Manny as Evangelist

24 April 2012. Baguio City, Phils. Five hundred local officials gathered to attend Pacman Bible Study in this cold summer capital of the Philippines. Despite of Manny Pacquiao’s busy schedule and heavy load training, he finds time to serve in his own special way the people who admired him. 

Pastor Samuel Martinez, a close friend of Manny, introduced him as the speaker and as an “evangelist.” For most Filipinos, the term carries a religious title rather than just a function or role as messenger of good news. Of course, most of these people came to see their champion in person, but Manny was focused on his purpose for the moment. He showed up, after hours of waiting for some adjustment in schedules, he managed to give everyone an opportunity to hear the message of hope.

Philippines is known as a Christian nation as well as the world’s most corrupt government institution. Hence, Manny Pacquiao as a congressman is an epitome of hope and change—an element of desire most Filipinos hold. After all, Manny’s journey of transformation from his former life of gambling, womanizing, cursing, and night life escapades towards a Christ-loving follower, husband and family man deserves positive affirmation. 

Here is a man who can make a nation stand still in a moment, and yet moves the heart with his humble acceptance that without Christ he is nothing.

Likewise, the Filipino’s ultimate hope lies in Christ. The nation’s hope is not in ideologies and religion, but in Christ as a person. For that, local officials come to hear that religion divides people, denominations disunite churches, but the kingdom of God encompasses everything under God’s love.

Above all, by reading the Bible as the Word of God, one finds the truth of their eternal hope in Christ. As Manny talks about God’s love for all people and the transformation that Christ can do to anyone who believes, he emphasized the absolute need of a relationship with God. 

Towards the end of his Bible study, he humbly asked the listeners to open their hearts to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hundreds of officials showed interest in accepting Christ by faith for their salvation. Manny led them to a prayer of acceptance. It was a blissful night where heavens rejoice as more people come to know Christ as the way, the truth, and the life—the only way to the Father. 

People came to see a champion; many, however, found Christ.  

         

Emmanuel means “God with us.” Surely, Manny is not God or a source of people’s provision, but God’s presence can be manifested through him as His instrument of good will, bringer of Good News.

Pacman among Preachers

19 April 2012. Baguio City, Phils. If there is one thing that Kaka, Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin and Manny Pacquiao have in common, it’s their love for Jesus Christ.

Manny Pacquiao is making huge impact here in Baguio City, Philippines. Attending “Pacman Bible Study” was like a youth revival meeting. But there is a twist. More than three hundred attendees are preachers and church leaders—including me who felt blessed to sit, rubbing elbows with him on the front row.

While most preachers came to attend to know whether he is a “changed man” or having “right doctrines,” I came believing that with God, nothing is impossible. He can call and change a person, regardless of what they were or who they are. 

With mixed feeling, it went beyond what most expected. Manny testified about his God-encounter and personal faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His theme on the important reasons why people should read the Bible as a manual of life was inspiring. With simple and practical illustrations, his impact among preachers was awakening and stirring. Most preachers read the Bible to have something to share to their people, but Manny’s emphasis on the Bible as an “eternal food” for the soul through memorizing the words, meditating on the meaning, and verbal declaration was empowering. It personally refreshed me.

In a simple chat with a news correspondent who knows me personally as a Doctor in Theology graduate, I firmly accepted the fact that I learned many things while listening to Manny Pacquiao’s spiritual reflections and Bible study. It was refreshing and inspiring. My wife’s discernment affirmed his humility in teaching the Word of God with personal applications.

He generously quoted Bible verses from memory and did not rely too much on his multi-media presentation. His humor and unusual demonstration of power and command demanded attention like no other. His change from the “Old Manny” to the “New Manny” is a wonder to many. 

So “what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” Manny echoes Jesus Christ’s words. That man is nothing. People strive all their life to become successful financially, intellectually, socially, etc., but Manny learned a profound lesson in life: Success without Christ is empty.

In a time where even ministers suffer the temptation of belief and disbelief in their own journey with God and in their local churches, Manny comes with a great news. There is hope. It’s not about religion; it’s about a person. It’s not about dead faith—for even demons believe in God and shudder. It’s about facing away from sinful lifestyle and following Christ, walking in His steps.    

Rise Up Philippines!

It’s great to see youths who love God, people, and our country as well! Sharing the vision of making transformational edge for a nation gained positive response.

Personally, I don’t believe the youths as the hope of our nation. Simply, it’s not like that. We need godly young people, not violent ones or those getting ready to run away from this country. With the problems of gangsterism, college prostitution, dysfunctional education, broken families, absentee parents, and the like, what hope do we see in the future?

But in dark times like these, it’s where the light shines the brightest. Disillusioned youths are becoming hungry for change. Media is targeting young people as prospects, catalysts of change, watchman of the communities, social transformers, etc. This is where youth need upright life-coaches, mentors, leaders, models, spiritual parents, and friends.

Wisdom tradition says, “Righteousness lifts up a nation,” the quality of leaders and people alike is non-negotiable. Our nation is wasting down the drain because of irresponsible leadership and corruption. The spiritual disease permeating the system seems incurable; religious displays of public officials are somewhat like a parody to our young generation.

Now I’m fully convinced that godly youths are the hope of this nation. The future should belong to those who are competent to lead with character, with vision and values, with fear of God and compassion for people. While we cannot eradicate the idolatry of money in the society, especially those who run for positions, the power of unity and humility among godly generations can make a huge difference. Imagine if all communities of faith will make a stand and uphold justice, mercy, and love.

As an overseer of Rise Up Philippines, a national youth movement, we continue to rise above our challenges. Have hope in God alone!

Take a New Start

Life is a journey. But oftentimes, we picture life like a book. On this case, I encourage you to start a new chapter of your life. Time passes by; 2009 was over. Get closure of your past. You can’t change it. You lived your life—and I hope you lived it to the best of your ability.

Life is life. We sometimes stumble or fall. It’s not, however, on how many times you fall that counts but on how many times you stand every time you fall. Sound like a cliché? I hope that’s not a license to keep on doing mistakes over again.  

To say the least, failure is a natural consequence of every undertaking. Seeking success does not come easy. In fact, you will feel and understand it to the fullest when you remember how you have fallen; and took the courage to take your stand again.

To reach the top, you need to experience what it means to get on the ground—and sometimes cover for your life. To those who survive, every fruit of any labor is sweeter. Every opportunity is a gift; every achievement is a reward. So don’t get entangled with your past. Take a fresh start.

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions already? Studies show, 88% who did succeeded in accomplishing them in a year. The younger you are, the more likely you will complete them. Whether it has something to do with relationships, money, weight, education and the like, don’t stop growing.

Taking a new start is a way of bringing your life to the next level. Like St. Paul, “press on towards the goal.” Keep your eyes on the future, but don’t miss enjoying the present. Remember to make you future always bigger than your past. 

God Will Not Pick Our Garbage

While people complain about rancid garbage in the city, only few among us take steps to help solve it. We expect the government to pick all our trash; yet we don’t discipline ourselves in keeping our streets clean. We want others to gather our mess.

Sometimes we do this to God. We pray for transformation but are not willing to work out. We want God to clean our mess. One thing is sure: He does forgive sins and cleanse it, but He won’t pick our mess. The consequences still remain.

God will not plant trees for us. He is not a hippie who will recycle your rubbish. Though He gives rain to the vegetable farmer and causes the seeds to grow, He will not be the one to cultivate the soil, water the plant or nurture it. That is partnership!   

No single government can do everything for all. It cannot even meet the needs of everyone. For that, NGOs, non-profits institutions, and churches are, therefore, key players in the development of our nation.

We need not pray only, “Lord have mercy on our country!” We must express our love for country in practical steps. Report abuses to the right agency. Stop pointing fingers and hand me that brick! Let’s build a community where we can live in peace. Pray for righteous administrators in the government whose heart runs after the mission rather than commission.

While it is right to be heard about our concerns, let us do what we can for our country in unity. Some schools teach ideals only but are incapable of doing something to solve problems in the society. Instead of producing leaders, roles and responsibilities, they create rebels.

Ask for wisdom from above. How can I be a responsible citizen? 

Daddy, Let’s Dance

 

With grin on her cheek, I watched in delight as she spoke those words to me. With tiny arms wide open, my two-year-four-months baby girl invited me for a dance. I held her in my arms and raised her above the floor; we danced to our sweet-music with mommy watching and smiling beside the kitchen.

If only I could turn back time, how I wished I danced with my mom or dad. But my memories cannot remember that I did. Now I feel so blessed enjoying the presence of my kids, spending—not just quality time but—quantity time with them. Now I understand when the Psalmist sang, “children are a gift from the Lord.”

Like you, I did not grow up in a perfect family. I didn’t even enjoy my childhood that much. I have to work early, earn, and go to school. Until I finished my doctorate, I supported myself. A great part of me-as-as-a-child was missing. I enjoyed my friends better than my family.

But now that I have a family of my own, they become everything to me and make a life-change. It is never too late for everybody too. No need to cry over spilled-milk, right?

Friend, move on. Learn from the past. Enjoy the present; face the future. When I counsel young people, see them move to the next level, the pleasure is natural. Growing up in those dysfunctional families or with suicidal tendencies is never easy. Seek help.

For others, to reach someone we need open our tiny world, bend our knees, and bring others to our level. Only then we look them in the eye and feel the joy they bring. Take heart!

Never miss those little moments to make someone happy. It might never come again. Stay cool.

The Great Hope

Time magazine called Manny Pacquiao as “The Great Hope”—at least in the realms of sports. His evolution from a street-slugger to a smart-sportsman inspires people, not just Filipinos. But what does “the Great Hope” means?

Sure Manny is the world’s #1 Pound for Pound boxer. Sure Filipinos are desperate to see a hero stand in behalf of their disgraced nation. Like Manny, he is someone who found himself in the limelight, driven by his desire to feed his poor family, fighting for survival. But his hardships and discipline paid off. He is now one of the richest athletes in the world!

Success, in prestige and finances, makes Manny a great model to local boxers. They want to emulate what he did—or maybe use boxing to exit from poverty. (Is boxing a poor man’s game? Most boxers came from poor stratum though.)

Nonetheless, in this life journey, people tend to admire heroes. They don’t follow losers. Within the psyche of Filipinos rests an adamant spirit striving to survive. This courage within is like wildfire, when unleashed, it breaks down all barriers.

Sure there is only one Manny Pacquio, but the determined spirit to win is pervasive. Winning the game of life is a basic human desire. Because of “desire” humans succeed. It takes the first step of desire to will and survive—then overcome and succeed.

In reality, the great hope is in every Filipino—the desire for change, the courage to say “enough is enough.” Fight against corruption, injustice; overcome lack of leadership insight and vision; strive for excellence in education, entrepreneurship, and work ethics. Above all, cling to the Ultimate Hope, the source and finisher of our faith.

What can one man do? Thus, the real great hope, indeed, is the awakening Filipinos. Us!