Missions Memo Board

Praise Reports:

• Praise the Lord for the successful operation of Sis. Bambie Klit, our missionary in Thailand who was diagnosed with a Myoma in her uterus and was in immediate need of a TAH-BSO Operation. (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo-Oopherectomy. This is the removal of the uterus including the cervix as well as the tubes and ovaries using an incision in the abdomen). Through the grace of God, WIN-Al Ain was instrumental to support her financially and with prayers. Last May 16, 2011, she was operated in the Philippines without any complications and malignancy. All glory to God who is our Great Provider for touching the hearts of the doctors who did not charge the full amount of their PFs (Professional Fee). Indeed the Lord has bestowed favor upon our sister. Most importantly, praise God for the opportunities that were opened for the Gospel to be shared, and our hearts, as well as the angels rejoice for the souls of the caregiver and the relative of Sis. Bambie’s ward mate and for the OB-Gyn Doctor who performed Sis. Bambie’s operation who all accepted the Good News and put their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ!

• Praise God for His mighty work at Clark Bible College (CBC). From the report we received from Dr. Jun Cruz, he gave us the following updates:

- SY 2010-2011 have produced 12 graduates who all recieved a Diploma of Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. Two (2)of these graduates: Ismael Bongat from Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan and Roland Velasques from Mangatarem, Pangasinan were supported by WIN- Al Ain for four (4) years. Ismael is now serving as an Associate Pastor of Batoao Assembly of God, Sta. Barbara. While Pastor Roland Velasquez is pastoring a church in Mangatarem

- This SY 2011-2012, The support WIN-Al Ain is sending for CBC’s SSP is allotted to augment the tuition fee of Karen Sastian ,, a second year student. She is currently assisting a church in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan.

Encouraging Notes from KAIROS Students:

Hudson Taylor was the first {Protestant missionary to ever set foot in
China. He adopted wearing the native Chinese clothing even it was rare
among missionaries during that time. One day, Mr. Nyi, one of the
people whom Mr. Taylor led to Christ asked him, "How long have you
known the truth in England?" Hudson Taylor acknowledged that the
England had known the gospel for many centuries. "My father died
seeking for the truth" Mr. Nyi said, "Why didn't you come any sooner?"
Taylor kept silent for he has no answer to such penetrating question.

How about us? How long have we known the Gospel? Have we shared it to anyone?

Missions is not just merely answering to the question "Will you go?"
or "Will you send someone?" It is not just travelling to far flung
areas, living with an indigenous group and adopting their culture. The
heart of missions is leading people to Christ.

When we have our own family to support and we don't have time to go to
missions, it doesn't mean that we can't do anything to help spreading
the Gospel. Just like when a country is at war, not all people are
sent to the field, not all people are soldiers. Some people will not
be in the field, maybe some will make bullets and ammunitions, or some
will tend their farms to provide food. Everyone have their own
obligation. This is also true to Christ's church. Every Christian
should take part in the battle for souls. The challenge is not just to
go, but to take the obligation God has given to us.

In Gen 12, God commissions Abraham and his descendants to be a
missionary nation. From them we have inherited this mission. In Gen
28:14, it says "and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth and
thou shall spread to the west and to the east, and to the north and to
the south, and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth shall
be blessed." God intended for His people to reach the ends of the
earth to be channels of His blessings.

Let us not be those Christians who desire the benefits and blessings
of the election but refuse the responsibility and obligation.

-by: Bro. Kevin de Guzman

“Indeed, it's a blessing for me to be enrolled in the KAIROS Course. It helps me understand the real meaning of God's plan and purpose
in my life. Really,God wants us to be fully equipped of His Word in sharing the Gospel of Christ,and it is not by might, nor by power but by the
spirit of God. (Zechariah4:6)

For us Christians, it is a demand now of our personal decision & conviction to be involved in reaching out the unreached people in order
to bring them closer to God and closure of the Great commandment task. Therefore, Go and make disciple of all nations, baptising them
in the name of the Father and of the son and of the holy spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely
I am with you always,to the very end of age. (Matthew 28:19-20”

-by: Sis. Nina Vergara Lucas

*I learned in KAIROS the commitment and passion in praying for the Missions, which is a way for us to help. I also learned that Jesus is indeed coming soon and that we need to share God’s love to all nations of the world, for they too deserve to hear the Gospel.

-by :Sis Nida Sta. Barbara

"KAIROS Course allows us to discover our view for missions for the sake of the unreached. However, it requires a great deal of prayer. As we progressed, I realized how narrow my prayer is. I have also understood that humility and obedience are the pure motivation to pray."

-by: Sis. Diane Leonardo

“At the onset of KAIROS course, I’ve come to understand that truly God’s heart are for the lost and that it is His will that all nations or all people groups would come to know Him and His love and together would worship and glorify His Name. The sad thing is, 2/3 of the world’s population or more than 2 billion people still has to hear about Jesus. I realized that God, in His sovereign wisdom, has strategically placed us here where we are surrounded by these unreached people groups. It dawned on me that God had not brought me here just to make a living, but most importantly to share to others the love of God that is in Jesus by the life I live which I pray would point to our Lord Jesus Christ.

-by: Sis. Andrea Ortega

“It is our responsibility as a Christian to spread God's message of salvation to all the nations and be God's agent of blessing. And as we obey God's call in bringing the gospel to the unreached people; we must PRAY, PLAN and WORK together for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.”

-by: Sis. Tere Diaz

“I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunity of knowing the Living God and to grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ. So I want to bless others! I want to make God's name be known to nations who hadn't heard of Christ. I have learned from this KAIROS Course that throughout Scripture, the same purpose God is teaching is that all peoples will be blessed through those who know Him. And it is my prayer that God will lead us as we bless other people. .Amen!”

- by: Sis. Joy Zaragosa

Judge Not ! by: Sis. Diane Leonardo

On a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off white South African Lady has found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating.

"What seems to be the problem Madam?" asked the attendant.

"Can't you see?" she said " You've sat me next to a kaffir!(Kaffir (racial term): a term for Black Africans. The term was taken from the Arabs, who had used Kaffir to mean someone who was not a believer; in their case, a non-Muslim. Europeans then applied the term to Africans, as unbelievers in terms of the Christian faith).I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!"

"Please calm down Madam." the stewardess relied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do-I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class." The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers). A few minutes later the stewardess returns wit

h the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self satisfied grin: "Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class."

Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess

continues ... "It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person." With which, she turned to the black man sitting next to the woman, and said: "So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..."

At which point, apparently the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the black guy walks up to the front of the plane! People will forget what you said ...people will forget what you did ....but people will never forget how you made them feel.(http://sermonideas.net)

The BLUEPRINT:

A: What to believe (Romans 1:1-11:36)

B: How to Behave (Romans 12:1-16:27)

Purpose of the Book of Romans:

To introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his message before he arrives in Rome

Background To The Book Of Romans:(http://www.scribd.com/doc/3849609/Book-of-Romans-Background)

Paul was also known by his Jewish name Saul. Paul was raised in Hebrew tradition, and as a young man became an extremely radical Pharisee. He jailed and persecuted countless Christians and it wasn’t until a miraculous run-in with God on the road to Damascus that Paul changed his life around. And did he ever. Paul became “the apostle to the Gentiles” spreading the words of Christ throughout Greece and much of the East.

Paul wrote his letter to the Romans in approximately 57 C.E. The letter itself was probably written from Corinth where Paul was staying for three months after recently completing two to three years of hard labour in Ephesus. However, Paul’s intentions for writing are not as easy to identify. This marked a transitional period in Paul’s life. Paul had been working in the East for his entire ministry, and was now preparing to take on the west in general and Spain in particular. Paul in his letter was trying to solicit the support of the Romans in both prayer and action. He wanted the Romans to start the work in the west for him, so that by the time he arrived, there would be a foundation.

The 3 NO’s

1. No Excuse

2. No Escape

3. No Partiality

Discussion:

1. No Excuse (1-4)

¹ Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. ² But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. ³ And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

“Therefore” is a concluding word that usually appears at the end of every writing piece. This was written by Paul after presenting God’s wrath on unrighteousness on the previous chapter of Romans. He established the connections between people’s unrighteousness (previous chapter) and how God judge righteously.

There are times that we get irritated to somebody else’s sin, unknowingly and unconsciously, that same sin had actually taken roots into our hearts. We must therefore be very careful in dealing with it. When we speak of any sin towards our brethrens, let’s do it with a humble heart avoiding arrogance in every way. Let them feel that we too are sinners and that only God’s grace, mercy and love, we can be set free from the bondage of sin.

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”-Carl Gustav Jung

God really intends us to encounter such people, no excuse, if it means understanding our own selves. So the next time you encounter these people, think positively and say to yourself, “I’m glad, God cares for me”

“Judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances.”-Wayne Dyer

The inner beauty of the person mostly is overlooked by us because we are so busy with our “judgments”

When Paul’s letter was read in the Roman church, no doubt many heads nodded as he condemned idol worshippers, homosexual practices and violent people. But what surprised his listeners was when he said “you are inexcusable” which means “You are just as bad”. Paul was trying to emphasize that nobody is good enough to save himself or herself.(http://godswordonline.net/romans.htm)

So whether we sin “less” or sin “more” as we thought, we totally depend on God’s GRACE for salvation. Repentance is what we need! That is why we thought and ask ourselves “Why such a sinner still lives”? Simple, because God loves the sinner but hates the sin!

2. No Escape (5-9)

⁵ But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God^{, 6} who “will render to each one according to his deeds” : ⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath^{, 9} tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

God doesn’t want His people to experience His wrath that is why we believe that our God is the God of second chances. Chances are given until His people will repent. But this doesn’t mean that we can escape the judgment day. It will surely come and we will surely face our Creator.

Paul mentioned two things that we can’t escape from (to the Romans & the believers today)

a. God’s love

⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;

b. God’s wrath

⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath^{, 9} tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

Judge means:

a. To form an opinion or estimation of after careful consideration (http://www.thefreedictionary.com)

Yet we seemed to be very careless in our judgment!

But God’s definition is different:

H6419 פּלל pâlal paw-lal'

A primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by extension to intercede, pray: - intreat, judge (-ment), (make) pray (-er, -ing), make supplication.

No wonder why God always holds back His anger! He is interceding for us so that instead of experiencing His wrath, we will experience His love…hallelujah!

3. No Partiality (10-11)

¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek ¹¹For there is no partiality with God

Paul says that those who patiently and persistently do God’s will, find eternal life. It is not limited to the Jews but as well as to the Greeks or the Gentiles. Therefore, you and I are part of it.

CONCLUSION:

As we wake up every day, before boarding to the different flights in our life, make this simple prayer in our heart in order that we may not be led into judging others, as in the woman in the British Airways Flight. We must pray especially at times that we seemed to feel that we can’t escape sin.

A prayer for a new day

Dear Lord

So far this week I've done well....

I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I'm very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help.

Amen...

http://sermonideas.net

Christianity 101 by Bro. Kevin de Guzman

CHRISTIANITY 101

Tests That Christians Must Pass (James 1:1-27)

Who among us dislikes exams and quizzes? Back in school days, most of us probably despised having them, especially those that just pop out of the blue. I remember one incident back in college. It was just the beginning of the semester, the first meeting with our new professor, and as she entered the room she asked us to take out a piece of paper for a quiz. Everybody was surprised. You could hear murmurings from across the room. To begin with, nobody even brought paper! Our professor was so disappointed that he would just give a perfect score to anyone who could bring out a clean sheet of paper. It was one of the rare moments that I was thankful that nobody was ready for a quiz.

That experience was both silly and shameful. In our Christian life, being unprepared for the trials we meet may cause us serious complications. When you don’t have enough strength to resist adultery, it can cause you your marriage, and it’s not funny. When we give in to temptation it results to sin, and sin brings death, and this not a laughing matter.

When the book of James was written, the author’s goals were to expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior. The message was originally meant for the first-century Christians residing in gentile communities outside Palestine. The author was concerned for the persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church.

James 1:2-4

All human beings experiences trials, dilemmas and persecutions in some point of our lives. That is a fact. Now as a Christian, you get twice as much of those compared to an unbeliever. Does that scare you? It might scare an ordinary human, but if really are a Christian, you know the fact that God is with you and whatever trial or dilemma you are facing can turn into blessings.

The character of the Christian is being tested. The point is not just pretending to be happy when we face pain but to have an optimistic outlook. Consider it an opportunity to turn hardships into times of learning. In science, the more viruses you encounter the more immune you become to diseases. When you have been exposed to chicken pox or measles during childhood, you won’t have them ever. The body has already the proper defenses against the virus before it starts a disease.

These hardships aids in our spiritual growth. We can not really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It’s easy to act kind and loving towards others when all things are well.

I. The Test of Faith (v. 5 – 8)

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the scope and limitation of knowledge. Human knowledge is limited. God’s is beyond human knowledge and is limitless. We should ask God for wisdom not just knowledge. Having wisdom is the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person put s profound ideas into action.

When we ask God for wisdom, we asked with an unwavering faith, immovable and steadfast. Our faith should be constant, not rising or sinking in each moment. Our faith should also be undivided (double minded man). A person with a divided loyalty is not convinced that God’s way is the best way.

II. Test of Humility (v.9 – 11)

Christianity brings a new dignity to the poor and not so influential people of this world. That dignity is most apparent in the church, where there is no class distinction. Whether our collars are blue or white, we share the same dignity of being changed of the gospel. Whatever our social or economic situation, we are challenged to see it beyond our eternal advantages. What we can have in Jesus Christ outweighs anything in this life. Everything we have on earth is like a flower quickly fading under the sun. it won’t even last a day.

III. Test of Endurance and Temptation (v. 12 -16)

The crown of life is like the victory wreath given to athletes. God’s crown of life is not glory and honor here on earth but the reward of eternal life-living with God forever. The way to be in God’s winners’ circle is by loving Him and staying faithful even under pressure.

Temptation comes from evil desires inside us. It is not from God. God may test us, but he will never tempt us by trying to seduce us to sin. God sometimes allows Satan to tempt people in order to refine their faith.

Temptation begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and allow it to become an action. It’s like a snowball rolling down the hill; sin grows more destructive the more we let it have its way.

7 stages in temptation

1. Tempted - thought of evil

2. Drawn away - strong imagination

3. Lust - delight in viewing it

4. Enticed - weakening of the will

5. Lust conceived - yielding

6. Sin - sinful act committed

7. Death - result of actual sin

The best to stop a temptation is before it is too strong or moving too fast to control. We can resist the temptation to sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to obey His Word.

IV. Test of Appreciation (v.17)

Whatever is good comes from God, who is unchanging and constant.

V. Test of Christian experience- new birth (v. 18)

A kind of first fruits - By creatures we are here to understand the Gentiles, and by first fruits the Jews, to whom the Gospel was first sent; and those of them that believed were the first fruits of that astonishing harvest which God has since reaped over the whole Gentile world. We should die to one’s self and be born again.

VI. Test of Christian living (v.19 – 21)

Commands to Christians:

1. be swift to hear
2. be slow to speak
3. be slow to wrath
4. lay aside all filthiness
5. lay aside all overflowing of wickedness
6. receive the word with meekness

When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that our ideas are more important than theirs. When people talk with you, do they feel their ideas and viewpoints have values?

These verses speak of anger that erupts when our ego is bruised. We should never be angry when we fail to win an argument or when we feel offended or neglected. If our old self is dead and if we are born again in Christ, pride and ego will never be an issue.

We need to humbly accept the salvation message we have received because it alone can save us.

VII. Test of Obedience (v.22 – 25)

It is important to listen to what the Word of God says, but it is more important to obey it and do what it says. We can measure the effectiveness of our bible study time by the effect it has on our behavior and attitudes.

The word of God is like a mirror that lets us see our imperfections and blemishes and so we make a move to wash any imperfections that we see.

During a Presidential Prayer breakfast in Washington, this diminutive woman, just four feet and a few inches tall, stood in front of an audience of luminaries from around the world and fearlessly pleaded for protection of babies in their mothers’ wombs. She called for the leaders to take pity on the weakest and to show compassion on the little ones. “How,” she asked, “can we speak out against violence when we are the most brutal with the most defenseless?” President Clinton, when asked about his opinion about what Mother Theresa had to say, paused and said, “It is very difficult to argue to a life so beautifully lived.”

- Source: Ravi Zacharias, Telling the Truth

VIII. Test of Pure Religion

We should be able to distinguish true and pure from false and vain religion.

Vain religion is much for a show- affecting to seem the eyes of the others. Are we concerned to “seeming” or “looking” more religious than we really are? We should abstain to the evils of the tongue. We should not speak to lessen the wisdom and piety of others so that we may seem the wiser and better. People who practice religion in vain do not only deceive other people but also deceive their own souls. Whereas true religion is before God, chiefly attains for His approbation. It is compassionate. It doesn’t merely dwell on ceremonies or traditions but to holiness and charity.

CONCLUSION:

There are many characteristics that are required for Christian in able to pass the different tests that we will encounter. But the real challenge is the application of all the things that we have learned in our lives. Back in school, the most of the difficult exams are not the ones that are written and theoretical, but are the practical exams where you are to apply everything you’ve learned. The same thing when it comes to being a Christian. We can memorize and learn as much knowledge as we want and recite it over and over again, but still it is our actions that will tell our identities as Christians, not our lips. It is our actions that will minister to others. As a famous poem says “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I’d rather one walk with me than merely tell the way; the eyes is a better pupil and more willing than the ear; fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.”