by Sasa Felipe
There is always something different about the ending of a year and the ushering in of a new one. That one-week interval between Christmas Day and New Year’s somehow evokes feelings of nostalgia for the year just passed and, at the same time, a feeling of anticipation and excitement for what the new year will bring.

New year has always been about new beginnings, new life — a time we can hit the refresh, restart, reboot buttons on our lives and start afresh. Hence, the most popular graphic or icon of the New Year is a baby in diapers. The baby is a symbol of new life. Jesus Himself said in Luke 18:17,  “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

As we say goodbye to the old year and look forward to the new, let us take this opportunity to:

1. Count our blessings. Go ahead, list them all down now then thank our Lord Jesus for each and every blessing, big and small. Say quietly in your heart, ‘Thank you, Jesus’ for even the smallest blessings, like finding a nice parking slot, or thanking Him that the congested traffic will enable you to listen to good praise music, etc. Look at the world around you with fresh eyes. See and marvel at God’s beautiful creation all around you. Stop to smell the flowers, the sunset, the play of lights on that mountain ridge looming on your horizon and thank Jesus for all these.
2. Have a Positive Mindset. After you’re done counting your blessings, get a new sheet of paper and start writing down your new year’s resolutions. You’re most probably going to commit to changing old worn-out habits and creating new good ones. Put at the top of your list: ‘I will have a positive mindset.’ This means that you will always think the best of others in spite of the circumstances. Cast aside any criticism, negativity, bitterness, and resentment and see things with new eyes and a heart brimming with gratefulness. Find something wonderful, positive, and pleasing about each one, and focus on this, not on the bad. Do this with every person God allows to come your way. Start now. Look with fresh, clear eyes at the people around you. Stare in awe at your family with new eyes and see how each of them fascinates you.
3. Let go of the old and put on the new. Truly ”the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness, Oh Lord….” Each new day brings God’s fresh mercies, God’s fresh grace, God’s fresh forgiveness, and God’s fresh love, just as each new year gives us a chance of wipe the slate clean.The New Year is a wonderful opportunity to let go of the old and get on with the new.  We have been miserable, negative, and critical for so long now and oftentimes, the new isn’t as much about things, as it is about attitudes. But a change in attitude is transformation of the heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” This kind of transformation can only be done by our Maker. Only Jesus can heal broken hearts. Only Jesus can change hearts.Sinful as we are, we need a Savior. Jesus is the only Savior. He paid a very painful price so that we may live in newness of life. Only Jesus will enable us to view the people in our life for the value they bring to us and not what we can get from them.
4. Pray for an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. As we say goodbye to the year was and usher in the new year, the best resolution we can ever make is to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Pray to receive His love, His grace, His mercy, and His forgiveness. This resolution will enable you to fulfill all other resolutions you might make. The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Choose, this New Year, to start fresh with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Only He can give new life… a life that is joyous and everlasting.

On a clear and breezy Wednesday, December 17, about 100 CCFers gathered at the foot of Mt. Makiling for the ground-breaking ceremony of the CCF Prayer Mountain and Retreat Center.

There was no bustle in Batangas. Pastors, parents, and friends enjoyed snacks and lunch beneath a large mango tree. Children followed the ponies that had free run of the land. A handful of people picked spots on the grass for reading or a nap. It was a lovely day.

The program began at about 1:30 P.M., with a few songs of praise. The sun was high, but the wind was cool, and there was plenty of shade.

Project Head Albit Rodriguez then gave a brief message and started by citing the motivation behind the Prayer Mountain project.

“Where’d we get the inspiration?” he said. “From no less than the Lord Jesus Christ,” who himself went up to the mountains to pray.

Rodriguez also cited the Korea Prayer Tour of 2002, which enriched the prayer life of many CCFers who had gone. He described an experience at a prayer mountain facility in Osanri, South Korea and said that they had been moved by the Spirit to make prayer a greater part of their lives, by helping CCF to set up a similar facility here in the Philippines.

Pastor-in-charge Roy Felipe followed with a devotional message based on the parables of the sower and of the mustard seed. He also mentioned Ezra and Nehemiah, two men who led the exiled Israelites back to Jerusalem in order to rebuild their walls and temple.

“Nehemiah said, ‘The gracious hand of God is upon me.’ I believe that as we break ground this afternoon, the gracious hand of God is upon us, is upon this project,” Ptr. Felipe said.

After the pastor led a shout of “Lord, Lord, Lord!” everyone was encouraged to pray for the success of the CCF Prayer Mountain, “that many people, all who come to this place, will have changed lives, transformed families, and renewed relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Joby Soriano then closed the program with a prayer of thanksgiving:

“We know, Lord Jesus, that this place will do miracles in many people’s lives. It’ll be a quiet sanctuary for people to commune with you and experience you in a very personal way. We look forward to the day when we can all come here and worship you together.”

by Sasa Felipe

It’s Christmas once again. The Christmas lights are lit everywhere. The malls are full of people. The streets are full of cars. Traffic is almost unbearable. It’s that time of the year when everyone seems to be in a frenzy. Everyone is busy attending Christmas parties, wrapping and giving gifts. There is an air of celebration all around. But, stop for a moment, and be still. Think about this: Who and what are we really celebrating?

The message of Christmas isn’t just Christmas lights, shopping, receiving gifts, giving gifts, parties. Christmas is really all about our loving God who came to earth in the form of man and died a very painful death so that we all may have eternal life.

Jesus chose to be born in a stable, not in a palace as He deserved. He did not desire the comforts or accolades fit for a heavenly king. He came to give His life so that we may have life.

The tiny baby in swaddling clothes we see in the belen came for a purpose. The little baby who cried for milk and found comfort in the breast of His mother while lying in the rough wooden trough was the same man who was condemned for our sins and nailed to a cross, and the same God who rose from the dead to defeat sin and death so that we may live with Him forever. And He is the same God who lovingly extends His grace and mercy and who comforts us when we go through pain in this often difficult life.

Christmas is much, much more than following tradition, commercialism, materialism and indulgence. Christmas revolves around a person – Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is but fitting that those of us who profess to have a relationship with Jesus, those of us who consider Him our Lord and Savior, consider this season a time to exalt and thank Him for what He has done. Christ is what makes Christmas special. Jesus is the only reason for the season.

The greatest gift we can ever receive this Christmas is Christ Himself. Matthew 1:21 tells us, “for He, Jesus, shall save His people from their sins.”

In Matthew 1:23, Jesus is called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” The Apostle Paul referred to Jesus as the “indescribable gift” in 2 Corinthians 9:15. And the Apostle John tells us how much God loves: “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Luke wrote in Luke 2:1, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Christ is the ONLY Savior! “Neither is there salvation in any other – for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we can be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Have you accepted this Great Gift of God? Are you sure you will have eternal life with Christ Jesus? You can be sure, by faith, praying and asking God to save you from the penalty of your sins, by receiving the Lord Jesus as your Savior, God will do what He has promised. He said in Acts 2:21, “And it shall BE, THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE Lord shall BE SAVED.”

Christmas can mean forgiveness of YOUR sins and an abundant NEW LIFE. If you have not received Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God, God in the flesh, why don’t you ask Him to forgive your sins, why don’t you turn to Christ and ask Him to be your Savior and Master right now?

Likewise, this Christmas may be the best time to give the love of Jesus to those who need His love. Perhaps, there is a broken relationship that needs healing. If there is resentment and bitterness in your heart, just think about how much you are forgiven. Jesus’ forgiveness will enable you to also forgive others. Jesus asks you to forgive as He has forgiven you.

Philippians 2:8 tells us about Jesus’ own humililty, “…And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” As Jesus humbled Himself, He too will enable us to humble ourselves and reach out, ask forgiveness without expecting anything in return.

This is a season to be humble and forgiving, a season to be thankful, to count our blessings because we have received God’s greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ. He is what Christmas is all about.

Pastor Insong and Lynette

When I got my US Citizenship in June 2007, the next step was to determine the citizenship status of my wife and children. After consulting with several immigration lawyers it was determined that only our daughter Sarah might have a chance at becoming a US citizen instantly. My wife Lynette and other children would have to be petitioned for and go through the immigration process. As part of that process, I would have to establish residence in the US or their petitions would not be approved.

I prayed for God’s guidance, at the same time doing my part, checking airline schedules and asking permission from Ptr. Peter for a leave of absence from CCF. In reply to my written request, he indicated that I try to leave after the CCF Anniversary. This took me by surprise; we had announced that the next major anniversary service would be in 2009, our 25th year.

When Ptr. Peter asked me when I was leaving and told him of my plan to leave on July 20, he asked, “Who will take care of the anniversary service?” I told him that he indicated for me to “try” to leave after, but found out that he actually meant I could leave only after the anniversary. This gave me a heavy heart. I had already arranged practically everything, and the airline mileage I was using were for a seat available July 20.

However, we are taught to submit to our leaders as those ordained by God over us. I began to search for a new flight schedule and begin preparations for the service at the Araneta Coliseum.

I finally got a flight for September 7. My wife liked this because she wanted me to celebrate my 50th birthday in Manila, even if I really did not want to. I wanted to leave September 2, right after I complied with my obligations on the anniversary service. For me, the sooner I left, the better; I would be able to do what I needed to do and be back as soon as possible.

God had other plans.

On my birthday, the Lord took my father-in-law to be with Him. Just as we arrived from a celebratory dinner, we got a phone call that my father-in-law had passed away. What timing God had! I was faced with a dilemma about whether I would go through with my flight on the 7th. All the while, Lynette had been praying that God would take her father while I was still in Manila so that I could do the wake services. This had been his wish.

I called the airline at 3 A.M. and was told that it would be difficult to move my flight because the award ticket had already been issued. Lynette told me that it was okay with her if I really had to go. We slept on it.

At 6 A.M., I called the airline again and told them of my situation. They said that I would not be penalized for re-booking my flight, but the only space available was in Business Class. I did not have enough mileage to get a round trip business class ticket, and they could not issue a “mixed class” ticket either.

Then, it hit me! As a US Citizen, I did not need to buy a round trip ticket. We canceled the round trip ticket and I had enough miles for a one-way business class ticket to the US. I conducted the wake services of my father-in-law, tied up some other loose ends, and left Manila on September 11. I don’t think many Americans want to travel on 9/11.

When I got to Los Angeles, I began looking for employment — any employment that would satisfy my residency requirements. I searched the Internet and sent my resume to any and all companies with vacancies. My brother, who went ahead of me, spent six months in Las Vegas looking for a job and simply decided to go back to Manila on Septemer 15 because he could not find one. I applied with the US government, an Air Cargo firm, as an Administrative Assistant, as Assistant to a real estate broker, assistant to a finance manager, and even as an assistant to a movie producer. I sent applications to other churches who advertised and also the Evangelical Christian Credit Union. Only one replied back, and it was in the negative.

I then remembered Ptr. Gene Wood. I did not know the name of his church except that it had “Grace” and “Glendora.” I googled the name and got to their website. Because I did not know him that well and I did not have his e-mail address, I used their “contact us” section. I just told Ptr. Gene that I was in the US establishing my domicile and that if he knew of anyone in need of my services, then I was attaching my resume.

I picked up my brother from his friend’s house so that he could spend some time with me before I brought him to the airport on Tuesday morning. We went to Grace Church of Glendora, which was close to his friend’s house. I went to Ptr. Gene after his message and exchanged pleasantries without mentioning my e-mail or why I was there.

I opened my e-mail the next morning and got a reply from Ptr. Gene. He invited me to lunch for a proper warm welcome to California. I had to schedule to borrow a car and was finally able to meet Ptr. Gene over lunch. He asked me what my plans were and I told him outright that I was on leave from CCF and that I had to comply with certain Government requirements. As to my future, I told him that I only want to secure an opportunity for my kids to be able to live in the US if they wanted to. Nothing more, nothing less.

He seemed amused at the timing because someone at grace had just left, and my background seemed to fit the vacuum that was created. He said that this might be a “God thing” and that it would be something to pray about. We finished lunch. As he walked me back to my car, he said, “Give me a number,” and then we might discuss the details of some kind of employment. I discussed the numbers with my brother-in-law and sent an email to Ptr. Gene the next day.

I didn’t get a reply from him until after four days because he had been helping his son Tony with moving. When I did get his reply, he said that the amount I suggested was not a problem and that we had to meet to discuss my duties and responsibilities at Grace Church. I was soon introduced to the staff and then to the Board of Elders and began reporting to work on October 6, 2008.

What is amazing is that Ptr. Gene said, if I had come earlier, there wouldn’t be any need for me because the guy who left would still be there. If I had come later, there wouldn’t be any need for me because the vacancy would most probably be filled. It is indeed a “God thing!”

Who would have expected that I would be gainfully employed, within only three weeks of my arrival in the US, when others are going back home because they cannot find a job?

Who would expect that my brother-in-law, who hesitated to sell me his old car, would bring me with him for a test drive for a new car and decide on the spot to sell me his old one, just in time for me to have transportation to meet the staff and board of elders of Grace Church?

Who would expect that I would be able to comply with domicile requirements and serve God at the same time, by being employed at Grace Church?

Answer: only GOD!

If I had insisted on my schedule, I would not be where I was needed at the right time. I would have probably spent more time looking for work and ended up doing some menial task in eking out a livelihood and fulfilling domicile requirements some other way. Yet I find myself to be right smack in the center of God’s will for me as He has shown me time and time again that there is much blessing in obedience.

As additional blessings, God has allowed our daughter Sarah to be sworn in as a US Citizen last November 3 without hassle from the INS. They initially questioned my own citizenship and the citizenship of my late father. But because God is in control of all the authorities, He allowed me to just have my US passport photocopied, and before we knew it my daughter and my niece were already being sworn in. We even had to scramble for the camera because we were all taken by surprise!

God has also allowed Lynette to be with me for the Christmas Holiday and return to Manila to spend New Year’s with our children. I know this is all God’s handiwork and I am just so blessed to see all this unfolding before my very eyes.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Insong Nolan

See highlights from this year’s Straight Journey seminar, held last November in Lake Island Resort, Binangonan by the Living Free Ministry.

Why learn about our logo? Well, the ideas behind this simple graphic will help you get a clearer idea of the program it represents.

Colors of Freedom

Red orange symbolizes the brilliance of the sun and the passion, energy, and vibrance of a people on fire for God. It is also the color of autumn, the season of maturity and harvest. Cultures both modern and ancient still consider autumn the time for festivals and celebration. Examples are Thanksgiving in the United States, the Jewish feast of Sukkoth, Native American harvest festivals, and the Chinese Moon Festival.

Autumn is also a season of transition. We can see this even in the Philippines and other parts of the world that do not have autumn. Leaves turn red and orange before they are shed. The trees then rest and prepare for new life.

Green is the color of the buds that appear afterward. It represents things that are young, new, or blooming. It is the color of spring, the season of growth. The weather grows warm and plants are revived, just like our new life in God. For us, it is the color of hope.

Unconfined

The Glorious Hope logo is the visual representation of our collective dreams and aspirations. It isn’t confined inside a basic shape. Rather, it’s free to float on its own in a projection of freedom.

This symbolizes the experience of those who are finally released from their past, finally liberated from pretense, and finally comfortable about themselves – they are finally free!

More importantly, the borderless image reflects God’s unlimited and boundless grace, available to us who have been made free. The logo helps us remember that our vision and our goals can only be attained through that grace.

Reaching Up, Reaching Out

The person with outstretched arms is who we are and how we should be. We are a group of people who have bravely stepped out of the darkness of our past. We walk together in the path of recovery, into the light of God’s love.

These arms are outstretched in release from yesterday and in complete surrender to God. The empty hands illustrate our ability to let go of the old – old hurts, old vices, etc. – and to readily receive the new, in God’s grace and blessing.

We are ordinary people – afflicted, broken, outcast, and rejected – transformed by God into useful and productive workers in his ministry of reconciliation. He comforted us in our times of trouble. Now, we are ready to honor him by reaching out to those in pain and trouble, too.