It was with great relish that I read “Inside Steve’s Brain” by Leander Kahney on a recent trip.  I have been a loyal-die-hard Mac user since 1992 when the other Steve (Murrell) first introduced me to my first love – the Macintosh Classic (now still faithfully serving somewhere in Bangladesh).  We got into Macs as we were preparing to publish the first edition of the Victory FIRE.  That was back in the day when the Apple logo was technicolor, monitors were monochrome, and Mac users were an unheard of tiny fraction of PC users.  From the Classic, I moved on to a couple of the original 20 lbs. grey Powerbooks, a raspberry iMac desktop, the iconic white iBook, an aluminum Powerbook G4, and now a black MacBook.  I have dearly loved each and every Mac I have ever used and have great memories of each.

I have to admit that, in between the original Powerbooks and the raspberry iMac, I was forced to backslide to a Windows PC when we moved to Russia (1996-2000) as Russians then still regarded an apple as something to keep the doctors away and not a computer.  Incidentally, this period coincided with the dark days of Apple when Steve Jobs was ousted from the company.

Back to the book.  There is something in here for everyone…

For the Mac user – inside stories of the first Mac, the Apple HQ, the iPod, Apple retail stores, etc.

For the leader – Steve Jobs’ unconvential but effective leadership style.  Don’t imitate everything he does but the principles of why he does what he does make a lot of sense.  He is a believer in small groups.  Most of the major decisions are made in the context of small groups.  His standard of excellence is almost neurotic which means good news for Mac users.

For the pastor -  SJ thinks in terms of the public’s “user experience” or “buying experience.”  He is not a salesman who hard sells his pre-fabricated generic products to the public.  If we are to reach the lost, we need to start thinking in terms of the “unchurched experience” when they visit our meetings.  Also, he is as passionate about changing the world through Apple products as we are through the Gospel.

For the Windows user – you will realize what you are missing out on!  Bill Gates is on overdrive to rehab his image.  But Windows will forever be geeky and Mac will always be cool.  Not too late to be a “switcher”!

Here’s my fearless forecast: I predict that somewhere in Cupertino right now, a small group of artist-geniuses, with Steve Jobs in charge, are hatching up a plan to revolutionize the video gaming industry.  Watch out Xbox, Wii, and Playstation!

Please take the time to read this intelligently written stand by Ben Stein.  Interesting how a secular Jew has spoken out in defense of Christians and Christianity.

Ben Stein is a well known comedian, writer, actor, and tv personality. 

Click here to link to Pastor Ferdie Cabiling’s blog to read the article.

Everytime I’m in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon),Vietnam, my first stop is always the famous streetside banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) restaurant.  I have now added a new stop to my Ho Chi Minh routine – Cua Dong.  Cua Dong is quite possibly one of the best restaurants in all of Vietnam.

The owner/manager/chief cook/waiter and man behind the restaurant is none other than our friend Hugh.  Hugh has been to the Philippines a few times in the past and is now the proud owner of the hottest restaurant in the city.  His place is always packed full of customers during lunch and dinner.  He frequently has to turn customers away for lack of space.  

What sets Cua Dong apart is that all the dishes are flavored with field crab (“talangka” in Filipino).  It’s incredibly good.  The best seller is the soup which includes field crab meat, noodles, veggies, and a lot of other stuff (see photo on right).  Everything we tried was excellent – spring rolls, chili crab, beef, soup, veggies, etc.  Hugh found a niche when he opened his restaurant which serves northern Vietnamese country food.  No other restaurant in the city offers his delicacies.  Check Cua Dong's multiply site here and see photos of the menu.

Hugh has always been a good cook and had this dream of opening a restaurant.  Two years ago, he happened to share his idea with a Japanese client/friend who recognized the potential.  Hugh gave him a taste test and the Japanese immediately provided the capital.  Since opening two years ago, Hugh and his restaurant has been regularly featured on local tv and newspapers.  He rented a stall on a busy street and just expanded last week by renting the adjoining stall (he will move across the street in Feb '09).  Famous local celebrities are a common sight in Cua Dong.

The next time you are in Ho Chi Minh, make sure you drop by Cua Dong and share in the success of our good friend Hugh.  Be treated to a delicious and authentic Vietnamese experience.


Cua Dong
"Everything is crab"
18A/5 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai
P. Dakao Q1
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
tel. 8246825 or 6124245

Gilbert Arenas was bowled over by his Manila experience.  In his blog about his world tour, it was obvious that Manila stood out.  To read his blog entitled, "Everybody Should Visit Manila", click here.  To see the kind of supertar welcome he got, click here.

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 here.

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.

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 by the time the replay started at 9pm, I was still nervous and excited!

Many were skeptical if Pacquiao was biting off more than he can chew when he signed up for the fight.  Boxing logic dictates that you lose power and speed as you move up in weight.  He started fighting professionally at 106 lbs. while Diaz was a natural junior welterweight who moved down to have a better shot as a world champion.  A naturally big guy versus a naturally small guy.  But the moment the opening bell sounded, all doubts were erased.  I was surprised by how much Pacquiao dominated Diaz.  He wasn’t as fast as when he was fighting at 128 lbs., but he looked like a natural at 135 lbs (once the territory of Roberto Duran, Alexi Arguello, Julio Cesar Chavez, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.).

I kept thinking Diaz was saving himself for the later rounds and waiting for Manny to tire before pouncing on him.  It didn’t happen.  He absorbed too many powerful punches (he got hit with an average of 20 power shots per round) including a newly unveiled right hand and an uppercut.

Diaz was a gracious former champion at the post-fight presscon.  He made no excuses and even made fun of himself.  He started by asking the reporters, “Did anybody get the number off that truck?” inferring he felt and looked like he had just been hit by a truck.  He also added that “I thought (Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach) was in there hitting me too.”

A special side treat was the Boston Celtics watching from ringside (I’d hate to have been seated behind KG after paying thousands of dollars for my seat) and later making their way to the locker room.  Kevin Garnett led the cheering, “Manny, Manny, Manny!!!”  The Big Three were there with Cassell and Rondo.

I never saw the other great Filipino “Flash” Elorde fight.  He is the second longest reigning champion in boxing history next to Joe Louis (Elorde was world junior lightweight champion for 7 years and 3 months from 1960-67).  But I think Manny Pacquiao has to be the greatest Filipino boxer of all time.  He dominated future Hall-of-Famers Barrera and Morales, ruled each division he fought in, cemented his place as best pound-for-pound fighter, and now holds 4 world titles.

Thank you Pacman for another beautiful Sunday.

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 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 words before!  Our team connected him with our Filipino missionary who discipled him, mentored him, and eventually turned the church over to him.

Jack is now a husband and a father.  It is with great joy that I have seen him grow and mature from a student, to a pastor, then a husband, and now a new father.  It is an honor to call him a friend and a co-laborer.  He is one of the finest pastors in all of Every Nation.

Dan is a Filipino missionary in a radically Muslim nation.  His story is inspiring and worth retelling. Dan worked as a finance assistant for a large organization a few years ago.  At the time, we were in the process of putting together a team to send to a closed Muslim nation where we were given a rare open door.  Pastor Steve bumped into him one afternoon and asked him if he would be open to going as a missionary to this dangerous country.  He only had a few hours to decide as we had a deadline to meet.  He needed only a few minutes.

Dan eventually became the team leader.  They established a work in the most prestogious university of that nation and gained the favor of the Muslim chancellor.  At one point, Dan's team was literally running the university!  Eventually, a door opened for him to work in one of the government ministries through an international NGO.  He was not qualified to do what he was doing (he is an engineer and minister by training) but because of his spirit of excellence, integrity, work ethic, and character, his Westerner boss was released and the position given to Dan by the NGO.  His job today entrusts him with the management of millions of dollars on a daily basis because they know he is incorruptible and a man of God.

Dan is one of the finest, most reliable and responsible leaders I have had the privilege of working with.  I am overjoyed everytime I think about his success because he fully deserves it after years of faithful labor. 

I thank God that I get to work with men like Jack and Dan everyday.  Somebody once said something like "find a job that you love and you will never have to work a single day in your life."  If that is true, then call me a bum.  I haven't worked a single day in the last 16 years.

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 coming decades is estimated by official quarters at 1.9 percent.  This is only consonant with the downward trend, from the postwar 3.6 percent to the 2.3 percent today.  In brief, population growth is not exploding, it is in fact decelerating.  
2. The slowdown in population growth is due to the following:
    a.    Later marriages and smaller families
    b.    Urbanization (television, electricity, office work, etc.)
3. This level of population growth – the (immediate past) has been accompanied by higher economic growth rates – e.g., 7.3 percent last year, the highest in decades.
4. The (Roman Catholic) Church is not against population management.  In fact, it is promoting “natural” family planning methods in the parishes.  What it is against is “artificial” family planning which uses contraceptives and abortifacients which are anathema to Catholic doctrine.
5. Philippine population translated into the “explosion” in labor exports has been the highest contributor to the growth of the economy.  In fact, were it not for its contribution of approximately P500 billion yearly – an amount equal to about 50 percent of the national budget – our economy would most probably be in dire straits, given the lackadaisical performance of the manufacturing and agriculture sectors which cannot even provide enough food for the country.
6. Heavily populated countries – China, India, Brazil, Vietnam – are also the fastest growing economies in the world today.
7. Among economists, the jury is still out with regard to the impact of population on development.  While there are the Malthusians (prophets of doom in the profession), there are also those who see a big population that matches the natural resource endowments of a country as the driver of development.
8. Today there is still talk that the country, after going through a challenging period of fast population growth amid slow economic growth, is actually benefiting from what economists call the “demographic dividend” where a bigger labor force (as we see in China, India, etc. today), when matched with its abundant natural resource, can actually catapult this country to greater economic heights.
9. Philippine poverty is rooted in graft and corruption, government ineptitude and undeveloped natural resources.
10. It is also traceable to a closed economy run by monopolists and oligolopists in a regime of imperfect competition where the rich get richer and the poor poorer.

                                -- Ambassador Jose V. Romero, Ph.D.,
                                    University of Asia and the Pacific.

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's So Insignificant, You Might as Well Be Comfortable

One of the most commonly-heard myths touted by consumers and Manhattan cab drivers alike is that running the A/C drains your gas tank. Not true, according to Michael Calkins, the manager of approved auto repair at AAA — at least not on the highway.

According to Calkins, on the highway, both air conditioning and open windows affect fuel economy in similar ways: only about half a mile per gallon.

"In highway speeds, [open windows] do increase your drag," Calkins said.
New York cab drivers aren't completely wrong. In stop-and-go traffic, open windows don't have nearly as much drag, so open windows may rob less fuel than the air conditioner.

"A/C uses slightly more gas, but the savings are not really significant," Cau
lkins said. "But when you consider the fatigue factor, it's better to use the air conditioning though it may cost you half a mile a gallon. — If ultimate fuel efficiency is your only goal, then driving with your windows down will save you a tiny bit of fuel around town certainly, but not on the highway.


Your Friends Say: Buy Gas Early in the Day
Experts Say: Buy Gas When You Need It

Another common gas pump mystery surrounds the time of day to buy gas. The thinking goes something like this: As it gets hot, gas expands in the tank, so if you buy early in the day, you'll get more bang for your buck.
But tailoring your gas-buying habits to this idea isn't particularly useful, according to David Champion, director of automobile testing at Consumer Reports.

"The hotter the day … the more gas will evaporate as you put it into the car. When your car is nice and cool, there's less evaporation as you put it into the car," Champion said. "It doesn't make much of a difference to the individual consumer. … It's 1 percent [of gas] a year that you may use."

According to Calkins, no matter what time of day you buy it, gas is generally always going to be the same temperature.

"[Most] gas is stored in underground tanks," he said. "It doesn't change in temperature at all."


Your Friends Say: Premium Gas Gets Better Gas Mileage
Experts Say: If Your Car Can Take a Lower Grade, Go For It and Save

While AAA's Calkins generally advises people to follow their owner's manual, this is one area where in regular driving conditions he says that drivers can deviate.

"The reality is manufacturers' fuel recommendations are based on the performance potential of the engine," he said. "On modern cars, even when it says to use premium fuel, mid-grade or regular fuel will work. It will reduce your performance, but if you're not going to be towing a trailer or racing, you don't necessarily need 100 percent of the power."

Calkins says that as long as you don't hear a knocking sound, you have no problem.

"If you do hear that, you should immediately go back to a higher grade," he said.


Your Friends Say: Clean Air Filter = Better Gas Mileage
Experts Say: Pay Attention to Tires, Not Air Filters

There are a lot of things that can affect your fuel economy – the weight of your car (ditch those roof racks, people!), for example, but a dirty air filter isn't one of them.

According to Champion, if the car was made in 1997 or later, the engine automatically adjusts for a dirty air filter.

"The car feels sluggish, but in terms of fuel economy, it doesn't make any difference," he said. "In older cars, it will make a difference."

Another thing that makes a difference? Underinflated tires.

Champion recommends following the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturer and checking your tire pressure once a month.

"If your tires are underinflated, it will use more gas," he said. "It's a bit like riding a bicycle. With deflated tires, it's really difficult to pedal. That's exactly how it works on the car."


Your Friends Say: Use the 10-Second Rule
Experts Say: Use the 30-Second Rule

A lot of credence has been given to not letting your car idle and instead stopping it and restarting it to save gas.

According to Champion, no one should stop their car in regular traffic just because they may be idling for a few seconds.

"Basically, if you think you're going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, turn your engine off. Although an idle doesn't use very much fuel at all," he said.


Your Friends Say: Try Additives
Experts Say: 'Fuel Economy' Gadgets, Potions Are Bunk

No matter what you see in the back ads of "Popular Mechanics," don't buy any additive or gadget that claims to increase gas mileage, experts say.

"I can sum up all of these devices in one sentence: None of them work," Calkins said. "The EPA has a complete test procedure for anything that claims it increases fuel economy. To my knowledge, not one single manufacturer has ever successfully completed that protocol and been able to show scientifically [it works]. As much as we all want to believe in the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny, you can't buy them on the shelf at the auto parts store."

Champion concurred, saying the magazine has tested many of these devices and never found one that worked.


Your Friends Say: Go for a Drive to Chill Out
Experts Say: Stress Reduces Your Fuel Economy by 50 Percent

"Mythbusters" co-host Adam Savage has made a living debunking gas-saving myths on his popular Discovery channel show. The only thing he's found that really saves gas? Relaxing. In an experiment that will air in an upcoming show, the "Mythbusters" team found that people who drive while they're angry use 50 percent more gas than people who are relaxed.

"The difference was absolutely astonishing," Savage said. "You just use a lot more gas [when you're angry]. That has more of an effect on your fuel economy than any other single thing."
There's no magical trick to saving gas, the experts told ABCNews.com; it's all common sense.

"Drive as if you have a cup of coffee on your dashboard," Champion said. Smooth acceleration and deceleration improve fuel economy as does driving while your car is "warm."

"Put all your trips together," Calkins said. "Cars use a lot of fuel when they're cold."

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 WorldPerks' 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!

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 and work with her in the Philippines.  Ryan is quite a character and can win anyone over in 5 minutes.  He is passionate about God and intensely sincere.

Ryan and Barbara have known each other from as far back as their high school days and grew up in the same small town in Oregon.  So their families and friends all know each other which lent an atmosphere of a big happy reunion to the wedding.  Everyone was glad to see each other.

The wedding took place at a hundred year old Methodist church in a beautiful area of Seattle.  It is actually where our EN Seattle church meets every Sunday.  Also had the great opportunity of preaching at our EN church the day after the wedding.  The reception was in downtown Seattle next to the newly(?) built Music Museum and close to the Space Needle.  One of the highlights of the reception was a video prepared by the single women from Barbara's small group in Victory Quezon City.  It was a surprise gift that Barbara only found out the moment it was shown.  It was a beutiful expression of how much she is missed and loved and the influence she has had on so many lives back here.  Many were sniffing while the video was showing.

Unfortunately, my camera broke the day before the wedding so I don't have a single photo of the day.  Please click here to link to Amy Burton's site who was the official photographer/organizer/coordinator/manager/administrator of the wedding.

I also attended Mars Hill that Sunday to see Mark Driscoll preach live.  I felt like an 8 year old walking into Disneyland for the first time!  He preached for well over an hour (par for the course for him) on how each of the Old Testament covenants compares with the New Covenant.  True to form, he expounded on each Old Testament covenant including 6 points per covenant.  But the guy attracts lost people!  I don't know how he does it, but thousands of formerly unchurched people pack his church to hear his over-an-hour-better-suited-to-a- seminary-lecture sermons.  I love the guy.

I never realized Seattle is so beautiful.  I always thought it was just another big city, concrete jungle type of place.  Within five minutes of arriving, Pia and I easily fell in love with the city.  Downtown Seattle is quite manageable and the key sights are within walking distance of each other.  Seattle folk have a very artsy and casual character.  Very interesting to note how many revolutionary corporations and trends originated or are based here - Boeing, Microsoft (revolutionary in terms of of propagating the dark side), Starbucks, Amazon, grunge music, Nirvana, Jimmi Hendrix and of course, saving the best for last, the late great Bruce Lee.  Pike's Place (where the original Starbucks store is) is a must see if you are ever in the area.  It is then surrounded by residential areas that are full of trees with plenty of lakes to go around.  Just beautiful.  Meg Ryan said it rains all year in Seattle but it only rained once when we were there.  The weather was perfect (translation: cold).

I'm back in Manila now and eager to jump back into the fray.  Sssoooo MANY things happened while I was away.  I can't believe all that took place in the few weeks I was gone - Myanmar cyclone, arrest of one of our leaders in a restricted nation, realignments, reorganizations, and redeployments.

Home sweet home.

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 be nothing but dirt road.  This section has to be one of the most scenic highways in the world, certainly in the Philippines.  It winds around lush mountains on one side with cliffs dropping majestically down the South China Sea on the other.  At a particular spot with a spectacular view stands the Paderes house which served as Mr. Paderes’ home during the duration of the project.  Interestingly, since the completion of the project some thirty years ago, Mr. Paderes has never been back.  But he is fondly remembered by the locals.  Every local I asked since that day knows about Mr. Paderes and his highway.

Nobody seems to know his first name nor where he is from.  I asked my geologist uncle who has done several structural projects for the government but he was equally surprised and this was the first he had ever heard of this story.  Googling didn’t produce any leads either.  The hostel owner where we stayed promised to text me his full name when she finds out.

There are few Padereses in the Philippines so he is most certainly a relative, at least I’d like to believe so.  It’s good to know that a distant relative somehow found it in his heart to undertake a project out of his own pocket that has benefited thousands of Ivatans (Batanes locals) only to disappear into anonymity.  Few outside Batanes may have heard of him but he is deeply remembered and appreciated in this remote island.

My connection to him may be very loose but I am proud that a namesake has left such a legacy to a precious people in one of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines.  May we all live our lives in a way that honors God, blesses others, and leaves a wonderful legacy and example for our children.

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 Adoniram Judson, 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.

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 blogged 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 having eight nations in one.  Kap is from the Chin tribe while Seng Htoi is Kachin.  Here is where it gets interesting.  It is not a simple matter for a member of one tribe to marry one from another.  This is a major deal in Myanmar.  Myanmar is an ultra conservative culture as it is, but it so happens that Seng Htoi's parents are extremely strict even for Burmese standards (the father was a schoolmaster whose passion is to preserve ancient Burmese poetry and literature - she was never allowed to wear jeans as long as she lived with her parents).  Seng Htoi's strict parents were even against the union initially for this reason alone.  They finally consented on the condition that Kap observe the following Kachin traditions and rituals (among other things):
• while courting, Kap had to bring representatives from his family and tribe who would vouch for his character and intentions.
• when he asked for Seng Htoi's hand in marriage, he was required to walk to the parents house with 4 kilos of rice, 40 pieces of eggs, 4 whole chickens, clothes and food to present as gifts.  Kachin culture mercifully allows you to bring help to carry the items.  In the Chin tribe, it would have been anywhere from 4 to 10 buffalos.  At least you get to ride it, not carry it.
• a dowry of $1,000 (amount depends on the social standing of the future bride) almost none of which will go to the parents.  This will be distributed to uncles, aunts, even first cousins.
• being from another tribe, Kap was required to find a Kachin family who would legally adopt him.  We are talking about an actual, legal adoption, not a symbolic one.  So much so that Kap received a legal Kachin name and now has two sets of parents.  Well, three actually - biological parents, adoptive parents, in-laws.  The good thing was there was a Kachin family in church who gladly received Kap into their family and were willing to go through the process.

There were times when these cultural hoops became very difficult even for Seng Htoi.  But Kap persevered.  He truly loves Seng Htoi and knows she is the one God has prepared for him.  He was determined to do whatever it took to get her to walk down the aisle with him waiting on the altar.

All of Kap's hard work, determination, and perseverance finally paid off.  It was a beautiful wedding.  It was a Christian/traditional Kachin ceremony.  They are a beautiful couple.  It was also during and after the ceremony that I realized some of the reasons Kap's in laws made him jump through so many cultural hoops. 

It all started making sense to me when right after the ceremony, the Kachin Baptist church community of Seng Htoi's parents gathered around the newly married couple and spoke words of blessing over them and presented Kap with a traditional Kachin sword.  From there, we proceeded to the apartment they were moving to to bless the house.  After that, we went to the house of Seng Htoi's parents where I got a glimpse of the beauty of ancient Asian culture and imagined the Philippines 150 years ago.

The living room was full.  On one side were two Chin pastors who together with Pastor Carlo Ratilla and myself represented Kap.  On the other side of the room were Seng Htoi's parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, pastors, even school teachers.  Then it hit me.  All the Kachin rituals Kap had to endure and observe were meant for one purpose: that Kap would receive the blessing and be received into the Kachin community.  From now on, when Kap walks the streets of that part of town, the Kachin people will say "He's one of us."  What a powerful demonstration of community and belonging.  It's not easy to get in, but once you're in, you're in for life.

For their honeymoon, the newly married couple spent a week in Taunggyi, Kalaw, and Inlay lake areas in Myanmar.  They arrive in Manila on the first week of April for MPD maintenance.  Please congratulate, receive, and bless them.  Help us all get them the best possible start to a marriage.

Pictures from the wedding:



(l to r) Pastor Carlo, Kap, local Chin pastor, Kap’s brother, me. 








Three pastors. 









Dashing (and thinner) Mang is still single, available, and searching...












Seng Htoi's uncle walked her down the aisle because her father felt he would get too emotional when it came time to give her away. 







At the altar.







The sword and bag Kap wears on his side was handed to him by Seng Htoi as part of Kachin tradition symbolizing his responsibility to protect and provide for her now that they are married.  In the courtship and wedding process, Kap received a total of 3 swords and a spear.





Me praying for the couple.








Pastor Carlo shares from the Word. Pastor Carlo and Sandra Ratilla, with children Chloe and Justin were missionaries to Myanmar for 6 years.  Pastor Carlo now serves as the associate pastor in EN Houston.  They are converted Rockets fans.






For the reception, the bride changed into a traditional bridal gown which was a gift from Ms Virgie Llonto of Victory and which I handcarried on the plane.  She only saw it 2 nights before the wedding but it was a perfect fit!










Notice the backdrop.  Kap’s fullname is Thang Lian Kap.  His new adopted Kachin name is Laphai Zau.








Over 300 guests









The three Filipina angels – Rissa, Erma, and Anna.  They are tentmakers in Myanmar and faithfully served the Ratillas during their stay in Myanmar and now serve the local leadership.  Anna will get married in July to Pastor Julius Co of Victory Tarlac.  Rissa and Erma are also getting married…. soon….





Three of our young leaders.  Matthew (2nd from right) was in Manila for EN ’07 and celebrated his birthday in Victory Cabanatuan.  They arranged for the local radio station to greet him on his birthday to his great surprise.





 
Pastor Carlo and myself with Mimi.  Mimi and her late husband Dr. Zam opened the door for Every Nation to plant a church in Myanmar.  Dr. Zam was one of the most respected pastors in Myanmar.



                                           
Nono has been a longtime member of the church and the music group.  He became the hottest rock musician in Myanmar when he was asked by the top rock band (Iron Cross) to be its lead singer.  His videos are now shown on local MTV as well as a giant video screen across the biggest mall.   The church members used to be the only one to listen to his songs when he was just a struggling artist.  Now that he is famous, everyone in the country knows his songs.  The guests erupted in applause when Nono stood up to perform.



EN Myanmar members at the wedding.









The Kachin Baptist community prays for blessing over the couple right after the ceremony.








Blessing the newlyweds apartment.









Kap addresses Seng Htoi’s side of the family during the get together at Seng Htoi’s house right after the wedding.








Chin pastors, representing Kap, computing the dowry to be handed to the bride’s parents and to be distributed to all the relatives.

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 comes from the dough.  Others say it’s the broth.  I’m sure it’s a mixture of it all.  My mom used to call it “amoy basahan” (the wet rag smell).  Whatever it is, it’s the smell I’ve come to love.

We lost no time in ordering.  Of course I ordered the classic combination of beef mami (P95/$2) and asado siopao (P35/$1) with a bottle of thick brown sauce. The first bite is always the best.  This is the taste that made Ninoy Aquino a loyal customer.  The same taste that my uncle who lived in Singapore craved when he was away.  No visit home would be complete for him without a visit to Ma Mon Luk.

Ma Mon Luk is credited to have invented the mami. Mami is a hot soup broth with egg noodles and, originally, chicken strips.  “Ma” his surname + “Mi” Chinese for noodles = Mami.  Siopao is steamed sweet dough with shredded pork inside (or dumplings if you prefer).

Mr. Ma migrated to the Philippines in 1918 from then Canton (now Guangdong) without a penny in his pocket.  He invented the mami and peddled it on the streets of Manila on his back for 5 centavos per bowl.  When he had saved enough, he opened his first restaurant and the rest is history.  He is one of many penniless Chinese immigrants who through honest labor and hard work prospered beyond their wildest dreams.  Ma Mon Luk is now part of Filipino-Chinese cuisine folklore.  

Its my turn to disciple a new generation of Ma Mon Luk customers.

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 comfort 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.

Hugh is quick to point out that they served him the field mice variety.  This breed is supposed to be cleaner compared to your regular sewer dwelling rodent.  Yeah, right.  They may serve me Mickey Mouse himself in a tux and I’m NOT going to bite.  To me, a rat is a rat!  They’re all the same.  

He further builds his case by adding that it only cost US $2.70 per piece.  What?!  You had more than one?!

I’ve had my share of stomach turning native specialties in my own mission trips but this is hands down the most incredible, Fear Factor worthy, missions culinary feat.  And for this display of uncommon valor on the mission field, we award Hugh with the prestigious “Every Nation’s Most Incredible Missions Feat” certificate of merit.  His story will go down in the colorful annals of EN missionary stories.  Congratulations Hugh, well done.  You deserve it!

Note to self: Don’t visit Vietnam in 2016 - it’s the year of the monkey.  Send Hugh.

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!

Was wonderfully 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.

The Filipino pastors had a very interesting experience yesterday when we attended the 9:30am Sunday service at Cumberland Church which is a partner of Andy Stanley’s North Point Community Church (NPCC) in Atlanta, Georgia.  We wanted to experience and see what we could learn from this fast growing network of churches.

I easily settled in the moment we entered as the greeters were very warm and the atmosphere was very casual but excellent.  The auditorium can seat about 200 people and it was near full.  There was free flowing coffee and donuts in the back which quickly became Pastor Marc’s favorite corner of the church.  The worship team had a band feel to it, which was cool. You are never short of talented singers and musicians in Nashville.

Then Andy Stanley came on.  That’s right, Andy Stanley himself.  Well, not the live version but the video version.  Every Sunday, NPCC satellite churches show a video sermon of Andy Stanley in place of actual preaching.  Andy Stanley was his awesome self, he’s one of the top communicators in the world today, and I was very blessed.  But to be honest, I can’t imagine going to church every Sunday to watch and listen to a video sermon.  Maybe it’s just me, but I need to see my pastors in the flesh.

Respected pastors and preachers have even developed lengthy theses as to why we need to go the video route.  I know I’m old school and the world is going high tech but there is no replacement for a live preacher.  I’ll take a live raw preacher any day over a video of a polished preacher.  More importantly, I stand by our philosophy of raising as many leaders as possible and giving them all the opportunity to preach instead of just showing a weekly video of the best preacher.  

If I’m going to watch a video anyway, might as well plug in Pastor Nacho Libre.  Now, that’s a communicator!

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 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 bread.

The official inflation rate of Zimbabwe is over 25,000% a year (in comparison, the Philippines has an average annual inflation rate of 6%).  However, independent financial institutions say a more realistic estimate is 150,000%.

Ever the optimist, Zimbabwe’s embattled central bank governor, Gideon Gono, offered this reassurance, "As monetary authorities, we once again assure the nation that we are in full control of the currency situation."

He at least gets my vote for quote of the year.

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, there is no telling what exactly was discussed and decided but it seems clear that there was a recognition of the rapid growth of Christianity, and the underground churches in particular, despite all the authorities have tried to do to stop it.  It was reported sometime last year that, Ye Xiaowen, Director of China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA), claimed behind closed doors in 2006 that the combined total of Christians in China is close to130 million. 

On the other hand, 270 Chinese pastors were arrested in December, one of the most extensive crackdowns in recent years.  That means it is too early to celebrate or to arrive at conclusions.

Interestingly, Chinese underground pastors are not very eager about the prospect of persecution ending in China.  They believe persecution is actually one of the factors which spur growth citing the book of Acts.  They don’t want outsiders praying for the persecution to stop.  They ask that other Christians pray for grace and faithfulness in the midst of repression.

Click here to see the South China Morning Post article (you may have to register for a free trial period of 7 days to read the whole article).

Please pray for one of our workers as he is scheduled to return to Kabul, Afghanistan any day next week.  After coming back to Manila late last year for a short vacation, he was unable to return to Kabul when the Philippine government suddenly declared a total ban on Filipino workers and travelers to Afghanistan due to a recent series of deaths of  Filipino workers in the country.  This ban left our worker stuck in Manila uncertain of when he would be able to return and his contract in jeopardy.

This week, he was employed by a multinational NGO with operations in Kabul who has the authority to supercede the ban.  Once the papers are ready next week, he will board the first flight out. Please pray that he would be able to return to Kabul with no problems with Philippine Immigration to oversee our work.

A sad bit of news is that the Filipina, Zennia Aguilan, who was among the victims of the Taliban attack on Serena hotel in Kabul was a very good friend of our workers.  The unexpected suicide attack occurred on January 14 and was allegedly aimed at the Norwegian ambassador who was spared but claimed many innocent victims including Zennia.  Zennia got together with our workers weekly and she would even join them on medical missions.  She was the spa supervisor at the hotel.  Our workers shared the Gospel with her many times but, tragically, she never prayed to receive.

This once again highlights the urgency for us to hold the ropes for all our workers who labor faithfully for the Gospel.

A Happy and Victorious New Year to all!

Got back last week from a wonderful family trip to Palawan which I will blog about soon.  My Palawan high quickly evaporated as soon as I awoke this morning to shouts coming from my neighbor’s house, loud car and jeepney horns out on the street, and when I realized I woke up too late and had to make a mad dash to get the kids to school and myself to work on time.  Quite a change from remote and idyllic Palwan.  Back to Manila, back to reality.

But what an exciting reality it is!  I’m excited about the new year and everything God has in store for me, my family, and Victory.  I’m more than ready to dive back into rush hour, hectic Manila, crowds of people, and get right into the middle of God’s will for me this year!  

Had dinner last night with some of the core leaders of our singles ministry at Victory QC (not the best way to ease into a fast).  As we took turns recounting the past year, it occurred to me that everyone’s “high” (best moments) for 2007 was bigger and greater than they had imagined at the beginning of the year, and each one’s “low” (worst moments), though unexpected and disappointing, was redemptive.  Overall, everything worked out for our good.  That’s the wonderful thing about serving God.  Everything serves as a building block towards you becoming the person God has called you to be.

There’s no better way to start a year than with our annual week of prayer and fasting.  I’m primed and pumped.  I stand with all of you in faith and prayer as you follow after God with greater passion and joy.

May this year be your greatest year yet!