FINISHERS reaching the FINISH LINE Every Week!

As of November 26, 2006 we have 32 FINISHERS in our ALOT for A LOT Campaign at His Life. This started 2 years ago as we called people to PRAY, LISTEN, SACRIFICE and be GENEROUS every Thanksgiving time for the purpose of buying a Church Lot Facility at His Life.

This SPIRITUAL GROWTH CAMPAIGN is more than a "FUND RAISING" Campaign. In fact it is technically described as a "GIVING" CAMPAIGN.

WHAT's THE DIFFERENCE?
In a Fund Raiser, people are exchanging money for a service, item, product or etc. In a Giving Campaign ... people are challenged to listen, pray, see and know the vision and GIVE!
That's it -- people are called to GIVE! To give with cheer, joy and thanks.

Here's the 43 individuals that made the FINISH LINE ...

Erwin Gallespen
Amelle Gallespen
Benito and Sharon Salazar
Brion Ta-ala
Clifford and Ann Puen
Clifford Puen, Jr.
Danny and Joyce Yee
Eduardo Lopingco
GJ Villanueva
Glenn Sichon
Guat Ha Villanueva
Jan Vincent Yee
Jay and Gigi Despojo
Jaz de Jesus
Jimmy and Arnee Pacete
Joji Lacson
Jovy Albarico
Jun and Karleen Legaspi
Kim and Angel Lanzar
Kristine Yee
Madison Ta-ala
Monica dela Cruz
Nellyn Rubiato
Noel Gumabong
Primie Garrucho
Joebert and Trixie Ramos
Ruth Occeña
Titit Adelantar
Vangie Puertillano
Lance and Suzette Castillo
Randy and Sharon Medez
Ruseller and Natalie Malinao

THE LORD is Goooooood! He has taught us the way to be "freed from greed"

Encounter The Bible

BASICS on Hermeneutics
and Homiletics with POWER Tips on Delivery, with Pastor JR at the METRO (fully air-conditioined, 2nd Floor) a ministry of our LTS - Leadership Training School - producing generational leaders for God's glory.

November 30 (Thursday)
6pm to 10 pm (Sessions 1 and 2)

• with a dinner break (please provide for your own dinner at a nearby shop)
• hot drinks will be served for FREE
• materials will be for 50 pesos only

December 1 (Friday)

• 8am to 3pm (Sessions 3 and 4)
• This includes a workshop with our MOBILE Library
• a lunch break (please provide for your own lunch at a nearby shop)
• Graded Oral Exams will be in the afternoon - 2pm to 3pm
  

MORE INFO:
Bacolod (034) 4330245 and look for Raymond
Iloilo (033) 5089458

P.S. Notice Pics above? Two God's Word ???? One is the Bible, another one is the Messiah? This needs a little skill in Hermeneutics ... both are called the Word of God. One refers to a Book ... the other one refers to a Person. LEARN more the skill of Bible Interpretation :-)

PREPARING to BELIEVE

Here’s our SERIES for
September till October 2006

Lets GET Ready for a NEW SERIES
A NEW SESON ...

Why this SERIES on Faith.
1) Because Faith pleases God.
2) Because Faith is needed today.
3) Because the Righteous shall live by Faith.

Overview
Our MAIN Verse: Daniel 11:32b
“…but the people who do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (KJV21st)

> People – there’s a Group …
> know their God – there’s a God …
> be strong – there will be Strength in the midst of opposition
> do exploits – there will be tremendous activity because of FAITH and the PROMISES of God … His Name will be Displayed, Glorified and Honored!

In another Translation:
“The people who know their God will stand firm and take action.”
TJB, NAS, Moffat

Exploits MEAN – mighty feats, great accomplishments, and heroic victories!

Im preparing to BELIEVE!
Im must believe
I am a BELIEVER and not a DOUBTER
God can do mighty things through me …

PRIORITY DATES:
September 17 - LAUNCH
September 24 - 1st Week
October 1 - 2nd Week
October 8 - 3rd Week
October 15 - 4th Week
October 22 - CELEBRATION SUNDAY!

The Uniqueness about the
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER Series …

> We will have a PRAYER FESTS every Saturdays during our Consecration Nights.
> We will have “NETWORKS Sunday”.
> We will LAUNCH – the Young Professionals by Network this September.
> We will RE-LAUNCH The Kings Men Network with a Guest from Manila by October.
> We will have a Communion Week during Week 1.
> We will start a NEW Sunday Celebration at the LOT Site … probably an 8am and a 4pm Meeting.
> We will have our Consecration NIGHTS at the LOT Site … Saturday 5pm.
> We will finalize our HLM Christian Academy Calendar this year till 2007.

Here’s the IDEA: Going BACK to Daniel 11:32b
"The prophet Daniel foretold a period of great hardship and spiritual darkness that would
permeate a generation known as “the time of the end.”

Yet, in the midst of the darkness that would cover the earth and deep darkness the people, there would be a people who “KNOW THEIR GOD AND shall be strong and carry out great exploits. (Daniel 11:32)

Very often we emphasize the latter portion of this verse concerning the manifestation of mighty exploits and power. Residing within many is the yearning desire to do mighty exploits and witness great demonstrations of the Spirit and power.
However, the most important aspect of this notable prophetic promise is to KNOW HIM. To know our God intimately and affectionately and through that relationship do mighty exploits to His Glory." -- COPIED

Preparing to BELIEVE involves …
1) Dedication.
2) Determination.
3) Declarations.

It takes a can-do attitude.
It takes a willingness to shake off past failures and defeat and simply be determined to try again and again until you succeed. And that's exactly what it takes for you to be a champion in life!

All of us have made mistakes in the past.
Maybe your emotions have been injured or you have experienced a devastating setback in a relationship, your health, or a job.
Regardless of your past defeats, there is good news for you – you are not disqualified from competing in the race of life.

God has great things in store for you and your best days are just ahead.
You may have missed plan A for your life, but God has a Plan B, a Plan C, a Plan D – all the way to Plan Z.
God promises to help you get across the finish line and onto the winner's platform.

> There are people who KNEW God in the Bible and Succeeded!
> God’s People in the Bible are called “Believers”
> Hebrews 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith”

> A Call to PRAY BIG.
> A Call to Think Big.
> A Call to Believe Big.

The gospel of Matthew 9:29 declares, "Because of your faith, you will be heard."
Your life is going to be in proportion to how greatly you believe.

Believe little, and you get a little life.
Believe weak and you get a weak life.
Believe fear, and you get a life of fear.
Believe sickness, and you get a sick life.
Believe big and you get a big life.

Jesus said,
"Anything is possible for someone who has faith!" (Mark 9:23). Which means what?
That the person who believes is going to get everything he wants? No, it doesn't say that.
It means that if you believe big, you move things out of the realm of the impossible into the realm of the possible.

Christianity is
the FAITH of the incredible,
the FAITH of the astonishing,
the FAITH of the breathless.
You bring to yourself what you BELIEVE.

THOT:
When uncontrolled, your mind can be damaging to you but when controlled, it can develop unlimited power.
Think defeat and you are bound to feel defeated.
But practice thinking confident thoughts, and you will develop such a strong sense of capacity that regardless of what difficulties arise you will be able to overcome them.
Fear is the most powerful of all thoughts with one exception, and that one exception is faith.

LET’s GET READY to BELIEVE …
LET’s GET READY to PUT OUR TRUST, OUR HOPE and OUR LIFE in CHRIST!

Random Pictures of August

The LANDGRAF's visit to the house as they came over to Bacolod City. Goodies and lots of PASALUBONGS were opened the 1st Day of their visit. You see here Mr Rainer Landgraf, Manang Binggot, Isabel and Nicole all from Germany :-)

You also see me at a Resto ... a picture taken by Joshua as we were trying a New Pizza in town. We enjoyed a Big American Pizza that afternoon ... courtesy of Tita Ging Ramos.

The 1st Picture above is Trina fitting a Disney eyeglass from SM-Iloilo.

I Spoke at North Negros College 27th Foundation ...

Last August 21, I went alone ... driving my car to North Negros College. It was a celebration of 27 years of history. Not only that it was also a celebration of their growing ministry to the students of North Negros. They have a group called STUDENT BLAST! A powerful ministry giving priority and value to each individual student. They call themselves CHAMPIONS! Wow! True ... because in God's eyes we are!

I pray for their success and influence to grow, representing Jesus as they move on with His Power! Their theme was: "Exceeding Your Dreams". I told them to go beyond "their own DREAM" to what God has for them! I encouraged them to go for God's DREAM for them! Many (70 to 80 percent of the people in attendance ... went to the front to pray and honor God's Word in their lives).

Note: These pictures were taken from their new 3 Hectare Facility.

Pictures from SAN CARLOS City PART 2

These are the 3 Christian Church Facilities we saw at San Carlos. UCCP has been there for quiet a long time already. The Bible Baptist Group will be celebrating more than 30 years of ministry there as well. While the Baptist Conference of San Carlos is building a new building to accomodate numerical growth as well.

One pastor said ... we need to have more church groups come to HARVEST the entire city for the LORD!

Would you like to go? Would you like to send someone? CONNECT with me - pastor jr here :-)

Pictures from SAN CARLOS City PART 1

The following pictures were taken during our (Trix & me), quick tour and look at San Carlos City. We boarded our bus at 6:20am and reached the beautiful city of San Carlos after 2 hours and 15 minutes! It was an entertaining trip due to the beauty of the mountain ranges from Don Salvador all the way to San Carlos.

I know and believe in my heart that a harvest will be made possible in this City in due time. There are around 5 Colleges (small and medium) ... a number of Christian groups (averaging less than a hundred) and an opportunity to reach other towns and places from San Carlos point.

Going Bananas

Bananas... This is very interesting.

After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again ...

Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

• Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
  
• Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
  
• Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
  
• Brain Power: 200 students at aTwickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
  
• Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
  
• Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
  
• Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
  
• Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
  
• Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
  
• Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
  Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
  
• Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
  
• Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
  
• Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
  
• Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
  
• Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
  
• Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
  So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.
  So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS : Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!

1st Week mostly in Iloilo

Thanks to you all who allowed us to have a BREAK this August :-) We spent our 1st week in the beautiful and prosperous city of Iloilo. You see Trina sleeping ryt (not inside the hotel room) but at a display booth of furniture in SM ... he he he ...

Here are pictures taken as we were preparing to leave for ILOILO City for our 1st Complete All STARS Family Vacation :-) Thanks for the prayers, gifts and cheers for us to take our break. Instead of me and Joshua going to Manila ... we opted to have the 4 of us go to Iloilo and just have a gooooood great time :-) More reports coming.

The EVANgeCUBE

Looking for an evangelism tool that's fast, fun and focused?

Check out Evangecube! Reminiscent of the Rubik's Cube, the Evangecube will help you walk friends through the Gospel presentation using pictures. Flip one way, and show man's separation from God. Flip again, and you'll see Jesus stepping from the tomb.

Some suggested uses:

• Great tool for children to use in presenting the Gospel to their friends! Equip and train every child in your church.
• Great tool for presenting the Gospel across cultures or to non-readers. The clear pictures help guide viewers through the complete presentation.

You can also find out more ... just CLICK below ...

= = = CLICK above To SEE How IT Works = = =

AUGUST Series at HLM-Central

On Purpose
And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

When a cowboy applied for an insurance policy, the agent asked, "Have you ever had any accidents?" After a moment's reflection, the applicant responded, "Nope, but a bronc did kick in two of my ribs last summer, and a couple of years ago a rattlesnake bit me on the ankle.""Wouldn't you call those accidents?" replied the puzzled agent. "Naw," the cowboy said, "they did it on purpose!"

That story reminds me of the biblical truth that there are no accidents in the lives of God's children.

We read how Joseph interpreted a difficult experience that had seemed like a great calamity. He had been thrown into a pit and then sold as a slave. This was a great test of his faith, and from the human standpoint it appeared to be a tragic case of injustice, not a providential means of blessing. But Joseph later learned that "God meant it for good" (see Genesis 50:20).

Are you passing through the deep waters of trial and disappointment? Does everything seem to be going against you? These apparent misfortunes are not accidents. The Lord allows such things for a blessed purpose. So patiently trust Him. If you know the Lord, someday you will praise Him for it all!

What looks like just an accident When viewed through human eyes, Is really God at work in us— His blessing in disguise. —Sper

God transforms trials into triumphs.

Source:
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-10-04-05.shtml

AS August STARTED

Hi there EVERYBODY!

I praise the LORD for the opportunity to have a Month Long break this August 2006. Many people are asking, "What Do You Usually Do During Your Break?" I will be answering this question weekly through my BLOGSPOT (www.joebert44.blogspot.com).

• I will be most of the time >> Observing other Growing Churches (here in Bacolod and Negros and outside the Visayas);
• Read Leadership and Church Health Books;
• Read My Bible of Course :-);
• Attend a Conference here and there (One will be in Metro Manila - "Lord willing ...");
• Go out of town with my wife and kids;
• Pray for the Church and Ministries at His Life;
• Visit other His Life Congregations;
• Speak in other Churches ;
• and a whole lot more ... I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED :-)
  

PRAY PRAY PRAY for me ...
pastor jr here

Pictures from the House of Lolas Connie and Ging. They usually visit 3 to 4 times a week there ...

These pictures were taken just last week sa PRAYER MOUNTAIN at Bago City. We went there with the YX Leaders. A time of planning, praying and preaching for them -- to pay the price of LEADAERSHIP. Trix, Josh and I were there -- thank the Lord for the Pajero of Sister Liz ... it really made our trip pleasant and secure. The Youth will have their Prayer and Fastings in this Facility every 2 months as School Year 2006-2007 Opens. *The Bamboo you see ... is exactly what you will see outside our window. Katugnaw gid kon hapon kag gab-i.

Recent photos of Joshua and Trina. You see Josh here eating his favorite SANDWICH -- the Whimpy Burger ... he will do anything to get one burger like this ... ay abaw KAMAHAL man ... pero namit.

Trina above is riding on a Grocery Cart ... we just bought her Chocolate Milk drink and a few little items ... enjoy gid na sya sa sini nga activity :-)

My 4 Top Best Pictures of Trina :-)

I'm enjoying this little princess that I have ... a gift from the LORD to us Trixie and Josh :-) She is growing and glowing and would be ready for nursery school next opening. This little one is positive, talented and good with people (she makes you feel welcome). :-)

Here's Trixie and Trina at McDonald's celebrating the birthday of Elisha Bomban. This was a very early afternoon. I have to get Josh from school. Josh and I were not able to attend this Birthday Party. Trina is getting smarter and ba-ba-an gid ... We are really enjoying her :-) We are proud of her ... she will be in school by June 2006. You see also Trixie with the best of smiles :-)

Hi there!
ALPHA is coming to His Life ... sooooooon. PRAY :-)

The ALPHA Course is A Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith for EVERYONE!

Anyone can come. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith is welcome.
Learning and Laughter. Join others in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Pasta (or other food). Each weekly session begins with dinner.
Helping one another. Dinner is followed by a large group presentation and small-group discussions.
Ask anything. Here's your chance to ask your questions and express your opinions

Pictures From Home 5