WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.



She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

-- Author Unknown

------------

Peter Allan C. Mariano

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DEVELOP THE RIGHT (SELF) ATTITUDE

Here are 10 suggestions to help you develop and maintain a healthy self-image. Read them slowly. Meditate on them regularly.

1. Hate your sin, but never hate yourself.

2. Be quick to repent.

3. When God gives you light, walk in it.

4. Stop saying negative things about yourself. God loves you and it's wrong to hate what He loves. He has great plans for you, so you're in conflict with Him when you speak negatively concerning your future.

5. Never be afraid to admit that you've made a mistake and don't always assume that when things go wrong, it must be 'my fault'.

6. Don't meditate excessively on what you've done, right or wrong; both of these activities keep your mind on you! Center your thoughts on Christ.

7. Take good care of yourself physically. Make the best of what God gave you to work with, but don't be obsessed with your appearance.

8. Never stop learning but don't allow your education to become a point of pride. God doesn't use you because of what's in your head: He uses you because of what's in your heart.

9. Realize that your talents are a gift, not something you have manufactured yourself; never look down on people who can't do what you do.

10. Don't despise your weaknesses. They keep you dependent on God.

-- Author Unknown


This post courtesy of :
The Staff of E-Mail Ministry


© 2008


Peter Allan C. Mariano

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SONG : Bintana



sa loob ng kwarto, nakatayo ako…
nakadungaw sa bintana, kunot ang noo….
nag-iisip…. nag-iisip… bakit kaya?
oras-oras, gano’n pa rin ang aking nakikita….

gusaling nagtataasan, ilaw na kay gandang tingnan…
mga kotseng pang-mayaman…
dyipning pang-mamamayan…..
nagtataka… nagtataka… ano kaya?
bakit nagkakawalay, bakit nagkakaiba?

dumungaw ka sa bintana, ganun pa rin ang makikita…
isang pagtataka ang sasalubong sa mata…
kailan magbabago, ang bayan nating ito?
ang Diyos, ikaw at ako…. ang kasagutan


barong-barong kay mang juan…
condo naman kay mr. john….
si kulas nasa kalsada, si chris ay nasa eskwela
nalilito… nalilito… sadya nga ba?
anong pagkakaiba’t naging ganito ang sistema?

dumungaw ka sa bintana, ganun pa rin ang makikita…
isang pagtataka ang sasalubong sa mata…
kailan magbabago, ang bayan nating ito?
ang Diyos, ikaw at ako…. ang kasagutan…

dumungaw ka sa bintana, kumilos na sa nakikita…
buksan mong mga mata mo…
upang makita’ng katotohanang ito….
pag-asa ng bayang ito… ang ating pagbabago
ang Diyos, ikaw at ako…. ang kasagutan


from the compilation "Childhood Dreams"

© 2008

Peter Allan C. Mariano

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LETTERS: Only By Grace

( Original Letter : June 11, 2003 )


To my dear friends in Christ;

Greetings to you my Brothers and Sisters! It’s been a while since I last wrote to you. I apologize for that. It was a joy for me, however, to read about your various activities. How I wished I could be with you through all that!

By the GRACE of God, the war in Iraq has come to an end. Although there’s still hostilities in some places, like the bombings that occurred recently here in Riyadh, the general fear of escalation to the other Middle Eastern countries has finally subsided. I would like to thank all of you who prayed for me, and for the whole of Middle East. I thank God for people around the world, like you, who went down on their knees and prayed for this crisis – unlike others who just made a lot of noise here and there; but had never even said a word or two in prayer for those who were directly involved.

It is through this same Grace of God that we are to be saved – through our Faith. Paul clearly states this :

“ God, Who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. ( by GRACE you have been saved ) and raised us up with Him and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. ”
Ephesians 2: 4-6 NIV

I am working in a Muslim country, in fact at the very heart of the Islamic Religion. I can’t help but notice their ways regarding their faith, like the five-times-a-day Salah, or prayers. This is a compulsory activity for them here, to the extent that all stores and shops ( even clinics ) need to close down during prayer time, otherwise the proprietor could be arrested by the dreaded Mutawah, or their religious police. The Mutawah would also roam around, and if they caught a Muslim not praying during Salah time – the guy could get arrested.

I also heard somewhere here that if a Muslim could perform certain rites and complete certain prayers for a certain number of times, there would be a corresponding reward for them in heaven. That’s why I often see people here mumbling certain words repeatedly over and over, while holding their prayer beads. And the extreme cases of course would be the suicide bombers who believe they’ll go to heaven while performing this act ( although some Muslims claim that these suicide bombers are not true followers of Islam ).

I have nothing against the Muslim people, in fact I admire their diligence in prayer (unlike some of us who pray only when it is convenient, or when others from community are with them ). But I can’t help compare them to the Pharisees, who were so much despicable to Jesus that He warned His followers to be careful of the Pharisees’ “yeast” ( Matthew 16:6 ) and mentioned seven woes against them (Matthew 23: 1 – 36 ). But, my dear friends, this is not unique to our Muslim brothers, but is also rampant amongst us so-called “Christians” (whatever denomination, sect, old or new way, etc you may be ). Remember Yano’s song “Banal na aso, Santong kabayo.”? That’s what I’m talking about.

Natatawa ako… hi.. hi… hi… hi….

Why? Why were the Pharisees despicable to Jesus? The answer would lie in what He said in Matthew :

“ If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ you would not have condemned the innocent. ”
Matthew 12 : 7 NIV

The line “ I desire mercy, not sacrifice” was quoted by Jesus from Hosea :

“ For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings. ”
Hosea 6 : 6 NIV

It’s what inside of us that matters – what’s in our hearts – and not because of our efforts, because some of our efforts were not based on the correct motives. Salvation CAN NOT be bought by what we do or what we sacrifice ( remember Sacred Duty 3 : Service with Love particularly 1st Corinthians 13? ) It is rather GIVEN to us by grace, because of our FAITH.

Going back to Paul, he talked about this topic in his letters so much that it became one theme :

“ For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ”
Romans 9 : 15-16 NIV

“ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. ”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

If salvation can be bought by a list of things we must do, a list of things we must say, or a list of things we must give – NO ONE can be saved. Because in our human nature, all of us fall short of God’s expectation from us :

“ The righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ”

Romans 3:22-23 NIV

But God, in His infinite love for us, knows that we can’t accomplish this – so He provided us a way out – and that is through Jesus Christ.

“ But what does it say? ‘The Word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the Word of Faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with YOUR HEART that you believe, and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. ”
Romans 10: 8-11 NIV

Remember the story of the two thieves that were crucified together with Christ? :

“ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him : ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him, ‘Don’t you fear God’ he said ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said ‘ Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’. Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today, you will be with me in paradise. ”

Luke 23: 39-43 NIV

When that criminal asked Jesus, “… remember me, when you come into your kingdom…” he actually BELIEVED that Jesus can save him – and he received God’s MERCY because of that and was saved. How many times did Jesus do this in the Gospel – giving grace to the unlikely of recipients : tax collectors; prostitutes; SINNERS. Because it is in His nature to do so :

“ God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. ”
Proverbs 3: 34 NIV

In my walk through life, I usually relied on my “galing” and “abilidad” that I failed most of the time (remember “Failure: So What?” ). But when I realized that it’s not up to me – but to the Lord – I surrendered myself to Him, and everything’s falling into place. That’s why one of the most endearing songs for me is this :

“ Only by grace can we enter…
Only by grace can we stand..
Not by our human endeavor..
But by the blood of the Lamb.. . ”

Only By Grace

Some of you may argue : So, okay.. it is through grace that we are saved, by our faith… but how about good works? Balewala ba lahat ang mga ‘yon? ( ang dami ko pa namang sinalihang activities sa Singles…. ) By no means!!!

Our good works should stem as an offspring of our love for God, because of the grace that we received from Him. Paul said :

“ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead…. Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”
James 2: 17; 21-22 NIV

Remember my letters on Sacred Duty : we must offer ourselves as living sacrifices :

“ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. ”
Romans 12: 1-2 NIV

First comes our faith; and from it springs our good works; but all this should be encompassed with love (Sacred Duty 3 : Service with Love ).

I hope to hear more from you and your activities back there. Marami rin akong kwento para sa inyo tungkol sa mga karanasan ko dito sa Saudi, but I’ll discuss that later on. But there’s one important one. Remember the story I narrated earlier regarding my three friends here who got stranded after they were kicked out unjustly by their company? They were stranded here for more than 6 months, struggling to get what is due them. Well, God works in mysterious ways. There was a change in ownership of the company, after the previous owner died, and by the GRACE of God, the new owners absorbed my three friends back. And now they’re back in the saddle – full of hope, full of life. Thanks for your prayers my friends!!!

Well, hanggang dito na lang muna. Medyo napahaba yata ako ngayon. I miss you all and I hope we can all get back together soon. May the Lord bless you at all times. Greet everyone with a holy kiss for me. See ya!!!

Shalom,
Brod. Pete


“Letters from my Sojourn”

© 2008 Peter Allan Mariano

Peter Allan C. Mariano

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SONG : The Child In Your Heart



( from the compilation Childhood Dreams)


look deep into your heart
is that child of God still there?
a child that you once were….
or had the pressures of life
have been too much to bear?
the child that once was… now grown old
and with it, the heart… now grown cold
cast your cares on Him..
He once said… and you’ll find rest…
or have you forgotten?
are you still heavily laden?
is life still a burden?
let go…child… let go…
jump into the Father’s arms once more…
like you did sometime before…
you’ll find solace there, that’s true…
as the child that you once were…knew…



© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano


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LETTERS : Sacred Duty 3 : Service With Love

( Original Letter : March 10, 2003 )


To my dear friends in Christ;


Kamusta kayong lahat diyan?! (Welcome to everyone out there!) I hope you are all in good condition back there. I was so happy when I received emails from some of you, particularly Anna, Aleth and Jinky. Thanks for the birthday greetings guys! Saka na blow out pag balik ko! (I'll treat you all when I get back!) I also received one email that really warmed my heart. It was from Kosy, including a picture of his family – one big happy family! Malaking kabawasan sa pagka-homesick ko ang mga iyan (these things would really trim down my homesickness) , so thanks a lot. Pasensiya na (Forgive me) if I was not able to reply on time. Iisa lang kasi ang computer dito sa production line namin na may Internet access, so agawan kami. ‘Yung computer na gamit ko ay ibang access meron – access sa mga games, hehehe. ( We only have one computer available here in the production line which has an Internet access, so everyone is scrambling to use it. The computer that I am using has a different access - to games!)

Everybody here is talking about WAR. And believe me, there are even some supporters here of Mr. Saddam Hussein and Mr. Bin Laden. These are some of our Muslim brothers from other countries who are also working as expatriates here in KSA. Well, they are entitled to their own ideologies. But one thing is common – nobody in his right mind wants war. So, please help me in praying for an avertion to war, and a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Let’s pray to the Lord to touch the hearts and minds of the major players in this conflict, so they could all have a change of heart – from hate to LOVE.

“Love is all that matters...” goes the song playing in our computer’s CD player. Homesick kasi ‘yung kasama kong isa. ( My roommate here is homesick). He’s still single and misses his girlfriend... hehehe.... that’s why puro senti ang pinapatugtog. But that line from the song is one perfect description of love – it’s all that really matters. Even in our service to Him.

The following description of love from Paul sums it all. I urge you to memorize it, keep it in your hearts and minds, and live it up to its full extent. It is exactly what Paul himself describe as “... the most excellent way”.

“ If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
1 Corinthians 13: 1-8 NIV

“ And now these three remain: FAITH; HOPE and LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE. ”
1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

That passage is not just a slum book description of love.. but it perfectly describes what our Sacred Duty to Him should embody – and that is Love. Why love? Why not faith or hope or joy? Simply because of this :

“ If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives in Love lives in God, and God in him. ”
1 John 4:16 NIV

Even if we can talk in multiple languages, and as Paul said, even the language of angels, but don’t have love – we’re just noise. Even if we have the wisdom of Solomon or can make miracles like the greatest faith healer in the world, but are hearts our devoid of love – then we are nothing. WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT LOVE. WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT GOD. Nothing, Nada, Nil, Zero.... it is as if we were not even born, nor even exists.... nothing. This is more aptly applied to our Sacred Duty. Even if we are “successful” in our work (even for Him), but if we have done it without love, then it amounts to nothing. Even if we sacrifice everything, but there’s no love, it just goes to the recycle bin. Jesus himself said...

“ If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. ”
1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

I once read about a famous pastor/writer from one church who visited a congregation from a different church. I can’t remember the exact details but here is what I know. The pastor went with colleagues, who were eager to show off their “Bible Knowledge” to this congregation. They were greeted warmly by one minister, who mentioned something that didn’t quite agree to what the pastor and his team believed in their own church. But, the pastor didn’t say anything to refute the minister, to the dismay of his companions (eager na nga silang makipag-debate kasi e...). Later, when they asked him why he didn’t make dikdik to the minister, the pastor said that he could do just that, and quite easily, but where would LOVE be if he did just that? Tok! Tinamaan sila ng bato galing langit!

In my work here in Saudi, I handle people of different nationalities, which have a culture, and a level of common sense, very much different from our own. At first, I was easily frustrated, kasi talaga namang #!@&$!?!!!! ang mga taong ito. At one point, one Bangladeshi guy, who is considered the worst case here and who everyone would love to get rid of, really got to my nerves because of his foolishness and irresponsibility, that I issued a directive slapping him with a severe punishment. Management told me that I just say the word and they would kick him back to where he came from. I almost did it... but then I realized... why should I? And then I asked myself WWJD ( What Would Jesus Do?). So, I talked to him, and gave him another chance. He’s been improving ever since, hopefully it would continue. And he told me one time that during his Salah, or the prayers the Muslim people do, he would always pray for me.

Sometimes in our service to Him, we do things this way or that because our own human nature tells us it’s the right thing to do. Yes, I mentioned before that we should do our Sacred Duty with excellence, but if it’s done out of the context of love, then it would be better off if we did nothing at all. Do the following scenarios look familiar :

a) Sure, you delivered that talk with ease and precision and everybody was laughing and clapping their hands – but later you would say how boring and nakaka-antok the next speaker is;

b) Sure, you did a very inspiring sharing that made everyone really cry, even the bato-bato – but later on would remark how the next sharer is just making paikot-ikot and probably was not saying the truth;

c) Sure, you did an excellent number in the cluster assembly or a leadership conference where everyone was dancing and singing their hearts out – but later would remark how the next music ministry makes two much sabit in the way they play or how sintunado their lead singer is.... and so on... and so on.... and not only at our Service to Him, but in others as well.

I remember the story shared by Dondi Nakar, head of our music ministry from the previous community that I attended to. ( I was also part of the music ministry, but this incident happened before I joined ). Now, the group was really good, I mean they are really excellent, and could rival any professional group in terms of musicality, showmanship, technical know-how, equipment and what-have-you. But one time, one religious leader, who also trains music ministry groups, while listening to them perform commented that they were the worst music ministry she has ever heard! Why? Ang galing-galing naman nila a?! (There were really very good?!) It was because they were playing for themselves and not for Him. It was because the music has gone to their heads, and not to lead worship. It was because they were playing to gain praises from the people, and not because it was an outpouring of His Love in their hearts. The group later realized that.... and they had a renewal of their hearts and minds. Now, that same religious leader would listen to them and say – you’re the best there is. And I still believe so!

Let’s do the same brothers and sisters, let’s put LOVE in everything that we do. Let’s put God, who is Love, in the center of everything that we perform. Because it truly is, as Paul puts it, the most excellent way – it’s the only way.

I hope and I pray that each and everyone of you receive his/her RHEMA, or the personal message of God for you, through this letter of mine. May he help you perform your Sacred Duty, full of His presence, full of His Love. And if you received something from this, share it also to others who might need it – just pray to the Lord to inspire you and tell you who it should be. And may the Lord bless you at all times, and help you grow and mature as true Sons and Daughters of the Living God. This I ask and pray in Jesus’ mighty and powerful Name.........


Shalom,
Brod. Pete


“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano


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LETTERS: Failure - So What?

( Original Letter : February 16, 2003 )


To my dear friends in Christ;


Greetings my friends! What a JOY it is for me to write for you once more. May you all be in good condition and away from sickness of any form. At the time this letter was written, there was still the looming threat of the possible US-Iraq war. I hope that you all have been praying for us here, praying for peace to avert war.

The Eid Holidays have just concluded. This is what’s considered as the New Year’s celebration here by the Muslim people, and during this period, many are going on the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, their Holy City. One thing I noticed though with those going on Hajj: before they leave, they would greet everybody and ask forgiveness for all their shortcomings, and failures, real or imagined, from everyone.

Speaking of Failures, the Lord inspired me to write something about this critical topic for you. I know that this would be a good guide for those who are suffering from the setbacks caused by failures that they encountered in their lives. I know…. because I experienced them myself first hand.

I heard a lot of stories, both from RP and from other countries, about people being so depressed because of their failures that they would lose all motivation to go on with their lives. Others would even go the extremes and would eventually commit suicide ( some would even take others with them before they kill themselves. ) Failure in business; failure in their political career; failure in marriage; failure in their love life… the list would go endless. Likewise, you and I have undoubtedly experienced failure one time or another in our lives. But what has been our response to failure? Did we just give up, wither and die like the rest of them? Or did we pick ourselves up from the ashes and start afresh?

Failure is not the end of all things, nor is it the indication that your world had just ceased to exist. It should give us the motivation to go on with our lives and strive to be better. Have you ever pondered on these things when you experienced failure? ….maybe it’s the way we do things that caused us to fail…. maybe, it’s our perspective in life… maybe the Lord is trying to get our attention or trying to tell us something… maybe He’s trying to correct what we’re doing and put us in the right path – because He loves us.

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.”
Hebrews 12: 5b-6 NIV

I view failure as a signal from the Lord that, ooops, I’m straying from the path – okay… regroup!!! It’s painful actually, most of the time, but what we gain after the experience would be more than what we bargained for, or even deserve. We become stronger, wiser, braver, etc and etc. Mary Tyler Moore puts it beautifully :

“You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you. ”
Mary Tyler Moore

And yes, the Bible explains this as clear as the day :

“Our father disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ”
Hebrews 12: 10-11 NIV

There are a lot of instances in the Bible where people failed, but got up and started anew, then finally made it big. Take Peter for example ( the Apostle… not me… hehehe ), he was overly zealous in saying to Jesus that he would die, while others would flee, before anyone could take Jesus away. But what happened? He disowned Jesus! Three times!!! ( see Luke 22: 59-62 ). Wala na siyang mukhang maihaharap pa kay Jesus no’n, after what he has done. But when Mary Magdalene, together with James’ mother and Salome, went to the tomb of Jesus where He was laid after His death, they got this message from an angel :

“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone which was very large, had been rolled away. They entered the tomb, then they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed’ he said ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples, AND PETER, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’ ”
Mark 16: 4-7 NIV

Take note of this passage… “But go… tell His disciples AND PETER.”!!! Special mention pa siya. The others only ran away, but he denied Jesus three times… but he was mentioned specifically by the Angel. Now, how’s that for someone who failed miserably.

I experienced the same thing in my walk with the Lord. Three times He called me to serve Him. Three times I responded…. but all three failed, one way or the other. First was in college…. in a religious group for students there at UST. Next was at ELIM Community, where I started serving in the Music Ministry and as part of the Art Committee. The last one was when I served as head of the Singles For Christ Unit in Amkor/Anam. Everything was going well, until I got a “good” job wherein I earned dollars while staying in the Philippines. Paldo tayo noon, mga kaibigan! But even though I gained a lot back then materially, I lost touch with the SFC Group, which was my ministry. Then I slowly went back to my old ways – goodtime dito, goodtime doon – paldo nga kasi e, ang daming pera. Then my relationship with Mommy Jing got strained…. and we went farther apart as I went deeper and deeper into the pit. So, what did the Lord do? He took away my job, plain and simple. I lost the job, and had no stable income for more than a year, and was up to my neck in debts.

But when I look back through those days of struggle, I knew that the Lord was with me all the way. Kinalabit Niya ako, mabuti naman at lumingon ako. I got my life back on track. I got a new job and slowly recovered in that aspect. Mommy Jing and I grew stronger in our relationship – and were rewarded with Kenji!!! And my relationship with Him has been growing ever since.

I experienced failure big time, but the Lord never let me go. He helped me get up, and offered me another opportunity to serve Him anew – this time with CFC and SFC of Muntinlupa… o ‘di ba? Just like Peter, my tokayo, in the Gospel. The Lord, after His resurrection, asked Peter three times “Simon, do you truly love me more than these?” and he replied three times also “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” (see John 21:15-17). His previous failures have been vindicated by the Lord, and he was restored to His graces. That was His personal calling for me too, when He told me to go back to him --- Peter, feed my lambs…. and I responded…. and won’t ever back down, never again!

So, my brothers and sisters, don’t lose heart whenever you experience failure. Ask yourselves the questions I outlined to you earlier. And remember these words of Paul, and you would find yourself in the right track :

“But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.. ”
Philippians 3: 7-8 NIV

I hope that you received something from what I just shared with you. It would be a great joy for me if I could hear some response from the rest of you, as what I felt when I received emails from the others. I urge you to share these letters to the other SFC’s or other members from your own community (ask me if you need a copy of the previous ones) who don’t have access to the internet. Print them, give it to them, and/or read them during your household or prayer meetings – they could make a good discussion topic if you want to.

Continue to pray for me and for the situation in the Middle East. Please pray for my three friends : Kuya Efren; Kuya Muloy and Kuya Tony; who are still stranded here in KSA awaiting the result of their complaint against their employer from the Saudi Labor courts. Also, please pray for the soul of our Uncle Boy, who recently passed away. I always pray for you back there. I hope you do the same for me too. May the Lord bless you all and keep you, and may He provide you with everything you need, in Jesus’ Name.

Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure; it means you have not succeeded.
Failure doesn’t mean you accomplished nothing; it means you have learned something.
Failure doesn’t mean that you have been a fool; it means you had a lot of faith.
Failure doesn’t mean you’ve been disgraced; it means you were willing to try.
Failure doesn’t mean you don’t have it; it means you have to do
something in a different way.
Failure doesn’t mean you are inferior; it means you are not perfect.
Failure doesn’t mean you’ve wasted your life; it means you have
a reason to start afresh.
Failure doesn’t mean you should give up; it means you must try harder.
Failure doesn’t mean you’ll never make it; it means it will take
a little longer.

-- unknown --

Shalom,
Brod. Pete


“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano


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“ He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103:10-12 RSV

LETTERS : Sacred Duty 2 - Body Parts

(Original Letter - February 2, 2003)


To my dear friends in Christ,


Greetings to you all. I hope that you’re all doing fine and in good health. At the time of writing of this letter, a lot of people are quite fearful because of the looming threat posted by the possible US – Iraq War, and its implications here in the Middle East. Even watching TFC (The Filipino Channel) is no comfort, what with all the sensationalized news being aired there, adding to the fear. All I can do right now is pray that all will be well, and encouraging others here as well. I urge you all to please pray for the resolution of this conflict here in the Middle East, .... and , oh yes, pray for me too...

Forgive me for the title of this letter... “Body Parts”... sounds macabre, isn’t it? Well, I’m referring to our being part of the Body of Christ, and as being members of this Body, it is our Sacred Duty to function effectively... in the way we ought to. We all finished the CLP. And part of that is being baptized in the Spirit. And being baptized in the Spirit, we became part of the Body of Christ.

“ There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4: 4-6 NIV

I urge you to read carefully 1 Cor. 12:12-31. This passage explains in detail that we are part of the Body of Christ, just as we were baptized into it.

“ Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12: 27 NIV

Different parts, different functions... each has his own Sacred Duty to perform. As I’ve mentioned in Sacred Duty1 (for those of you who haven’t read it and the previous ones, please check the blogspot or the website, or ask me directly and I’ll email them to you), it encompasses all aspects of our lives – our work, family and society – and we all have our roles to play in these areas. It depends on what He called us to do, using the Gifts that He also gave us through the Holy Spirit. It could be anything He wants us to do for Him – a source of encouragement in the family and work; a facilitator in the Christian Life Program (CLP) or any Renewal program in your community; a volunteer in an outreach program; or being part of Gideon 300, and be sent as a missionary abroad! It could be small, or it could be big. It could be simple, or it could hold a greater measure of responsibility. As long as He wants us to do it – then we should do it!

In a previous community that I attended to, we also have a weekend Life in the Spirit Seminar similar to the CLP, but only done in two days. Some were assigned as facilitators, while the rest were assigned other activities – including preparation of the place and arranging the chairs. But you know what, those whose task were simply to arrange chairs, would pray over each and every chair they’re arranging, asking God to grant the Holy Spirit and enlighten the one who would sit on that particular chair! And they do it enthusiastically – I tell you.

Look into yourselves,... have we ever grumbled because we were not assigned an “important” role as a speaker, or as a facilitator? If God wants you to be the floor manager (in charge of cleaning after the CLP) then do it with all your heart! But if you were assigned an “important” role like a facilitator, or even the Team Leader, don’t take it all up to your head and think, and believe, that you have the most “important” duty of all. Notice how I put the quotes in “important”, because every duty that God has assigned for anyone is IMPORTANT, and not only those who we think are “important”. Get my point? Now, let’s see what’s Jesus say in this :

“ An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside Him. Then He said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in My Name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me, welcomes the One Who sent Me. For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest.’ ”
Luke 9: 46-48 NIV

Now you might ask : How can we know what our Sacred Duty is? Ah,.. good question. He will reveal it to us as we become closer and closer to Him. And we can do that through our prayers and worship, both personally and through community. It can also be revealed through our community, through the prayers and discernment of our elders and leaders. Or God will create situations for us to react to – and His will can be revealed in these situations. Just remember, always have a servant’s heart, my brothers and sisters. Who knows... one day Jesus might tap you on the shoulder, and give us the “role” that we aspire for. This passage that I’ll share with you from Romans clearly spells it all :

“ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12: 1-2 NIV

That my friends is how we’ll know the Sacred Duty God wants us to perform. And once we know it, we should do it with all our hearts and our will, pouring into it our time, talent and treasure. And I’m sure that you’ll bear fruit – much, much fruit. So next time you arrange a chair in the CLP, or sing a song during worship in gatherings, or share what Jesus has done for you to someone – do it with excellence! It could be part of your Sacred Duty to God.

I’m glad to have heard some updates from Pearl on what’s going on with SFC Muntinlupa. I was very thrilled to hear that you’re holding household meetings regularly. Keep it up, and encourage others to do so. Thanks to Richie for including me in the egroups. To those of you who receive this letter, please send it also to other SFC members that you know of, or print copies to those who don’t have email. Give copies to the Couples too, they might need it also.

But I have one message to the others : SULATAN N’YO AKO!!!! He,he,he.... just send me emails updating me of what’s going on with your lives. Hey.. you can email me your problems too, or seek some advice regarding any matter... I’ll me more willing to give help.

I pray that the Lord grant us all His wisdom, knowledge and understanding so we could know all about our Sacred Duty in detail – and be able to perform it with excellence. May the Lord supply you with all your needs, and grant you good health and protection.... In Jesus’ Name!


Shalom,
Brod. Pete

“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano



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“ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,
a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who
correctly handles the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2: 15

LETTERS: Sacred Duty 1 - A Fresh Start

(Original Letter - December 31, 2002)


To my dear friends in Christ,


Greetings!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!!! I hope each and every one of you back there enjoyed the happiness that this season brings, but let us not forget the Reason for the season. We may have the tendency to concentrate only on the festivities – and forget the One who we should be celebrating for.

As for me, Christmas day here in Saudi was a regular working day. Actually, it is celebrated here in secret dahil bawal nga. So, we celebrated na lang on the 26th, Thursday, which is a weekend here. I joined my friends from another company, actually a former sister-company of my employer, before the brother-owners decided to call it quits after a feud, and finally separated.

The problem in that other company is that their salary has been delayed for 5 months now. And those who voiced out their complaints to the owner were unjustly thrown out of their jobs. Well okay, they were fired, so it is proper that they receive their salary balance, their benefits from their years of stay, and their plane ticket for home. But it’s been three months now since they were ejected, and they haven’t received a single Riyal, claiming that the company has no funds as of that time. Now, these three friends of mine sought the help of the Philippine Embassy, and their case is now at the Saudi Labor. It appears that they are on the winning side, but it would take time, maybe 6 months to one year, before the employer buckles and give them their due. So, all they could do right now is stay in their villa (mabuti nga hindi pa sila ejected sa villa nila e), and wait – without jobs, without money to support their family back home, and almost without hope.

They rely on us: me, from another company, and the rest of the Filipino group from their own company who were not ejected. We pool our resources, so that everybody could be supported, particularly on food. And this Christmas celebration, we pooled what little we have for a little celebration – to bring some joy to all our hearts. I can’t imagine how my friends could be feeling. Kung ako nga na wala namang masyadong problema sa trabaho, but far from my loved ones, feel sad because I’m so far away this Christmas, what more silang tatlo. What I can only do is pray for them, and give them encouragement in what little way I can, and hope that this New Year would give them a fresh start.

That is also what I’m praying for, not only for me and Mommy Jing, but for every one of you – a fresh start this New Year. This experience with my three friends reminded me that there are a lot of people in need out there: materially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. And as CFC Singles For Christ members or for any other Christian community members there as well, it is our Sacred Duty to help them – in any way we can. And I believe this duty is part of our SFC Covenant, particularly item#2:

“I will work towards the evangelization and transformation of my work place, my family and my community.”
SFC Covenant #2

Let us renew our lives and have this fresh start. Let’s begin with our own New Year’s resolution. If your planning one for the next year, choose one that focuses more on our Sacred Duty, and set aside our worldly ways for a while, or better, completely. And as in Paul’s letter to Timothy says, we must strive in performing our best in our Sacred Duty to God:

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2: 15 NIV

As stipulated in our SFC Covenant, our Sacred Duty encompasses all major aspects of our lives: our work; our family; and our society. We must strive in excellence in all three and not just in one area. We cannot be overly active in our SFC activities, and then neglect our family duties. Nor can we cannot be totally engulfed in our career, and disregard our family and community. Ang hirap no? But with the help of God, we can do it!

Sabi Niya sa John 15 that He is the vine and we are the branches. As Christians, we have heard His word, and He in turn “prunes” us so that we become fruitful. That is the main focus of our Sacred Duty – to bear fruit, in all aspects of our lives.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned”

John 15: 1-6 NIV

This duty can be anything that He assigns to us : from being a spiritual encouragement at home and at work; or doing an active part in one of our CFC or Gawad Kalinga projects, like SAGIP or the Prison Ministry; inviting someone to the CLP and help him finish it; or just helping someone in need anyway we can. We can learn to discover His plans for us, and what He intends for us to do for Him (we’ll discuss this topic in Sacred Duty 2). But we can only do that if we remain in Him – through our prayers, personally and in community; and contemplating on His Word.

If we try to do things in our own way, we are bound to fail sooner or later – for we can do nothing without Him. It’s like this palm fruit here in the Middle East, the Dates. Pluck it from the tree and it grows so sweet for some time. But after a while, it withers and slowly rots. That would happen to us if we severe ourselves from Him. But if Christ is the center of what we do, then we can accomplish more of what He intends for us to finish, and bear much, much fruit.

So, my friends, I encourage you to stop for a while and ponder: Where is my life heading to? Am I doing the Sacred Duty God intends for me to perform? Is Christ the center of what I am busying myself in? Use the SFC Covenant as your guidebook – and check for yourself if you’re on the right track. Then make a decision and take this opportunity to have a brand new start in life.

May God supply you with all your needs. May He give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding to guide you in the Sacred Duty that He assigned to you. May this New Year bring you a fresh start in Life so you can strive for excellence, bear fruit, and reach the goal that’s waiting for us at the end of the race – the Crown of Eternal Life.

Please pray for me , as I’ve been praying for you. Pray for your elders, and share whatever blessings you receive from the Lord with other members of our community. And may the Lord bless you and keep you, this New Year, and in the years to come. In Jesus Name!


Yours in Christ,


Brod. Pete

“Letters from my Sojourn”

© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano


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LETTERS : Desert 2 - Washing of the Soul

( Original Letter - November 27, 2002)


To my dear friends in Christ;


Greetings!

May the peace and love of Christ be with each and everyone of you. I hope that you are all in fine condition and in good health. At the time that I wrote this letter, it was the start of the cold season in Saudi Arabia and talaga namang it’s so cold to the bones. It feels as if the aircon was turned at full blast with the thermostat set to the coldest setting. Kulang na lang snow. It’s like this in deserts, the climate is at extremes.

And speaking of deserts, did everyone of you hear or read the first letter I sent you? I hope you did and if you haven’t yet, just read it from the blogspot or from the website. That letter talked about personal “deserts” and how we should overcome them in our lives. Let me continue that topic in this letter.

Have you heard of this story? Jesus was about to give a special “Gift” to one particular person? The Gift was something precious, but it was too slippery and difficult to hold, and would require both hands to handle it. However, the man was carrying too much on both hands, leaving no room for the Gift to be received. He had to let go of these things to receive the Gift – if he wanted to.

Like that man in the story, this Gift from Jesus is offered to all of us. But do we also have too much on our hands, some of which are also holding us in bondage – that we can’t let go? What if this offering from Jesus is the Gift of Eternal Life? We’ll miss the chance because we could not, or will not let go.

I read a book sometime ago written by Stephen King entitled “The Stand”. It was an apocalyptic book, set in a post-modern period where 90% of the world’s population died from a super-virus, while those who were miraculously immune were the only ones who survived. It was a colossal story of a battle between good and evil, with religious overtones that I did not expect from a Stephen King novel. In the climax of the story, four men were chosen from the good guys for the final confrontation with the leader of the bad guys. These men were just ordinary guys who have had a remarkable transformation in their lives, and their faith. And they realized these changes in their lives during their final journey towards this confrontation, wherein they have to pass through a wide desert. When they realized these changes, one of them remarked :

“ When you empty out the vessel, you also empty out all the crap floating around in there. The additives. The impurities. Sure, it feels good. It’s a whole-body, whole-mind enema.”
From Stephen King’s “The Stand”

We are these vessels. In order for Christ to fill it up, it must be emptied out with it’s contents first. Let’s remove the “crap” floating around in our lives, some of which are keeping us in bondage. Let me identify a few :

a) Excessive partying and/or drinking : (Hello Boys!!!)
I didn’t say that these are bad in itself, if these are done in moderation and at the proper time. But if these keep us away from Christ – then it is not good. Think. Have you ever cancelled your attendance to an activity for the Lord, wherein you already gave your commitment to attend beforehand – because of some “biglaang gimik”? Ouch!!!


b) Sexual desires or lust (Do I need to explain?)


c) Too much affection and attention for a girlfriend or a boyfriend that all your time is spent on them – neglecting your other duties to your family and Church.

d) Overwork (12 to 16 hours on the job!!! )

e) Fear (of anything). Do you know that the only fear that is considered “good” is the Fear of the Lord? Others are from the evil one.

f) and others that’s keeping us away from the love of Christ. If a particular aspect of your life is doing just that – then it’s considered crap. You have to delete it permanently (don’t put it in the recycle bin, for you might retrieve it again, okay?)

This month, the Muslim people is observing Ramadan, which is a month of fasting. They will not eat nor drink (not even their laway!) from 3AM to approximately 5:30 PM. And they are required to strictly observe the 5x prayer a day at appointed times. This is considered a cleansing experience for Muslims, similar to our Lenten Season (but most of us are not observing the prayer and fasting part, don’t we?)

As I’ve mentioned in my earlier letter, during my length of stay here in Saudi Arabia, I’ve learned to experience these changes, while going through my own personal “deserts”. I have learned to pray more diligently daily, and read the Bible more. I have taken advantage of the lack of distractions here in KSA. There are no gimik places. No beerhouses nor night clubs (may beer din dito, NAB nga lang – non-alcoholic). My only libangan here is reading, painting and writing (and sometimes playing basketball, Playstation and watching VCD movies, hehehe, but these are only during the weekends.)

What keeps me going is the love of my family that I feel through their calls, text messages, and letters; and the constant presence of Jesus Christ in everything I do.

You can do that too, my friends, just remove the “crap” from your lives and fill your vessel with something new – branded JC!!!

I hope to hear more from you soon. That would be a great joy for me! Please pray for me, as I’ve been praying for you. Pray for your elders, and share whatever blessings you receive from the Lord with other members of your community. And may the Lord bless you and keep you, and provide you with everything you need, in Jesus Name!


Yours in Christ,
Brod. Pete


“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano



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“ Turn my heart towards Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.”

Psalm 119 : 36-37

LETTERS : Desert 1 - Our Personal Deserts

( Original Letter - November 5, 2002 )


To my dear friends in Christ;


Greetings!

May the peace of the Lord and the joy that His knowledge brings be with you all. I hope that all of you are in good health, not only in mind and body, but also in the soul as well.

Since the start of my sojourn in Saudi Arabia, I have been meaning to write a letter to my friends, particularly for the members of Singles For Christ, but alas, I failed to do so as other things caught up my time. But the Lord made promptings in my heart, and He urged me to write, not only a letter, but a series of letters. This I believe is my ministry to my friends, and other readers as well… during the time that I’m away.

I remembered the early days of my sojourn vividly. As my plane approached the airport in Riyadh, I saw how vast the desert is in this country. There were only a few patches of vegetation here and there. And it was hot! Kainitan daw, during the period when I arrived. As the plane was about to touch down, I can’t help but hear the song playing in my head: “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name…” (by America ). Maybe some of you know this song. It was perfect background music for the desolation that I’m seeing.

Each one of us has his or her own “desert” that he faces and must go through, once, twice, or even more in his life. It could be unemployment, a break-up with your sweetheart, the loss of a loved one, and so on. It could be as serious as being accused of a heinous crime, or as mundane as the loss of your dog, just like what happened to Buloy in the song by Parokya ni Edgar.

We all must pass through these “deserts” in our lives (in my case, it was a literal desert). We must journey through this desert alone… so in our loneliness we begin to rely on God… and when we rely only in Him, we can then see Him. We must be broken down by this desert. All our walls that we built around ourselves in our pride must be torn down… just like Job… just like Paul… and in our brokenness we seek Him… we rely on Him… just like a helpless child longing for his Father.

During those first few months after I arrived in Saudi Arabia, I have felt the terrible loneliness of being away from my loved ones. This loneliness could really eat you up from the inside. Those of you, who have experienced working abroad, or just being away from home for a considerable amount of time, would understand why.

Homesick…homesick…homesick…. Do you know that I’ve heard a lot of crazy things happening to people here who suffered from homesickness (but I’ll tell you all that in a different letter.) Well, in my loneliness out there, I have relied only in God, and in His Word. He has revealed to me a lot of things while reading His Word. I’m so grateful that someone gave me a Bible to read here, despite the danger of having one. You might have heard that possession of it here, as well as other religious items not related to Islam, is strictly forbidden, and perpetrators are severely punished. Anyway, the Lord will make the way, and He did just that.

I have learned, once more, to communicate with Him diligently everyday, through prayers and reading Scriptures. I said “once more” because it truly was like that. For members of Couples For Christ and Singles for Christ, we have learned this very thing during our Christian Life Program. It’s even included in our Covenant as SFC members, but we seem to have forgotten it. And I tell you, you’ll really get to know Him more and more each time if you do this, just like what John have said…

“We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His Word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him. Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”
1 John 2:3 – 6 NIV

To know Him is to obey His commands. How do we obey His commands? By obeying His Words! And how do we get to know His Words? By learning it through Scriptures! Most of the Muslim people here are very diligent in their prayers, which they call “salah”. These are done five times a day, in different time slots, one of which is near the 3:00 to 3:30 AM time zone. The duration is usually 15 minutes per prayer, totaling 1.25 hours daily. Does this remind you of something? The Lord, in the Gospel, specifically asked that we devote at least one hour for Him daily…

“Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter.”
Matthew 26: 40 NIV

If the Muslims can do it, then so can we. Right, my friends? In doing so, we would be like the man who built his house on a rock, whose faith could not be shaken by the problems and anxieties in life. And this would come only through prayer and studying Scriptures.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these Words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7: 24 – 27 NIV

I urge you also, brothers and sisters, specially the leaders and those whose job is to facilitate or to shepherd God’s flock, to do the same. Rely on Him! Overcome your deserts through diligent prayer and reading Scriptures. Get to know Him more. Like the man who built his house on the rock, we should put our hearts, our minds, and our bodies on The Rock, who is Jesus Christ. And this is what you should impart to your new brothers and sisters, particularly the new participants in the Christian Life Program and other spiritual renewal programs out there from different communities.

May the Lord bless you at all times and provide for everything that you need, and may He let the fruit of the Spirit grow more and more in each and everyone of you, and I ask this in His most Holy Name.


Yours in Christ,
Brod. Pete


“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano


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“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have
been forgiven on account of His Name.

I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him

Who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, because you have

overcome the evil one.

I write to you, dear children, because you

have known the Father.

I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him

Who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, because you are strong,

and the Word of God lives in you, and you have
overcome the evil one."



1 John 2: 12-14

LETTERS : The Plans Of The Master Builder

Have you ever been in a desert? Have you ever wondered what it would be like living in utter desolation, devoid of life except your own... no joy... and no hope. One doesn't have to be in a literal "desert", with its sand dunes and extreme weather, to experience the nothingness of a life usually associated with such a place. Each one of us probably had encountered a certain "desert" in our lives - during those times when we have no one.. no love... no joy... no hope.... nothing, nada, nil, zero.

This could apply to any aspect of our lives: in work, at school, in our family, in our circle of friends, and in our relationship with the Lord, our Master Builder. The only question here is - what have become of us after passing through this "desert".

Due to certain unavoidable circumstances in my life, I ended up working in Saudi Arabia for over three years... straight. This was one of those "deserts" in my life but in this case it was a literal desert. It was supposed to be a two-year stay only, as stipulated in my contract, but because of the difficulty in finding a replacement for me after I finished my contract (the owners were urging me to renew), I was forced to extend my stay here, to the ire of my wife and family. Further delays in my homecoming were caused by the difficulty of obtaining my exit papers from the Saudi Immigration office.

During that time, the officials were extra-strict in processing documents, due to the onslaught of terrorist acts, most of which have never even reached the news. This was also compounded by the fact that it was the Hajj season at that time, and things were slowly grinding to a halt as the Muslim people prepare for the upcoming Eid Al Adaha Holidays. This is their equivalent of the New Year season, and the Saudi government agencies, typical of such offices, were at less than 50% efficiency level - if you know what I mean. It was a good thing that my employers had an uncle who was a high ranking official in the Jawasat, equivalent to our deportation office. He took the matters into his hands and forced Immigration to release my passport and exit papers. Sa wakas!(At last!)

At this point, I can't but help reminisce the days of my sojourn in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia : from the moment I got there and having to spend overnight at the airport ala-Tom Hanks in his movie "Terminal" (yes, it happened to me, but it was only for one night); to the very confusing early periods of my stay; until the Lord revealed to me my Sacred Duty. In a land where Christianity is forbidden, I experienced a spiritual reawakening, and it was at this time when I began the series of "Letters From My Sojourn" which I regularly send to friends and family. For three years I stayed there, up to my extended length of stay, and with it the emotional struggle that me and my family had to go through. And finally it came... the long awaited time of my return home.

Through all those moments of ups and downs, I have felt the loving touch of the Master Builder. During those moments of hardships and trials there, I have learned to lean on Him for support - and what a support He gave me!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV

Just before I left Saudi Arabia, I have sent the last installment to these "Letters from My Sojourn" series.... but I knew for a fact that the Lord wold not want me to end this work when I get back home... but to continue sending these words of encouragement to my friends, family and others as well. I will continue to give glory to His Name through my writings... as well as perform the other tasks that I knew He had already lined up for me when I get back home.

" Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess His Name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Hebrews 13: 15-16 NIV

And as for you, my brothers and sisters, to those whose lives have been touched by the Lord in one way or another, I urge you to be steadfast in your faith and heed the words spoken in Proverbs 3: 5-6. As the song goes, He has taken us out of the dark and led us into the light... He has removed us from the crooked path that we were taking, and built for us a straight and beautiful highway.

Don't let yourselves be dragged by the world back into the darkness... and don't let yourselves be blinded and fooled by the fake glitter and glamour that lies within the crooked path. It's all up to us, my brothers and sisters, if we want to continue with what the Lord have started in our lives. It's up to us if we'll turn our backs to Him... or press on towards His direction. And know this for a fact, my friends - only we ourselves can turn our own backs to Him... for He will never turn His back to us... and He will never forsake us.

" I Thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion, until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1: 3-6 NIV


He is the Master Builder. He will continue to work on us, never abandoning what He started, until the time comes when He sees His own image in us... like a master craftsman refining silver. He will continue to mold us into perfection... until His work in us is complete. We are like vessels that He is shaping... but it would be up to us as to what material we will put inside these vessels, our own beings :

" In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
2 Timothy 2: 20-21 NIV

Be VESSELS OF GOLD my dear friends... be an instrument for noble and honorable purposes... and not for the opposite, which is ignoble, shameful, without honor... which would be a shame and waste to the beautiful vessels that He has intended us to be.

If you remember the words of the song "Once No People", you must realize that He has taken you out of the darkness and are being built into His spiritual house as a royal priesthood. For we were once nothing, not a people... but we are now the Children of the Light.... God's People.... intended to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

" But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."

1 Peter 2 : 9 NIV

My sojourn into that spiritual and physical desert I described earlier is now at an end, my dear friends, but my journey has not -- it has started onto another phase. And I am confident that the Lord, the Master Builder, will continue to mold me into what He intends me to be.

And the same goes for all of you.

I pray that the Lord continue to provide us all with wisdom and guidance, so we might trek the right paths together! I pray that He continue to shower us with His blessings without measure so that we may all be satisfied and may be able to offer Him our spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works. Now I know, and felt secure, that the Master Builder, who began a good work in each and everyone of us, will be faithful to complete His work.... in Jesus' Name!


"Letters From My Sojourn"
© 2008

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWAD1098KHz 10-11am Every Tuesday 
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An Introduction to Letters From My Sojourn


" I write to you, dear children, because your sins have
been forgiven on account of His Name.

I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him

Who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, because you have

overcome the evil one.

I write to you, dear children, because you

have known the Father.

I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him

Who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, because you are strong,

and the Word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one."


1 John 2: 12-14

On May 0f 2002 , I went to work as an expatriate in the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia. Circumstances at that time forced me to take on this job, even though it would mean being half-a-world away from my family and loved ones – and from my Ministry in Singles for Christ in Muntinlupa.

But during this Sojourn in this desert country, where lifestyles, even religious freedom, are restricted by society and the governing body, I came to realize that God has sent me to go through this “desert” in my life. It became known to me that He wanted me to go through this filtration process…. so I can let go of things that hinder my ministry to Him – thus revealing the Sacred Duty that He wants me to accomplish.

And part of this Sacred Duty is to write a series of “LETTERS” to my brothers and sisters in SFC. So, in
these simple messages of mine, greatly inspired by the Lord, I could give whatever encouragement there is to my friends, not only in SFC Muntinlupa, but to other readers as well…. even while I’m away.

Shalom,
Brod. Pete

Have you ever been in a desert? Have you ever wondered what it would be like living in utter desolation, devoid of life except your own... no joy... and no hope. One doesn't have to be in a literal "desert", with its sand dunes and extreme weather, to experience the nothingness of a life usually associated with such a place. Each one of us probably had encountered a certain "desert" in our lives - during those times when we have no one.. no love... no joy... no hope.... nothing, nada, nil, zero.

This could apply to any aspect of our lives: in work, at school, in our family, in our circle of friends, and in our relationship with the Lord, our Master Builder. The only question here is - what have become of us after passing through this "desert".

Due to certain unavoidable circumstances in my life, I ended up working in Saudi Arabia for over three years... straight. This was one of those "deserts" in my life but in this case it was a literal desert. It was supposed to be a two-year stay only, as stipulated in my contract, but because of the difficulty in finding a replacement for me after I finished my contract (the owners were urging me to renew), I was forced to extend my stay here, to the ire of my wife and family. Further delays in my homecoming were caused by the difficulty of obtaining my exit papers from the Saudi Immigration office.

During that time, the officials were extra-strict in processing documents, due to the onslaught of terrorist acts, most of which have never even reached the news. This was also compounded by the fact that it was the Hajj season at that time, and things were slowly grinding to a halt as the Muslim people prepare for the upcoming Eid Al Adaha Holidays. This is their equivalent of the New Year season, and the Saudi government agencies, typical of such offices, were at less than 50% efficiency level - if you know what I mean. It was a good thing that my employers had an uncle who was a high ranking official in the Jawasat, equivalent to our deportation office. He took the matters into his hands and forced Immigration to release my passport and exit papers. Sa wakas!(At last!)

At this point, I can't but help reminisce the days of my sojourn in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia : from the moment I got there and having to spend overnight at the airport ala-Tom Hanks in his movie "Terminal" (yes, it happened to me, but it was only for one night); to the very confusing early periods of my stay; until the Lord revealed to me my Sacred Duty. In a land where Christianity is forbidden, I experienced a spiritual reawakening, and it was at this time when I began the series of "Letters From My Sojourn" which I regularly send to friends and family. For three years I stayed there, up to my extended length of stay, and with it the emotional struggle that me and my family had to go through. And finally it came... the long awaited time of my return home.

Through all those moments of ups and downs, I have felt the loving touch of the Master Builder. During those moments of hardships and trials there, I have learned to lean on Him for support - and what a support He gave me!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV

Just before I left Saudi Arabia, I have sent the last installment to these "Letters from My Sojourn" series.... but I knew for a fact that the Lord wold not want me to end this work when I get back home... but to continue sending these words of encouragement to my friends, family and others as well. I will continue to give glory to His Name through my writings... as well as perform the other tasks that I knew He had already lined up for me when I get back home.

" Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess His Name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Hebrews 13: 15-16 NIV

And as for you, my brothers and sisters, to those whose lives have been touched by the Lord in one way or another, I urge you to be steadfast in your faith and heed the words spoken in Proverbs 3: 5-6. As the song goes, He has taken us out of the dark and led us into the light... He has removed us from the crooked path that we were taking, and built for us a straight and beautiful highway.

Don't let yourselves be dragged by the world back into the darkness... and don't let yourselves be blinded and fooled by the fake glitter and glamour that lies within the crooked path. It's all up to us, my brothers and sisters, if we want to continue with what the Lord have started in our lives. It's up to us if we'll turn our backs to Him... or press on towards His direction. And know this for a fact, my friends - only we ourselves can turn our own backs to Him... for He will never turn His back to us... and He will never forsake us.

" I Thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion, until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1: 3-6 NIV


He is the Master Builder. He will continue to work on us, never abandoning what He started, until the time comes when He sees His own image in us... like a master craftsman refining silver. He will continue to mold us into perfection... until His work in us is complete. We are like vessels that He is shaping... but it would be up to us as to what material we will put inside these vessels, our own beings :

" In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
2 Timothy 2: 20-21 NIV

Be VESSELS OF GOLD my dear friends... be an instrument for noble and honorable purposes... and not for the opposite, which is ignoble, shameful, without honor... which would be a shame and waste to the beautiful vessels that He has intended us to be.

If you remember the words of the song "Once No People", you must realize that He has taken you out of the darkness and are being built into His spiritual house as a royal priesthood. For we were once nothing, not a people... but we are now the Children of the Light.... God's People.... intended to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

" But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."

1 Peter 2 : 9 NIV

My sojourn into that spiritual and physical desert I described earlier is now at an end, my dear friends, but my journey has not -- it has started onto another phase. And I am confident that the Lord, the Master Builder, will continue to mold me into what He intends me to be.

And the same goes for all of you.

I pray that the Lord continue to provide us all with wisdom and guidance, so we might trek the right paths together! I pray that He continue to shower us with His blessings without measure so that we may all be satisfied and may be able to offer Him our spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works. Now I know, and felt secure, that the Master Builder, who began a good work in each and everyone of us, will be faithful to complete His work.... in Jesus' Name!


"Letters From My Sojourn"
© 2008


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