I just want to thank You LORD!

Got home at around 4pm, ate a bit and proceeded to my son’s bedroom because our room was too hot due to the ridiculous summer weather we’re having. I’m tired but happy. Slept for about two hours, ate dinner, took a well-deserved bath, turned my Macbook on and started typing this message. I had to. I want to.

Today was no ordinary day. It was ONE SUNDAY: the first anniversary of the Sunday Worship Service at The Rock Campus; the church I have been pastoring for two years. Leading to this today, I could not help but reflect on the journey how we got here. Truly, it was a step of faith. (more…)

A New Found Appreciation for Worship Leaders

Last night, I spent about three hours with The Rock Campus worship team practicing for the upcoming Mother’s Day Sunday Service. Since it is Mother’s day, my wife and resident worship leader, Aida Garcia, will be our special guest speaker. We made a little switch: I’ll be leading worship this Sunday – May 8. (more…)

Suicide is NOT HONORABLE

Here’s a quote on Inquirer.net entitled “Why Reyes shot himself in heart: ‘Extreme courage’ “.

“Honor, to people like General Reyes, is of great[er] value than life itself, and they’re willing to give their lives to defend that honor,” retired Philippine Navy chief Mateo Mayuga told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Tuesday night at the wake.

Now, this article is not judging General Reyes or the current Armed forces scandal. That is not the issue. But I do want to set the record straight – there is nothing honorable in committing suicide. (more…)

Remembering Zahn Garduce

7:30am. Still drowsy from the previous night’s last minute jotting of notes, I received a text message sent by his adopted son via text message that made me jump out of my bed.

Zahn Garduce has passed away.

I was shocked. My heart sank. My tears flowed.

We have been trying to get in touch with him for weeks. The last time we saw each other was during the Christmas Rocks party for the street kids and during one of the last Sunday services he attended. We wanted to know how he was and that we missed him.

Kuya Zahn walked into the doors of THE ROCK CAMPUS on November 25, 2009 as an invited guest. He arrived just on time for me to give my talk during a typical Wednesday night Speaklife. Somehow, the inspirational message spoke to his heart. During the usual fellowship time, I got to shake his hand as I looked him in the eyes. He was happy to be there. Over iced tea and house music at the background, he couldn’t help but audibly appreciate me and the message I just spoke of. He publicly told people how impressed he was. Frankly, he made me feel like a million bucks.

Most people who attend Speaklife start off with curiosity and don’t come back. But Kuya Zahn returned the following week. He arrived on the scene with his big smile, warm hug and even tugging a few friends along. He wanted to share what he had experienced in the church to his friends. And share, he did. He understood the concept of “EACH ONE. BRING ONE.” with, sometimes, bringing three.

After a few months, he got more involved. He attended bible studies. He was one of those who helped us during the Sunday service launch. Eventually, he was being trained as an usher, welcoming people to the service and collecting tithes and love offerings. His jolly countenance was a perfect fit for the task. I’ve heard stories from people who felt good because he was greeted by Kuya Zahn.

In spite of his age, there were times that he would help carry heavy speakers, arrange chairs and push carts. One time, I remember Aida, my wife, receiving a phone call from Kuya Zahn because he got lost. He was going to the place where he will help haul the equipment for the Sunday service. During Sunday morning set-up, he would even climb ladders to post the tarpaulins. Then, he would change hats and collect the tithes and love offerings before the end of the service. Truly, he was dedicated to his new found passion for God.

During the PLUNGE water baptism event we had last September 4, 2010, though the water baptism was ongoing, he hurriedly came over, changed his clothes and went through with it. One of the attendees asked him why he was shaking. “Are you cold?”, she asked Zahn. “No.”, he said. “I’ve never felt like this before.” We knew it was the Holy Spirit already moving inside of him.

I can write a lot of instances how Kuya Zahn was able to touch my life and those he met in THE ROCK CAMPUS. He was the embodiment of INSPIRE TO IMPACT.

This is not to exalt myself. Please. That is further from the truth. But permit me this opportunity to just share how much his words meant to me. As much as I spoke life to him, he breathed life into me. Being a young pastor, you also aim to get the approval of those older than you. He did just that. Not only did he approve me but appreciated me in public without hesitation. He made sure people knew how happy he was with the church and with the things I spoke about.

I have spent some time with him regarding his personal struggles and innermost pains. He spoke to me about his bitterness and those who may have stolen his earthly wealth. During our talks, I believe that God was able to calm his heart, assure him that He understand his pain and that He will replace everything that was taken away with something more precious. God did deliver.

We are deeply and truly saddened by his death. We never expect that this giant of man would leave us in such an untimely fashion – at least in our own judgement. In the short time he was with us at THE ROCK CAMPUS, he has done so much and even beyond what was expected of him. But we are happy to know that, by God’s grace, He is now with Jesus as promised in His word.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.“ – John 3:16

We miss you Kuya Zahn. Your impact in our lives is felt deep. You will never be forgotten.

The Night before the Sunday Service

I can’t sleep.

I’ll be honest. One of the toughest times for me is the night before I preach. Many things happen. My mind starts wondering what could happen on Sunday morning. Will people come? Will the worship be great? Will the sermon speak to their hearts?

Then, you start becoming excited and anticipative at the same time. I don’t know if you’ve felt that way. Trust me, it doesn’t help you sleep. Of course, there’s the last minute jotting of notes here and there which I hope to remember by Sunday morning.

Next time you know, you’re typing this blog post at 1:14am wishing you can close your eyes and rest. Yet, your soul is alive and kicking.

Perhaps it is more about excitement than worry. Maybe it’s the thrill of seeing your friends on a Sunday morning, singing songs to the Lord and speaking life to them during the sermon. Perchance, it could be the electricity you expect when people gather to worship the ever-living God. Or maybe just the mixture of anticipation and agitation because you will be preaching the Living Word of God to their people.

No matter the thought, it is obvious that the energy level is high and that church can be exciting. All I know is this: we will do our best to exalt God’s name and proclaim His word so that people’s lives are changed for the better.

It’s almost 2am. Just a few more hours before the Sunday service. Off to bed.

See you in a few hours in church.