Here are a couple of testimonies from the youth ministry strategy seminar we held in Quezon City last May and June 2011. This was with the YA youth leaders of Word of Hope-Manila.

“Pagkatapos palang ng first day talagang na-iapply agad namin yung mga natutunan gaya ng goal setting at purpose statement. Malaking tulong talaga dahil naging mas malinaw ang mga pagpa-plano at pagdi-disisyon sa grupo namin!” ~Joemar

“I now have a renewed mind on my purpose as a Christian and have a deeper reason to help the Youth Alive ministry.” ~Vavic

“Bukod sa nakatulong siya strategically for the youth ministry, mas na-rekindle yung fire sa heart ko with regards to mission.” ~Raya

For me as a trainer, the seminar was an encouragement to keep on doing what we do. Of course, more than the beauty of looking back I look forward to what is still to come–what God will do in and through the ministry of those we trained.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91:14-16

Because he holds fast to me in love, because he knows my name I will:

• Deliver him
• Protect him
• Answer him
• Be with him in trouble
• Rescue him
• Honor him
• Satisfy him
• Show him My salvation

The Lord is our ever present help. His protection always comes in time. The 11 years of GYMN-Asia is a living testimony of God’s goodness in protecting his people. These are just few of the events I could list down:

• Timely intervention for the release of visas and important documents during trips
• Safety from bombs exploding near the training locations in some areas such as in Sri Lanka and Iligan City, Philippines
• Critical situations in certain countries.
• Protection from severe illnesses during trips and trainings (adjustment to food, climate, etc.).

These do not imply perfect situations. Each staff, trainer, and volunteer could testify to the difficulties we went through. The challenges never end. Through these uncontrollable situations, faith is stretched, prayers are sent and answered, God is highlighted. The threats and difficulties we experience each day in Asia are good reminders that this ministry is God’s. He controls it, and so He protects it along with the people who dwell in it. Truly, He is our Protector, the very present help in trouble.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

~2 Corinthians 9:8

Along with our prayer of provision and blessing is abounding in good work. God blesses us expecting us to abound in every good work.

Every fruit of the ministry of GYMN has been accomplished under the provision of God. Greater work has been accomplished because God has greatly provided for it. I have witnessed how God has allotted greater provision for greater work in and through Global Youth. This is not how the ministry looked like when I entered GYMN. When I started, GYMN didn’t have an office or a staff house. We had one old and slow laptop to do our reports. We went to internet cafes to communicate.

As the ministry expanded the provision of God expanded. We stayed for a year there before we got an office and Auldwin came on board. Rey was there too to help us in the trainings (in household chores as well ). When we transferred the place was bare but little by little God provided for bed, tables, chairs, etc. People were also part of God’s provision as Hazel then Jeremeh, Alvan and Ethel came into the family of GYMN.

There are more stories to tell about His faithfulness in GYMN. Every story is a testimony that God is able to provide and He provides for our need so that in all things at all times having all that we need, we will abound in every good work.

…your kingdom come,

your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

To hear – This part of the prayer that Christ was teaching his disciples dwells on the need for believers to review and take heed of the commands, desires, requests, purpose and intentions of God for themselves and the world. Just as the authority of Christ in the “Great Commission” is often neglected or bypassed, we simply tell God what to do rather than paying attention to what He wants at a particular time or event. This is not a simple declaration of God’s dominion over a situation but it also reminds us to give way to God’s dealing in our live more than anything else.

To adhere – Hearing should be followed by accepting. Jonah heard God but he found it difficult to accept what God wanted for him and the people of Nineveh. The need for submission and or surrender to the will of God is not only vital but it is absolute as well. For the will of God to be done, He desires that we stand firm and stay committed until we see God’s intended results or purpose taking place in a particular individual or community.

To supplement – This for me suggests that there is a journey to be done with the Lord, until things get done or accomplished we continue to toil, we continue to contribute to the fulfillment of our Lord’s plans and purpose for us and for the unsaved. The need to flow and abide with the Holy Spirit is the only way things can progress and come to a victorious conclusion. God does not just come to us to stand by our side. His desire is to work in, with and through us.

The GYMN Level 1 training in Baguio City was a blessing indeed. One post I wrote, describing the seminar we had, went this way, “I have been blessed with cool weather, cool people and cool inspiring moments.”

I have been teaching the Level 1 material of GYMN for several years now and the participants would always say that they have been blessed and equipped by the truths presented to them for their ministry to the youth. Another usual statement would be, “Our youth group will surely benefit from what we have received from this seminar.” As a trainer, to hear such feedback brings joy to my heart and that my efforts have paid off. But in this particular gathering, I was drawn to the response of the majority of the participants when they gave their thoughts on ministering to their family. The realization that they have a lot of goals for the youth and their fellowship but very little is planned for the youth to do ministry to their family.

Bennette Peña and I divided the 13 sessions between us and session 10, “Role of Family,” was one of the topics that I handled during the Baguio training. During the session, I presented an illustration to the participants about a paper with two columns. One column has the title “Plans for Our Youth Fellowship” and the opposite column, “Plans for Our Family.” During this time I presented a fact to my young audience by asking the question, “Why is it that we have so many activities listed under the column of Plans for Our Youth Fellowship and very little, or if not, nothing listed under Plans for Our Family?” This question struck my audience, someone even shouted,” TAMA! [correct].” “That’s where we fail,” another suggested.

After the lecture and goal setting was at hand in small groups, God was moving in the hearts of young people and everyone was seeing the need to increase their efforts in reaching out to their families. I even saw some of the youth leaders being teary-eyed in admitting how they have ignored their family and concentrated only in their youth ministry. This is what we always hope for during our trainings, to see youth leaders learn and be convicted by the biblical principles that are presented to them.

I, Pastor Santillana, the staff and Bennette thank God in the way that He has moved and inspired the youth leaders during this training in Baguio. Some participants said that they attended the training because it would be held in Baguio but as God would have it, they appreciated not only the cool weather and cool companions, but most of all, youth leaders and trainers alike enjoyed the blessing of cool inspiring moments with the Lord.

Pictures courtesy of Wheng Carrasco

Below is the song with English translation in parentheses for our non-Filipino friends:

Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino Lyrics

sung by: Toni Gonzaga, Gary Valenciano and the UST Choral Singers

Kapiling ko mga bituin ngayong gabi (Only stars are with me tonight)
mga ulap ang aking katabi  (and only clouds are beside me)
Ngunit hindi ako nag iisa (But I am not alone)
pagkat Ikaw ay nandito na (for You are here)

Mga tala sa iyong mata’y aking batid (The stars in your eyes I can see)
bawat kislap ay may pag-ibig na hatid (every twinkle brings love)
Sa mga hangarin nating tapat (to our constant hopes)
kayang baguhin ng lahat (You can change everything)

Magagandang larawan ng ating bukas (Beautiful pictures of our tomorrow)
ngayong pasko ay magniningas (this Christmas will glow)

Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino (This Christmas the Filipino will shine)
Saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo (Anywhere in the world they can see your light)
Bituin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal (You are a star of love, blessed by the Lord)
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino (This Christmas the Filipino will shine)

Magandang tadhanang naghihintay (A beautiful future awaits)
pupuntahan nating magkasabay (together we will go there)
Tibok ng puso nati’y iisa (Our hearts beat as one)
sa loob nito’y taga-rito ka (Within this, you are home)

Magagandang larawan ng ating bukas
ngayong pasko ay magniningas

Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
Saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
Bituin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino

Sa hirap at ginhawa
umiyak man o tumawa
Malayo o malapit
tayo ay sama sama

Tagumpay natin ay ipagdiwang (Let us celebrate our victory)
wala ng panahon kung hindi ngayon (No other time but now)

Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
Saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
Bituin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino

Chris would sometimes encourage me, “Remember the young people being equipped and encouraged in the trainings so they could effectively disciple and influence more youth,” I remembered those words during our thanksgiving celebration in our office. This is happening as God involves ordinary people in His great work.

It’s amazing how God can join people to accomplish His great purpose. One group that inspires me to see that God’s purpose in GYMN will prevail and triumph is the group of volunteers. God has blessed GYMN with volunteers who are willing to share their time and even resources to GYMN without expecting something in return.

Shayne, one of the volunteers sent a message that she won’t make it to the Thanksgiving because she was not feeling well. I said thanks to her for all she had contributed to GYMN. And her reply was unexpectedly touching. She said, GYMN is part of who I am now.

Nan is my sister but that’s not the reason why she has opened her hands to help GYMN. In her meekness she always helps GYMN in any way she can.

Riza is a very hardworking person. She is a precious gift from God to us.

Grace gladly does our financial statements. She is always available to help us. She made Blitz^TM the official game of the volunteers.

Windel untiringly does errands for us even through times that he has less sleep for his work. He has a big heart to share.

Abby always gives us a sweet smile whenever we ask a favor from her. God gave her a heart that makes giving easy and simple.

The volunteers would feel incomplete without Rina. She has not gone to any GYMN trainings but somehow God made GYMN special to her heart. If not for work, she would definitely attend all GYMN activities.

Jonjon is the one who set up GYMN-Asia’s blog site. He is diligent in promoting GYMN online. And we would always enjoy his company.

Jeffrey has helped us during our training in PCEC. You would still see his cute smile even if we give him an impromptu message.

Otet is selfless. He extends his talents and time to GYMN for free.

LM, how can we thank you for the countless things you have done for GYMN? Surely God did not miss to record all those wonderful works you have done. We are blessed to have you in GYMN.

God made these people special not only to GYMN but to me personally. They never fail to inspire and encourage me to continue my work. They make me laugh out loud and see the beauty of friendship. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.