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Tag: sjbci

True Love Waits Retreat 2010

Short Summary:   Long Summary: I never really got to blog about the True Love Waits Retreat 2010, that was collaborated between SJBCI and OHIC.  The two youth groups were present, with a total of 40 registrants, and about 10 teachers/helpers.  We prayed for this retreat, really asking God to speak to these young people, and He didn’t just speak to them, there was a time at that retreat when you could honestly feel the Holy Spirit convicting everyone in the room, even myself.  I remember going in the middle of the room taking pictures, and while I was listening to a simple song being sung by just two people on one guitar, I felt the need to get on the floor, stop taking pictures, and just sit down, in awe.  I looked up, looked around and realized that I wasn’t the only one.  Tears started coming down for these youth.  Tears started coming down for Marchesa 12 years ago, and the realization of the person God has raised since then.  I honestly struggled within those few minutes, walking to the back so no one would notice.  I finally got the strength to pick up my lens and start shooting […]

Operation Manila: FLOOD Drive

The SJBCI FLOOD Drive was very successful.  As the first day of a whole month’s effort for relief for typhoon victims in Manila, we collected over 25 trash bags of clothing, 2 huge ‘balikbayan boxes’ of food and medicine, and over $400 in cash.  Not only did a simple idea reach numbers of organizations, it caught the attention to fill a greater influx of donations within the SJBCI Witness Ministry, who have taken over administration responsibilities, and thus naming October’s project, “Operation Manila.”  Operation Manila is now responsible for communicating with other organizations/ individuals on how to efficiently transport donations immediately for distribution to the affected areas.  Oct.3, members of the Witness Mins., WMU, and Young Believers gathered to help collect, sort, and store all the donated items.  The heart-willed work was efficient and joyful, not even chore-like.  Indeed, it was a really blessed time, despite the long day.  I’m really thankful, not only for those that donated material goods, but also those who responded to physically toil for this relief effort.  What we go through to help is nothing compared to the victims who suffered great loss.  The partnership with those who generously donated was a humbling experience and encouragement. […]

Zi’s First Worship Service

Zi attended her first worship service today at SJBCI.  She was mentioned from the pulpit during the welcome and announcements, and after the service, everyone crowded to get a peek of our newest addition.  Of course, Em was protective enough to stay close to her baby sister, and sneaky enough to also get passing compliments and attention for being the older sister.  Nice one, Ate. This just about marks another milestone we’ve had in this church and building.  First, it’s where Perze and I met, where we exchanged vows, where we dedicated our first daughter, and now, where we brought our second daughter.  God bless this church.  It was fitting that the message was about the church family. I also can’t help it, but I always find myself taking very similar photo shots resembling Emma when she was Zi’s age.  The picture on the left was taken this afternoon at the church during service, very reminiscent of the one I took of Perze and Em during Em’s first visit. Welcome Zi.  They are like a second family.  You’ll have many milestones with them, and they will see you go through them with smiles and glee.