Plan, Prepare, Pray

This is supposed to be Guideline #6 for my Manual for Servant Leaders Who Insanely Love to Serve God Despite Harassments and Frustrations. But for the moment it will be a theory or a tentative guideline at best. I need to observe where it goes before I declare this to be a solid principle.

Let me explain.

When I took up my Masters in Entrepreneurship we were taught that for a business strategy to be successful one has to make plans, set objectives, assess the resources (human and financial) needed and set targets. That’s in a nutshell of course (I have to clarify or my professors might take back my diploma if they think that’s all I learned).

In “Gatherings on Fire”, a seminar I attended given by Bro Arun Gogna, it was also stressed that planning and preparation are important. The first step he gave when preparing for a big event is to brainstorm. He advised that we “gather leaders or representatives from each ministry that will implement the Big Idea” twelve months before the date. A timetable is used to map specific tasks that have to be done before the big day.

Both of these sources of knowledge stress that we have to PLAN and PREPARE for any project to be effective. I included PRAY because as a people of faith who belong to a community, servant leaders must pray for even the tiniest task they have to undertake.

Something as innocuous as a Christmas party proves this guideline to be sound. I’m sure all the 4 teams in our community prayed for success. We all planned and prepared for the presentation and games. But the Blue Team won because they planned more and prepared more. They were ready with glittery name tags and labels; they had more props and costumes; they met more often; and they probably practiced more too.

These form the foundation of my theory. What throws me off is that there are events or activities that fall short on the planning and preparation side but can be rated as successful: the Holy Spirit visibly moves the attendees, things come together in the nick of time, servants are suddenly available on that date and many more happenings that obviously took place because of prayers.

So my dilemma for Guideline #6 is: do I state that “Servant leaders must plan, prepare and pray before undertaking big activities” or do I say “Servant leaders must pray before undertaking big activities and just throw proper planning and preparation to the wind hoping they will land on God’s lap (Bahala na si Lord)”?

I will hazard a guess that planning and preparation are still very important because when we are ready, more blessings will come. To use a story Bro Arun mentioned in his article in the Feast Alabang bulletin last Sunday in a different light, the man who brought a truck was able to get more food than the man who brought a sack. Both were blessed, but one got immensely more because he was better prepared.

Let me get back to you on this guideline after I find out without a doubt which statement God and time favored.

* Thanks to IC de Guzman for the Blue Team photos.

From Glory to Glory to Glory (Day 2)

The tenor’s fluid rendition of the song gave me goose bumps. “Hosanna, in the highest. Let our King be lifted up. Hosanna.” A hush fell over the audience as Arun Gogna, the last speaker for the Kerygma Conference 2011 Faith Stream, announced the arrival of our special guest.

He was ushered in by 4 young men bearing banners that proclaimed His greatness – “King of Kings”, “Messiah”, “Alpha & Omega”, “Lamb of God.” Our special guest was Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

As Fr. Steve Tynan bore the monstrance down the aisle, the crowd instinctively fell on their knees in adoration. It was a stirring sight enhanced by dancers solemnly marching in with raised flags.

Many faces were bathed in tears, mine included. Unlike the audience, I knew what was going to happen but I was still awed by His presence in the unfolding event.

It was a fitting finale to a day spent deepening our knowledge about the Catholic faith. It also capped months of preparation by the Faith Stream team; the last few days steeped in stress. With Jesus before me, I could now serenely look back to what was…

The job description for Production Manager only said: 1) assemble production team and coordinate communication; 2) coordinate with secretariat; 3) provide scripts/schedules; 4) provide t-shirt sizes of the team; and 5) coordinate with PAs of speakers.

Sounds manageable. I can do that. I agreed to serve especially since the whole team is from Feast Alabang. But my duties morphed into something resembling the mythical Hydra. When I ticked a task off my list, more popped up.

So there I was at the Faith Stream dealing with a string of unrelated tasks and bloopers. “Where are the table cloths for the book tables?” Huh? “Where will we put the signage for the parking lot?” Duh. “There are attendees who bought food stubs for the other venue and they’re mad the concessionaire is not here.” Uh-oh.

“Sis, even the front row seats were numbered, where will the speakers sit?” I cringed as I imagined asking our first speaker, the Archbishop-elect of Manila no less, to vacate his place when the ticket-holder for that seat comes.

And there’s my personal blooper. I turned my cellphone to silent mode in obedience to the house rules. I therefore missed several calls to alert me that Bro Bo Sanchez had arrived. I flubbed my primary role of being the key coordinator.

But I was not alone in the welcome bloopers. When Myrna, our hardworking Program Director, asked Bo to sit beside the Archbishop who had arrived earlier, he mentioned that her beloved hubby was still at the entrance waiting for our esteemed guest.

By God’s grace, the problems were addressed and the bloopers became memories we could laugh about over dinner.

God rewarded the teams’ efforts by helping each one survive many challenges. The stage with its stained glass cathedral windows design came out majestic. The singers and the band heightened worship with world class music. The dancers were gracefully in sync. The technical team managed a glitch-free event.

We were also blessed with high powered speakers(Archbishop Chito Tagle, Bro Marwil Llasos, Fr. Domie Guzman and Arun Gogna), host (J Yogawin), worship leaders (Rissa Singson-Kawpeng and our track head, Carl Fontanilla) and capable Central Support teams.

As I knelt before the Holy Eucharist during the recessional, I thanked God for revealing His glory at the KCon.

Special thanks to IC de Guzman for this precious photo with Archbishop Chito Tagle who is touted to be the next Pope. (I hope, I hope, I hope.)

Planking Biblical-style

No, I’m not talking about the “Lying Down Game” which is the current rage today of people lying face down as stiff as a wooden plank. It’s also not the political planking recently used in a protest action that caused one lawmaker to file the “Anti-Planking Act of 2011.”

I’m talking about planking in the bible. Specifically in Matthew 7:3 –

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

It’s a more dangerous kind of game. The kind that blots souls and destroys relationships.

Planking in the bible is about always seeing the negative in other people. Overly-critical people constantly point out what is wrong with others instead of appreciating what is right. Funny thing is these critics aren’t flawless in the first place. And let me say that at times, I too am guilty of this – either by my own instigation or I get roped into the critique (oo nga, oo nga). [Note to self: avoid planking – dangerous to your health.]

Just last night I witnessed two incidents of planking – both in the biblical sense. One was directed at me as emcee of the Roots seminar for doing something taught in an emceeing workshop (ranting? – hehehe). The other was directed at our guest worship leader just because her worship was slightly different from ours.

The second planking reminded me of our recent Inter-Feast Music Ministry Gathering*. Among other things, George Gabriel talked about pride – the pitfall that music ministers should avoid. He said that many times we think that the way we do things in our community or in our particular Feast is better than the way others do it. That kind of thinking causes disunity and has no place in a Christian community.

Let me end by focusing on the positive instead. I praise and thank the Lord for my blessings - the compliments and kind words I received last night from many other people not into the biblical game of planking.

* Allow me to add a footnote about the Inter-Feast Music Ministry Gathering held on September 21, 2011 at the Makati Feast venue. I will describe it in one word: AWESOME. Just imagine around 350 music ministers singing and dancing in praise of our awesome God. What touched me the most was the simple worship – just George and Gigi de Jesus with a guitar onstage. It could have been grandiose what with all the Music Ministries from different Feasts present. But as George quoted Arun, “Worship is when there is nothing else.” No frills, no artistry…just you and God.

*Thanks to Emy Cañete for the Inter Feast Music photo.

I Am…Blessed

Fatima Soriano's laughter tinkled like the chimes in my lanai stirred by a gentle breeze of hope. Her joy resonated at the slightest hint of humor or an "alleluia" moment. How could she exude so much joy when she wouldn't be able to do as other soon-to-be debutantes like her would? She wouldn't be able to marvel at the colors of her gown, behold a frothy birthday cake or pirouette at her cotillion. She is blind and had endured end stage renal disease with its attendant 5-a-day dialysis. But there she was - a charming bundle of serenity though afflicted with a condition that would make many people bitter. (I felt shame as I remember the many times I've complained over lesser things.) Even the fact that she couldn't accept the corneas of AJ Perez did not dampen her spirit (it was retinas she needed you see). She also graciously posed for pictures with fans even if she was already tired from praying over the sick and the troubled.

And the girl could sing. Multiply her about a dozen or so times and one can imagine what a choir of angels would sound like. Our guest speaker, Fr. Jerry Orbos, brought Fatima with him on Black Saturday, Day 3 of I Am…Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, Feast Alabang's Lenten Recollection. Listening to her was a privilege. Serving as her and Fr. Jerry's PA (program assistant, personal assistant or parang alalay ) was a blessing.

Being their PA was as much of a privilege as being one of the emcees on Holy Thursday. That was a blessing too - I did not fall, trip, faint, embarrass myself or even get the jitters in front of a crowd of more than 1,500 that filled the San Beda Alabang Chapel to overflowing. Our pre-event anointing and the prayers of our Intercessory Ministry must've been so powerful, my co-host, Israel, and I survived unscathed. Day 1 of the recollection also blessed us with deep reflections sandwiched between slices of hilarity given by our Feast builder, Arun Gogna, and Fr. Erick Santos.

I regret that I missed Day 2 of the recollection on Good Friday with Kerygma preacher Jon Escoto and Fr. Jade Licuanan. But I did not want to break a family tradition that we've practiced for 25 years - Visita Iglesia. It was a blessing to tick off another year. The ritual started with just my late husband and me when I was heavy with our first child. Then our babies in strollers, their yayas and my parents joined us. The tradition remained anchored amidst waves of change - the loss of my husband, the yayas gone with the wind and my sons going from toddlers running around the Stations of the Cross to young boys leading the prayers to grown-ups driving for us to 7 churches.

I ended the Lenten season with a rousing Easter Sunday together with my Light of Jesus (LOJ) Family. All the Feasts in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces gathered for "Full Life", LOJ's Grand Easter Celebration in SMX. Bo Sanchez declared, "You will not stay in Good Friday forever. Sunday is coming!" That, I claim, as I feel I am already experiencing Saturday with the many blessings knocking at my door. They just need to step in so I can proclaim, "Sunday is here!"

A Time of Refreshing

“We have a meeting tonight.” Sigh. “There’s a new assignment for Media Ministry.” Whimper. “Sis, can you help with this project?” Groan. Much as I love serving at the Feast Alabang I still felt the early warning signs of service fatigue like a tsunami alert.

But you know that passage in the Bible that says the Lord cannot be out-given? Once again this truth manifested in a wonderful way when I went to Baguio last week.

I was hesitant to join the trip. Reason # 1: the added expense. (Remember me, the obsessive-compulsive budgeter?) Reason # 2: our numbers dwindled as Mar. 17 approached. How much fun can it be with just a handful joining Bro Arun and his family for his Lenten Recollection talks? Reason # 3: our car is in the province. A taxi would be my ride from our drop-off point. Not a nice scenario when I reviewed my shopping list.

With no graceful way to back out, I had to go. Besides, it’s been 22 (or is it 23?) years since I went up to the City of Pines. My husband was still alive, my sons were still toddlers and Hyatt Terraces was still the place to stay. And my last criteria for going on trips with zigzags, boat or plane rides was met. My motion sickness pills that I can only get from the U.S. have not expired.

Going was an inspired decision. Wave after wave of blessings engulfed our trip. I only have one word to describe it – perfect. There’s no other word fit for this gift from God.

Perfect, because our reduced number allowed us to fit into one van. Travelling together was more fun. There was also no hassle coordinating different vehicles. Most of all, it was a chance to bond with people I usually see only during service and community activities. It was a road trip punctuated with lots of laughter – funny catch phrases like “Bente pesos!” from our UKay queen and threats to provide me with a catheter the next time we travel. The last issue made hair-raising by suspected ghostly encounters in the Recoletos’ toilet.

Perfect, because of the generous hearts that treated us to dinner on both nights (Don Henrico's & Rose Bowl) and a sumptuous buffet breakfast at Baguio Country Club. We were like overstuffed sausages ready to burst but we just had to try everything. Several blueberry Danish pastries had my name on them and I couldn’t resist their sinful temptation.

Perfect, because it was not just a pleasure trip but also a chance to serve in ways we don’t normally do at the Feast Alabang. Chris and Mandy danced during Bro Arun’s talk in front of a host of strangers. Something they only do with family and friends. Lallaine, Cora, Lani, Josie and I were salesgirls at the book table. We prayed that almost all the books and CDs will be sold to have space for the jams, peanut brittle, brooms, vegetables and my favorite succulent strawberries that we can’t leave Baguio without. God answered that prayer. The book table was mobbed.

We all felt the same way – it was a blessings-filled trip. And the fun didn’t stop in Baguio. Lunch at Isdaan in Gerona, Tarlac was wacky with crazy poses and serenades by the Salbabida Boys and the Cumbancheros. The second group sent us into stitches with their version of “ABC” and “Ten Litter Indians” for Helene and Yohan.

There was more blessings overflow. My total expenses fell way below my budget. IC, Chris & Lani’s son, saved me from lugging all my extra baggage by giving me a lift home. To top it all, my team heads and members stepped in and ably steered the Media Ministry in my absence.

Perfect trip. Abundant blessings. It was a time of refreshing for a tired soul. I’m now “Happy to serve” (clap, clap) again. Not just in my beloved Feast Alabang but also in Feast Vietnam and Feast Bohol. Wink.

Team LOJ All-Stars Huddle

There I was poised atop a monobloc chair in front of the gigantic Feast Builders’ tarp. Osy twisted around – down on her knees, face almost on the floor – her brand new DSLR camera angled for a shot. Our mission: make me look like I’m part of the big picture and do it quickly before a group from another Feast comes to pose. At that instant I wished I had a camera to take her picture, too. We must’ve been a funny sight.

But our carefree mood was not out of place in this carnival. The horde of servant-leaders in identical blue and white LOJ All-Stars jersey echoed our jubilation. And all the people milling around us were engaged in the national pastime of “Kodak-an”. I guess we all wanted to keep a piece of this happy memory – the 2011 Light of Jesus (LOJ) Leaders Assembly.

The morning of January 29, 2011 was a collage of different scenes. LOJ members in sportswear. Balloons shaped into kooky headpieces. Praise and worship at the Philippine Air Force Gym. The anointing by our “coaches” – Bro Bo Sanchez and the Feast Builders – as we prepare to score more goals. And what would a team huddle be without team pictures and a pep talk.

The pep talk was given by Ardy Abello, a motivational speaker who said, “Everything in life is about team work.” He gave 4 insights about teams that are winners:

1. Goal-driven teams will not settle for the good. They go for the great.

Having just finished visioning with my FAMMily (aka Feast Alabang Media Ministry), I felt confident that my go-getting, close-knit team is on the right track to doing great things.

2. Overcoming teams value discipline. Discipline of the mind, body and soul leads to creativity.

Here I got an affirmation about two of my philosophies – a) “Me” time is essential to a sound mind and body; and b) a fit body is a foundation of success. This is an area of struggle for me because some people think this is an alien philosophy I concocted just so I can escape my responsibilities and hang out in the gym at least twice a week.

3. Leading your team with positive influence is key.

A great lesson for me to apply to my team and even my children is that the mind is strengthened if it receives something positive or true.

4. Determination produces long-term results.

We all go through “Everest” experiences or difficult challenges but if we don’t quit midway, there will be no mountain high enough that we can’t conquer. Persevere, persevere, persevere! Got to keep that mantra going when I go through I-can’t-take-any-more-of-this times.

Together with these thoughts on teamwork and the countless pictures to remind us that we belong to one team, we left the huddle ready to start winning more points for Team LOJ.

Team Feast Alabang All-Stars with our "coaches" Arun Gogna and Bo Sanchez.

Darkness and Light

We were solemnly invoking the Holy Spirit with a song. It was at the Baptism for the Feast Alabang’s 2nd Jesus Encounter (JE) last Saturday. Suddenly, I was jolted by a loud cry. It came from one of the participants in the second row. From the corner of my eye, I could see her thrashing around. I sensed it was not the Spirit moving in her so I said a silent prayer.

Later, I saw Melanie, who was in charge of the participants in that row, praying over her. More thrashing around. Melanie seemed to be having a hard time getting through to her. Bro Arun Gogna, our Feast builder, came over and helped with the pray over. It was only then that the struggle stopped. She slumped in her seat – draped over it like a carelessly flung garment. Whatever it was had been cast out and left her limp.

Towards the end of the JE, Bro Arun asked some of the participants to share their experience at the baptism in the spirit. She stood up to tell her story. She shared that before coming to the encounter, she felt a dark presence telling her not to go. At the first JE in May, she had planned to attend but was prevented by this darkness. She got physically ill. This time, she wrestled with it and was able to come into the light.

We all experience this battle between darkness and light. Sometimes to a large degree, like this JE participant, whose darkness was like a sinister cloud that enveloped her. At other times, it’s a struggle with our conscience – choosing between right and wrong. Most times, we just have small skirmishes. But our choice in these minor situations can make a difference.

I, for one, had to make a choice that morning. I had planned to go to the gym after serving in the Music Ministry. According to my well laid plan, I will sing at the worship, help distribute the snacks, attend yoga class then go back for the baptism, or not if I was too tired already. But there was a shortage of servants so I had to pinch hit as a facilitator. It was a minor thing but it was one less headache for the people in charge.

There was a choice to make between performing service and doing my asanas – to a small degree, darkness and light. I chose and felt better for exercising my spiritual muscles instead.

Outrageously God’s Best: Website Launch

Here’s my pre-launch to-do list:

1. Brainstorm.

2. Weave, mold, alter-to-fit everybody’s input into one unforgettable presentation.

3. Get approval. Squeeze brain cells dry (as Osy, my very dependable Media Ministry editorial assistant, puts it) to revise rejected portions.

4. Ask for volunteers for each task – at least that’s what I called it. Mike I. & Mike T. plus his brother Jep for the video; Osy & Julie as production assistants; Kring, Jessica and Khaki for the costumes; Betsy and Tin for the music; the others for the social networking invites/alerts and as prayer warriors.

5. Say a prayer of thanks for my ministry members who are creative, talented, enthusiastic and have the initiative to get things moving. Did I mention hardworking too?

6. Rope in people from other ministries to help:

•Benjie (straight out of his hospital bed) and Rollie to download the “Overseas Feasters” video. That live streaming portion was really from Canada courtesy of Butsch and Noemi Portento. Yes, Kulasa there are LOJ members who serve the Feast Alabang even from the land of Far, Far Away.

•Ernst and Jo of Creatives Ministry for the fashion show

•Toto of Youth Ministry

•Naty of Special Events for the food

•Eugene of Technical

7. Recruit models. We-ell, in some cases it was really more of cajole, beg on bended knees, hoodwink, blackmail. They said yes for the love of the Lord and probably to stop me from pestering them.

8. Take medicine to counter mild vertigo attacks aggravated by frustration and stress. The dancers, most of them imported from outside the community, arrived at the final rehearsals with dance steps for a different song and were totally clueless about the concept, among other things.

Bro Arun described the launch of the Feast Alabang official website as outrageous. He said people expect religious activities to be boring, serious, somber and limited to spiritual matters. But all the Feasts are growing phenomenally because the talks are about how God is lord over all areas of our lives. And, these are presented in outrageous ways.

The models were truly outrageous! All 14 of them – Tito Steve & Tita Mely, Sis Siony, Bro Efren & Sis Violy, Joey, Alex, Dan, Fe, Manny, Cora, Willy, Susan and Ched. Most of them have passed the golden mark with a handful already in their 70’s. But they gamely strutted their stuff in the catwalk like supermodels. The hoots and catcalls when they paraded onstage were deafening.

The people who made the launch possible had outrageous servants’ hearts. No one complained that we couldn’t give them lunch – we were going over the budget as more than the expected number of dancers came. Media Min members exercised great patience in re-choreographing the dance like nursery school teachers giving instructions to toddlers. The brothers threw away their dignity and did things they probably would not be caught dead doing by their subordinates. Tito Steve who never wears shorts donned one for the launch. The sisters in their be-wigged and be-feathered finery remained ready, eager and joyful through all three tiring sessions.

I had a pep talk prepared for the rehearsal but didn’t get to give it because of time constraints and the aggravation-induced wooziness. It was to encourage everyone to give their best. I believe they are God’s best – chosen especially for that moment to carry out this task of launching the website.

As for the dancers, I will probably never know or might know only a few years down the line why they were the ones sent by God instead of the Youth Ministry members I was expecting. I will make a guess that having experienced the Feast, they will join the community and have their future transformed to one over which our outrageous God reigns.

Watch the outrageous launch here:

Feast Alabang Website Launch from Feast Alabang on Vimeo.

Song of Praise

“God is good, all the time…”

Last Sunday’s Feast had a special format unlike the usual worship then talk that we got used to. Worship was woven into the thread of the whole talk. After Bro Arun sang some lines of the song, he asked us to partner with someone and share why God is good all the time. “What good thing did He do for you this week?”

Beside me was Louie, the son of my Caring Group mates, Rollie and Beng. He said shyly, “Tita, I can’t think of anything.” But I persisted, “it’s impossible that nothing good happened to you this week. Think of something nice that happened.” He smiled. “There was no class last Friday.” His smile got wider. “I went to two parties and had a nice time.” “There you see, “I told him, “God gave you blessings this week.” He was beaming by this time.

“He put a song of praise in this heart of mine…”

Sometimes, we need a little prodding to recall the good things that happened. Sometimes we are only grateful for the things we see, forgetting a host of other unseen blessings. But when being thankful becomes a habit, a veil is removed from our eyes and we recognize blessings instantly. Being in a state of constant gratitude is being in a constant state of praise.

“God is good all the time…”

When my turn to share came, I recalled my many blessings for the week. My elder son was given the opportunity to train as a teacher in a school he likes to work in. He has also begun to serve in the Feast – part of dream No. 1 in my Novena to God’s Love. My younger son finished his thesis. I got to watch the Citipointe Live concert for free.

“Through the darkest night, His light will shine…”

What I didn’t have time to share was the package of blessings I got that day.

• Before the Feast started, we were checking out how the stage looked. Suddenly, I felt the floor tilting under me. The good thing was I was still able to call out that I was feeling dizzy. Belle and Myrna who were standing beside me caught me in time.
• It happened when I was already in the Feast Alabang Center and not while I was driving. I also recovered quickly, served for two sessions and felt well enough to sing and dance in worship.
• My Papa came when I texted him because I was afraid to drive home. He in turn was blessed. My dizzy spell allowed him to attend the Feast which he thoroughly enjoyed.
• Standing behind them, I was treated to the beautiful image of my son hugging my father at the Grandparents’ Day pray over.

“God is good, God is good all the time.”

The Gold Calling Card

What kind of man gives out a gold calling card? Not gold colored. Not gold leafed. A calling card made of one gram of fine gold. It even said so in the back of the card.

I had the rare chance to view this card in one of my interviews for Insight Magazine. The interviewee was the President and CEO of TAT Filipinas Golf Club, environmental lawyer Edna Paña. The calling card was given to her by her boss, the Japanese owner of the golf club.

So what kind of man gives out a gold calling card? Filthy rich obviously. Descended from the royal family. Owns a huge, authentic, centuries-old samurai house that dwarfs the other houses around it. Partly owns a leading Japanese car company, a construction company and a host of other businesses.

Is this gold calling card, patently a glittery show of wealth, ostentatious and sinful?

In his last talk for the series T3: Time, Treasure and Talent, Bro Arun Gogna spoke on “The Gift of Prosperity”. He said the Practical Gospel teaches that we should practice simple prosperity. A simple life is a happy life. A simple life gives two important benefits. It allows us to GIVE MORE and to RELAX MORE.

But, he says, the standard of simplicity is relative. We have to decide what simplicity means to us – an Innova instead of a Mercedes Benz, a Coach bag bought in Divisoria instead of the real thing? The choice is ours but the important thing is we are called to be generous.

Lastly, Bro Arun stressed that while the Practical Gospel teaches us to tithe, the abundance the Lord showers us with must still be cared for properly. We need to be good shepherds of our money.

So to answer my second question if the gold calling card is sinfully ostentatious, I guess it’s not necessarily so. Not if this man can actually afford to give out a 10 gram gold calling card but instead uses the cost of the 9 grams to help others or to preserve the bounty the Lord has given.

In TAT Filipinas Golf Club, it seems the “9 grams of gold” is being used to support Atty. Edna Paña’s worthy causes and advocacy. TAT has a Youth Development Program. Scholarships are given to talented but underprivileged children to hone their golf skills, develop their character and eventually help them rise up from poverty. TAT also builds the employees’ capacity by teaching other skills to enable the staff to augment their income during lean months. Instead of landscaping unused land, it is utilized as an organic farm where 100% of profits go to the employees who tend the land. More importantly, her boss’ “9 grams of gold” has allowed Atty. Paña to transform TAT into a sustainable golf course where care for the environment is strictly practiced.

After my interview, other questions popped into my head.

What will I do if I receive a gold calling card? Nothing much I suppose. The craftsy person that I am, maybe turn it into a bling or a bookmark.

How will I feel if I can afford to give out a gold calling card? If I were that rich, again, nothing much I suppose. To a fabulously rich man that’s just like giving out a paper board calling card with unevenly cut borders (I swear, my last batch is like this).

But the more important question is: What will I do with my “9 grams of gold”? For here lies the true gift of prosperity.

The Feast Alabang is held every Sunday. First session at 11:00 am and the second session is at 3:00. Venue is in the Feast Alabang Center, 2^nd Level, X-site entrance, Festival Mall, Alabang.

Voiceless Worship and A Healing Miracle

COUNTDOWN TO FEAST ALABANG CENTER OPENING

Friday, July 30, 2010 (9 days to go)

Music Ministry practice. Sharp pain in my throat as I tried to reach a high note. Uh-oh. Not good.

Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010 (7 days to go)

Last day of the South Feast in Cinema 10. Excitement in the whole theater – we’re finally moving after a week’s delay. But my excitement mixed with worry. I hope I can sing at the opening. That spike-haired bug was still frolicking in my throat at worship.

Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010 (5 days to go)

Off to Divisoria with the other committee members to buy Music Ministry outfits. A hot, tiring day of walking, searching and haggling (a.k.a. harassing store owners to death.) After a quick shower, it was off to the South Feast Council meeting. My cough was having a field day – firecrackers in August.

Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010 (3 days to go)

Spent the whole day looking for South Feast servants’ pictures for the bulletin. I got a headache and was feverish. I missed Music Ministry practice.

Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 (2 days to go)

Second choir practice. I attended even if the infection had turned my voice from Alto 1 to Bass 2. I didn’t want to be clueless about the mechanics on opening day. So I lip synched it.

Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010 (1 day to go)

Jericho march at the center. Dust, dust and more dust greeted us. We must have been a sight. Bro Arun onstage with his guitar and about a hundred servants marching and singing – all wearing masks.

On to Music Ministry practice. Thank God it was just for program flow and blocking.

On to stage décor set-up. Thank God for the help. My Creatives Ministry angels: Jacq, Khaki, Charisse and Ernst who made the stage as dreamy as a wedding gown; Krisanne and Maan with their parents who made the festive balloons for the entrance. And of course, there were our ever-helpful brothers of the Facilities Ministry.

Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 (D Day!!!)

All I could croak out that morning was a monotone. For the life of me, I couldn’t manage a string of notes that remotely resembled a tune. But I wanted so much to be with the choir in worshipping God on this historic day. So tune or no tune, voice or no voice, I decided to sing praises to my God. It was a worship of the heart.

Already positioned onstage, we witnessed the ribbon-cutting from afar. What a sight to see all our loyal attendees there dressed in their Sunday’s best for the occasion. This is our family celebrating the opening of our new home.

The enthronement of the Bible, the Crucifix and the Blessed Mother was so touching. It moved many people to tears. They were enthroned not just in the altar but in our proudly Catholic hearts.

Bro Arun’s talk was brilliant, hilarious and inspiring, as usual. His talk is the key that keeps people coming back for more. So we were secretly watching the city councilor who pinch-hit for the mayor at the ribbon cutting. Obviously not a charismatic member, she was stick-stiff even when the whole house was already jumping to the great worship. We wanted to see her reaction to the talk. It thawed her out. By the time Bro Arun asked us to sing after his talk, there she was with her hands up in the air like the rest of us.

And the worship! As I said, it was great in the morning session. But the worship in the afternoon was awesome. And that is an understatement. The Holy Spirit was an almost visible presence. He must have decided to sit and stay when Bishop Jesse Mercado blessed the center.

The excitement was as thick as the artificial haze we used for effects. Our beloved leader, Bro Bo Sanchez, was in the house with his family. With the Kerygma 5 Preachers. With our Light of Jesus elders. With the other Feast Builders.

So the spirit-led worship leaders (even those from the morning session joined in) and the whole Music Ministry were inspired to literally rock the stage. And the attendees rocked the rest of the center with singing and dancing. Someone remarked it felt like a KCon high (to the unfamiliar that’s the Kerygma Conference – our annual community gathering). A community elder complained with a big smile we made his knees hurt from dancing.

A POSTCRIPT, A MIRACLE

The following week, fatigue and inhaling more dust in the center during our Tuesday night Council meeting brought on a relapse. By Wednesday I was running a fever. I prayed that it will be gone by Saturday so I can attend to my duties at the Feast on Sunday. But by 10:00 Saturday night, I had a 37.6 temperature. I texted Bro Joey & Sis Myrna, my heads in Events, that I was still sick. I heard the text alert on my phone. Before reading the message, I decided to clear my nose. Pardon the grossness. It seemed all the infection clogged up in my head flowed out. I was surprised because I had spent a week almost bursting my eardrums trying to expel the blockage with no results. This time I breathed freely.

When I read the reply from Bro Joey, I got goose bumps. His text message read: “May the most precious blood of Jesus wash away the cause of your fever. May God heal you right now. In Jesus’ name we pray.” At that moment, I realized the cause of my fever had been washed out. I claimed healing and made a deal with God. If I wake up the next morning without a fever and my chest congestion cleared, I was attending the Feast.

Early Sunday morning after a restful sleep, I checked my temperature. To my disappointment the thermometer read 37.6. But wait, that was my temperature last night! I forgot to shake down the thermometer. I took it again – it was 36.7 this time.

I joyfully proclaimed God’s healing at the Feast. After that, every time, I took my temperature, I would naughtily remind God that I had boasted about His miracle. “Pag nabinat ako, mapapahiya tayo, Lord.” (If I get a relapse, we will be shame-faced, Lord.) I can see Him smiling indulgently as He keeps my temperature below 37.

God is so good. He is worthy of our worship – even if it's a voiceless one.

The Healer Within

HEALING THE BODY

I did a Lady Gaga recently. Nope, not another wacky song and dance number with my costume-happy LOJ community. I tripped and fell and scraped my knee at the mall. I regained my poise only when l saw on TV that I had celebrity company. Lady Gaga tottered on extremely high heels and took a tumble at Heathrow airport in full view of the media. But while only her dignity was hurt, I got a one peso-sized wound on my knee that became extremely painful.

Sometimes, I can’t help but think that the Lord times these things so I can have something to write about. The Sunday right after my less-than-graceful fall was the start of Awaken the Healer in You series at the South Feast. Bro Arun gave the big message for Talk 1, Healer: “God has given you the power to heal yourself.” He also said that the best pharmacy in the world is our body. We have antibodies that can fight off any bacteria and any virus if we have a strong immune system.
Bro Arun Gogna
Observing how my body fought off a possible infection until my wound got devalued to a 10 centavo-sized scab brought home that point. The body has a healer within. But that was merely skin deep. What about more serious ailments? Those too can be healed if we remove spiritual, emotional and chemical toxins within us.

Bro Arun cited the example of Bro Cris Picardal, our Disaster Response Ministry Head. When Bro Cris was diagnosed with a serious ailment, he had an office mate who also had the same illness at about the same time. The other guy went under the knife and got the regular treatment. He passed away after a year. Bro Cris opted for a treatment that hinged on strengthening his immune system. He also continued to faithfully serve in our community. Today, four years after his diagnosis, he exhibits that a strong immune system plus a healthy soul equals a healthy body.

Cris Picardal with daughters Krisanne & Maan following Bro Arun's exhortation to show love to family in Talk 3: Relationships of Awaken the Healer in You series.

HEALING THE NATION

Last Sunday, in Emotions, Talk 2 of the series, the central theme was: “What you feel, you can heal.” Diseases are messages from the soul. We kill the message when we just take pills for the symptoms. We should instead focus on the cause which most of the time can trace its roots to negative emotions. We should not pretend that nothing is happening inside us. It is not good to escape negative emotions because if ignored, they turn into addictions. To avoid emotions killing you, pour your heart out to the Lord. Let it all out. He can take it. He’s a big God, bigger than all our problems combined.

I thought about this as I listened to the forceful, no-nonsense inaugural address of our new president yesterday. P-Noy said, “To those who are talking about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: There can be no reconciliation without justice. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong mauulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito.”

So true. Corrupt public officials who have not been brought to justice have become addicted to money and power. The president’s call for public servants to fight corruption within the bureaucracy and for everyone to walk the straight and narrow (“Tayo na sa tuwid na landas.”) is a call to strengthen our country’s immune system. As citizens we cannot close our eyes to the illness in our society. We have to be the healer within.

*Thanks to IC de Guzman for the South Feast photos