#LeadersCamp2014 : Behind The Scenes

Before I'll share my experience in the Leaders Camp, let me share my journey.

3 weeks before the camp, I told my mother that I will join the Leaders Camp. I told her that the venue is in Davao and the money for the registration is 1,500php. I also told her that aside from the registration money, I might need additional money for expenses. Her initial reply to me was (verbatim) "Tan-awun lang nato kuy ha kay wala pa ta nakabayad sa kuryente og tubig." I told her that I'll register my name ahead and just pay when we have the money for the registration. Later that day, I prayed in my room. Prayed for financial breakthroughs and for blessings to come.
17 days before the camp, I decided to edit the countdown pictures of the camp so that I can enhance my editing skills. (That time, I was also practicing GIF making) I didn't expect that our team leader assigned me to do those stuff when he saw my first edit (which was my timeline cover photo on Facebook that time). Well, I happily accepted the task because I want to help the team and use the talent (that I started to practice more) that God has given me.
1 week before the camp, I reminded my mom about the camp and still her reply was the same. At first, I am sad and thought that I might not be able to join the camp but then a question popped out from my mind -- "Why am I focusing on my mother when I have a God that is able?" The question made an impact and my views about the registration changed. I prayed for people that will help me in the registration  and believing that I can join the camp.

When I thought that the journey ends there, God gave me another one. :)

5 days before the camp, I went to Centrio to play arcade (I play DDR, PIU and Kinect btw) before going to the Youth Service. After playing, someone approached me and talked to me. Since I was a friendly type of person, I entertained him. Until I noticed something different about his actions -- he starts to massage my shoulder area, he starts to invite me to his house (even stay there overnight). After an hour of talking, he then openly admitted to me that he's gay. After confirming what I feel, I asked God "How do I react in this situation? How do I say 'no' in his request when he is persistent on inviting me? (given that we just met an hour ago)"
Then ta-da! I was reminded in Titus 2:11,12

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age

I declined his request and then he was like in shock (maybe because I was the first one that declined his request? IDK) and then asked me why? He then added me that he can give me anything that I want, I just need to come to his place. (While talking to me, he get his wallet and slowly counting his money) In my mind, I was like "He can help me in my registration for the camp. TBH, the money was tempting but no, I cannot accept it."
And then, another verse came into my head:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. -- Romans 1:16 NIV

I don't know why this verse came but I instantly answered his question, "Because I am a Christian. I cannot do things which are not good in the eyes of God." He then apologized to me. I told him that it's okay and talked more, this time it is about the God I am serving for. After the talk, I handed him my baller (with the words, "nothing is impossible") and told him, when we see each other again I hope you are wearing that and update me with your life. (He's not from Cagayan de Oro) We prayed before departing from one another. I didn't share this experience agad because I don't know how to start. Yes, it was an experience. I was afraid, I admit but when I allow the Holy Spirit to move within me nothing is impossible.

To end this journey, the day before my departure to Davao -- my mother gave me 2,000php for the camp. And wow, that was more than enough for me. Great things happen when you obey to God. :)

My Prophecy [Transcribed]

Richard, God has a great plan for you. Nakita na kita doon eh. And this is an appointed time for you. I just want you to remember that God is a rich God. He is a rich father in heaven. He is not only willing, but He is able to bless you. It will not be difficult for you to prosper for God is a rich God. It is not hard for you to be rich. I actually see richness in you, prosperity in the future and I want you to claim that and always remember that God is willing and He is able. Just don't give up Richard, just don't give up Richard.
I believe God is saying to you my son, Richard "I know your heart. I believe that you've been seeking me in every decision you seek me." You always ask when unsa'y imong buhaton or what. I believe that God is saying to you that "I am bringing you to a greater heights. I am bringing you to a higher and deeper intimacy with me. Just remain in me, seek in me more." I believe that God will bring you to a greater level more than you can ever think of imagine, it may be in your faith. And I believe that God will use you as an influence. You will be a bridge that will bridge people into his kingdom. God will pour out His wisdom on you. God will anoint you with His word so that whatever you speak the people will just be drawn into the love of God. That people will just be drawn into His kingdom. Lord, I thank you for Richard. Lord, thank you Father God that you give him wisdom. Thank you Father God that you will use him mightily Father God. I thank you Father God that You are with him. I pray that everyday he will have a fresh revelation from You. In Jesus' name.
I see you bro walking in a very steep na stairs. Tapos, pawis pawis ka na, pagod ka na, naglalakad ka pa rin. Pero hindi nawawala ang passion, lakad ka pa rin. Then God suddenly tells you "Dito ka sa kabila, may escalator dito. Sakyan mo 'to" And then when you ride it bro, umaakyat ka pa rin pero walang effort. Pumupunta ka pa rin sa plan ni God for you pero you're riding it now bro. I don't know kung bakit yun ang picture, the vision that I see. But you know, yun ang reminder ni God sa 'yo. I dunno, maybe it's the labor or you're serving God. God is just reminding you, "Rest in me. Rest in me." Does it make sense? Lord, thank you for that word. I pray that Richard will be able to rest in your presence everyday Lord God. In Jesus'name. Amen.

Friendship (Youth Service Preaching Appreciation)

"Uso pa ba ang harana?"
This is the question before the start of the service. Uso pa nga ba? This question was also posted in LifeBox CDeO page and the youth answered it. Here are some of the answers:

In other words, "Harana" is still applicable today. It is timeless. It can be done in different ways.

So you think it ends here? I'm not yet even starting. :)

The preaching was all about Friendship. "Why friendship? Is it related to Harana?", you might be asking those questions now. We will eventually come to Harana in its due time. This week, the preaching was focused on Friendship.

What is "Harana" by the way?

Wiki Pilipinas defines Harana as: an old Filipino courtship tradition of serenading women.

Let's dig the word courtship. Google defines courtship as: a period during which a couple develop a romantic relationship, esp. with a view to marriage.

Basing on what we've read, the cycle goes like this: Courtship -> Relationship -> Marriage , right? But there is something lacking -- and it is Friendship. Friendship is the foundation of all Relationship. Without Friendship, the youth might have this cycle: Courtship -> Relationship -> Problem -> Break-up. And we don't like to end with that. There will be problems in the relationship because there was no time to get to know more the partner. But if we start being friends, this would be the cycle: Friendship -> Courtship -> Relationship -> Marriage.

Another thing that I love about the preaching was the quotes thrown by Ate Jazzie and Kuya Gideon.

"It's hard to wait but it's harder to regret." and "Enjoy your season."

It is indeed hard to wait for the right one to come to your life -- it would take years of waiting and you might be tired of it. You know what? Regretting is harder because it will bring conflict/s to your life. Be sensitive to God, pay attention the environment and see how God is serenading you. Enjoy your season -- it might be the season of being a student, season of being single, season of being a young professional -- because "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Another reason to enjoy your season was given an example by Ate Jazzie:

"Most couples get married at the age bracket of 20-24 and average life expectancy of man is around 75. Imagine how many years that you are married and compare it to the years you are single. You will then realize that you just have less than half of your life being single."

Again, enjoy your season. Don't rush on things. Friends are always there to enjoy your season. Benefits with friends are in this verse about friendship:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (Production); If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! (Protection) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? (Passion) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Power)" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

1 Timothy 6:12 Preparation

Photo Caption: I am ready! #Fight #PrayerAndFasting2014 @Starbucks Centrio Mall, CdeO

This is the time of the year of consecrating ourselves to God -- yes, the annual Prayer and Fasting. I am excited to take part of this kasi first time ko.

Preparation for the Fast. Here are the key verses to read:

Psalm 51:6 . Psalm 86:11 . John 1:17 . John 8:31,32 . Ephesians 6:10-14

After reading and meditating the verses, I went to the reflect section and there I saw two questions about the verses: Where does truth come from? and what we must do to know the truth and what is the result of knowing the truth? 

That's it for now. God Bless!

Matthew 7:7

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." -- Matthew 7:7 NIV

There were too many things that I asked God last 2013 -- Laptop, Books, New Friends, Provisions and Guidance. Not all are answered, but God answered the things He thinks that are best for me. (Tama ba grammar?)

Let's start with something I want since the start of classes -- A laptop. Last December 27, I bought a new laptop with my mother. She told me that the budget for the laptop is 20k or below. I was happy and sad by hearing that. Happy that I can buy a laptop but sad because there was a budget limit on it. Few days before Dec. 24, I went and look for a laptop because I know that someday I will have a laptop. I saw a laptop worth 20k+ and for me it's the best for me the next laptops I want was 18k and 16k. But hey, I want the best for me, I will not settle for less (spoil ba tawag nito? sorry naman). So, I tried to ask my mother if she is okay to buy the 20k+ one (It has a free printer too, that would be awesome for work and school purposes.) And yes! She was fine with it. God was awesome because she told me that she received more money than she expected. And I was so happy that I have a new laptop that I named it "Cookie". Want to see Cookie now? Here it is:

Another thing that God gave me last year (I should have said "gave us last year") was a car -- you read it right. A car. Yay! First semester, I remember my mother talking about receiving a car on Christmas from her boss at work. After hearing that, I prayed and believed that we will receive it. And on the 29th of December, I woke up that afternoon and when I went out, I saw the car my mother talked about. I have my poker face on but inside I was jumping and thanking God that He fulfilled His promise for my family.

Thank you God for all the things that you've given to us last 2013 and I know that you will continue to shower your blessings to us this 2014 because you are faithful. For you, I will continue to be faithful and hold on to your promises this 2014.

I cannot limit God, He is limitless and nothing is impossible with Him.