Tina's Reflection on the Temple of God

After almost a month of adjustment in our stay in the U.S. back in 2005, I began to deeply listen to God's Word again (this is not always easy to do). As I read and meditated on 1 Kings chapters 3-8, I was amazed at how God answered King Solomon's prayer so generously. He only asked for wisdom but God gave him riches, honor and a long life in addition (1 Kings 3:8-15).

In chapter 6, God chose King Solomon to build His temple and it amazes me how precise God's instruction was when it came to every detail—the measurements of everything, the materials, etc.

I'm touched by the fact that God chose King Solomon to build His temple and how blessed King Solomon was. And as I was reflecting about it, I asked, "Why him?" I was a little envious. But the Lord God just whispered in my heart in a loving voice and said, "You know Tina, as I have chosen King Solomon to build my temple, I have also chosen you. I no longer live in a temple, I now live in the hearts of people. And I want you to build those people. That's what you have been doing and I want you to continue to do. Remember the calling I gave you in John 15:16 when you changed your profession in the early 80s? You overlooked verse 17. Don't worry as I have provided for King Solomon generously, I will provide for your needs." Once again the Lord reminded me of another promise in Phil. 4:19 before I left my career and became full-time in the ministry.

The life of King Solomon inspired me to continue on with what I have been doing as I involve myself in the lives of people. Sometimes I have wondered if God has another assignment for me to do. But God made it clear to me that this is my calling and I will continue to do it by God's grace.

Now I can say that God is faithful and true to His promises (Ps. 37:23-26).

Praise and thank God!! Glory belongs to Him!!

Scouting for A Camp Site

On July 19, the high school ministry team visited a Christian camp site for next year's summer camp. The camp is located in Batangas, a province south of Manila. It sits on a terraced hill that stretches down to a flowing river. The students can look forward to new experiences, such as sleeping in tents on the terraced slope and a trek through the river. The high school team will return early next year for a trial run.

Before we left the camp, we read Scriptures and prayed over our new National Youth Coordinator, Jerry Francisco. Jerry is a product of REACH's high school ministry, worked for a number of years as a technical assistant in the REACH office, and served in the REACH high school ministry. He will be encouraging local REACH ministries to establish their own high school ministries and coordinate national activities for the youth in REACH.

We ended our time before going back to Manila eating Vietnamese food at Bawai Restaurant in nearby Tagaytay City. We had an enjoyable time of fellowship and trying out new food. 

The school year is now underway, and the high school team will be gearing up to reach out to new students while following up students from the previous two years. Please pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to guide the team in the coming weeks and months.

Communications Work

That's Dave in the foreground taking video coverage of the ministry elders praying over Dr. Paul Pasicolan who stepped forward to be REACH's national director. This is just one of the tasks Dave performs as a communications specialist for REACH, Inc.

Dave came to the Philippines in September 1992 to help set up a communications department for REACH, Inc. He takes pictures and videos of ministry events, interviews people and writes reports on activities, and does the layout for the ministry's quarterly newsletter. He also designs brochures, assists with the Bible study materials, and writes for other promotional needs of the ministry. 

Looking back, he can see how God prepared him for this ministry and is thankful to give back to God the talents and abilities He gave him.

Summer Training Program in Butuan City

Tina and I were among 22 resource speakers at REACH's one-month collegiate training program. The program was held outside Butuan City in northern Mindanao.

We spoke on five topics during the first week: Tina spoke on Intimacy With God and how important it is to prioritize God in one's life and shared her own experiences in how she learned to do this. She also spoke on Basic Trust—how trust is built during various developmental stages and how it can be broken and restored. I spoke on Verse Analysis (how to study a verse of the Bible), Devotional Journaling and News Writing.

It was a refreshing time to see God's beautiful creation all around us, to visit with ministry leaders from Mindanao whom we don't get to see as often, and mingle with the students.

REACH High School Summer Camp

Fifty-one students from four ministry areas in Luzon attended the summer camp. The camp was held at the Bayside Bible Camp in Lemery, Batangas on April 11-13. The theme was based on Psalm 119:9, 11. Students learned about setting godly standards in their relationships, taking a stand as Joseph did when tempted, and prioritizing God’s Word like Joshua. They also learned about prayer, obedience to authorities, and stewardship.

Tina helped with many of the details leading up to the camp and led one of the quiet time groups in the morning. Dave led a topic on Devotional Journaling for the college students who attended and helped during the praise and worship times and the games.

It’s always encouraging to see the students' joy and enthusiasm.