I was chatting with the "kasambahay" of my sister. Somehow, we talked about why I am so dirt poor. My sister commented that I am poor because I opted or I decided to be poor. I've decided to live in a third world underdeveloped country. She again said that she can help me stay in Singapore for three months. I guess she also wants to tell me that I can just find work in SIngapore. I replied that I am happy in Cambodia.
John Rawls, a political philosopher, once said that, "For there to have a social justice the greater blessing should be open to the least privilege member of the society."
That is the very reason why I am committed to working and living with the poor people.
I always bring clothes from my sister's abode everytime I come home (Cambodia) from SIngapore. The clothes that I brought home this week were all fairly new. Maybe just worn by my nephew once or twice. Those clothes are much better than those one can buy in Second Hand shops.
I gave some clothes to our school's cleaner/janitress. She was so happy with those clothes. I also gave clothes to two pastors who are serving God in spite of the fact that there is no money in the ministry. Those pastors are sharing God's word to the poorest of the poor in Cambodia.
Those things make me happy and I won't definitely experience the same in Singapore. :-)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Back off!
Are you pissed off with me? It seems you are.
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me every time He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me every time He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Pathetic
"C'mon! Let's go out!", Mark told me.
"Where are we going?", I replied.
"Let's go barhopping. Don't worry. I'll pay."
"I don't want to go out.", I said with a smile.
"Pablo, you've been so sad for a week now. I don't want you to be sad. Let's go out and have fun."
"No, thanks. See you tomorrow." I smiled politely.
But I was telling myself, "How can I have fun when my Nanay (mother) has been in ICU for a month now and I can't even be with her because she's miles away. I can't even call her on the phone because it might interfere with the medical apparatus? Pathetic!"
I closed the door gently but I was sad. How can friends be so pathetic? Don't they know that I am grieving right now?
As I always do everytime I am in emotional pain, I opened myBible. I turned to John 11.
John 11 is about Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary. In the story, Jesus learned that Lazarus died.
Lazarus' sisters, therefore, were grieving.
Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha and Mary so much. Mary was the same woman who poured an expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.
We know what happened next. Jesus wanted to visit them inspite of the danger He may encounter in going to the same place where the Jews stoned Him.
Martha was probably discouraged. She felt that her only hope,Jesus, was late in coming to help them (verse 21). I guess, though, that Martha was still hopeful as she told Jesus, "But I know that even now God will giveyou whatever you ask." (verse 22)
How did Jesus respond?
Jesus knew that Martha and Mary were grieving.
Did Jesus invite them to go to the Jordan River for aswim? No, He did not.
Did Jesus ask Martha to go shopping? No, He did not.
Funny but it is how some us console our friends.
Did He rebuke Martha and Mary for having a little faith? No,He did not.
Instead, He reassured Martha and Mary by telling them what He can do as the Son of God.
Then they went to the tomb.
What happened next?
Jesus wept (verse 35).
You might be asking, "Why did Jesus weep?"
Or you might be thinking in the same way that Jews who were there thought. You might be thinking thatJesus wept because He loved Lazarus so much. (verse 36)
Jesus' love for Lazarus is unquestionable. But was that the reason He wept. I am convinced that it was not.
Let's go back a bit to know the reason. Verse 33 says, "WhenJesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled."
I strongly believe that Jesus wept because He was feeling what Martha and Mary felt. He was actually empathizing with them.
Webster's Dictionary defined empathy as, "the action of vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another."
I have reasons to believe that the reason why Jesus wept is because He was empathizing with Mary and Martha.
I hope we can learn from Jesus when we have a friend who is suffering.
Instead of rebuking our friends;
Instead of treating our friends to McDonald's or Starbucks;
We can use the Scriptures to reassure that Jesus is still in control.
We can also relay to them that we care by empathizing with them.
"Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.Make me a blessing,
make me a blessing today"
-from the hymn "Make Me A Blessing"
"Where are we going?", I replied.
"Let's go barhopping. Don't worry. I'll pay."
"I don't want to go out.", I said with a smile.
"Pablo, you've been so sad for a week now. I don't want you to be sad. Let's go out and have fun."
"No, thanks. See you tomorrow." I smiled politely.
But I was telling myself, "How can I have fun when my Nanay (mother) has been in ICU for a month now and I can't even be with her because she's miles away. I can't even call her on the phone because it might interfere with the medical apparatus? Pathetic!"
I closed the door gently but I was sad. How can friends be so pathetic? Don't they know that I am grieving right now?
As I always do everytime I am in emotional pain, I opened myBible. I turned to John 11.
John 11 is about Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary. In the story, Jesus learned that Lazarus died.
Lazarus' sisters, therefore, were grieving.
Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha and Mary so much. Mary was the same woman who poured an expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.
We know what happened next. Jesus wanted to visit them inspite of the danger He may encounter in going to the same place where the Jews stoned Him.
Martha was probably discouraged. She felt that her only hope,Jesus, was late in coming to help them (verse 21). I guess, though, that Martha was still hopeful as she told Jesus, "But I know that even now God will giveyou whatever you ask." (verse 22)
How did Jesus respond?
Jesus knew that Martha and Mary were grieving.
Did Jesus invite them to go to the Jordan River for aswim? No, He did not.
Did Jesus ask Martha to go shopping? No, He did not.
Funny but it is how some us console our friends.
Did He rebuke Martha and Mary for having a little faith? No,He did not.
Instead, He reassured Martha and Mary by telling them what He can do as the Son of God.
Then they went to the tomb.
What happened next?
Jesus wept (verse 35).
You might be asking, "Why did Jesus weep?"
Or you might be thinking in the same way that Jews who were there thought. You might be thinking thatJesus wept because He loved Lazarus so much. (verse 36)
Jesus' love for Lazarus is unquestionable. But was that the reason He wept. I am convinced that it was not.
Let's go back a bit to know the reason. Verse 33 says, "WhenJesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled."
I strongly believe that Jesus wept because He was feeling what Martha and Mary felt. He was actually empathizing with them.
Webster's Dictionary defined empathy as, "the action of vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another."
I have reasons to believe that the reason why Jesus wept is because He was empathizing with Mary and Martha.
I hope we can learn from Jesus when we have a friend who is suffering.
Instead of rebuking our friends;
Instead of treating our friends to McDonald's or Starbucks;
We can use the Scriptures to reassure that Jesus is still in control.
We can also relay to them that we care by empathizing with them.
"Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.Make me a blessing,
make me a blessing today"
-from the hymn "Make Me A Blessing"
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
U.S.: International Police Dog?
Bret Stephens' article entitled "From WikiLeaks To The Killing Fields" that appeared in July 27,2010 issue of Wall Street Journal is full of errors. I nearly defecated on my pants upon reading his article.
What he is actually saying is that the American presence in South East Asia during the tumultuous years of the 70s is not only justified but it is warranted. He posited that the Khmer Rouge genocide wouldn't have happened if the Americans did not leave Cambodia.
This for me is an unacceptable rationale.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens that U.S. bombings that killed innocent civilians, the Agent Orange, and supporting a corrupt Lon Nol government actually helped the insurgents by cultivating discontents among ordinary Cambodians who may have stayed neutral if members of their families were not killed because of American aggression.
Moreover, he attributed "the killing of an estimated 165,000 South Vietnamese in so-called re-education camps; the mass exodus of one million boat people, a quarter of whom died at sea; the mass murder, estimated at 100,000, of Laos's Hmong people; and the killing of somewhere between one million and two million Cambodians" to the withdrawal of American troops. (Wall Street Journal, July 27, 2010)
I am wondering if Mr. Stephens is ignorant of the atrocities of the American troops that killed millions of civilians or he is just having a dementia.
Because of this, let me remind Mr. Stephens about the Agent Orange that still is creating havoc to some Cambodians, Laotians, and Vietnamese until now.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens about the American bombings of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam that killed millions of civilians. Let me remind him too that so many of these bombs are still here in Cambodia and are killing innocent civilians up to now. These UXOs (Unexploded Ordnance) did not explode when American warplanes dropped and still poses a threat to unsuspecting victims.
The idea that Americans are needed in Afghanistan and Iraq makes me puke. The United States really has this messianic complex and they think that the world will be chaotic without them.
On the contrary, the world will be a better place without the American troops who are committing atrocious crimes in the Philippines, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Just two weeks ago I posted a news clip about the American troops who arrogantly disrespected our national anthem and the Philippine flag (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100719-282027/American-soldiers-disrespect-to-RP-flag-in-AFP-camp-probed). And just only a few days ago, American soldiers harassed a Filipina and shouted invectives to a Filipino military officer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100721-282380/5-US-soldiers-probed-for-rowdy-behavior-in-Zamboanga-concert).
I am wondering what is happening now in Iraq and Afghanistan were American troops are present. I am also wondering if Mr. Stephens is turning a blind eye on these.
Yes, the Khmer Rouge did an abominable act. But there is nothing that can justify the presence of American troops in sovereign and independent states.
I can only hope that the United States will back off from being a self-imposed international police dog.
What he is actually saying is that the American presence in South East Asia during the tumultuous years of the 70s is not only justified but it is warranted. He posited that the Khmer Rouge genocide wouldn't have happened if the Americans did not leave Cambodia.
This for me is an unacceptable rationale.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens that U.S. bombings that killed innocent civilians, the Agent Orange, and supporting a corrupt Lon Nol government actually helped the insurgents by cultivating discontents among ordinary Cambodians who may have stayed neutral if members of their families were not killed because of American aggression.
Moreover, he attributed "the killing of an estimated 165,000 South Vietnamese in so-called re-education camps; the mass exodus of one million boat people, a quarter of whom died at sea; the mass murder, estimated at 100,000, of Laos's Hmong people; and the killing of somewhere between one million and two million Cambodians" to the withdrawal of American troops. (Wall Street Journal, July 27, 2010)
I am wondering if Mr. Stephens is ignorant of the atrocities of the American troops that killed millions of civilians or he is just having a dementia.
Because of this, let me remind Mr. Stephens about the Agent Orange that still is creating havoc to some Cambodians, Laotians, and Vietnamese until now.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens about the American bombings of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam that killed millions of civilians. Let me remind him too that so many of these bombs are still here in Cambodia and are killing innocent civilians up to now. These UXOs (Unexploded Ordnance) did not explode when American warplanes dropped and still poses a threat to unsuspecting victims.
The idea that Americans are needed in Afghanistan and Iraq makes me puke. The United States really has this messianic complex and they think that the world will be chaotic without them.
On the contrary, the world will be a better place without the American troops who are committing atrocious crimes in the Philippines, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Just two weeks ago I posted a news clip about the American troops who arrogantly disrespected our national anthem and the Philippine flag (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100719-282027/American-soldiers-disrespect-to-RP-flag-in-AFP-camp-probed). And just only a few days ago, American soldiers harassed a Filipina and shouted invectives to a Filipino military officer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100721-282380/5-US-soldiers-probed-for-rowdy-behavior-in-Zamboanga-concert).
I am wondering what is happening now in Iraq and Afghanistan were American troops are present. I am also wondering if Mr. Stephens is turning a blind eye on these.
Yes, the Khmer Rouge did an abominable act. But there is nothing that can justify the presence of American troops in sovereign and independent states.
I can only hope that the United States will back off from being a self-imposed international police dog.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Labada
(tula para sa isang kaibigan)
Kahapon
Ibinabad ko sa sabon
Ang t-shirt na bigay mo.
Umaasang maalis nito
Ang mga mantsang nanikit
Dahil sa ilang taong pasakit
Kagabi
Kinusot ko ito nang ilang beses
Hanggang maramdaman ko
Ang hapdi sa aking mga palad
Hindi ko ininda ang sakit
Kahit may mga dugo na
Ang mga sugat ko
Dahil umaasang maililigtas ko pa
Ang ating pagmamahalan
Kanina
Ikinula ko sa init ng araw
Umaasang muli kong mararamdaman
Ang init ng iyong pagmamahal
Kapag isinuot ko ulit
Ang bigay mong t-shirt
Ngayon
Nasa SM ako
Isinusukat ko ang matingkad na blusa
Ngayon ko lamang ulit napansin
Pagkaraan ng maraming taong kita’y kasama
Na bagay pala sa akin
Ang matingkad na blusa
Mamaya
Itatapon ko na ang t-shirt na bigay mo
Paalam, irog ko.
Kahapon
Ibinabad ko sa sabon
Ang t-shirt na bigay mo.
Umaasang maalis nito
Ang mga mantsang nanikit
Dahil sa ilang taong pasakit
Kagabi
Kinusot ko ito nang ilang beses
Hanggang maramdaman ko
Ang hapdi sa aking mga palad
Hindi ko ininda ang sakit
Kahit may mga dugo na
Ang mga sugat ko
Dahil umaasang maililigtas ko pa
Ang ating pagmamahalan
Kanina
Ikinula ko sa init ng araw
Umaasang muli kong mararamdaman
Ang init ng iyong pagmamahal
Kapag isinuot ko ulit
Ang bigay mong t-shirt
Ngayon
Nasa SM ako
Isinusukat ko ang matingkad na blusa
Ngayon ko lamang ulit napansin
Pagkaraan ng maraming taong kita’y kasama
Na bagay pala sa akin
Ang matingkad na blusa
Mamaya
Itatapon ko na ang t-shirt na bigay mo
Paalam, irog ko.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Nompang Pate
One thing that I thank God for for bringing me here is that I can really enjoy cheap foods.
One of my favorites here in Cambodia is Nompang Pate. Nompang Pate is a baguette with strips of pate. The usual length of a baguetee here in Cambodia is about twelve inches. Pate is similar to luncheon meat. Home made liver spread is also applied on the baguette which is sliced into two. It is also eaten with fresh onion leaves and pickled cucumber.
And guess how much is the nompang pate? You can enjoy the goodness of nompang pate with 3,000riel (0.75USD).
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I Covet Your Prayers
For more than a month now, I've been teaching English class in the church. This is our way of getting connected with the youth in our community.
From 4PM to 5PM, I am teaching a class of 8 students.
We've been using the Bible in our reading activities. We already taught them two Christian songs.
Now, I do admit that I cannot do it with my own strength. Therefore, I am asking you to please... please... pray for each student. They are Voleak, Sieng, Ghech, Huang, Sok Leap, Monineth, Phalla, and Sopheavy. Please mention them when you talk to our Lord.
Please pray for God's leading as to the perfect time were I can share to them the Gospel and challenge them to trust the Lord.
Please pray that they will always have the enthusiasm in coming to church for their English lessons (and of course, Bible lessons).
Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Pissed off?
Are you pissed off with me? It seems you are.
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me everytime He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me everytime He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Bong Maly
How will you teach a 47-year old lady who cannot recognize the alphabet and distinguish sounds of vowels and consonants? That really is a daunting task for me.
But I will not give up.
I've been teaching Bong Maly for two weeks now.
Bong Maly helped us a lot in the church. She is very active in the ministry. She invited a lot of people to attend our activities. She is also tireless in sharing the Gospel.
She is like the "Chosen Lady" that Apostle John wrote in his epistle. The only difference I guess is that she is married.
More than a month ago, she shared to our Pastor her desire to work and help her husband. Our Pastor recommended her to work in one of the Christian NGOs here in Cambodia. There is one obstacle though. That NGO prefers someone who can speak English.
That is why I am committed to help her in learning English.
We are now studying various sounds of consonants and vowels. We are following Montessori method which was developed by Maria Montessori. We actually started with the sound of M because according to Maria Montessori the sound of the letter M is the easiest to learn.
Slowly, we are now blending sounds together. We now have around 20 words in CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) pattern that we are trying to memorize.
Guess how many words in CVC pattern that she can read? One. That is right. One. The word "sit".
But I am not giving. I am very positive that she can learn the English language. With perseverance and prayers to God, we will be successful.
I will really be happy if she can get that job in that Christian NGO and if she can communicate with her bosses there in English.
Please help me God.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Betrayal
I hate betrayal!
Sad to say I was betrayed a lot of times. There are two types of people who are prone to betray people. First, those who are powerful. Those powers-that-be. Those who think that they don’t need ants or insects like me to live in this world. They are so proud of themselves. That’s why they look down on me condescendingly. Second, those who are also dirt poor like me who think that they are something when in fact they are nothing. They look down to us poor and simple people because they think that we, simple people, cannot contrbute something to them. They just ignore us because they think that we are just a waste of their time. Sadly, I met so many people who are in the second category.
But just okay. I will just treasure those who are real friends who accepted me not because they think that I can give them something. Those people whose friendships are an end-in-itself and not just a means-to-an-end!
Thus, I will just smile.
Maybe you are asking: Why "betrayal" as a title? Because I felt betrayed by people who are supposed to love me unconditionally but yet they are the one who look down at me.
Live and let live!
Sad to say I was betrayed a lot of times. There are two types of people who are prone to betray people. First, those who are powerful. Those powers-that-be. Those who think that they don’t need ants or insects like me to live in this world. They are so proud of themselves. That’s why they look down on me condescendingly. Second, those who are also dirt poor like me who think that they are something when in fact they are nothing. They look down to us poor and simple people because they think that we, simple people, cannot contrbute something to them. They just ignore us because they think that we are just a waste of their time. Sadly, I met so many people who are in the second category.
But just okay. I will just treasure those who are real friends who accepted me not because they think that I can give them something. Those people whose friendships are an end-in-itself and not just a means-to-an-end!
Thus, I will just smile.
Maybe you are asking: Why "betrayal" as a title? Because I felt betrayed by people who are supposed to love me unconditionally but yet they are the one who look down at me.
Live and let live!
Detalyadong Kuwento
( I am reposting here an entry from my old blog account. I wrote this on June 27, 2006.)
Eto, ang detalyadong kuwento. Siyanga pala, kailangan kong magkuwento sa tagalog dahil sa kapakanan ng mga kasama ko. alam niyo na. Dumating kami dito sa Laos ng Biyernes. Kasama ko si Sam, isang Canadian na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa Hongkong, si Jeff, isang amerikano na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa thailand dahil doon ang base ng kanyang trabaho at si Joshua na isang amerikano na nakabase sa vietnam. Naku! Unang beses kong nakakita ng pulang watawat na may panggapas at martilyo sa gitna. Andami dito. Lahat yata ng opisina ay meron dito. Masaya naman dito. Masarap ang pagkaing Laos. Napapangiti nga ako dahil mga eksperto sa pagkain at kape ang mga kasama ko. Kanina ba naman eh kumain kami ng noodles. Tapos, lahat sila ay nagkaisa na hindi masarap ang sabaw. Sabi nila ay malamang ay lalaki ang baka ng karneng inihalo sa noodles. At iyon daw ay hindi kinapon nang bata pa. Hindi sila nagbibiro nang sinabi nila ito. Kaya sigurado ako na totoo ang sinabi nila. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na kailangan palang kapunin ang baka para maging masarap. Nitong mga nakaraang araw ay bumisita kami sa ilang mga lugar na balak pagtayuan ng plantasyon ng kape. Binisita rin namin ang ilang kilalang plantasyon ng kape dito. Pati na rin ang research center ng kape. Balak kasi nilang magtayo ng plantasyon ng kape dito para makapasok sa bansang ito ang aming "organisasyon". Binisita rin namin ang isang unibersidad (na napakaganda) at malamang ay magturo kami dito ni Vida doon ng libre. Paraan namin ito para makapasok rin ang aming "organisasyon". Kaya sana ay ipanalangin niyo ako. O sige. Bukas ay babalik na ako papuntang Cambodia. Sa muling pagsulat. Pagpalain kayo ng Diyos.
Eto, ang detalyadong kuwento. Siyanga pala, kailangan kong magkuwento sa tagalog dahil sa kapakanan ng mga kasama ko. alam niyo na. Dumating kami dito sa Laos ng Biyernes. Kasama ko si Sam, isang Canadian na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa Hongkong, si Jeff, isang amerikano na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa thailand dahil doon ang base ng kanyang trabaho at si Joshua na isang amerikano na nakabase sa vietnam. Naku! Unang beses kong nakakita ng pulang watawat na may panggapas at martilyo sa gitna. Andami dito. Lahat yata ng opisina ay meron dito. Masaya naman dito. Masarap ang pagkaing Laos. Napapangiti nga ako dahil mga eksperto sa pagkain at kape ang mga kasama ko. Kanina ba naman eh kumain kami ng noodles. Tapos, lahat sila ay nagkaisa na hindi masarap ang sabaw. Sabi nila ay malamang ay lalaki ang baka ng karneng inihalo sa noodles. At iyon daw ay hindi kinapon nang bata pa. Hindi sila nagbibiro nang sinabi nila ito. Kaya sigurado ako na totoo ang sinabi nila. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na kailangan palang kapunin ang baka para maging masarap. Nitong mga nakaraang araw ay bumisita kami sa ilang mga lugar na balak pagtayuan ng plantasyon ng kape. Binisita rin namin ang ilang kilalang plantasyon ng kape dito. Pati na rin ang research center ng kape. Balak kasi nilang magtayo ng plantasyon ng kape dito para makapasok sa bansang ito ang aming "organisasyon". Binisita rin namin ang isang unibersidad (na napakaganda) at malamang ay magturo kami dito ni Vida doon ng libre. Paraan namin ito para makapasok rin ang aming "organisasyon". Kaya sana ay ipanalangin niyo ako. O sige. Bukas ay babalik na ako papuntang Cambodia. Sa muling pagsulat. Pagpalain kayo ng Diyos.
A Wonderful Gift From God
(I am reposting here an entry in my old blog account which I wrote on December 19, 2005)
A Wonderful Gift From God
Monday, December 19th, 2005
I and Vids consider our experience in Iloilo a wonderful gift from God.
Aside from the fact that it is a blessing knowing brothers and sisters in the Lord in Iloilo whom we enjoyed spending time with we have learned and discovered a lot about ourselves.
We are thankful to God for giving us Pastor Boy, Tintin, Nang Crista, Nong Sonny, Ate Jo, Pastor Jon, Nong Mart, Nang Gilma, Sharmaine, and Doc Ruel and other Center of Grace family who really showed their love for us. To you guys, thank you very much for showing us what a true Christian love is. We will always keep you in our hearts.
But there are two persons who really made a niche in my heart. I felt that I can really relate with them well. They are Nang Nita and Nong Jun Sano.
Nang Nita lives in the street just 20 meters away from the church building. She sleeps on the pavement. She is about fifty to fifty five years old and she is "mentally impaired (to use politically correct terms). I and Nang Nita had a long chat last June and I really enjoyed talking to her (This was when she was in her right mind). From then on whenever I will pass by her I will take few minutes to chat with her. Sometimes, when I have money I will give her 25 pesos for her meal and if I don’t have money I will give her instant noodles. Since then I noticed that she always sweeps the front of the chapel. I told myself that maybe she is doing it as a sign of gratitude for what I am giving her. Or maybe because it is her way to show her love for us her friends. What God taught me about her is that if we will respect and love any individual, that person will learn to respect and love us in return.
Nong Jun is a pedicab driver who I always meet on the street. Once I passed by him while he was with his fellow pedicab driver and through them I learned that his wife was in the hospital. One night, while talking to him I’ve learned that his wife was to be discharged from the hospital. One problem though. He doesn’t have P1,000 for her hospital bill. That night, I and Vids only had P300 in our pocket and we decided to give him the P200 as a sign of our love for him trusting God that He will provide for all our needs because it was His willl for us to help Nong Jun. I also decided to approach Pastor Boy Narido and some church leaders and they decided to help Nong Jun. The next Sunday Nong Jun attended the worship service and he is consistent in attending all the services since then. What I learned from this experience is that showing love to another person is an effective way of sharing the Gospel. We should not be afraid of helping people (this is brought by the fear of producing "rice christians") because I can see that Nong Jun did not become a "rice christian" as a result of helping him In fact, he tried to return the good deeds by sewing the traveling bag that we used in going to Manila.
I am more convinced that I can really relate better with people who belong in the lowest economic strata of our society. Don’t get mer wrong here. :-) I enjoyed our time with others but there really is a special place in my heart with this kind of people. I don’t know why. And I don’t try to discover why. Maybe because I can really identify with them. Or maybe it is a result of my training in college (they say that most UPians are activists/communists). Or maybe…
I remember a story about Salot Sar (Pol Pot) of Khmer Rouge. Once he asked his comrade what is the best way for them to be loved by poor people in Cambodia. The conversation goes like this:
Salot Sar: How do you think will poor people love us?
Comrade: Fight for their right.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: Maybe help them materially.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: How?
Salot Sar: Live among them and leave like them. Eat what they eat. Identify as one with them. Then, they will learn to love you.
If we, Christians, will learn to idenrify with different people groups, then we can turn the whole upside down.
Another thing that I also learned in our stay in Iloilo is to hold on to my fundamental baptist belief. In Iloilo, I had the time to read not only books that support fundamentalism but also books that support neo-pentecostalism, third wave, etc. But as I read them, I become more convinced of my baptistic belief.
As you may know, I grew up with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) and since CCC is an interdenominational organization it taught me how to respect other christian denominations. But as time goes by, I’ve seen the importance to hold on to what I believe is true and biblical.
To Pastor Boy and Tintin, thank you for everything. I will cherish our time together. To Ate Jo, thank you for your love and friendship. I’ve really seen Christ in you. To Pastor Jon Jainga, thank you for being a true friend and a true brother in Christ. To Pastor Mike, thank you for showing us that doctrinal differences is not a hindrance to our friendship and brotherly love. As you said, we will always remain friends no matter what. Thank you, thank you very much
A Wonderful Gift From God
Monday, December 19th, 2005
I and Vids consider our experience in Iloilo a wonderful gift from God.
Aside from the fact that it is a blessing knowing brothers and sisters in the Lord in Iloilo whom we enjoyed spending time with we have learned and discovered a lot about ourselves.
We are thankful to God for giving us Pastor Boy, Tintin, Nang Crista, Nong Sonny, Ate Jo, Pastor Jon, Nong Mart, Nang Gilma, Sharmaine, and Doc Ruel and other Center of Grace family who really showed their love for us. To you guys, thank you very much for showing us what a true Christian love is. We will always keep you in our hearts.
But there are two persons who really made a niche in my heart. I felt that I can really relate with them well. They are Nang Nita and Nong Jun Sano.
Nang Nita lives in the street just 20 meters away from the church building. She sleeps on the pavement. She is about fifty to fifty five years old and she is "mentally impaired (to use politically correct terms). I and Nang Nita had a long chat last June and I really enjoyed talking to her (This was when she was in her right mind). From then on whenever I will pass by her I will take few minutes to chat with her. Sometimes, when I have money I will give her 25 pesos for her meal and if I don’t have money I will give her instant noodles. Since then I noticed that she always sweeps the front of the chapel. I told myself that maybe she is doing it as a sign of gratitude for what I am giving her. Or maybe because it is her way to show her love for us her friends. What God taught me about her is that if we will respect and love any individual, that person will learn to respect and love us in return.
Nong Jun is a pedicab driver who I always meet on the street. Once I passed by him while he was with his fellow pedicab driver and through them I learned that his wife was in the hospital. One night, while talking to him I’ve learned that his wife was to be discharged from the hospital. One problem though. He doesn’t have P1,000 for her hospital bill. That night, I and Vids only had P300 in our pocket and we decided to give him the P200 as a sign of our love for him trusting God that He will provide for all our needs because it was His willl for us to help Nong Jun. I also decided to approach Pastor Boy Narido and some church leaders and they decided to help Nong Jun. The next Sunday Nong Jun attended the worship service and he is consistent in attending all the services since then. What I learned from this experience is that showing love to another person is an effective way of sharing the Gospel. We should not be afraid of helping people (this is brought by the fear of producing "rice christians") because I can see that Nong Jun did not become a "rice christian" as a result of helping him In fact, he tried to return the good deeds by sewing the traveling bag that we used in going to Manila.
I am more convinced that I can really relate better with people who belong in the lowest economic strata of our society. Don’t get mer wrong here. :-) I enjoyed our time with others but there really is a special place in my heart with this kind of people. I don’t know why. And I don’t try to discover why. Maybe because I can really identify with them. Or maybe it is a result of my training in college (they say that most UPians are activists/communists). Or maybe…
I remember a story about Salot Sar (Pol Pot) of Khmer Rouge. Once he asked his comrade what is the best way for them to be loved by poor people in Cambodia. The conversation goes like this:
Salot Sar: How do you think will poor people love us?
Comrade: Fight for their right.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: Maybe help them materially.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: How?
Salot Sar: Live among them and leave like them. Eat what they eat. Identify as one with them. Then, they will learn to love you.
If we, Christians, will learn to idenrify with different people groups, then we can turn the whole upside down.
Another thing that I also learned in our stay in Iloilo is to hold on to my fundamental baptist belief. In Iloilo, I had the time to read not only books that support fundamentalism but also books that support neo-pentecostalism, third wave, etc. But as I read them, I become more convinced of my baptistic belief.
As you may know, I grew up with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) and since CCC is an interdenominational organization it taught me how to respect other christian denominations. But as time goes by, I’ve seen the importance to hold on to what I believe is true and biblical.
To Pastor Boy and Tintin, thank you for everything. I will cherish our time together. To Ate Jo, thank you for your love and friendship. I’ve really seen Christ in you. To Pastor Jon Jainga, thank you for being a true friend and a true brother in Christ. To Pastor Mike, thank you for showing us that doctrinal differences is not a hindrance to our friendship and brotherly love. As you said, we will always remain friends no matter what. Thank you, thank you very much
My First Cambodia Experience
(I am reposting here a blog entry from my old blog account which I wrote on July 23, 2005 about my experience when I first came here in Cambodia.)
We left Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 12, 2005 at 11PM via Kuwait Airways. We landed at Bangkok International Airport at around 1AM the next day. Going to Bangkok from Manila takes about three hours of flight but Manila time is ahead of Bangkok time for about an hour.
We were fetched by a pastor and members of a southern baptist church in Nonthaburi. We proceeded to their chapel. A short briefing was given by Ms. Geri Abordo with regards to our stay in the chapel. I had a wonderful sleep that morning because I was very tired.
We had a Language Acquisition Training from March 13-19. Our lecturer is Dr. Betty Sue Brewster. She taught us a lot of things not only about Language Acquisition but also about being a missionary. She taught us about culture shock, respecting one’s culture, etc.
I and two of my teammates left Nonthaburi for Cambodia at 5AM on March 19. I was with Fhey Kindipan and Rhona Ricera. We Took the bus from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. Aranyaprathet is in the border of Thailand and Cambodia. We were able to cross the border easily. We were fetched at the border by two officers of Light and Salt university. Going to Light and Salt from the border takes about two hours by car. The road was bumpy and dusty. We arrived in Light and Salt University safely.
Light and Salt University is an institution which trains future Cambodians for pastoring, for missions, and for church works. I stayed there for two months and immersed myself in Cambodian culture.
Ministering in Cambodia was a blessing for me. I’ve learned a lot about God. I’ve seen that God really works in mysterious ways. We can really trust God in every detail of our ministry. I have learned to be thankful of whatever God gave me especially when I see Cambodians literally live a Spartan life. They are thankful for the food which we can’t eat in the Philippines. Imagine yourself having fish gills and rice for meals. (You read it right: FISH GILLS). But thanks be to God because I’ve learned to love Khmer food. And their way of life too!
It was my first time to take a bath outside in full view of other people! In my stay there, I always visit the family of the students if such opportunity arises. Once I went to one of my students’ house and stayed there for a night. It was a traditional Cambodian house. When it was time for me to take a bath, my student told me that they don’t have bathroom. He pointed to me the area where they take a bath. I told him that it is okay. I did what Cambodians do with a smile! I took a bath outside!
When the same student brought me to the highway for it was now the time for me to go back to the school, he was shocked when I told him that I will take the cheapest form of transportation! Riding at the back of a pick-up truck! I explained to him that as missionary I have to do what the locals do. I prayed to God that this will encourage him in his spiritual life.
A lot of times, I had eaten food handled in an unsanitary way. I’ve seen swarms of flies on top of the food which we were about to eat. And it really amazes me because I haven’t had diarrhea during my stay there. God really works in mysterious ways.
My experiences with the Khmer are really unforgettable. I really enjoyed being with them. To tell you more about it, let me share to you their letters to me. On my last night in Light and Salt, my students surprised me. We were supposed to have our last class and I really prepared for it. But before the class begins, Nhin Samnang, one of my students, stood up. He leads his classmates in singing some songs. And he started reading his letter to me. In total, I received thirteen letters from my students that night. May I share to you some of them. I will quote their letters here as is. No corrections. No editing. J
Nhin Samnang wrote:
“Thank you for your teaching, letting me to be your translator, many things which you have given to me and my friends. I really enjoy studying English with you. I want to learn with you and want to get experience from you more. Teacher, I remember all thing which we have got, such as we go to Srey Sophon Market, go to Phnom Bak Mountain, we play games, and many things. Teacher, really I cannot forget your good and all thing which we have done. You are my best teacher, I love you, I don’t want you go away from me. I hope God will let you comeback my school again. Please pray to God for me, that God will bless me go to study in your country. God bless you to be successful in your life!”
Chann Samnang wrote:
“Hello my best teacher, how are you my best teacher? I hope that you keeping well, I thank you so much, for you come here in my school and teach me and all the student. And I thank you for you teach me about English grammar. Because before I can’t understand about English grammar but now when you teach me I can know a little. I and all the student, like Pastor Jun so much, and love you also because you is very good teacher, in English now I can speak English a little but before I don’t know in English. But now you leave from me I am very sad I can’t meet you, I can’t see you when you go away from me I miss you so much, but I will pray to God for you come back in my school again, and all the students too. You don’t forget me and all the students because we are all miss you and love you so much. I remember every night I always talk with you and joke with you about enemy and you scare enemies also. You don’t forget pray for my wisdom because I study not clever. I will pray for you too.”
Siem Vichet wrote:
“Hello teacher. I thank you for you teaching me about English language. Because before I don’t know it. But when you come here, you teaching me and spoke with me. So I could spoke in English a little, can write little and listen also. You know when you left me I remember for us. Sometime we sleep outside and sometime we went to mountains and play kite also. We have memory every place so everything I don’t forget. I know that you love me and you stay with me, Sokan, Peter and Try when vacation. When you turn to your country so you remember me also. But I thought that you don’t forget me forever more. I will pray for you and your family for mission. So I hope that God look after everywhere want you go. I don’t you leave in here. Because you is good teacher for me. Sometime when I worry you comfort me and you play with me. I will pray for you to God because I think that God prepare, God will used your life come here again for teach me and all students. Because all students need English language study. We want to use English language very well in the future. I want you to pray to God for me. Because I want to God used my life. And future I want to be missionary in other country. So you pray for me also and my family. Because my parent him don’t believe Jesus Christ. So him don’t forgiven from God. You know in my family is I Christian only one. So you help pray for my house. Because my house everyday is small. But I want to have a big house. I hopes that you pray. Because God said everything us asked him God will give. Goodbye. God bless you.”
Chay Vien wrote:
“I thank you God who let you Banteay* come here, to teach English I and all of my friends. You never get tire for lazy students who learn with you. But you always encourage us to try studying. Teacher, I am very happy to learn with you. Even though I’ve got sickness but I always have feeling want to learn with you. But I am very sorry that you must go back to your country. I hope you will come back here again. God bless you and take care you all the time.”
(Banteay is the province where the school is located)
Peter Komk wrote:
“Very thank you for teaching me! You know my brother I am don’t forget you my older brother I very like you very very love you. You only one good teacher for me. The your name in my heart forever life. My God my God my God please bless my teacher. Oh my God Please bless my teacher eternal life my older brother don’t forget me. You very nice. I am very happy. Very exciting.”
(I consider Peter as my Timothy in school. I pray to God that I will disciple him more. He really has a teachable heart. J )
Phally wrote:
“Hello! Teacher how are you when teacher come back to Philippines is teacher how? Guess what? I hope teacher comeback to home enjoyed is true. Light and Salt when have teacher came teach English all the students have growing studying English. Teacher, I thank you very much for teaching English to me and all the students in during shortly. But my studying is growing much when I studied with you. I want to study English with you because teacher teach soon understand. I want not give you comeback to Philippines. I want give teach English here. Teacher is good for me, I like teacher. When are you happy don’t forget to pray for me. I want knowledge English same you, too. I want to become to is Pastor same you. I really in my heart, because I hope to God. I have errors in my grammar please excuse me. It is because I just studied English this year. Have to say goodbye now. Take care.”
Kut Sopeak wrote:
“Thank you Lord. I am very happy to learn with you. I believe that is because of God’s plan that you came from your country to my country. You are my best teacher. You never mind about living in my school, even hot, no good food no comfortable sleeping. So, this is because of God’s love that give to you and you give it to me. As for me, a student in Light and Salt, I want to say thank you for your teaching and all thing. God bless you and your country the Philippines to be progress and progress.”
Guys, these students are really wonderful. Until now, I am missing them so much. I wish to see them once again. But I can’t. I need to comeback here in Iloilo. I just pray to God (and please help me in praying) that He will take care of these wonderful students. Please also pray for me as I continue the ministry which God entrusted to me here in Iloilo City. I am now at the church and working again for the Great Commission.
Lastly, I want to thank you for partnering with me. Thank you for your prayer and/or financial support which enabled me to go to Cambodia. Thank you, thank you very much!
We left Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 12, 2005 at 11PM via Kuwait Airways. We landed at Bangkok International Airport at around 1AM the next day. Going to Bangkok from Manila takes about three hours of flight but Manila time is ahead of Bangkok time for about an hour.
We were fetched by a pastor and members of a southern baptist church in Nonthaburi. We proceeded to their chapel. A short briefing was given by Ms. Geri Abordo with regards to our stay in the chapel. I had a wonderful sleep that morning because I was very tired.
We had a Language Acquisition Training from March 13-19. Our lecturer is Dr. Betty Sue Brewster. She taught us a lot of things not only about Language Acquisition but also about being a missionary. She taught us about culture shock, respecting one’s culture, etc.
I and two of my teammates left Nonthaburi for Cambodia at 5AM on March 19. I was with Fhey Kindipan and Rhona Ricera. We Took the bus from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. Aranyaprathet is in the border of Thailand and Cambodia. We were able to cross the border easily. We were fetched at the border by two officers of Light and Salt university. Going to Light and Salt from the border takes about two hours by car. The road was bumpy and dusty. We arrived in Light and Salt University safely.
Light and Salt University is an institution which trains future Cambodians for pastoring, for missions, and for church works. I stayed there for two months and immersed myself in Cambodian culture.
Ministering in Cambodia was a blessing for me. I’ve learned a lot about God. I’ve seen that God really works in mysterious ways. We can really trust God in every detail of our ministry. I have learned to be thankful of whatever God gave me especially when I see Cambodians literally live a Spartan life. They are thankful for the food which we can’t eat in the Philippines. Imagine yourself having fish gills and rice for meals. (You read it right: FISH GILLS). But thanks be to God because I’ve learned to love Khmer food. And their way of life too!
It was my first time to take a bath outside in full view of other people! In my stay there, I always visit the family of the students if such opportunity arises. Once I went to one of my students’ house and stayed there for a night. It was a traditional Cambodian house. When it was time for me to take a bath, my student told me that they don’t have bathroom. He pointed to me the area where they take a bath. I told him that it is okay. I did what Cambodians do with a smile! I took a bath outside!
When the same student brought me to the highway for it was now the time for me to go back to the school, he was shocked when I told him that I will take the cheapest form of transportation! Riding at the back of a pick-up truck! I explained to him that as missionary I have to do what the locals do. I prayed to God that this will encourage him in his spiritual life.
A lot of times, I had eaten food handled in an unsanitary way. I’ve seen swarms of flies on top of the food which we were about to eat. And it really amazes me because I haven’t had diarrhea during my stay there. God really works in mysterious ways.
My experiences with the Khmer are really unforgettable. I really enjoyed being with them. To tell you more about it, let me share to you their letters to me. On my last night in Light and Salt, my students surprised me. We were supposed to have our last class and I really prepared for it. But before the class begins, Nhin Samnang, one of my students, stood up. He leads his classmates in singing some songs. And he started reading his letter to me. In total, I received thirteen letters from my students that night. May I share to you some of them. I will quote their letters here as is. No corrections. No editing. J
Nhin Samnang wrote:
“Thank you for your teaching, letting me to be your translator, many things which you have given to me and my friends. I really enjoy studying English with you. I want to learn with you and want to get experience from you more. Teacher, I remember all thing which we have got, such as we go to Srey Sophon Market, go to Phnom Bak Mountain, we play games, and many things. Teacher, really I cannot forget your good and all thing which we have done. You are my best teacher, I love you, I don’t want you go away from me. I hope God will let you comeback my school again. Please pray to God for me, that God will bless me go to study in your country. God bless you to be successful in your life!”
Chann Samnang wrote:
“Hello my best teacher, how are you my best teacher? I hope that you keeping well, I thank you so much, for you come here in my school and teach me and all the student. And I thank you for you teach me about English grammar. Because before I can’t understand about English grammar but now when you teach me I can know a little. I and all the student, like Pastor Jun so much, and love you also because you is very good teacher, in English now I can speak English a little but before I don’t know in English. But now you leave from me I am very sad I can’t meet you, I can’t see you when you go away from me I miss you so much, but I will pray to God for you come back in my school again, and all the students too. You don’t forget me and all the students because we are all miss you and love you so much. I remember every night I always talk with you and joke with you about enemy and you scare enemies also. You don’t forget pray for my wisdom because I study not clever. I will pray for you too.”
Siem Vichet wrote:
“Hello teacher. I thank you for you teaching me about English language. Because before I don’t know it. But when you come here, you teaching me and spoke with me. So I could spoke in English a little, can write little and listen also. You know when you left me I remember for us. Sometime we sleep outside and sometime we went to mountains and play kite also. We have memory every place so everything I don’t forget. I know that you love me and you stay with me, Sokan, Peter and Try when vacation. When you turn to your country so you remember me also. But I thought that you don’t forget me forever more. I will pray for you and your family for mission. So I hope that God look after everywhere want you go. I don’t you leave in here. Because you is good teacher for me. Sometime when I worry you comfort me and you play with me. I will pray for you to God because I think that God prepare, God will used your life come here again for teach me and all students. Because all students need English language study. We want to use English language very well in the future. I want you to pray to God for me. Because I want to God used my life. And future I want to be missionary in other country. So you pray for me also and my family. Because my parent him don’t believe Jesus Christ. So him don’t forgiven from God. You know in my family is I Christian only one. So you help pray for my house. Because my house everyday is small. But I want to have a big house. I hopes that you pray. Because God said everything us asked him God will give. Goodbye. God bless you.”
Chay Vien wrote:
“I thank you God who let you Banteay* come here, to teach English I and all of my friends. You never get tire for lazy students who learn with you. But you always encourage us to try studying. Teacher, I am very happy to learn with you. Even though I’ve got sickness but I always have feeling want to learn with you. But I am very sorry that you must go back to your country. I hope you will come back here again. God bless you and take care you all the time.”
(Banteay is the province where the school is located)
Peter Komk wrote:
“Very thank you for teaching me! You know my brother I am don’t forget you my older brother I very like you very very love you. You only one good teacher for me. The your name in my heart forever life. My God my God my God please bless my teacher. Oh my God Please bless my teacher eternal life my older brother don’t forget me. You very nice. I am very happy. Very exciting.”
(I consider Peter as my Timothy in school. I pray to God that I will disciple him more. He really has a teachable heart. J )
Phally wrote:
“Hello! Teacher how are you when teacher come back to Philippines is teacher how? Guess what? I hope teacher comeback to home enjoyed is true. Light and Salt when have teacher came teach English all the students have growing studying English. Teacher, I thank you very much for teaching English to me and all the students in during shortly. But my studying is growing much when I studied with you. I want to study English with you because teacher teach soon understand. I want not give you comeback to Philippines. I want give teach English here. Teacher is good for me, I like teacher. When are you happy don’t forget to pray for me. I want knowledge English same you, too. I want to become to is Pastor same you. I really in my heart, because I hope to God. I have errors in my grammar please excuse me. It is because I just studied English this year. Have to say goodbye now. Take care.”
Kut Sopeak wrote:
“Thank you Lord. I am very happy to learn with you. I believe that is because of God’s plan that you came from your country to my country. You are my best teacher. You never mind about living in my school, even hot, no good food no comfortable sleeping. So, this is because of God’s love that give to you and you give it to me. As for me, a student in Light and Salt, I want to say thank you for your teaching and all thing. God bless you and your country the Philippines to be progress and progress.”
Guys, these students are really wonderful. Until now, I am missing them so much. I wish to see them once again. But I can’t. I need to comeback here in Iloilo. I just pray to God (and please help me in praying) that He will take care of these wonderful students. Please also pray for me as I continue the ministry which God entrusted to me here in Iloilo City. I am now at the church and working again for the Great Commission.
 |
| The market in Sisophon, Banteay Meanchey. This is where I , Rona and Fhey used to go to buy supplies and relax, |
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| My third year students at Light and Salt. |
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| My second yeat students at Light and Salt, |
Taong Grasa
(I am reposting here my blog entry in my old blog account. I wrote this on November 15, 2005).
Ewan ko ba? I wish I can do more! Sana mas marami pa akong magawa para sa mga taong hindi pinapansin ng lipunan. Biro mo naman, kanina habang nakasakay ako sa jeep papuntang Jaro ay may nakita akong "taong grasa". Dumugo na naman ang puso ko. Tinanong ko, bakit ganoon? Bakit may mga taong grasa na palaboy-laboy lang sa kalye? At bakit parang bale-wala lang sa mga tao? Walang pumapansin sa kanya? Hindi ba nila naiisip na tao din siya at bilang kapwa-tao ay dapat nilang isipin ang kalagayan ng iba? Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang hopeless. Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang nanghinawa na dahil parang walang nangyayari sa pagtulong. Parang sayang lang ang lahat ng ginagawa sa buhay. Pero hindi dapat ganito ang attitude. Dapat ay hopeful tayo. Kaya nating mabago ang mundo. Iyan ang dapat nating isipin.
Noon, kapag may nakikita akong ganoon ay bumababa ako ng jeep at inaabutan ko ng biskuwit. Pero ngayon ay hindi na. Ewan ko ba. I searched myself at nalaman ko na para bang desperate na rin ako at sa tingin ko ay wala ring mangyayari sa pagtulong. Sa tingin ko kasi ay parang walang gumagawa. O kung meron man ay kakaunti.
Isa na lang talaga ang pag-asa. Ang pagdating ni Kristo. Sana dumating na si Kristo. Pagdating ni Kristo ay wala nang sakit. Wala nang paghihirap. Wala nang prublema.
Sana.
Sana.
Sana.
Ewan ko ba? I wish I can do more! Sana mas marami pa akong magawa para sa mga taong hindi pinapansin ng lipunan. Biro mo naman, kanina habang nakasakay ako sa jeep papuntang Jaro ay may nakita akong "taong grasa". Dumugo na naman ang puso ko. Tinanong ko, bakit ganoon? Bakit may mga taong grasa na palaboy-laboy lang sa kalye? At bakit parang bale-wala lang sa mga tao? Walang pumapansin sa kanya? Hindi ba nila naiisip na tao din siya at bilang kapwa-tao ay dapat nilang isipin ang kalagayan ng iba? Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang hopeless. Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang nanghinawa na dahil parang walang nangyayari sa pagtulong. Parang sayang lang ang lahat ng ginagawa sa buhay. Pero hindi dapat ganito ang attitude. Dapat ay hopeful tayo. Kaya nating mabago ang mundo. Iyan ang dapat nating isipin.
Noon, kapag may nakikita akong ganoon ay bumababa ako ng jeep at inaabutan ko ng biskuwit. Pero ngayon ay hindi na. Ewan ko ba. I searched myself at nalaman ko na para bang desperate na rin ako at sa tingin ko ay wala ring mangyayari sa pagtulong. Sa tingin ko kasi ay parang walang gumagawa. O kung meron man ay kakaunti.
Isa na lang talaga ang pag-asa. Ang pagdating ni Kristo. Sana dumating na si Kristo. Pagdating ni Kristo ay wala nang sakit. Wala nang paghihirap. Wala nang prublema.
Sana.
Sana.
Sana.
Kaulayaw sa Karton at Kariton
Umaalingasaw
Ang masangsang na amoy
Ng natuyong ihi sa gilid ng kariton
Humihiyaw
Ang karton
Na piping saksi sa nangyayari sa loob
Lumalangitngit
Ang mga pinagtagni-tagning tabla ng kariton
Na animo'y sumasabay sa sayaw
Sa bawat indak ng magsing-irog
Bumubulwak
Ang pinaghalong pawis at katas
Ng pinag-isang katawan
Sa ibabaw ng karton
Sa loob ng kariton
Ngunit ang masangsang na amoy,
Ang lumang karton,
Ang maingay na kahoy,
Ay hindi alintana
Ang mahalaga
Ang dalawang pusong pinag-isa
Sa ibabaw ng karton
Sa loob ng kariton
Ang masangsang na amoy
Ng natuyong ihi sa gilid ng kariton
Humihiyaw
Ang karton
Na piping saksi sa nangyayari sa loob
Lumalangitngit
Ang mga pinagtagni-tagning tabla ng kariton
Na animo'y sumasabay sa sayaw
Sa bawat indak ng magsing-irog
Bumubulwak
Ang pinaghalong pawis at katas
Ng pinag-isang katawan
Sa ibabaw ng karton
Sa loob ng kariton
Ngunit ang masangsang na amoy,
Ang lumang karton,
Ang maingay na kahoy,
Ay hindi alintana
Ang mahalaga
Ang dalawang pusong pinag-isa
Sa ibabaw ng karton
Sa loob ng kariton
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Spooky! Spooky! Spooky!
Spooky house. That's how I can describe our abode. But our decision is not to be bothered by it. It is because we know that Satan and his cohorts were defeated by Christ two thousand years ago. Christ's victory is final. We refuse to be destructed by Satan in our work which is the accomplishment of the Great Commission.
We moved to our house last February 1, 2010. Here are some of the strange things that happened.
1. Three of our housemates had unexplained "hematoma" or "ecchymoses". They just noticed when they woke up that there were discolorizations or patches of discolorization in their skin.
2. Two pictures that were taken by our Pastor's wife has a scary image of... I don't know how to call it... it looks like an Extra Terrestial. Or probably a gnome. With two big eyes, a round nose and a bald head. It has a body too. Or at least shape of a human body.
3. Several times, they heard knocking on the door but no one was there when they opened it.
4. The other day, one of the ladies in our group felt that demons were holding her so tight that she couldn't move. One was holding her feet. The other two were holding her hands. She also felt a very strong wind that was touching her face. They were not using fan. Their room is airconditioned.
There are some other strange things and I will try to record it here when I have the time.
We moved to our house last February 1, 2010. Here are some of the strange things that happened.
1. Three of our housemates had unexplained "hematoma" or "ecchymoses". They just noticed when they woke up that there were discolorizations or patches of discolorization in their skin.
2. Two pictures that were taken by our Pastor's wife has a scary image of... I don't know how to call it... it looks like an Extra Terrestial. Or probably a gnome. With two big eyes, a round nose and a bald head. It has a body too. Or at least shape of a human body.
3. Several times, they heard knocking on the door but no one was there when they opened it.
4. The other day, one of the ladies in our group felt that demons were holding her so tight that she couldn't move. One was holding her feet. The other two were holding her hands. She also felt a very strong wind that was touching her face. They were not using fan. Their room is airconditioned.
There are some other strange things and I will try to record it here when I have the time.
Monday, March 8, 2010
What's In A Name?
Last week, tinawag akong pastor ng isang young people. I told him that I am not a pastor. There is only one pastor in the church at itinuro ko ang aming Pastor. :-)
Oo, noong estudyante ako sa seminary (Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary) eh nasanay akong tawaging pastor. Kasi lahat naman kami doon eh tinatawag na pastor. So, to be one with them and be like them eh okay lang sa akin na tawaging pastor. Noon yun. Noong estudyante pa ako sa seminary. Iba na ang kuwento ngayon. :-)
Ewan ko. Ayaw ko talagang patawag ng Pastor sa maraming kadahilanan. Una, parang hindi ako worthy patawag ng pastor. Parang ang bigat ng burden ng isang pastor. And I think I did not meet even a single criterion to be called a pastor. Pangalawa, parang (sa tingin ko lang ha) kapag pastor eh may distance sa ordinaryong tao. Probably because the pastor is chosen by God to do a special work for Him. Eh alam mo naman ako. Gusto ko kabilang ako sa masa. Sa mga ordinaryong tao. Kaya mas gusto kong matawag na kuya. :-)
Meron namang tumatawag sa akin ng Bro. Jun. :-) Well... actually... okay lang sana. Pero tuwing tinatawag akong Bro. Jun eh naalala ko ang mga katolikong seminarista. Di ba ang tawag sa kanila ay Brother? Tapos, kapag ganap na silang pari eh Father na? Kaya ayaw ko ring patawag ng Bro. Jun. Isa pa, parang banyaga yata iyon. Eh kahit na 104/120 ang TOEFL iBT ko at English teacher ako dito eh mas gusto ko pa ring gamitin ang sariling wika natin.
Madalas naman akong tawagin "Phu" dito sa Cambodia. Maski mga drivers ng pampublikong sasakyan eh ang tawag sa akin eh "Phu". Ano ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu"? Uncle. Yes, uncle ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu". Grrrr!!! Ganoon na ba ako katanda?
Oo, noong estudyante ako sa seminary (Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary) eh nasanay akong tawaging pastor. Kasi lahat naman kami doon eh tinatawag na pastor. So, to be one with them and be like them eh okay lang sa akin na tawaging pastor. Noon yun. Noong estudyante pa ako sa seminary. Iba na ang kuwento ngayon. :-)
Ewan ko. Ayaw ko talagang patawag ng Pastor sa maraming kadahilanan. Una, parang hindi ako worthy patawag ng pastor. Parang ang bigat ng burden ng isang pastor. And I think I did not meet even a single criterion to be called a pastor. Pangalawa, parang (sa tingin ko lang ha) kapag pastor eh may distance sa ordinaryong tao. Probably because the pastor is chosen by God to do a special work for Him. Eh alam mo naman ako. Gusto ko kabilang ako sa masa. Sa mga ordinaryong tao. Kaya mas gusto kong matawag na kuya. :-)
Meron namang tumatawag sa akin ng Bro. Jun. :-) Well... actually... okay lang sana. Pero tuwing tinatawag akong Bro. Jun eh naalala ko ang mga katolikong seminarista. Di ba ang tawag sa kanila ay Brother? Tapos, kapag ganap na silang pari eh Father na? Kaya ayaw ko ring patawag ng Bro. Jun. Isa pa, parang banyaga yata iyon. Eh kahit na 104/120 ang TOEFL iBT ko at English teacher ako dito eh mas gusto ko pa ring gamitin ang sariling wika natin.
Madalas naman akong tawagin "Phu" dito sa Cambodia. Maski mga drivers ng pampublikong sasakyan eh ang tawag sa akin eh "Phu". Ano ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu"? Uncle. Yes, uncle ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu". Grrrr!!! Ganoon na ba ako katanda?
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Reflection Paper Regarding Filipino Marriage and Pre-marital Issues
A Reflection Paper Regarding Filipino Marriage and Pre-marital Issues
by: Pablo Gravoso
The Filipino Concept of Marriage
It is a given fact that Filipinos do have a different way of looking at marital relationship compared to westerners and other Asians. Spousal relationship in the Philippines is not an equal alliance but unequal relationship wherein husbands are perceived and expected to lead while wives should be subject to him. The wives take a secondary role. The biblical concept where it is said that husbands should be the head of the household is taken by Filipinos as gospel truth which should never be violated.
It is also worth noting, and alarming that marital break up is on the rise. As one writer puts it, “(i)n the Philippines today, marital dissolution leading to family breakdown constitutes a major problem. From 1988 to 2000, it is estimated that over 44,000 men and women have filed for nullification of this marriages in Metro Manila… Although the nullification of marriage was considered to be deviant and socially undesirable in the past, it is rapidly becoming an alternative for people with problems in their marital relationship.” (Dayan, page 2)
It is also very evident that the Filipino concept of marriage is not between two individuals but between to families. In the Filipino setting, the husband did not only marry the wife but her whole clan. As such, the in-laws have so much to say in the lives of the newly wed. This even starts in the courtship stage. According to Dr. Medina, “(i)n the Philippines, traditional courtship was participated in or controlled by parents and other kinsmen. This system was rooted in the Filipino view that marriage was a union not only of two individuals but also primarily of their families.” (Medina, page 79)
Dr. Dayan added, “What makes the situation more complicated is when in-laws become part of the problem or sometimes even the cause of it. There are cases when parents, in their desire to help out, end up meddling in the lives of their married children, but this usually results in more problems.” (Dayan, page 43)
It is very common here in the Philippines for a couple to get married at a young age. Considering that the unemployment rate in this country is high, it is doubly hard for them to get employed and to be financially independent from their parents. This is one indirect cause why extended family is prevalent here. As much as the couples want to separate from their parents, their financial dependency does not permit them to do so. To quote Dr. Dayan, “(t)here is the immaturity of marrying at a young age and being without a job to assure financial security. The ‘solution’ to their predicament, which is living with either partner’s parents, soon become the ‘problem’ when the in-laws become snoopy, give unsolicited advice, or cause a son/daughter to remain permanently dependent on them.” (Dayan, page 56)
Living with the in-laws is not perceived here as a problem. In fact, it is well accepted fact or norm that newly wed should live near the in-laws. Such setting, on the contrary, is perceived as positive where family closeness is cherished. In the Philippines, we see extended family as healthy and should be emulated. Because of this, the spouse should endure any emotional hardship for the sake of the unity of the extended family. “No matter how seriously the wife has been hurt, everyone knows that mother-in-law’s trouble is not enough reason for the break up of marriage.” (Lapuz, page 58)
Presumably, “…all Filipino couples have to contend with in-law problems, if only to a small extent. They are very much part of the scene. But not all such problems become a major threat to the wife’s equanimity or the stability of the marriage.” (Lapuz, page 56)
The Biblical Principle of Leaving and Cleaving
The Bible teaches us that in marriage, the spouse should leave his or her parents and be one with the husband or wife. “A man and woman enter into marriage out of their own chouse and by their own effort determine its failure and success.” (Miranda-Feliciano, page 106) This is always overlooked in the Filipino marriage. The economic (especially when the couple don’t have jobs) and social (society tells us that it is good to be united with the family of origin) reasons make this impossible.
The Filipino family is characterized by enmeshment. Being detached is perceived as negative. But this poses a problem in any couple’s relationship. “Prolonged dependency on one’s parents diminishes the chances to develop one’s capacity to relate fully to another person. The commitment is still to one’s parents, which always be tinged with its origins from dependency, thereby inhibiting the development of autonomy.” (Lapuz, page 63)
It is a commonly accepted truth that a triangulated relationship is dysfunctional while a dyadic relationship is healthy. In a triangulated relationship, usually, one of the couple is usually allied to the third person. For example, the wife usually allies with her parents against the husband or vis-à-vis. This makes the relationship unequal and unhealthy.
In my counseling sessions with couples, the usual presenting problems is their spouses. The Identified Patient usually is the spouse. But as the counseling sessions go on, it becomes more evident that the real issue is the triangulated relationship between the couple and in-law.
In most cases, because the in-laws have the means to support the newly wed, they wield a great amount of power. They usually decide for everything because they hold the purse. In Filipino Children Under Stress, Dr. Carandang explains how the person who holds the power in the family becomes the source of problem. She gives the case of the dominant lola and the financier-aunt as examples of dysfunctional families. She even said, “(i)n our extended family system , the child can get lost and may have a difficult time finding a wat to be recognized as a unique person.” (Carandang, page 7) In the same way, the spouse can also loose her significance and meaning in such a family setting.
Suggestions for Counseling Filipino Couples
As a pastor or a Christian counselor, I must lead the couple to the idea that a healthy relationship is dyadic. I should guide them to the biblical truth that God designed marriage as a union of two individuals. Though we must learn how to respect our parents there must be boundaries set between the couple and their family of origin.
It is also advisable, if possible, to include the in-laws in some sessions for them to understand the biblical and healthy way of leave and cleave. The use of genogram is also very helpful in marriage and pre-marital counseling in the Filipino setting because of the given fact that in our culture marriage is not only the union of two individuals but of two extended families.
It is equally important too to reiterate that the biblical concept of marriage is not ownership but partnership. Both spouses should be equal and both be responsible for actions taken by both of them. This is especially needed in today’s situation where both must be working in order to survive economically. The fact that, usually, it is no longer the husband who is the sole breadwinner of the family supports the rationale that there must be equality between the couple.
To conclude, Filipino pastor or counselor should look at our unique culture and see it as a challenge to harness the couples relationship for it to be more functional. It is not bad to help change the worldview of the couple since worldview (or culture) is dynamic. We have to be a catalyst for the Filipino marriage to be healthy.
__________________________
Sources:
Carandang, Maria Lourdes. Filipino Children Under Stress. Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila Press. 1987
Dayan, Natividad, et al. Marriage Made On Earth. Manila: De La Salle University Press. 2001
Lapuz, Lourdes. Filipino Marriage in Crisis. Quezon City: New Day Publishers. 1977
Medina, Belen. The Filipino Family. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press. 2001
Miranda – Feliciano, Evelyn. Love, Sex, and Marriage. Manila: OMF Literature, Inc. 1975
by: Pablo Gravoso
The Filipino Concept of Marriage
It is a given fact that Filipinos do have a different way of looking at marital relationship compared to westerners and other Asians. Spousal relationship in the Philippines is not an equal alliance but unequal relationship wherein husbands are perceived and expected to lead while wives should be subject to him. The wives take a secondary role. The biblical concept where it is said that husbands should be the head of the household is taken by Filipinos as gospel truth which should never be violated.
It is also worth noting, and alarming that marital break up is on the rise. As one writer puts it, “(i)n the Philippines today, marital dissolution leading to family breakdown constitutes a major problem. From 1988 to 2000, it is estimated that over 44,000 men and women have filed for nullification of this marriages in Metro Manila… Although the nullification of marriage was considered to be deviant and socially undesirable in the past, it is rapidly becoming an alternative for people with problems in their marital relationship.” (Dayan, page 2)
It is also very evident that the Filipino concept of marriage is not between two individuals but between to families. In the Filipino setting, the husband did not only marry the wife but her whole clan. As such, the in-laws have so much to say in the lives of the newly wed. This even starts in the courtship stage. According to Dr. Medina, “(i)n the Philippines, traditional courtship was participated in or controlled by parents and other kinsmen. This system was rooted in the Filipino view that marriage was a union not only of two individuals but also primarily of their families.” (Medina, page 79)
Dr. Dayan added, “What makes the situation more complicated is when in-laws become part of the problem or sometimes even the cause of it. There are cases when parents, in their desire to help out, end up meddling in the lives of their married children, but this usually results in more problems.” (Dayan, page 43)
It is very common here in the Philippines for a couple to get married at a young age. Considering that the unemployment rate in this country is high, it is doubly hard for them to get employed and to be financially independent from their parents. This is one indirect cause why extended family is prevalent here. As much as the couples want to separate from their parents, their financial dependency does not permit them to do so. To quote Dr. Dayan, “(t)here is the immaturity of marrying at a young age and being without a job to assure financial security. The ‘solution’ to their predicament, which is living with either partner’s parents, soon become the ‘problem’ when the in-laws become snoopy, give unsolicited advice, or cause a son/daughter to remain permanently dependent on them.” (Dayan, page 56)
Living with the in-laws is not perceived here as a problem. In fact, it is well accepted fact or norm that newly wed should live near the in-laws. Such setting, on the contrary, is perceived as positive where family closeness is cherished. In the Philippines, we see extended family as healthy and should be emulated. Because of this, the spouse should endure any emotional hardship for the sake of the unity of the extended family. “No matter how seriously the wife has been hurt, everyone knows that mother-in-law’s trouble is not enough reason for the break up of marriage.” (Lapuz, page 58)
Presumably, “…all Filipino couples have to contend with in-law problems, if only to a small extent. They are very much part of the scene. But not all such problems become a major threat to the wife’s equanimity or the stability of the marriage.” (Lapuz, page 56)
The Biblical Principle of Leaving and Cleaving
The Bible teaches us that in marriage, the spouse should leave his or her parents and be one with the husband or wife. “A man and woman enter into marriage out of their own chouse and by their own effort determine its failure and success.” (Miranda-Feliciano, page 106) This is always overlooked in the Filipino marriage. The economic (especially when the couple don’t have jobs) and social (society tells us that it is good to be united with the family of origin) reasons make this impossible.
The Filipino family is characterized by enmeshment. Being detached is perceived as negative. But this poses a problem in any couple’s relationship. “Prolonged dependency on one’s parents diminishes the chances to develop one’s capacity to relate fully to another person. The commitment is still to one’s parents, which always be tinged with its origins from dependency, thereby inhibiting the development of autonomy.” (Lapuz, page 63)
It is a commonly accepted truth that a triangulated relationship is dysfunctional while a dyadic relationship is healthy. In a triangulated relationship, usually, one of the couple is usually allied to the third person. For example, the wife usually allies with her parents against the husband or vis-à-vis. This makes the relationship unequal and unhealthy.
In my counseling sessions with couples, the usual presenting problems is their spouses. The Identified Patient usually is the spouse. But as the counseling sessions go on, it becomes more evident that the real issue is the triangulated relationship between the couple and in-law.
In most cases, because the in-laws have the means to support the newly wed, they wield a great amount of power. They usually decide for everything because they hold the purse. In Filipino Children Under Stress, Dr. Carandang explains how the person who holds the power in the family becomes the source of problem. She gives the case of the dominant lola and the financier-aunt as examples of dysfunctional families. She even said, “(i)n our extended family system , the child can get lost and may have a difficult time finding a wat to be recognized as a unique person.” (Carandang, page 7) In the same way, the spouse can also loose her significance and meaning in such a family setting.
Suggestions for Counseling Filipino Couples
As a pastor or a Christian counselor, I must lead the couple to the idea that a healthy relationship is dyadic. I should guide them to the biblical truth that God designed marriage as a union of two individuals. Though we must learn how to respect our parents there must be boundaries set between the couple and their family of origin.
It is also advisable, if possible, to include the in-laws in some sessions for them to understand the biblical and healthy way of leave and cleave. The use of genogram is also very helpful in marriage and pre-marital counseling in the Filipino setting because of the given fact that in our culture marriage is not only the union of two individuals but of two extended families.
It is equally important too to reiterate that the biblical concept of marriage is not ownership but partnership. Both spouses should be equal and both be responsible for actions taken by both of them. This is especially needed in today’s situation where both must be working in order to survive economically. The fact that, usually, it is no longer the husband who is the sole breadwinner of the family supports the rationale that there must be equality between the couple.
To conclude, Filipino pastor or counselor should look at our unique culture and see it as a challenge to harness the couples relationship for it to be more functional. It is not bad to help change the worldview of the couple since worldview (or culture) is dynamic. We have to be a catalyst for the Filipino marriage to be healthy.
__________________________
Sources:
Carandang, Maria Lourdes. Filipino Children Under Stress. Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila Press. 1987
Dayan, Natividad, et al. Marriage Made On Earth. Manila: De La Salle University Press. 2001
Lapuz, Lourdes. Filipino Marriage in Crisis. Quezon City: New Day Publishers. 1977
Medina, Belen. The Filipino Family. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press. 2001
Miranda – Feliciano, Evelyn. Love, Sex, and Marriage. Manila: OMF Literature, Inc. 1975
Applied Hermeneutical Paper On 2 John 1-13
An Applied Hermeneutical Paper On 2 John 1-13
by: Pablo D. Gravoso
I. I have read thoroughly 2 John 1-13 approximately ten times.
II. Comparison of seven translations of the said passage
I consulted seven translations and examined if there are any differences between translations. The seven translations are: New King James Version (NKJV), King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV), Today’s English Version (TEV), New Revised Standard Versions (NRSV), Thomson Chain Reference (TCR) and Catholic Bible – Westminster Version (CB).
I noticed eleven (11) minor differences in their translations which I feel do not affect the interpretation of the passage. There minor differences are:
Verse 1
Elder = KJV, NKJV, NIV, TEV, NRSV, TCR
Priest = CB
Her offspring = NKJV
Her children = NIV, TCR, TEV, NRSV, KJV, CB
Elect Lady = NJKV, TCR, NRSV, KJV, CB
Chosen lady = NIV
Lady chosen = TEV
Verse 2
Abides = NKJV, NRSV
Abideth = CB
Dwelleth = TCR, KJV
Lives = NIV, TEV
Verse 4
Some of your children = NKJV, NIV, TEV, NRSV,
Thy children = TCR, KJV, CB
Verse 5
I wrote = NKJV, TCR, KJV
I am not writing =NIV, TEV,
I were writing = NRSV
As writing to thee = CB
Verse 7
As coming =NKJV, NIV, TEV
Is come = TCR, KJV
Has come =NRSV
Not the coming = CB
Verse 8
We = NKJV, TCR, TEV, NRSV, KJV
You = NIV
Verse 9
Transgresses = NKJV
Transgresseth = TCR, KJV
Runs ahead = NIV, TEV
Does not abide = NRSV
Abideth not = CB
Verse 11
Shares = NKJV, NIV, TEV
Partaker = TCR, KJV
Partaketh = CB
Participate – NRSV
Verse 13
Amen = NKJV, TCR, KJV
No Amen = NIV, TEV. NRSV, CB
Though, my opinion is that these minor differences do not affect the interpretation of the passage mentioned.
III. List of Alternatives / Key Terms
1. elder
2. elect lady
3. her offspring
4. deceiver / antichrist
5. doctrine of Christ
6. coming
7. greets (v. 10 and 11)
8. children of your elect sister
Mini-Word Study
1. elder - The author introduced himself not by name but by chosen character. His chosen character, which is ‘elder”, signifies seniority in faith, age, and stature.
2. elect lady - Because her husband was not mentioned in the letter, it is very probable that this elect lady was a widow. Though, this may also pertain to a church, considering that Christians were persecuted at that time. Therefore it is probable that the writer was hiding the recipient’s identity. Like when I wrote my fellow STMers (when I joined last year’s AVSTM) I addressed them as co-employees, and the church as company. The writer may also hide the identity of the recipient for safety reason. The Greek word “kurio” was used here and it means “directly chosen by God”. The Greek word also signifies a person of eminent quality. It is a feminine word of “kurios” which means Lord.
3. her offspring - They might be the real biological children of the widow (elect lady) and others who meet in her household. Though, it may also mean members of the local church.
4. deceiver - These deceivers seem to be the Gnostics who are so many during the time of the writing of this epistle. Gnostics deny the deity of Christ whish was mentioned in the letter.
5. doctrine of Christ – The doctrine of Christ teaches that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the World. This doctrine also teaches that Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us.
6. coming – The word “coming” or “is come” pertains to the incarnation of Christ and his future coming.
7. greets – Greeting in the ancient times means accepting or welcoming visitors into their house. Usually, this also entails listening. In Eastern use, it means having no religious connections with them or acknowledge them as brothers.
8. children of elect sister – This may mean the biological nieces and nephews of the recipient of the letter. The elect sister must also be a Christian who lives in Ephesus.
IV. Historical Cultural Matters
The letter was written from Ephesus. John was already old (probably 90 years old) when he wrote this. It was probably written after the Gospel and before the persecution under Domitian in 95AD. We can place the writing of this letter in late 80’s or early 90’s.
Gnosticism was prevalent during that time in Eastern World. Gnosticism believes that knowledge is superior than virtues. They also believe in non-literal sense of Scriptures is correct and can only be understood by few. Gnostics believe that evil in the world precludes God’s being the only creator in the world. But what really opposes the Christian belief is that the belief of Gnostics that incarnation is incredible because deity cannot unite itself with the flesh. Therefore, they subscribe that resurrection of the dead is incredible.
V. Contextual Questions
The context of the epistle is the commandment of Christ that we should love one another. The recipients of the letter were encouraged to go on in their faith, walking in the truth. They can do this by loving one another. They are also encouraged to resist the false teachers and their teachings. They must believe in the doctrine of Christ which is: Christ is God, Christ became men, Christ is the Savior and Christ is coming. The author also longs to see the recipients personally.
by: Pablo D. Gravoso
I. I have read thoroughly 2 John 1-13 approximately ten times.
II. Comparison of seven translations of the said passage
I consulted seven translations and examined if there are any differences between translations. The seven translations are: New King James Version (NKJV), King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV), Today’s English Version (TEV), New Revised Standard Versions (NRSV), Thomson Chain Reference (TCR) and Catholic Bible – Westminster Version (CB).
I noticed eleven (11) minor differences in their translations which I feel do not affect the interpretation of the passage. There minor differences are:
Verse 1
Elder = KJV, NKJV, NIV, TEV, NRSV, TCR
Priest = CB
Her offspring = NKJV
Her children = NIV, TCR, TEV, NRSV, KJV, CB
Elect Lady = NJKV, TCR, NRSV, KJV, CB
Chosen lady = NIV
Lady chosen = TEV
Verse 2
Abides = NKJV, NRSV
Abideth = CB
Dwelleth = TCR, KJV
Lives = NIV, TEV
Verse 4
Some of your children = NKJV, NIV, TEV, NRSV,
Thy children = TCR, KJV, CB
Verse 5
I wrote = NKJV, TCR, KJV
I am not writing =NIV, TEV,
I were writing = NRSV
As writing to thee = CB
Verse 7
As coming =NKJV, NIV, TEV
Is come = TCR, KJV
Has come =NRSV
Not the coming = CB
Verse 8
We = NKJV, TCR, TEV, NRSV, KJV
You = NIV
Verse 9
Transgresses = NKJV
Transgresseth = TCR, KJV
Runs ahead = NIV, TEV
Does not abide = NRSV
Abideth not = CB
Verse 11
Shares = NKJV, NIV, TEV
Partaker = TCR, KJV
Partaketh = CB
Participate – NRSV
Verse 13
Amen = NKJV, TCR, KJV
No Amen = NIV, TEV. NRSV, CB
Though, my opinion is that these minor differences do not affect the interpretation of the passage mentioned.
III. List of Alternatives / Key Terms
1. elder
2. elect lady
3. her offspring
4. deceiver / antichrist
5. doctrine of Christ
6. coming
7. greets (v. 10 and 11)
8. children of your elect sister
Mini-Word Study
1. elder - The author introduced himself not by name but by chosen character. His chosen character, which is ‘elder”, signifies seniority in faith, age, and stature.
2. elect lady - Because her husband was not mentioned in the letter, it is very probable that this elect lady was a widow. Though, this may also pertain to a church, considering that Christians were persecuted at that time. Therefore it is probable that the writer was hiding the recipient’s identity. Like when I wrote my fellow STMers (when I joined last year’s AVSTM) I addressed them as co-employees, and the church as company. The writer may also hide the identity of the recipient for safety reason. The Greek word “kurio” was used here and it means “directly chosen by God”. The Greek word also signifies a person of eminent quality. It is a feminine word of “kurios” which means Lord.
3. her offspring - They might be the real biological children of the widow (elect lady) and others who meet in her household. Though, it may also mean members of the local church.
4. deceiver - These deceivers seem to be the Gnostics who are so many during the time of the writing of this epistle. Gnostics deny the deity of Christ whish was mentioned in the letter.
5. doctrine of Christ – The doctrine of Christ teaches that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the World. This doctrine also teaches that Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us.
6. coming – The word “coming” or “is come” pertains to the incarnation of Christ and his future coming.
7. greets – Greeting in the ancient times means accepting or welcoming visitors into their house. Usually, this also entails listening. In Eastern use, it means having no religious connections with them or acknowledge them as brothers.
8. children of elect sister – This may mean the biological nieces and nephews of the recipient of the letter. The elect sister must also be a Christian who lives in Ephesus.
IV. Historical Cultural Matters
The letter was written from Ephesus. John was already old (probably 90 years old) when he wrote this. It was probably written after the Gospel and before the persecution under Domitian in 95AD. We can place the writing of this letter in late 80’s or early 90’s.
Gnosticism was prevalent during that time in Eastern World. Gnosticism believes that knowledge is superior than virtues. They also believe in non-literal sense of Scriptures is correct and can only be understood by few. Gnostics believe that evil in the world precludes God’s being the only creator in the world. But what really opposes the Christian belief is that the belief of Gnostics that incarnation is incredible because deity cannot unite itself with the flesh. Therefore, they subscribe that resurrection of the dead is incredible.
V. Contextual Questions
The context of the epistle is the commandment of Christ that we should love one another. The recipients of the letter were encouraged to go on in their faith, walking in the truth. They can do this by loving one another. They are also encouraged to resist the false teachers and their teachings. They must believe in the doctrine of Christ which is: Christ is God, Christ became men, Christ is the Savior and Christ is coming. The author also longs to see the recipients personally.
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