A period of solitude for meditation and prayer as well as for reflection and bonding  took place on April 9-11 at Aloha Loyang Resort, T9 Chalet,  with 85 attendees all in all (70 adults and 15 children), for the Filipino Ministry here in Singapore, with Pastor Isagani Valencia as the speaker.

It has been a long planned and yearly activity of the Filipino Ministry of Balestier SDA Church for the purpose of gathering our Filipino brethren, friends and families for a weekend of  solidarity with the Lord. The weekend activity started with a Vesper Service entitled “How to be a Loser?”. All the attendees (almost 20 present!)were divided into groups and were given time to discuss each one’s weaknesses and how they can overcome it. It was then followed by Pastor Igan’s message, in which he cited the many ways of  becoming losers – by nurturing and maintaining detrimental and unpleasant habits in our daily lives- criterias that we’ve been doing all along without even being aware of doing it. The message we’ve heard that night left us something to ponder upon…for how can we learn to overcome…if we can’t even admit that we are losers in certain areas of our lives – most especially in our spiritual aspect.

Sabbath day came as bright and sunny without the faintest hint of rain despite the heavy downpour experienced by some of our brethren on their way to the resort for the Sabbath Services. For some of us who slept on the resort, (most of the singles, families of the Estrella’s, Nicol’s and couples Balacy and Gomez), our morning was made even brighter owing to the delightful breakfast prepared for us by the FM’s macho men. Filled physically and nourished spiritually after having a short devotional, we directly headed to the Seminar room for the Sabbath School program and the Divine Service.

For the Sabbath School program, we unearth some of our deepest secrets as we dive within ourselves in our activity entitled ” Let’s get Personal”. In this activity each person in the group must evaluate and rate their spirituality in certain periods of their lives up to the present. There were some who have been continually committed since the day they followed the ways of the Lord until now, some who have experienced trials and tests, some who strayed away from the Lord’s teachings and some who were so bored that they found it easier to conform with the world than to live out a righteous life. But then, however how many times we may  tumble and fall, we would still find ourselves drawn back to the Lord in the end. The activity was then wrapped up by Elder Dario followed by a short break before proceeding to the Divine Service.

Visitors and friends came pouring in as the Divine Service began, each one dropping by at the registration table to sign in their names and the church they attend. Then we started off the program by rendering songs led by the Praise Team, followed by the Invocation of Pastor Igan, Pastoral Prayer by Kuya Bhong Balacy and the Worship in Sharing by Elder Dario.  A special song number was then rendered by Ate Marissa, Joy and Faith which made the whole congregation gape in awe with their singing prowess, such that they perfectly suit their name – “Celestial Voices”. Indeed , what better way of starting the sermon but by giving glory and praise to our Savior and King.

The Divine Service was then highlighted by Pastor Igan’s message entitled “Overcoming as a Community of Believers”. By illustrating the lives of some Biblical characters like Jehoshaphat, he was able to impart to us the means and ways to overcome through prayer, partnership and praise. So, just like Jehoshaphat in the old times, we should always let the Lord be a part of everything that we do, and not just to lean on our understanding, for it is only through Him and with Him that we can truly be Overcomers in every endeavors we may encounter in our daily lives. The service ended with the congregation brimming with hope, inspiration, uplifted spirits and zealousness that we can’t all wait for the next activity to happen.

After being filled by the spiritual food, it was then time to be filled by the physical food to prepare for some physical activities for the next session. The sumptuous vegetarian lunch prepared by Alma Nicol and the food committee combined with the exceptionally vibrant conversations and never ending pictorials indeed replenished the hearts and stomachs of the FM.

Clad in their “OVERCOMER” shirts, everybody sweated as they strategize how to achieve the goal set by Sharon Caños and her team on their “Survive-all Challenge”. The whole FM was transformed into four bodies with eyes that can see but were not supposed to speak and walk; mouths that talk but cannot see nor walk; and limbs that can walk but were not supposed to see nor talk. The task was simple – to pick the objects inserted in the coconut trees lining the beach shoreline. The challenge was how to do it in the situation given. The four bodies tried to carry their eyes and mouths, as their eyes directed their mouths through actions and signs while the mouths verbalized the gestures to the limbs for them to carry them to the place where the object was. In the end the groups that understood each body parts were able to accomplish the task and overcame the challenge.

After the adrenaline-rising activity was the spirit-awakening session by Pastor Igan, with the theme “Are you an Overcomer?”. Relating the challenge to the powerful story of Joshua and Caleb who wholeheartedly followed God and were able to enter the Promised Land as opposed to the Israelites, who for fear, lack of full faith and belief in the power of God to see them through, lost their chance to enter into the Promised Land. The lesson is very important to every believer – fear and doubt will lead us nowhere but faith in God will lead to outpouring of blessings from Him and indeed brand us as Overcomer. During this session, a special prayer was offered for FM’s loved member, Cynthia Peren who will be embarking a new journey in her life.

As the sun’s color turned gold, the FM gathered by the sandy shore for the sundown worship. Assembled into groups, FM meditated upon biblical verses that empower the Overcomer with the armors of God which are: the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace as shoes, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. As discussed in the book of Ephesians 6:10-18, these armors will be handy for all Christians in facing the schemes of the devil. Ready for battle, the FM ended the session with their theme song, “We Will Stand” encouraging each other to face the challenges that will await each Overcomer.

High spirited laughter filled the air as evening came. Everybody became busy with each of their agenda. Some had pictorials, others splashed in the pool to refresh while others were busy talking and singing. Still others were engaged in serious cooking. Some who had nothing to do engaged in games while waiting for dinner. A short comical skit was played by the gentlemen of FM that showcased their hidden talents and painted smiles in the faces of everyone as the day ended.

The last session was held early morning the next day with Sharon’s angelic voice that depicts how it would be when we finally reach heaven and meet the angels of God. Dennis Ofalza and Raisa Navarro boldly shared their conversion stories to the group that inspired all and made some teary eyed. The session was substantiated by the message of Pastor Igan discussing the rewards that await an Overcomer. More picturesque than a high quality 3D-movie, Pastor Igan described vividly how it would be when we finally finish the race and receive our prize in heaven. He pictures an Overcomer marching through heaven’s pearly gates and golden streets lined up with angels cheering and patting each overcomer saying, “Well done…” and being able to see Jesus face to face and having the opportunity to converse with Him. It is indeed a sight to behold, more wonderful than any earthly achievement. It did stir the aspiration in each one to receive the prize more than anything. It was a most stimulating way to end the retreat with each one committing to keep their eyes on the prize to become an Overcomer.

The meeting place was at the Changi Village ferry boat terminal early in the morning and it was interesting and wonderful to see that not only the singles were there but families of the Estrellas, Nicols, Prietos, Serranos and even the de Leons! The kids were more excited than the adults! We boarded the ferry boat that took us 15 mins. to the island. Everybody was ecstatic and just can’t help laughing and talking with the sea scenery and the adventure that awaits them upon landing on the island. For some, it was their first trip to Pulau Ubin and for those that had been there several times before, the adventure is always new and unexpected with the new group of friends they are with.

Upon reaching Pulau Ubin, first thing we did was to rent our bikes, replenish our “must haves” or rations and those are water and some snackbits and most importantly, answer the call of nature once and for all, for there are no toilets provided in the middle of the cycling trails. Then our social vice chairman in charge of the activity, Joel, took over, gave us some important points, the itinerary of the day and then led the way to a beautiful, serene beach spot where we held our morning devotional. Pastor Igan started the day’s activity by supplying us with the spiritual food and inspiration we needed to face our”cycling adventure”.

We cycled the whole morning till the afternoon, only stopping by a beautiful beach spot again to eat lunch, rest and play some fun games. By early afternoon most of our butts are sore, some had a hard pedaling twice as fast to catch up with the rest of the pack and all are sweaty! But there are good sights and sounds that just keeps us all going when the road gets tough, like Joel reciting the poem, “DON’T QUIT”, when some can’t continue the steep trail anymore . And the most unforgetable picture of beauty, strength and stamina is the sight of Sabeth, in her flowery, straw summer hat and big, bulging, tanned biceps as she confidently strode along the difficult steepy trails carrying JK behind her without a single complaint!

The best part of the cycling trail was when we detoured and visited the cool and breezy boardwalk beside the beach, climbed the tower overlooking the beautiful seaside scenery and seen the different creatures and plants that thrive on the marshes. It was amazing and a refreshing site! Finally our butts can rest but then our knees where trembling, as we need to switch from pedaling to walking! Only those that persevered managed to reach this trail and we are less than 10 in number! Those who decided to rest and wait for us only heard the stories we shared with them on our way home.

Indeed it was a wonderful experience that everybody wants to do again in the near future! The next time, everybody should be there to feel, see and hear the excitement because it’s totally different to be part of the experience! We went home tired, tanned and yet still, with grins on our faces! See you again, Pulau Ubin! (shiela p.)

The new set of officers is to work closely with Pastor Igan to further the steps in building the first Filipino Church in Singapore. The FM theme for the year 2010 which is “One” is a call for unity and pictures a Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church working together for one goal and one mission for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ!

The following are the full excerpts of the article:
“The festive spirit in the atmosphere was apparent at the Christmas Light Up held at the Polo Bar on Saturday 5 December 2009. To welcome the festive season, members and guests of the Club were entertained by the soothing sounds of Christmas caroling from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The end of the performance marked the arrival of Santa who came with a basket of goodies much to the children’s delight. Cookies and fruit punch were werved as families gathered excitedly to greet Santa and have their pictures taken. It was indeed a memorable night for our members who met Father Christmas in the tropics!”

Pastor Isagani preached about team building and also with regard to our church building here in Singapore. He shared his tearful departure from the Philippines although, he expressed that it was the will of God that brought him here. The audience received him with joy as they were clearly entertained and captivated by his comical delivery of his message, as well as his funny stories.

We pray that God will be with him as he guides the Filipino Ministry on embarking a new goal: to reach out to the Filipino community in Singapore and win more souls for the Lord. Hopefully, in the following years to come, we will finally be able to establish our very own Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church here in Singapore. CVT

In addition to this felicitous event, brother Dario Nicol, was also chosen as one of the Elders of Balestier Adventist Church. A humble, faithful, and sincere worker for the Lord, brother Dario has been with the Filipino Ministry for almost four years and holds the position of vice chairman for religious affairs. The ordination was held last Sabbath, January 2, 2010 and was headed by Pastor Mark Chan, together with the other seven elders. Pastor Danson Ng, and Singapore Adventist Conference president, was present in our church on that Sabbath. SP

Indeed, the New Year beckons us with good tidings and cheers. May this event be more than just a change in calendar, but also a beginning of a better tomorrow not only for ourselves but for the Filipino Ministry.

The Filipino Ministry (FM) is privileged for having been given the excerpts of the message as published below:

I. Introductory Remarks.

In this message today I would like to share with you some thoughts about how you can enter the coming new year with a profound sense of God’s presence. This will give you the faith to face all of the many challenges that shall come your way in this coming year.

The Christian life is a life of faith, meaning we must have the ability to see and perceive those things that are in the Heart of God that He desires to release into our lives. When we are walking in an acute sense of His presence we are able to face problems, undertake tasks, meet emergencies and to dedicate ourselves to the opportunities that come our way with a greater degree of fervency and zeal.

Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

God desires to be with us in all that we do. He is there for us no matter what it may be. Whether you are facing problems that seem insurmountable, undertaking various tasks, meeting emergencies or taking advantage of opportunities that come your way, God wants you to know He is with you in all that you do.

Isaiah 42:16 (NIV), “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV), “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

With this in mind, I would like to share with you some directions you need to be looking in to sense God’s awesome hand at work in your life.

II. Directions to Look for God.

1. Look Back.

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things.”

Take the time to look back over the past year and identify those times in which you had evidence of faith in overcoming doubt, sin, unbelief or anything else. Identify those times you saw yourself go from despair to courage in the midst of suffering or situations that seemed insurmountable. As you look back and see how the Hand of God was at work in your deliverance, take the time to give Him thanks for all that He did.

Psalm 105:1, “Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!”

Psalm 140:13, “Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.”

As you take the time to meditate on these things and give God thanks for His many blessings in your life, you will experience a fresh sense of His presence preparing you for what’s yet ahead in this coming new year.

2. Look Inward.

Psalm 51:6‑8, “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.”

Take stock of yourself – look at your relationship with God and with others and your stewardship over all that God has given to you. Hold each area of your life alongside God’s standards and pray to grow in faithfulness and holiness.

Psalm 139:23‑24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 26:2‑3, “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.”

As you take the time to look inward you will be blessed and encouraged when you see the many areas where you did well and you will sense great hope when you sense God’s help, encouragement and leading in overcoming those areas that you failed in. Be honest with God and yourself and you shall experience a great refreshing from Him that will give you the enthusiasm you need to change.

Acts 3:19, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…”

2 Cor 7:10‑11, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

3. Look To Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1‑2, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Since Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith, this means He is also at work right now with our lives. As long as we keep looking to Him we will find the sufficiency to move forward in the many areas we are daily being challenged in.

In the midst of temptations, problems, difficulties, sorrows, various tasks and opportunities that will surely come your way during this coming year, stay focused on Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is there to hope you through any circumstance you may encounter.

Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.”

As you endeavor to stay focused on Jesus, you will encounter His presence, which will give you that extra added dimension to your faith that will encourage you to boldly move forward in every area of your life.

Hebrews 13:5‑6, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Remember He is your sufficiency and you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you daily.

4. Look To The World.

Look at the world through the eyes of Jesus and serve them with love and compassion. Getting involved in the Lord’s harvest of souls keeps you in the presence of God.

John 4:35, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

Matthew 9:36‑38, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

5. Look Forward.

Philippians 1:6, “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Because God will be with us, we can look to each new day with keen anticipation. Faith calls us to move into this new year – to face problems, undertake tasks, meet emergencies, and dedicate ourselves to the opportunities the year will present. We can go forth with confidence knowing that God is at work in us we are His children who will be led by Him in our journey from day to day.

Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.”

III. Conclusion.

You can enter this new year with a sense of God’s presence if you look to Him in each of these directions. He is there to help you through every trial, temptation and task no matter what it is. He is all-sufficient for you for the coming year. So let each of us resolve to “run with patience the race that is set before us,” looking to Jesus to find the way. He is there to meet you each and every step of the way. [by Pastor Mark Chan]