In the Game

In the Game http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/ I love God. I love my family. I love my church. Thu, 3 Jul 2008 02:11:56 -0000 Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:34:24 -0000 In the Game http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/logo http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com 100 100 The Pope Wears Prada <img class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGwegwoKCCcAABSQKd41/pope.jpg?et=T7xduFAU2mh8hlaQYT7r0g&nmid=0" border="0">In the midst of escalating oil prices, food shortages, and natural calamities, another bit of news has taken the media world by storm - the Pope wears Prada! Apparently, the Pope likes to wear his hems short revealing red shoes which fashionistas in the know immediately identified as made by Prada.  The Pope has come under fire for this display or extravagance as he was also once seen donning Gucci sunglasses. For more on the Pope's fashion preferences, click <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/27/2287323.htm">here</a>. What do you think?  Is it ok for the Pope to wear Prada?  The Vatican has neither denied nor confirmed the brand of the Pope's shoes but came to his defense by saying that "The Pope... does not wear Prada, but Christ." One thing is clear: the Pope desperately needs a new PR team. http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/91/The_Pope_Wears_Prada Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:34:24 -0000 Pacman Gobbles Up 4th World Title! <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGhLqAoKCCcAAEh7hJE1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGhLqAoKCCcAAEh7hJE1/ko.jpg?et=OvUib%2BUBwGc5nPlhjVhttA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>No other single Filipino can, in an instant, lift the spirits of the entire Philippines like world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. The whole country stopped for a few hours yesterday as Manny Pacquiao ko'd WBC Lightweight champion David Diaz in the 9th round to become the first Filipino to win the lightweight crown and first Asian in history to claim 4 world titles in 4 different weight divisions (he formerly held the flyweight, super bantamweight, and super featherweight titles).  Police recorded a zero crime rate in Metro Manila from 8am to 3pm which spanned the live and delayed telecasts of the fight.  Even criminals stay home to watch Manny fight. I missed both telecasts as I was assigned to oversee Victory QC’s Victory Weekend which ended late Sunday afternoon.  I repeatedly announced that noone tell me the results, didn’t check my phone for fear someone texted me the results, and waited in suspense for the replay at night.  Although the fight had long ended ... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/90/Pacman_Gobbles_Up_4th_World_Title Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:58:41 -0000 In The Company of Great Leaders Spent the day yesterday with some of our best leaders on the field – Jack and his wife, and Dan.  Jack and Dan labor in two of the most restricted nations in the world and have done an incredible job in reaching and discipling local students. Jack is the senior pastor of a church in a restricted atheist country.  He is from that nation<img class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGTiOQoKCCcAAHn-5dg1/jackiechan.jpg?et=NTU%2BhtbCXQTzQuHkgRNM0Q&nmid=0" border="0"> and grew up with no knowledge of God.  A few years ago, as a university student, he took shelter under a shed in front of the university library during a sudden downpour.  Taking cover under the same shed was a short term outreach team of Filipinos from Victory.  Jack heard them speaking in English and asked them if they would help him with his English by conversing with him.  Our team was pleasantly surprised and gladly taught him English and shared the Gospel.  Jack was delighted.  When he got home that day, he grabbed a dictionary and looked up the words “God” and “Jesus.”  He had never heard of those wor... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/89/In_The_Company_of_Great_Leaders Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:51:40 -0000 Root of Poverty in the Philippines <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGA1IwoKCCcAADDHckU1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGA1IwoKCCcAADDHckU1/editorial.jpg?et=lURuskcldl8qaVoRmxEugw&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Read this interresting and thought-provoking letter to the editor on the June 7, 2008 issue of the Inquirer with great interest.  I am reprinting it in full.  Much has been made of "over" population being the root of economic hardship.  The truth is, though it is the most popular argument, it is simply a theory.  There are just as many economists and social scientists who argue the opposite.  Poverty, ultimately, is an issue of attitude and belief.  I'll save that for a future blog. What do you think? “Population not root cause of RP’s woes”     This is a reply to Dr. Ernesto Pernia’s commentary “RP food crisis not simply a supply problem.” (INQUIRER 5/5/08)     Alarm bells are ringing all over regarding the so-called population explosion, which has become the whipping boy of our economic woes.     To get a fix on this population issue some matters have to be clarified: 1. Projected population growth rate in the co... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/88/Root_of_Poverty_in_the_Philippines Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:43:53 -0000 Gas Saving Myths <img style="width: 131px; height: 124px; " class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SFcEgAoKCCcAAB7feQw1/gauge.jpg?et=MIlsq3XLnPE74r%2C3Xs5rhA&nmid=0" border="0">In these days of weekly gas price increases, I came across something from ABC News which I hope will help everyone.  I've read prices may go up as high as $200/barrell before the end of the year (it's $135 now).  Bottom line: easy on the pedal.  The challenge: not so easy to do on the streets of Manila where drivers jostle for every available square inch. Fact or Fiction? Gas Myths Debunked Experts: Many Long-Held 'Pump Wisdoms' Are Probably Fairy Tales By ASHLEY PHILLIPS June 10, 2008 Roll down your windows and turn off the A/C. Use premium gas. Fill up your tank early in the day. As cost-conscious drivers gather around the ever-gouging gas pump, these are just a few of the oft-repeated tenets of fuel-saving wisdom. But according to experts, many of these so-called tips are mere myths. Gearheads from the American Automobile Association, Consumer Reports and "Mythbusters" helped us sort fact from fiction. Your Friends Say: Air Conditioning Drains Your Gas Tank Experts Say: It'... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/87/Gas_Saving_Myths Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:26:02 -0000 Meet Mr and Mrs Ritenour <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SEXY-goKCCcAAEyKIrI1"></a><a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SEXY-goKCCcAAEyKIrI1"><img style="width: 150px; height: 202px; " class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SEXY-goKCCcAAEyKIrI1/Ritenour.JPG?et=k%2CRI4IBGsA4JIVEisNaekA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Just got back from an extended trip to the US.  Had the honor of officiating Ryan and Barbara (formerly Hales) Ritenour's (REET-NA-WER; no relation to Lee) wonderful wedding.  From there, had a few more missions related meetings then had a memorable family vacation.  Thanks to Northwest WorldP<a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SEXY-goKCCcAAEyKIrI1"></a>erks' no expiry mileage program, I was able to use miles we had saved from as far back as our Russia days to bring my whole family to the US!  Northwest was at the brink of closing down a couple of years ago so I thought I was going to lose all my miles but thanks to the US government, they were able to salvage the airline as well as my accrued miles!<a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SEXY-goKCCcAAEyKIrI1"></a> The wedding was awesome.  The presence of God was all over the ceremony.  Ryan and Barbara look beautiful together.  You can't help but imagine how wonderful for both of them the rest of their lives will be.  Barbara is of course well loved and cherished by all those who have had a chance to get to know an... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/86/Meet_Mr_and_Mrs_Ritenour Tue, 3 Jun 2008 23:51:55 -0000 Myanmar Update <img style="width: 215px; height: 150px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCk7dwoKCCcAAGAyE@o1/cyclone.jpeg?et=zhaTRF51yY83mfeY4rpLOQ&nmid=" border="0">Thank you for all of those who are praying for our church in Myanmar and asking how they can be of help.  The good news is they are all fine.  But the situation is difficult.  Below is an email I got from one of our leaders. "_______  is the township where we live and where our church is. As you know, people in this area live in the 7th or 8th floor-tall apartment buildings. The storm cut off power lines and no water because we use power for water pump. No restaurant can operate since there is no water - no tea-shop, no noodle shop. All prices go up more than 500%. One egg use to be only 70- 80 kyats now it is about 300 kyats – in downtown it is 800 kyats!! The most difficult thing is not having water. There is a long queue just in front of some water purifier factory. Other prices are dramatically rocketing. Gasoline use to be about 2500 kyats and last year it was increased to 5000 kyats per/gallon. Now it is 10, 000 kyats and only the lucky one get it. Every supp... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/85/Myanmar_Update Tue, 13 May 2008 06:56:10 -0000 Myanmar Prayer Alert <img style="width: 153px; height: 84px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SCCj@goKCCcAAEAu9uw1/cyclone.jpeg?et=%2B4Nq3EOWGMd8cxfvosrhLw&nmid=" border="0">Most of you would have heard by now that a cyclone hit the city of Yangon in Maynmar where we have a church.  Thousands have reportedly died but information is very general as the authorities are preventing information from getting out.  We do know that hundreds perished, and thousands are homeless and without water.  The good news is that the government has allowed foreign aid.  We have been trying to contact our leaders and members there but all communication lines are down.  Please keep our leaders, members, and the Burmese people in prayer.  Will post an update once I get specific information. http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/84/Myanmar_Prayer_Alert Tue, 6 May 2008 18:31:31 -0000 Great Food, Great Movie <img class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBKkQAoKCCcAAAfyoKI1/in%26out.jpeg?et=jwvzkUq1KawAQV9bznUy7A&nmid=" border="0">In the US now for Barbara Hales' wedding this weekend.  From the airport, went straight to the best burger place in the world, In-N-Out!  Gave in to the craving and had a couple of cheeseburgers.  After the wedding and some meetings, will go on a family vacation for a couple of weeks. Had a pleasant surprise when I realized on board that China Air offers personal video screens in economy class with a decent selection of movies.  I had never heard of the movie "The Great Debaters" but chose it because it was directed and stars one of my favorites, Denzel Wahington.  I'm not even sure if this showed in Manila.  But don't let the bad title dissuade you, I can't remember the last time I was stirred so deeply by a movie.  It was beautiful. <img style="width: 172px; height: 172px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBKkGQoKCCcAAAOgkqU1/GD.jpeg?et=gpTO6YkolGnBaZkfYFnohg&nmid=" border="0"> "The Great Debaters" is based on the true story of a brilliant professor who trained and inspired a black college's debate team in 1935 to fulfill their potential and not be cowed by racial prejudice.  The story i... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/83/Great_Food_Great_Movie Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:40:58 -0000 Believe it or Not <img class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBAxiAoKCCcAAAKoePY1/hotel2.jpg?et=dNVKV6QHehZDhkNpfOOkvA&nmid=" border="0">The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is one of the most opulent hotels in the world.  It is rated seven stars and guests have the choice of being picked up at the airport by either a Rolls Royce or a helicopter (I choose the Rolls).  Bathroom fixtures are said to be gold and rooms cost anywhere from $7,000 to 10,000 a night.  It has the tallest atrium in the world and has an underwater restaurant.  Roger Federer and Andre Agassi even once played tennis on its helipad.  It is widely considered today as Dubai's most recognizable landmark. However, it is becoming more known for a not so small controversy.  Right or wrong, many hyper Christians and upset Muslim residents insist that it is the largest cross in the world (the hotel stands 321 meters).  The facade certainly forms a cross but it is debatable whether it was intentional or not.  Its British designer has remained silent on the subject furthering suspici<img style="width: 178px; height: 75px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBAxBwoKCCcAAHWeMos1/room.jpg?et=WR3T5yUYeqH9TlptCBJmHw&nmid=" border="0">ons.  During the design phase, the arc... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/82/Believe_it_or_Not Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:50:09 -0000 Beautiful Batanes The beauty of Batanes is beyond description. It's been a dream for the longest time to see it. Finally did it and spent the Holy Week there with the family. Not cheap to fly there but worth every centavo. Every Filipino must go and see. Hope the photos inspire you to http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/album/5/Beautiful_Batanes Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:50:26 -0000 The World's Youngest Democracy <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SA8MUgoKCCcAAHWlO7Y1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SA8MYwoKCCcAAHkHRaE1/images.jpeg?et=nWL0mZYni3ZNsII7umB7Ow&nmid=" border="0"></a>Had coffee yesterday with a pastor from the tiny nation of Bhutan.  Bhutan is a strictly Buddhist nation which borders India and Nepal.  This pastor's entire family became Christians through a series of miraculous healings and miracles.  They have since planted churches in different regions of Bhutan. We are both looking forward to connecting and serving each other. I was on a plane last month when I was surprised by an article about Bhutan's transition to democracy.  After a hundred years of monarchy, Bhutanese got to participate in their first democratic elections on March 24, 2008.  Eighty percent of the 600,000 population trekked to the polls to be part of history.  The most amazing aspect of it all was that the people did not want to part with monarchial rule as they loved their king deeply.  It was the king and his son who traveled the country for a year to persuade the people to vote for democracy, in effect booting them out!  The king's... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/81/The_Worlds_Youngest_Democracy Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:18:31 -0000 The Paderes Highway <img style="width: 191px; height: 141px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R@bgEwoKCCcAAB-xhFM1/IMG_6629.jpg?et=pAD34yemoyxa1O%2BxGThSQw&nmid=" border="0">Spent the Holy Week with my family in the beautiful and remote Batanes islands of the Philippines.  I’d like to say I’ll blog about traveling to Batanes but I still have to make good on my promise to blog about Palawan. Got an unexpected but pleasant surprise during the trip when as we were driving out of Basco (the capital) on our way to tour the island of Batan, our tour guide remarked that we were now driving along the “Paderes Highway.”  I did a double take and our guide confirmed that I heard him right.  The locals refer to a 1 km stretch of the national highway as the “Paderes highway.”  He then pointed to a small white concrete structure along the highway which they call the “Paderes house.” The story goes that a certain Mr. Paderes, not from Batanes, out of the goodness of his heart and using personal finances, oversaw the concretization of this portion of the national highway which used to b<img style="width: 148px; height: 111px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R@bf9AoKCCcAACOnDvs1/IMG_6630.jpg?et=RbkdherP8hSGUQiS8PznSg&nmid=" border="0">e nothing but dirt road.  This section has to be one of the m... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/80/The_Paderes_Highway Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:56:41 -0000 A Church for the Ages <img style="width: 113px; height: 152px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R9y1egoKCCcAAFBEL0Y1/church.jpg?et=9%2CDpjaFUVWhSk1ADduXeRg&nmid=" border="0">One of the most inspiring sights in Yangon is the Unaw (pronounced “Uno”) Memorial Baptist Church building which stands at the heart of the city.  The church was founded in 1816 by one of Adoniram Judson’s first disciples.  Almost 200 years later, it still alive and thriving.  It is a testament to the legacy of <a href="http://www.theologicalstudies.org.uk/article_judson.html">Adoniram Judson</a>, the power of discipleship, and the significance of the church.   May the churches we have planted and will plant last for generations.  May they continue to stand strong centuries from now, in the center of disciple making and cultural transformation in the cities and countries where they stand. http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/79/A_Church_for_the_Ages Sun, 16 Mar 2008 05:53:34 -0000 Mr and Mrs Kap <img style="width: 129px; height: 174px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R9xbLQoKCCcAACXe9zY1/4.jpg?et=bVTkLflKvYLh8r8VzHHUrw&nmid=" border="0">I recently had the wonderful and memorable opportunity to witness and co-officiate the wedding of Kap and Seng Htoi ("Seng-twey").  Kap is one of our pastors in Myanmar who is right now in honeymoon bliss.  Kap met Seng Htoi through older brother Mang when she taught English at Mang's English school.  Seng Htoi was from a Baptist family and then soon joined our church in Yangon.  Over a year ago, Seng Htoi arranged for Kap to meet her friend and acted as chaperone.  Kap and Seng Htoi ended up talking the whole time and soon fell in love.  I had previously <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/36/Kap_Has_Kissed_Dating_Goodbye">blogged</a> about their engagement which was exciting enough, but the year that followed since has been one of the most challenging and exhilirating seasons in Kap's life.  A little background is necessary. There are eight major tribes that make up the Burmese people.  Each tribe could be as different from each other as they would be to a Filipino.  In terms of culture, it's almost ha... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/78/Mr_and_Mrs_Kap Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:37:44 -0000 Ma Mon Luk <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R9kL4goKCCcAABBETLA1"><img style="width: 162px; height: 137px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R9kL4goKCCcAABBETLA1/facade.jpg?et=HuCVnVgJ2BR5bh8Ff9sHdg&nmid=&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806" border="0"></a>One of my fondest childhood memories is my father and I, on a nice sunny afternoon, huddled over a bowl of steaming beef mami with an asado siopao on one hand at Ma Mon Luk along Aurora Boulevard, Cubao.  We did this with regularity.  While my mom shopped, my Dad and I relished the thought of dropping her off and heading straight for this old Chinese mami place with no aircon and giant ceiling fans and having our fill of its famous siopao and mami.  I can still see and feel it as if it was yesterday. So it was with great excitement that I took my kids to Ma Mon Luk along Quezon Boulevard when we found ourselves in the area.  I have come full circle with me now as the dad proudly introducing my kids to classic cheap Filipino-Chinese cuisine. The moment we stepped inside, that old familiar smell wafted in the air.  I took a deep breath and sighed with sentimentality.  You can only experience this smell in Ma Mon Luk.  Some claim it c<a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R9kK7woKCCcAAHcf2hc1"><img style="width: 93px; height: 70px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R9kK7woKCCcAAHcf2hc1/mamis.jpg?et=z5MdmjKnpJqv1Hmf8Ft%2BVA&nmid=&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806&nmid=86108806" border="0"></a>omes from the ... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/77/Ma_Mon_Luk Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:04:51 -0000 Can You Top This? <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R80eUgoKCCcAABxEUqI1"></a><a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R80eUgoKCCcAABxEUqI1"><img style="width: 157px; height: 117px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R80eUgoKCCcAABxEUqI1/IMG_1752.jpg?et=tjzzlWBziF9pVxoyaEDf%2Bg&nmid=&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691" border="0"></a>Warning: this blog is not for the faint of heart.  This stunt was performed by a trained professional under supervised conditions.  Do not try this at home. In 1Corinthians 9:22, in his heart to reach the lost, Paul said "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”  Paul meant that we should be willing to step out of our co<a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R80eUgoKCCcAABxEUqI1"></a>mfort zones and be flexible and adaptable so as to reach out to other people.  Pastor Hugh took this challenge to a whole new level on a recent trip to Vietnam to attend a wedding.  The parents of the couple were so honored by his presence that they offered him a special delicacy commemorating 2008 as the Year of the Rat – a plate of barbecued rat!  See actual photo on left if you dare (or if you can manage to do so without throwing up).  So as not to offend his gracious hosts, Ptr Hugh had no choice but to partake of this “exotic” (to put it mildly) meal. <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R80dqAoKCCcAAAWAeYo1"><img style="width: 163px; height: 121px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R80dqAoKCCcAAAWAeYo1/IMG_1747.jpg?et=5%2BVQENmqiipHpImHneMNGw&nmid=&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691&nmid=84763691" border="0"></a> Hugh is quick to point out that... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/76/Can_You_Top_This Tue, 4 Mar 2008 10:06:09 -0000 Video Church <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R7mBTQoKCCcAAHfeRN01"></a><a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R7mDBAoKCCcAACtBiwQ1"><img style="width: 123px; height: 92px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R7mDBAoKCCcAACtBiwQ1/IMG00034.jpg?et=m4RXnFhY1gWDe4jSRp8k%2Bg&nmid=&nmid=82571293" border="0"></a>It’s 6am here in Nashville.  In two hours, I leave for the airport as I head back to Manila. Can’t wait to see my family!  But first, I need to pass by Sonic’s to get my plane food.  Was here for a week to observe how Pastor Paul Barker runs the EN School of Campus Ministry to see what we can bring back with us for our training schools in Manila.  Also here are Pastors Marc Constantino, Winston Reyes, LA Mumar, Joseph Bonifacio, and Ryan Tan.  We learned a lot and are excited to apply them as we reformat our schools in Manila.  It’ll be an exciting new schoolyear! <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R7mBtQoKCCcAAAUcicY1"><img style="width: 137px; height: 103px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R7mBtQoKCCcAAAUcicY1/IMG00049.jpg?et=pL6I5LlnIQmWNDAlsHQB5A&nmid=&nmid=82571293" border="0"></a> Was wonderfully<a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R7mBTQoKCCcAAHfeRN01"></a> hosted by Ermin (Victory Makati) and Carmina Rodriguez (Victory Galleria) who now reside in Nashville and were married in Manila two days after EN’07 (now, that’s commitment!). Ermin is part of the EN staff here in Nashville.  Thank you guys. <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R7mBTQoKCCcAAHfeRN01"></a> The Filipino pastors had a very interesting experience yesterday when we attended the 9:30am Sunday service at <a href="http://www.cumberlandonline.org/main.asp">Cumberland Church</a> which... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/74/Video_Church Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:10:30 -0000 EN Hong Kong <img style="width: 87px; height: 118px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R7PDggoKCCcAAC7ucjE1/Ng%20girls.JPG?et=feXd1kXi6OM2OI6vjOX8xw&nmid=" border="0"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R7PDlwoKCCcAAC7tclQ1/Ngs.JPG?et=mIk5%2CO0TCEct7l7tXHOGCA&nmid=" border="0">Was just in Hong Kong to minister and encourage our team along with Pastor Scott Douma.  Pastor Sam and Nancy Webb were also in town the same week. KC Liu was also there for a couple of days so we were all able to connect and get together.  Had a great time with <a href="http://hksumo.multiply.com">Pastor Sam and Esther Ng</a> who are doing a great job.  Pastor Scott and I spent two whole days with Pastor Sam and Esther Ng (including Benaiah and Abrianna who were both so well behaved) and Tiffany Chin.  It was a great two days of praying and strategizing together.  Pastor Sam has some great plans for EN Hong Kong (EN HK) this year.  They are going to focus much of the early part of the year engaging locals.  Doors are opening for them among university students and young couples. <a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R7PDIwoKCCcAACRrLrk1"><img style="width: 132px; height: 100px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R7PDIwoKCCcAACRrLrk1/DSC04218.JPG?et=I9rgKTwCJw4pp3KUF5viDw&nmid=" border="0"></a> Arrived just in time to attend Lucia Woo’s wedding reception.  Lucia served on staff in EN HK for several years before she met Jay on Eharmony.  Jay is from Colombia and moved to the US when he was a te... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/73/EN_Hong_Kong Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:29:30 -0000 Count Your Blessings <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R6mnlQoKCCcAADiZSa41"><img style="width: 221px; height: 154px;" class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R6mnlQoKCCcAADiZSa41/note.jpg?et=fXyQv7TCbTru64zNPlHLQQ&nmid=&nmid=80895233" border="0"></a>If you think you have it bad, pause for a moment and thank God you are not living in Zimbabwe right now.  Reeling from hyperinflation, the central bank of this southern African country decided to issue a 10 million Zimbabwe dollar note! The funny, and sad, fact is that this $10 million note won’t even buy you a hamburger in Harare (the capital).  An ordinary burger will set you back 15 million Zimbabwe dollars in the city.  Better think twice about that extra cheese or ordering fries to go with your burger.  This $10 million note is actually the equivalent of less than US $4. This was done to help address the cash shortage and long, chaotic lines at banks<a href="http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R6mnSwoKCCcAADDjCVg1"><img style="width: 144px; height: 193px;" class="alignright" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R6mnSwoKCCcAADDjCVg1/bread.jpg?et=o92LjIeofDhLQJdJVRiNdg&nmid=&nmid=80895233" border="0"></a> and ATM machines.  While typical Manila ATMs have a maximum daily withdrawal limit of P20,000 ($500), the maximum withdrawable amount in Zimbabwe is 500 million Zimbabwe dollars!!!  Better bring your suitcase.  The picture on the right shows how much cash you need to shell out just to buy a loaf of br... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/72/Count_Your_Blessings Wed, 6 Feb 2008 12:30:29 -0000 Change in China? <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.michaelpaderes.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R6Ej3goKCCcAAHe-Ll01/logo_scmp.gif?et=BtFVofC62xLpVZvD3Akprw&nmid=" border="0">Just got back from Hong Kong where the South China Morning Post ran a very intriguing report called “Small mercies” on how the Communist Party of China may be shifting away from their policy of persecuting Christian churches. It reports how Ma Chao and three other Christian pastors were suddenly released on January 11 without warning.  Two weeks later, three female pastors were pardoned as well.  Details are sketchy on other releases but it is possible that a total of eleven Christian pastors have been prematurely released to date.  This is a rare occurrence.   The reason seems to be that the authorities have come to the conclusion that their policy of severe persecution against Christian churches over the last sixty years has failed in curbing the growth of Christianity.   Much of the talk around this policy shift centers around a Politburo session on religion on December 18, called by President Hu Jintao himself, which was the first of its kind.  Again, th... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/journal/item/71/Change_in_China Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:28:46 -0000 No Excuses. If you need a shot in the arm, watch this video. Patrick Henry Hughes was born blind and crippled. But by the grace of God, and the devotion of his father, he took responsibility for his life and made no excuses. He is now an accomplished musician and about to graduate from university. It is as much about fatherhood as it is Patrick Henry's courage and faith. Dedicated to all http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/video/item/3/No_Excuses. Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:25:57 -0000 Are Muslims the Enemy? There is no question that Muslims are attempting to position Islam as the dominant ideology of the 21st century. World headlines demonstrate their determination and the grounds they have gained in this effort. “Holy Warriors: a fresh look at the face of extreme Islam” is a highly readable primer on Islam, with a particular emphasis on its radical wing. Though brief and concise, it is well thought-out. Frog and Amy Orr-Ewing make the case that militant Islam, despite what moderate Muslim leaders claim, finds its basis and is consistent with the scriptures and history of Islam. Remember that the Taliban’s theology and methodology is founded upon a “pure” and uncompromising interpretation of the Koran and Muhammad’s teachings. What is most intriguing and insightful is how the authors draw from the Bible and Church history to arrive at a biblical response to Muslims. While much of the free world is drumming up the current conflict as an “us versus them” or “Christianity ver... http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/reviews/item/1 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:05:39 -0000 An Underdog Story Meet the Rocky Balboa of the opera world. I am no opera fan, am cultured only by affiliation (I'm married to a ballerina), but I nearly fell off my seat when I first saw this video. After hearing this, I was scrounging around for my mom's Bocelli DVD. Dedicated to everyone with a http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/video/item/1/An_Underdog_Story Thu, 26 Jul 2007 03:41:20 -0000 Best cars ever made. In my opinion, the best cars ever produced was Mercedes Benz's W123 series. A unique, classic look combined with unequaled engineering to make the driver feel like a king. It was way ahead of its time and by far the most popular of all of MB's lines. They are known to log literally over a million miles and still keep going. Truly "engineered like no other car in the http://michaelpaderes.multiply.com/photos/album/1/Best_cars_ever_made. Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:09:12 -0000