Romans 7 TNIV
Released From the Law, Bound to Christ
1 Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3 So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.
4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were controlled by our sinful nature, [a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
The Law and Sin
7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." [b] 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. [c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature [d] a slave to the law of sin.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
SUNSETS
Sunset in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi
Sunset in Currimao, Ilocos Norte
Sunset in San Fernado, Pampanga
Sunset in Cagayan de Oro City
Sunset in Boracay
This is one priceless gift I receive as a field worker- the beauty of witnessing the sunset from every corner of the Philippines...
FIELD WORK
MY work in the last 10 years has been spent in working with various communities and sectors. I have worked with the underprivileged children, youth, families, and communities in Davao City. I have extensively worked with big and small savings and credit coops in Mindanao and the Visayas from Catarman, Northern Samar to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. I have spent many occasions visiting an agrarian reform coop in Lamitan, Basilan. I also have the privilege to share my time and talent to huge coops such as the First Community Cooperative in Cagayan de Oro City and Metro Ormoc Community Credit Cooperative in Leyte. I saw how Abuyog Saint Francis Xavier Credit Cooperative in Abuyog, Leyte used teamwork to make itself so huge and be listed as one of the wealthiest cooperatives in the Visayas. I also had the privilege to work with the youth seaweed farmers of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi. Recently, I was assigned in Davao and Cotabato areas, working with the organic rice and muscovado farming communities.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
My CCF Success Story
Note: This was released on June 2003 in the Childwire e-newsletter of the Christian Children's Fund or CCF
A Sponsored Father's Day
With father's day approaching, and students graduating, I want to tell you the success story of a child spurred by the generosity and assistance of a "father."
The late John Peterson and his wife Holly have been known as Mom Holly and Dad John to their Philippine CCF-sponsored child Alfred T. Allaga. Alfred's gratitude to CCF and the Petersons' is obvious. "Through the education and training I received from CCF, I can proudly say that I know how to distinguish right from wrong, and I know how to assert my rights. Thank you so much for your greatness and to my loving sponsor, Dad John Peterson and wife, Mom Holly. His selfless endeavor has really made a better me," said Alfred.
John Peterson, author of the beloved children's series, "The Littles," and his wife, Holly, sponsored Alfred from 1987-1997
through Christian C
hildren's Fund. The Petersons' adored children, having four of their own, grandchildren, great grandchildren, one sponsored child and millions of young adoring fans.
Mrs. Peterson recalls, "My husband was a paratrooper in World War II in the Philippines where he was moved by the severe poverty in that country and wanted to do something for the children." The Petersons' decided to sponsor a child from the Philippines through CCF. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was excited about her father's idea of sponsoring.
In addition to writing children's stories, the Petersons' enjoyed corresponding with Alfred. Alfred would report his grades in school as well as describe his volunteer work. "At first Alfred called us Sir John and Maam Holly. I wrote and told him I have all my children's pictures on the side board in the dining room and that his photo was there too," said Mrs. Peterson, "He called us Dad John and Mom Holly after that." He then sent us another photo signed, "Your Son, Alfred," said Mrs. Peterson.
Alfred received a college degree from a university in the Philippines and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. After several years as a professional English teacher and inspired by the kindness bestowed upon him, Alfred now works as a Child Development Facilitator of a CCF Program in the city of Davao. "I usually give counseling services to my dear CCF children and I also facilitate meaningful communication with their sponsors," said Alfred.
Now married, Alfred said, "My wife is also a former CCF child. We have one child, Alfrancis John (named after my great American father) and another upcoming child this June 2003." The Petersons' were delighted in the naming of the baby, "My husband was so thrilled when they named the baby John after him," said Mrs. Peterson.
A tribute to the effort of a father, the achievement of a child and the power of sponsorship.A Sponsored Father's Day
With father's day approaching, and students graduating, I want to tell you the success story of a child spurred by the generosity and assistance of a "father."
The late John Peterson and his wife Holly have been known as Mom Holly and Dad John to their Philippine CCF-sponsored child Alfred T. Allaga. Alfred's gratitude to CCF and the Petersons' is obvious. "Through the education and training I received from CCF, I can proudly say that I know how to distinguish right from wrong, and I know how to assert my rights. Thank you so much for your greatness and to my loving sponsor, Dad John Peterson and wife, Mom Holly. His selfless endeavor has really made a better me," said Alfred.
John Peterson, author of the beloved children's series, "The Littles," and his wife, Holly, sponsored Alfred from 1987-1997 through Christian Children's Fund. The Petersons' adored children, having four of their own, grandchildren, great grandchildren, one sponsored child and millions of young adoring fans.
Mrs. Peterson recalls, "My husband was a paratrooper in World War II in the Philippines where he was moved by the severe poverty in that country and wanted to do something for the children." The Petersons' decided to sponsor a child from the Philippines through CCF. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was excited about her father's idea of sponsoring.
In addition to writing children's stories, the Petersons' enjoyed corresponding with Alfred. Alfred would report his grades in school as well as describe his volunteer work. "At first Alfred called us Sir John and Maam Holly. I wrote and told him I have all my children's pictures on the side board in the dining room and that his photo was there too," said Mrs. Peterson, "He called us Dad John and Mom Holly after that." He then sent us another photo signed, "Your Son, Alfred," said Mrs. Peterson.
Alfred received a college degree from a university in the Philippines and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. After several years as a professional English teacher and inspired by the kindness bestowed upon him, Alfred now works as a Child Development Facilitator of a CCF Program in the city of Davao. "I usually give counseling services to my dear CCF children and I also facilitate meaningful communication with their sponsors," said Alfred.
Now married, Alfred said, "My wife is also a former CCF child. We have one child, Alfrancis John (named after my great American father) and another upcoming child this June 2003." The Petersons' were delighted in the naming of the baby, "My husband was so thrilled when they named the baby John after him," said Mrs. Peterson.
A tribute to the effort of a father, the achievement of a child and the power of sponsorship.
Mrs. Peterson recalls, "My husband was a paratrooper in World War II in the Philippines where he was moved by the severe poverty in that country and wanted to do something for the children." The Petersons' decided to sponsor a child from the Philippines through CCF. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was excited about her father's idea of sponsoring.
In addition to writing children's stories, the Petersons' enjoyed corresponding with Alfred. Alfred would report his grades in school as well as describe his volunteer work. "At first Alfred called us Sir John and Maam Holly. I wrote and told him I have all my children's pictures on the side board in the dining room and that his photo was there too," said Mrs. Peterson, "He called us Dad John and Mom Holly after that." He then sent us another photo signed, "Your Son, Alfred," said Mrs. Peterson.
Alfred received a college degree from a university in the Philippines and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. After several years as a professional English teacher and inspired by the kindness bestowed upon him, Alfred now works as a Child Development Facilitator of a CCF Program in the city of Davao. "I usually give counseling services to my dear CCF children and I also facilitate meaningful communication with their sponsors," said Alfred.
Now married, Alfred said, "My wife is also a former CCF child. We have one child, Alfrancis John (named after my great American father) and another upcoming child this June 2003." The Petersons' were delighted in the naming of the baby, "My husband was so thrilled when they named the baby John after him," said Mrs. Peterson.
A tribute to the effort of a father, the achievement of a child and the power of sponsorship.A Sponsored Father's Day
With father's day approaching, and students graduating, I want to tell you the success story of a child spurred by the generosity and assistance of a "father."
The late John Peterson and his wife Holly have been known as Mom Holly and Dad John to their Philippine CCF-sponsored child Alfred T. Allaga. Alfred's gratitude to CCF and the Petersons' is obvious. "Through the education and training I received from CCF, I can proudly say that I know how to distinguish right from wrong, and I know how to assert my rights. Thank you so much for your greatness and to my loving sponsor, Dad John Peterson and wife, Mom Holly. His selfless endeavor has really made a better me," said Alfred.
John Peterson, author of the beloved children's series, "The Littles," and his wife, Holly, sponsored Alfred from 1987-1997 through Christian Children's Fund. The Petersons' adored children, having four of their own, grandchildren, great grandchildren, one sponsored child and millions of young adoring fans.
Mrs. Peterson recalls, "My husband was a paratrooper in World War II in the Philippines where he was moved by the severe poverty in that country and wanted to do something for the children." The Petersons' decided to sponsor a child from the Philippines through CCF. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was excited about her father's idea of sponsoring.
In addition to writing children's stories, the Petersons' enjoyed corresponding with Alfred. Alfred would report his grades in school as well as describe his volunteer work. "At first Alfred called us Sir John and Maam Holly. I wrote and told him I have all my children's pictures on the side board in the dining room and that his photo was there too," said Mrs. Peterson, "He called us Dad John and Mom Holly after that." He then sent us another photo signed, "Your Son, Alfred," said Mrs. Peterson.
Alfred received a college degree from a university in the Philippines and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. After several years as a professional English teacher and inspired by the kindness bestowed upon him, Alfred now works as a Child Development Facilitator of a CCF Program in the city of Davao. "I usually give counseling services to my dear CCF children and I also facilitate meaningful communication with their sponsors," said Alfred.
Now married, Alfred said, "My wife is also a former CCF child. We have one child, Alfrancis John (named after my great American father) and another upcoming child this June 2003." The Petersons' were delighted in the naming of the baby, "My husband was so thrilled when they named the baby John after him," said Mrs. Peterson.
A tribute to the effort of a father, the achievement of a child and the power of sponsorship.
For more of Childwire Newsletter of the Christian Children's Fund, click this link below:
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Houses on Stilts
These are the houses in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi. Many of its people are living in the middle of the sea. Houses are clustered. These clustered houses are called Pondohans. The settlers of the Pondohan are mostly relatives, having come from the same place of origin.
During my actual conduct of the sessions, my companions and I live in one of these houses. Pondohans are well-lit at night since most of the households own generator sets, one of their prized possessions next to their usual M16 and M14 rifles, and the gold jewelries worn by women. People call me Kuya, even to those parents obviously older than me. I thank God for I have earned their trust and respect. This is very important in working with other cultures. Never mind the rifles. We have been used to "sleeping" beside them at night. They are our security at work. Hehehe.
Oh yes, there were stormy days and nights. Once, we were caught by a storm while sleeping past 12 midnight. As a non-swimmer (yes, I don't know how to swim and I worked in Tawi-Tawi.), I would immediately hold on to my life jacket. They were bought for us who travel using our Tempel (a wooden speedboat).
Most of the time, the presence of a lovely moon and the friendly stars assured us of a sound sleep in the middle of the sea. Honestly, I cried many times thinking about my kids and their mom back home. Cell phone signal was very bad. Sometimes, it took me 4 days before I could make my much- needed Pangumusta in Davao. Ironically, if we buy a Malaysian SIM ,we can tap signal from the nearby Sabah.
Only Radyo ng Bayan can be heard in that place, although with a very poor transmission. Surprisingly, FM stations from Sabah and Kuala Lumpur can be listened to clearly, with DJs speaking in British English accent (aw). We were miles apart. I was far away from Davao and yet so near Sabah, Malaysia. I could see Malaysia on a clear day. Before sunset, the youth would gather around as they sing their favorite Malaysian and some Tagalog love songs for us. They would entertain us with their Pangalay, their very graceful native dance.
When I was there, I would count the days and weeks that I would spend before I could go home and be with my family. In the same way, my Kuya AJ would cross each calendar day that had passed, making sure that I would arrive on the day I promised to come HOME. 
The young kids of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi
In 2007-2008, I had a wonderful opportunity to work with the youth seaweed farmers in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi for a project supported by the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and US Agency for International Development (USAID). The work was really challenging. It changed a lot inside of me. The fact that I was going to work in the Philippines' southernmost was already a thrill for me. I was like 3 hours away from Sandakan, Malaysia. Sitangkai has pristine waters. It has a lot to offer. My REGULAR meal includes fresh grilled lapu-lapu (ehem), seaweeds (of course since Sitangkai is the world's largest seaweed producer), clams, squid, and octopus. However, having my stomach full poses danger anytime. Where would I release my "excess baggage? Comfort rooms were so unpopular in the area. So, what I did was to program my dealings with my excesses. I have to rush to the mangroves early morning when nobody is awake, so that no one notices me when I release my tension. Hehehe.
Despite the beauty that Sitangkai offers, I was touched by the sad situation of the young kids who were everywhere in the islets. The average number of kids in every household is 10 and above (huh!). I pity the kids especially in the Island of Sikulan where 90% of the inhabitants are non-literates. When we first visited them, they were full of enthusiasm to show us their place. They would readily offer their sincere smiles. There was no safe water to drink and no health clinic to attend to their illnesses. Children often have pale and cracked lips perhaps because of poor hydration. Rain water is their only source of potable water. When it seldom rains, they also seldom drink (huhu). The "nearest" school was in the mainland Sibutu, which is an hour drive by motor boat. So, kids were left uneducated.
I was moved into tears when I first introduced the Alphabet to the youth who were in the age of between 12-23. It was their first time to see ABC... Though some went to primary school, they did not finish learning because they lacked the resources to continue schooling. Since the program was for the youth, the young kids were envious. They wanted to participate in our learning sessions but the program design prevented us from accepting them. Hence, during the program launch in October 2007, Mr. Jim. Herras, Project Specialist for Consuelo Foundation, who went with us, was moved with the situation of the people, especially the children.
When he came back to Manila, he shared what he witnessed to his wife Julie, who heads the Philippine office of the Little Candle Foundation. The foundation was very quick to respond to the sad situation and asked my organization, PDAP to work out an alternative learning system for the kids of Sikulan. Later on, the learning center was built. Thanks to the kindness of Little Candle and thanks to the Mayor of Sibutu who allowed us to build the center by donating a portion of the islet. We thought we already solved the problem. Another concern was for a full time teacher to handle the classes. We have remedied this by training one mother, the only college level in the area, to handle literacy class. We have sought the assistance of Consuelo Foundation once again to lend us their instructional materials. Consuelo Foundation is very kind to us and to the kids. As I left the area for a new assignment in my organization, I wondered how the kids are doing there right now. Are they able to memorize their ABCs? Count numbers 1 to 10? Or brush their teeth at least once a day? But where would they get the brush and the toothpaste? They are so isolated. They are much closer to the waves of Celebes Sea.
I HOPE that something is done to address the problem in the area. I have heard of so many controversies involving our corrupt government officials to the tune of hundreds of millions and even billions of bribes, kickbacks, SOPs, and scams. I hate to think that while they fatten their pockets and satisfy their greed, there are many kids in this part of the Philippines that are forgotten.
No, I am not losing my FAITH. The memorable work I had in Sitangkai made me more HOPEFUL to see more lives improved, HOPES renewed, and more reason to SMILE for the kids of Sitangkai.
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