Earthquake Scare

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Manila this afternoon which caused people to fear and run out of their buildings. While some people who hardly pray prayed, many take it as a countdown to 2012, a.k.a end of the world. The earthquake scare began when it hit Haiti (7.0) last January killing a great number of people. Then it was followed by the one in Chile (8.8),  then Taiwan, (6.4), Sumatra (6.8), Turkey (5.5), Peru (6.0), Japan (6.5), Cuba (5.6), and now here in the city where I live.

I had my earphones on listening to Owl City while working on emails. I thought I was just getting dizzy when the earthquake struck. It shook the table I was on. You'll probably think I'm crazy and totally insane but I tell you, I am in the right mind and I honestly think that the earthquake was pretty exciting! Now you probably think I don't care about people's lives. Well, I do. Much more than the life that you probably know.

I never wished to experience an earthquake but neither did I wish not to experience it. The tragedies caused by the recent earthquakes are heart-wrenching and it's easy to get scared that it might happen to me or to anyone I know but I rest in the comfort and assurance of my Father in heaven.

It was He who laid the foundations of the earth and if He chooses to shake it and destroy the structures humans built, what have I got to question? And if the end that He has set is to come and the earthquakes are the introduction of the end, what have I to fear?

All I know is that I'm excited to see Jesus in my lifetime. Whether it be He comes today or I get smashed by falling debris I don't really care. Either way I will see Him in my lifetime.

I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about or probably not.

If you do understand what I'm talking about, aren't you excited with what's happening, knowing that Jesus might be coming so soon? And that we'll get to finally see Him face to face? If you're not excited, might it be that even if you know Jesus, He's probably not your priority. Or you're busy with other "important" things more than the Gospel work He left?

Now, if you're lost with what I'm talking about, don't be. You can probably sum up now that I might have lost some screws in my brain. Well, I actually have lost a lot of it ever since I truly knew Jesus. I am not scared of earthquakes because I am friends with the One who made the heaven and the earth. And if He wants to take me to meet Him through it, I'd be glad to.

Jesus must be a crazy man to have made people (e.g. me) like this. Well, yes and no. He's crazy because even if you don't know Him, He chose to die for you and He's not crazy because He knew He must do it because He wants to share eternity with you--even if He doesn't really need you.

Jesus Christ is my Lord, Savior, Father, Brother and Best Friend. He is my everything. My life. I can never imagine what life would be like without Him.

Your life is so precious, don't waste it! I care about your life not because I really care but because He cares for you. I'm writing this not because I want to but because He wants me to tell you that He loves you more than you know. Would you care to love Him back?

Papuri Grand Reunion Concert

Encounter With An Orange Robed Man

It was a regular day this morning when I got to the train station on my way to work. I was walking towards the platform when I saw something that turned my day unusually regular. In the platform was a tall and lean man wrapped in a light orange robe. As I got nearer, my eyes were drawn to his feet. He was barefoot and on his right foot was a huge cut of a not-so-fresh wound but with some blood still showing. I felt my defenses weaken and my heart fainting.

I was very curious about him that I immediately forgot his feet and watched him in my peripheral vision. Now that he's closer I was even more surprised by him. "A western monk? I thought Buddhist monks are supposed to be Asians."

The train came and we sat across each other. I got occupied in thinking of Buddhism and why this man is walking barefoot around the city. I decided that he must be a pilgrim trying to fulfill some Buddhist vows to save his soul. Then it struck me. This man needs the Gospel.

How I suddenly wished that I've gotten over my flesh earlier and thought not of his wounded feet. How I wished I sat beside him and chatted with him even for a few minutes of our train ride together. It was too late for that but I know I can give him the Gospel in some other way. I quickly rummaged  through my bag for something; a tract, a sticker or a card that has the Gospel or a Bible verse in it. There wasn't. I felt so helpless that I cannot give him anything.

I frantically thought of what I must give. I asked God to show me what I must give this man and to my excitement He answered right away. I remembered that I have a copy of Do Hard Things with me and it has the Gospel on its last pages.

It felt weird giving him Do Hard Things as I got off the train. How on earth is Do Hard Things relative to a western Buddhist monk in a pilgrimage excluding himself from the world? I may not know the exact answer now but I do know that it has the Gospel in it and God will be the one to work in his heart.

I'd like to invite you to pray for this man. That he'll read through the book and hear the Gospel in the end. Don't just stop praying with this man but for all Buddhists in the world.

LEARN MORE ABOUT the BUDDHIST PEOPLE

and HOW YOU CAN PRAY FOR THEM

Passion Is Coming Back!

Remember Passion Manila 2008? The long line outside Phil. Sports Arena (Ultra), the amazing worship experience, and the hearts that were changed and renewed for JESUS!

PASSION IS COMING BACK!

Passion Conference 2010 Live at the Araneta Coliseum on May 25, 2010 7:30PM 

Calling this generation of young people committed to glorify God! 

This is a rare chance for tens of thousands of young people ages 16-25 to gather at Araneta Coliseum on May 25, 2010 to celebrate their common faith and purpose.

Featuring: Louie Giglio, Kristian Stanfill and Chris Tomlin - PASSION Conference 2010

Join us! Get your tickets now for only P200 in all sections. Patron section will be opened first so if you want the best seats in the house. Buy now!

Patron, Lower box and Upper Box A tickets are available ONLY at Becca Music office. Call now! 910.5524 or 910.5352.

Upper Box B and General Admission tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets. Call 911.5555.

Log on to www.passionworldtour.com or www.beccamusic.com for more details.

To get a glimpse of Passion, join their Live Link now!

Live Link Monday 8:30p EST (Tues 9:30am in Manila) We will be gathering with students from around the globe for a time of prayer and worship. More details at: http://www.livelink.268generation.com/

 

Please feel free to pass this info to your friends and youth groups! God bless!