Valentine's day.

But the reason I am writing this blog is not the Valentine season. It is because my heart was moved with the leadership of the author of 2 John. Every set apart woman wants a man like that. A man who would remind her of her first love; a man who would lead their relationship in purity and holiness. 

I have heard many times that I can get too intimidating specially to the guys because of my background and personality. And because of that, sometimes, I find myself insecure and end up praying and asking God for a man who won't be intimidated with my calling. I even got to a point of praying for the man's profession -  a profession that would make him secure and un-intimated with me. But God would tell me, "Arla, you do not want a man who puts his security in his title and achievements. You want and need a man who would be secure in Me, someone who will rejoice in the fulfillment of My calling for you, even when the world thinks it tramples his masculinity." 

And so now, what I pray for is a 'John' who would lead me into a Christ-centered relationship with him. A 'John' who is secure with his identity in Jesus. A 'John' who would love me out of the overflow of his love for God.

Dear John,

You are worth waiting for. And it will be my joy and delight to submit to a man like you

Love,

Arla