Because All Was Without Cost

Without cost you have received, without cost shall you give. --cf. Matthew 10:8, NAB

All things came from God, and from God all things came to be. And all things from Him is good and is free; for He is a Generous God. The gift of mission is freely given to us; and to be available for God's work is our gift. Without cost we have received the joy of mission; without cost shall must we also give for God's work.

We've gone to Isabela to bring the good news of chastity and purity. The kuya's gave the sessions. My part? To share the story of my life, my own conviction of being chaste and pure. Most of what's in store for us in that mission, we have received for free. All costs in the transport, the food, the accomodations, treated like V.I.P.'s, and all others were freely given. I was thinking that I'd just share to high school students  what God taught me and all other things in this mission was for free?

But don't get me wrong, it is not because those material things have been freely made available that we have freely given ourselves. But it is because of God's love being poured on us without cost that enables us to give without cost.

The more we give freely, the more we receive freely. What a paradox, that is! That the gift of mission has been freely given (that is why it is called a gift) to us, it allowed us to openly give ourselves, and that we are able to receive more. Such is the generosity of God. He does not only pamper His children materially, as how He did to us in Isabela. He, as well, nourished us spiritually through the reception of the Eucharist every morning of our stay, the realizations we learned in every act we've done, the joy of seeing lives starting to have the same conviction of chastity and purity, and us being more deeply rooted in our stand to live a holy life.

The generosity of God allowed us to experience more of Him, that He really met us in Isabela, teaching us more about chastity and purity. And this same generosity asks us to be generous of our time, our talent, our treasure, and our all for Him, who freely gives.

With this, may God be praised.

Some pictures from the mission:

The Team: Kuya Jo-I, Ate Raine, Kuya Ej, Me, and Kuya Fyron,.
With the Isabela SK Chairman Jerald and the High School Principal of one of the schools in Isabela.

My first plane ride. Yey! Thank you Lord!

Live Pure with the carabaos.

Sharing my conviction of living a chaste and pure life.

You can also view this same blog here: http://cfcffl.net/index.php/because-all-was-without-cost

E.S.

This happened one Thursday night, last November of 2011. Note that I am writing from memory.

I was sitting alone at a fast food chain, waiting for my best friend to arrive. Beside me was a man, maybe at his 50's or 60's. Just by sitting there and looking at him something in me whispered: "You'd be talking to that man; you have to speak with him". He was eating; and I'm not. With him are books about Math and an abacus. He was cleaning one of his books when he looked at me (and he caught me looking at him as well) and he smiled. I smiled back.

Then the conversation starts.

We talked about Math and the books he has with him that night, they are all about Math and Numbers. I asked him if he's a professor in Mathematics or a Mathematician; he just simply said, he's a retired accountant. I asked him about one of the things that struck me that was with him: the abacus. He told me that it's different than the others; that it is actually a Filipino Abacus. I asked him to teach me how to use it. I learned a lot. Actually, just the basics. But it's "a lot" for me already. And my sister-best friend arrived.

He asked us what we are doing with our lives? I understand it with regard to "work". I was to say that I'm a nurse and that I'm a lecturer/ reviewer for NLE. Then I got reminded: Before anything else, I am a Missionary. And that's what I told him. And him knowing my answer, we take on from Math to Religion and Philosophies. Man, that's way far from one another!

God taught me that to every man I meet, I am responsible for that man's soul. I am a Catholic missionary. He said he's Catholic but not anymore practicing. And I get perplexed. How can that be? If one is a Catholic, one is either a Catholic through and through or not Catholic at all. The way I see it, he's a humanist-relativist.

There was this question he asked, "Hindi ko ba matitibag ang mga pinaniniwalaan ninyo?" We answered, "Hindi po." This answer of ours, allowed us to be engaged in a deeper conversation. The very word I could give to describe the man's reaction to our answer of "hindi po" is: "Nang-gigil" siyang makipag-usap sa amin. With this, you'd think that he's trying to break the very foundation of the Faith that is in us. But. Podering from his reaction, we (my sister and I) arrived at two conclusions:

1. He wants to test us and our adherence to our beliefs; or,
2. He just wants to share his thoughts with us without bearing the responsibility of him changing our beliefs.

He poses questions on us, about our faith and our beliefs. The moment I felt this was going to happen, right then and there I prayed. I prayed to St. Michael the Archangel for defense in battles like this (not that this is a debate; but it is a spiritual warfare). I prayed to St. Anthony de Padua for eloquence of words. And to St. Augustine of Hippo as well, because he's my patron saint. And I know my sister is also praying.

The man poses questions of which questions I also asked myself back then; of which questions I also failed to answer myself. Instead of worrying what I have to say, I held on to God's promise:

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:19-20, NAB)

Truly, our God inspired me with His wisdom. I was able to speak, for God's glory, for that man's questions. I don't want to just nod with everything he says; if I did that it would be a burden for me whenever I'd recalled the event. I don't want to be left hanging without even answering for my Faith and what I believe in. I remembered what St. Peter said:

... Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. (cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16, NAB)

When someone asks you an answer for your faith, our first Pope made it clear: when you answer you do it with gentleness and reverence (respect). Your goal is not to win the conversation, but to win the person and his soul for Christ. Before you answer, you pray for God's wisdom, knowledge, and presence. After you answer, you pray in thanksgiving and you pray for the man's soul.

The man told us, "Believe, not because it's true, but because it is beautiful". That's quite good. But isn't it that the fact that it is beautiful is because it is true? It is the truth that is why it is beautiful. It is not the truth that is why it is not beautiful.

I learned from him to always seize the moment, to enjoy the moment. Well, that's true. He enjoyed our talk. We also enjoyed talking to him. He thanked us. We also thanked him.

There's also one thing I can be proud of, that if ever the Filipino Abacus subject be added into the primary education curriculum, then I can say that I have met and actually spoke with the man who finds it essential for basic Mathematics.

Lord, I am a Catholic; and I will die a Catholic.

*NAB - New American Bible

This is Your Lesson Number One

Lesson #1 to becoming SAINT:

SELF-DENIAL

That I almost cried denying myself.

I thought self-denial was something easy to do. 

But this is what God taught me, to deny myself because of His LOVE for me and for LOVE of Him.

Fearless

LORD, make me always remember that Sunday morning when I stood in front of almost 1,500 young men and women, together with my missionary brothers and sisters, and declared that we'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU!

Despite of our fears, we'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU!
Despite of the pain, we'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU!
Despite of our difficulties, we'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU!
Despite of the persecutions, we'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU!
Despite of our uncertainties, we'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU!
Despite of the unknown, we'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU!

We'll be FEARLESS FOR YOU, because YOU LOVED US FIRST!

My GOD is now my Strength [Part 1]

I've lost myself for good within God's promise.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

I entered my review class with a heavy heart. Everything the reviewer says was mere noise to me. I was not in the mood to study and learn. And since everything was just noise and I can’t digest and understand anything, I moved out of the room, went to the veranda of the building. I tried to cool myself: Nagpahangin ako ng magulong puso.

It was supposed to be a me-time moment. But God made it as a God-time moment. As to where I am, I had a view of the houses, the cars, the other buildings, etc. As I sit in the veranda, I saw a flock of birds just flying in circular manner. This is where the Lord spoke to me.

God says:

See the birds fly? As they fly, they are able to worship Me. In their very act of flying and in simply flying, they are worshipping Me. They are able to worship Me by just doing what they are made to do. And Kaye, I made you for Me. By simply being human, you are worshipping Me. In doing the things I made you to do, you are able to worship Me. I MADE YOU FOR ME; and not for anyone else, not even for yourself. And with this, I promise that you are DESTINED AND MADE FOR GREATNESS, that I may be worshipped.

With this, it occurred to me that I should get back to class and review. This is because by just reviewing and doing it for God, I am able to worship Him. What God told me created both fear and excitement. Fear of not even having myself; and excitement for what the Lord will further do for me to witness and experience. Before going back to review, I prayed and thanked God for the affirmation. I went back to review, and heard another affirmation.

Through our reviewer, I believed that God affirmed our work of being missionaries. Our reviewer was discussing “transcultural nursing”; and in the latest book of Madeleine Leininger (proponent of transcultural nursing), she says that Filipinos is the best example of transcultural nursing. With this discussion, I am affirmed that God has really set the Filipino people for His Work: that God would use the Filipinos in the Church’s work of evangelization and mission.

Thursday, April 14, 2011.

A day before the much-awaited World Youth Congress 2011. It was about 6AM. A carpool of missionaries was bound to the north of Luzon at Dagupan City, Pangasinan, for a five-hour drive. We were able to reach Dagupan City by almost 12PM. As we enter the main venue, CSI Stadia, and as I saw the stage, aesthetics, the largeness of the venue, etc., I said to myself: “Huwaw! This is the life! Ang lakas! Sure win ang congress.” Everything in Stadia was big. Ang laki ng stage. Larger than twice the human height ang mga designs. Kakainin ka ng venue if you are not prepared for its greatness.

Then we had our Mass at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. After celebrating the Mass there, we went to the Blessed Sacrament. Everything was just beautiful and everything was worth experiencing. ‘Yung pag-Simba ko lang sa Cathedral at sa pagpunta sa presensya ni Kristo sa Blessed Sacrament, panalo na ang congress ko!

In the evening, we went back to Stadia for our recollection. The message was very powerful: 

JESUS CHRIST IS THE MASTER OF BOTH THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN.

The congress proper has not even started. 

But the strength of God was very present. 
On the feeding of the five thousand: Lahat kayang pakainin.

Totoo, Walang Imposible Sa Lakas Ng Diyos!


My God is now my strength.
-cf. Isaiah 49:5

How Did The Mission Trip Changed Your Life?

The Subic Mission Team's One-liner in:

How Did The Mission Trip Changed Your Life?

“The mission trip changed me to a much faithful and Christ-centered person.” 

–Renzo Gabriel

“Masaya mag-mission at makakilala ng iba’t ibang klase ng tao; knowing that you glorify one God and at the same time know their stories and learned from it.” 

–May Evangelista

“The mission trip helped me to be closer to God and made me realize that I should serve Him more.” 

–Renz Baxa

“The mission trip fulfilled me.” 

–Meme Asejo

“The mission trip made me a stronger, better, and a holy person.” 

–Kevin Matignas

“The mission trip changed me dramatically in spirit, mind, and heart.” 

–Marvin Eguico

“The mission trip inspired me to be more dedicated to my service.” 

–Ynah Gabriel

“The mission trip made me realize that truly, the majestic power and love of God can reach far places; distance will never be a hindrance.” 

–Tash Salcedo

“Mas nag-enjoy akong mag-serve.” 

–Jhoanne Pataueg

“It is not only in receiving that we experience the love of God, but also in giving ourselves for the sake of others and, most of all, for the sake of Christ.” 

–Kaye Matignas

The Mission Team

Thank you Lord for the mission trip's joyride experience!
Thank you Lord for changing us inside out!


God bless all of the mission trip and all of the missionaries!

God's Work Needs No Delay

Mission Area: District of Iba
Mission Activity: CFC YFL Youth Camp


May 28-30, 2010. The first-ever mission trip to the District of Iba was conducted by a team of 15 different young individuals all responding to the one call of Christ to love Him and to make Him loved. It was such a joyride of an experience! The mission team ran a CFC YFL Youth Camp. The harvest of this youth camp counts to thirty-one (31) new souls!

God’s work needs no delay and so He will not delay you.

“There is a given time for everything and a time for every happening under heaven”

– Ecclesiastes 3:1 (CCB)

It was set as a two-day camp and since we wanted to start on time on the first day of the camp, ie, on a Saturday (29 May 2010), we departed from Manila by Friday (28 May 2010). In traveling to Subic, we have divided the team into two batches. The first batch departs by two in the afternoon (2PM). The second batch departs by seven in the evening (7PM). Those included in the first batch are those who do not have summer classes; while those who have their summer classes and ojt’s are part of the second batch. Unfortunately, I am part of the second batch. Trips to Subic are scheduled by the-hour; the last trip to Subic is scheduled by 9PM. We (the second batch) are supposed to meet at SSS, East Avenue by 6PM. But what happened was different from what was planned. Heavy rain falls caused heavy traffic in Metro Manila. And yes, it was raining heavily by that time. It was already 7PM and we are still not moving from SSS. Two trips to go. I messaged the team to pray for us. Prayer is our most powerful tool. I don’t want to say hello to Subic by Saturday. When we arrived at the bus terminal by 07:20PM, I saw the bus to Subic. The sight of it excites me; but we can’t board it yet, we still have to wait for our two other missionaries. And so, I prayed and I claimed in Jesus’ Name that the bus that has given me part of the taste of the mission will be the same bus we’d board into. It was 07:30PM when the 7PM trip left Manila. And yes, we are Subic-bound!

God’s work needs no delay and so He will give you strength.

“[But (God) answered:] “my grace is enough for you; my great strength is revealed in your weakness”. Gladly, then, will I boast of my weakness that the strength of Christ may be mine.” 

– 2 Corinthians 12:9

I was assigned to give the third talk of the youth camp. Giving a talk is an exciting thing to do. As it is exciting, it is exhausting as well. It is exhausting in a way that, you have to connect all the points into one thread, you have to connect that one thread to the participants, and you really have to be part of that one thread to get connected to the participants. And as you connect to the participants, you absorb other negativities, eg, the heat of the place (or it might be because I am giving the talk), the inattentive of some, and other distractions. But the negatives I absorbed had not made me quit the work that needs to be done. I refocus myself to the very reason why I am there in the first place: the Love of Christ!

It was not only me who has seen the weight of this work. But as I saw its weight, I have seen the greatness of God’s power and might. One facilitator is to four participants, that is the minimum. And that one facilitator is to four to five sets of one-to-ones. With this article, I would like to honor the facilitators of our team. They did their service really well. Though it is a tough service, they had not seen its cost on their human strength. But they had seen its cause: the Love of Christ!

God’s work needs no delay simply because it is all about God.

"This is love: not that we loved God but that he first loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - 1 John 4:10 (CCB)

Our God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and above all, Love. The very fact that the work of our God needs no delay is simply because He loved us first. It is all about Him loving us; for His love is ever constant that it does not increase nor does it decrease. God Himself did not delay His love for us: "But see how God manifested his love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, CCB). In the same way, we should not, as well, delay to channel the love of God to our brothers and sisters. It is because they need what we need: the Love of Christ!

  

Note:

Italics in the Bible verses are mine.

All Bible verses are taken using the Digital Catholic Bible software program, with the Christian Community Bible (CCB) version. © 2007-2008.