FGG Sends Aid to Typhoon Caloy Victims

Transcription

1 I S S U E N O. 3 * T H I R D Q U A R T E R T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R O F F O U N D A T I O N F O R G O D S G L O R Y FGG Sends Aid to Typhoon Caloy Victims By Joanne Marie G. Amora What's Inside Editorials Bible Study Corner Spotlight: Atty. Omar Vigilia The Biblical Basis for Fundraising FGG Commitments p. 2 p. 3 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 Foundation for God s Glory (FGG) extended its relief support to 150 families who were victims of typhoon Caloy (international codename Chanchu) that hit the country last May this year. The people of Nag-iba gratefully receive much-needed relief efforts. On June 2, 2006, FGG Philippine Coordinator Rev. Fernan Mendoza (International Baptist Church-Novaliches) and Rev. Rogelio Pantinople (International Baptist Church of Payatas) arrived in Barangay Nag-iba, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Upon arrival they met Rev. Mhilen Aranas of Jesus the Emmanuel Ministries to discuss and coordinate on how to carry out the mission. With Rev. Aranas and the church s help, FGG successfully distributed 150 relief bags to more than 150 affected families in Nag-iba. Each bag consisted of rice, coffee, sugar, noodles and sardines. Trail of Destruction Storm Caloy left massive destruction to people and properties in numerous provinces including Sorsogon, Ticao Island, Albay, Masbate, Burias Island, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Southern Quezon and Camarines Sur. Storm Signal No. 1 was also raised in Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Calamian Group of Island, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Rest of Quezon, Polillo Island, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Bulacan, Bataan, Metro Manila, Northern Samar, and Northern Panay. According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), Caloy left 47 people dead or missing and thousands others homeless. Ten people CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Visayas Scholarship Program Takes Off The first training session of the FGG Scholarship Program for Church Planters/Evangelists in the Visayas was conducted on June 17, Dr. Jing Dubrico, FGG Visayas Regional Director, held the training in Nangka, Consolacion, Cebu. The training started at 8am and lasted until 5pm with breaks for lunch and snacks. Dr. Dubrico taught the first FGG Visayas Scholarship Program From L-R: Visayas Regional Director Dr. Jing Dubrico, Leo Librando, Emilio Casinillo Jr., Nathaniel Odonel, Jimmy Quering, and James Unabia. section of the curriculum he especially developed for the program. The course will run for one year covering sixty-four hours in the classroom, plus practicum. The program will produce Church Planters/Evangelists who will develop others who will eventually become Church Planters/Evangelists as well. The training course has four phases. It starts with a single person (Phase I: Sharing Christ To People Around You), next a Bible study group (Phase II: Conducting Bible Studies Every Week), which turns into a local congregation (Phase III: Planting A Local Congregation That Has A Good Self Image), and finally becomes a mother church (Phase IV: The Mother Church Gets Involved In Reproducing A Daughter Church).

2 I S S U E N O. 3 * T H I R D Q U A R T E R Editor s Letter Charmaine Teodoro Summer s here, and we re very excited about our scholarship program that s getting underway. Our scholars in Metro Manila, Luzon and Visayas have been selected and have started to meet with FGG Regional Directors and volunteer teachers. We are excited by and look forward to the impact these future disciplers, evangelists, and church-planters will be making in the future. As much as we re excited, we are also, once again, saddened by the loss of lives from Typhoon Caloy/Chanchu s fury last May. Even though it didn t wipe out a whole town like the Leyte Mudslide, thousands of people were affected and around 47 people died or went missing. Once again we sent Pastor Fernan Mendoza, this time along with RD Pastor Ogie Pantinople of Metro Manila and volunteer Jomay Amora, to administer disaster relief in Oriental Mindoro. The trip was a success, but there is still much work that needs to be done. Lastly, our Development Officer Rev. Valjun Apuzen has been working hard on our latest project, the Support-A-Child Program. Since our theme for this issue is Giving, We figured this was a great way to continue our relationship with the communities where we set up our feeding centers, and an excellent chance for you to get involved. We d love it if you partnered up with us, so please join us in prayer to see if this is where God is leading you. Enjoy this issue, and God Bless Always! In Him, Charmaine Teodoro From the Executive Director Dante Raul Teodoro Why I Give After having sat-in for a couple of hours at the all-important and illuminating FGG s first-ever Strategic Planning 2006, I knew that there would be adjustments in the Cornerstone s form ( i.e., from 2 to 3 columns, vertical to horizontal) and substance (each article must be thematic). I also learned from the Editor that the theme for this issue is Giving. I always talk and write from the heart, straight from the heart. I believe that s the best way to deal with people. How you say it, verbally or in writing is entirely a different thing. I mean aside from being transparent and truthful, my letter ought to always be practical, relevant, enlightening and enriching. Otherwise it will just be an exercise in studied irrelevance. So, what can I say about giving? Editorial Staff EDITOR Charmaine Teodoro MANAGING EDITOR Anne Alve CONTRIBUTORS Joanne Marie Amora Pastor Valjun Apuzen GRAPHIC DESIGNER D. Santa Maria When the formation of FGG was birthed into my consciousness, it was not my intention to hit the grant companies or grant organizations and be a recipient of these grants (although these abound here in New York). I don t want to be a receiver ; instead, I prefer to be the giver. And that, in a nutshell, explains why FGG is a non-profit, charitable, non-sectarian, inter-denominational, crosscultural organization; it is categorized as a private operating foundation because it seeks to give rather than receive. Be that as it may, however, FGG welcomes donations, love gifts or bequests from individuals, organizations or companies who believe in our programs. After all, the foundation aims to serve the less fortunate, all the while bringing the glory to God, which He so richly deserves. So going back to the issue of the why s of giving; I do it for three personal reasons: 1. In the context of that oft-quoted and reassuring passage in God s word that it is more blessed to give than to receive, I want to be in that mode where I can truly experience the joy and grace of being blessed because of my giving (Acts 20:35). In reality, I know that when you receive anything of value from anyone, that thing is oftentimes called a blessing ; and so you are called blessed. In a deeper sense, however, because of the fact that you have something to give, you are CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 2

3 I S S U E N O. 3 * T H I R D Q U A R T E R Bible Study Corner: The Apostle Paul and the Collection for the Poor By Rev. Valjun Apuzen The apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy writes, Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up for themselves a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Who do you think are the rich in this present world? I m sure you ll immediately think of billionaires here in the US like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Oprah Winfrey; or Filipino billionaires such as Lucio Tan, Henry Sy and Jaime Zobel de Ayala. You would consider athletes who are getting paid multi-million dollar contracts, or people who live in a nicer home, or those who make more money than you do. I doubt if you would even consider yourself to be rich in this present age. Did you know that if you have more than one day s supply of food and clothing, God considers you rich? Fact is, if you made more than $2,000 last year, you are wealthier than 80% of the people on earth. UN Secretary General Koffi Anan stated, Almost half of the world s population live on less than 2 dollars a day. We in the U.S. are definitely not part of the world s poor. Since this is so, then the above scriptural passage applies to us. We are the rich in this present world who are commanded to do good, to be generous and to be willing to share. As Christians, we are called to contribute for the care of the poor. The apostle Paul considered collecting money for the poor as one of his most important missionary tasks. When Paul set out to be a missionary to the Gentiles, the Jerusalem Church leaders such as the apostles James, Peter and John asked Paul to remember and be mindful of the poor in Jerusalem--the very thing the apostle Paul said he was eager to do. (Galatians 2:7-10). In Paul s letters to various churches he often includes a reference or an appeal regarding his mission of collecting a contribution for the poor (for example see 1 Corinthians 16:3). The apostle Paul put such a high priority to this mission that he was willing to postpone his evangelistic efforts in some places such as Rome (see Romans 15:24-25). Although he was warned by a prophet not to return to Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-12), Paul persisted in going back because of his commitment to delivering what he calls his alms for my nation (Acts 24:17, NAB). Such was Paul s mission that eventually led to his arrest and imprisonment. The apostle Paul s ministry highlights the need for a missionary ministry that collects money for the poor. Christians and churches are to contribute to such missionary endeavors. Paul instructs the Church in Corinth, just as he has instructed the churches in Galatia, for each member to contribute every first day of the week towards this collection for the poor in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). Note that this collection is not intended for the local church s administrative expenses. This collection is designated for the poor. Foundation for God s Glory was raised by God to serve as a missionary ministry that collects money to be sent for the poor in the Philippines. Your contributions will go towards the feeding of malnourished children, scholarship for needy Christian workers, and relief for those affected by disasters. As the early Christians responded generously to Paul s mission (1 Corinthians 9:1-5), let us give generously for the poor back in our nation, the Philippines. Please write a check and take the extra effort to mail it to Foundation for God s Glory. Surely, God s blessings will be upon you. Meet and Greet Conference Held for Baguio Scholars FGG Philippines Coordinator, Rev. Fernan Mendoza, held a conference to meet the scholars of North Luzon Regional Director, Rev. John Coral in Baguio City, Philippines on May 31, FGG Philippines Coordinator, Rev. Fernan CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 Scholars are all smiles, excited about the program ahead. 3

4 I S S U E N O. 3 * T H I R D Q U A R T E R FGG Plans For 2006 By Anne Alve The foundation, after carefully evaluating its need to fortify the programs and direct its activities for 2006, held a three-day planning from June 21 to June 23, 2006 in its head office in Queens, New York. The planning started with laying down concepts of Effective Organizations, Good Governance, Community Development / Transformation and assessing the recent, actual situation of FGG in relation to Human Resources & Management, Governance, Programs & Programs Delivery, Compliance, Marketing & Communications Materials, and Networks and Networking. The second day of the planning tackled Monitoring and Evaluation of all organizational and program components CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 FGG Sends Aid to Typhoon Caloy Victims CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 were missing across the Philippine islands: seven in the Western Visayas, two in the Bicol Region, and one in the Eastern Visayas. The storm also affected more than 53,000 people, damaged more than 6,500 houses and caused an estimated 40.4 million pesos in damage to agriculture. It also left a large swathe of destruction, with many areas still without electricity. In Nag-iba, around 10 houses were totally destroyed, while 28 others were partially destructed. According to local officials estimate, around 10 hectares of mango, calamansi, coconut and banana plantations were destroyed. As of presstime, Nag-iba and other nearby towns remain without power. Thankful Still Around 10 Jesus the Emmanuel Ministries staff volunteered to help FGG in the relief mission. At around 11am, the staff sorted and packed the relief bags and after barely two hours, they were able to produce 150 relief bags. At around 4pm, all the relief bags were distributed to affected families. The storm caused so much havoc on our people, our homes, properties and livelihood, but we are still thankful to the Good Lord for these graces that we have received, Rev. Aranas said. We are also really thankful to FGG for extending their help to us because the people of Nag-iba really need this support. I am thankful to Him because this relief mission was indeed an answered prayer, she added. The storm might have destroyed our homes and other properties but our faith in Him will never cease. These graces that we received are just some of the many manifestations that God is always there for us. We thank Him for using FGG as His instrument in helping the needy, she said. House partially destroyed by Caloy's fury. Women of the town sign up to receive relief goods. Volunteers finish filling up the bags of food. 4

5 I S S U E N O. 3 * T H I R D Q U A R T E R Unexpected Blessings By Charmaine Teodoro At 23 years old, I never expected to be head of anything, much less my family's company or foundation. I guess God had bigger dreams for me than I had for myself. Being a relatively new college graduate had me envisioning long hours for little pay, hating it but loving it at the same time because I was doing it on my own. Needless to say, I have a bit of an independent streak, part of being an only child I guess; as a result, my parents cherished taking care of me, which meant I never had to get a job because they wanted me to focus on my studies, nor did I have to pay my way through college. There s no doubt about it, I have been extremely blessed. However, I also realize I missed out on some of the growing pains that other people my age have experienced, which has arguably made them more responsible and closer to being an adult than I am right now. At least that s how I feel... Now that I'm an assistant director of a non-profit organization, you can imagine the challenges I m faced with. Perhaps the number one challenge has to be, how exactly do I direct or manage an organization, when I m still learning how to manage myself? So far I m learning purely by experience, because there are just some things you learn only by experiencing it. Nevermind that I have never taken a business class in college. Aside from that, I have officially accepted the Vice President position at JUNO Healthcare, FGG s corporate sponsor. So now I have to manage two organizations. I think it s safe to say I m a little bit overwhelmed. God must really have a lot of faith in me, I just wish I could have the same amount of faith in myself. All wishing aside, I am constantly asking myself what needs to be done, what do I have to do? Though I can think of a million responses to that question, I still have trouble really answering it. The thing is, I have always seen myself on the frontlines, right in the middle of the action, not behind a desk drawing up the orders. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Southeastern US, I registered as a volunteer with the Red Cross because I was eager to help in whatever way I could. Well, I still haven t heard from them, but the idea of going down to New Orleans and helping build houses is not far from my mind. And when the Landslide of Leyte occurred in the Philippines, how I wished that I could have physically gone there and distributed the relief goods myself and helped rebuild the village. In hindsight, I now realize that God really did instill a missionary spirit in me, but at the time that He revealed His will, I wasn t ready to accept it. Whether or not I will ever get to join the frontlines remains to be seen; what I do know is, even if I m not out there physically, I still get to be a vessel and ambassador of God s blessing through the organizations that He has appointed for me. I get to give of my time and my help in ways I never thought I would, and that in itself, is turning out to be an unexpected blessing. Spotlight: Attorney Omar Vigilia By Charmaine Teodoro Attorney Omar Vigilia is not just a lawyer, he is an ordained minister. As one of the current Vice Presidents and Head of all lawyers and legal offices of China Banking Corporation, his expertise stretches beyond legal jargon and financial figures. He also makes sure to involve himself with eternal things, at the same time making sure to help out and give back to his community and his country. Atty. Vigilia attended the University of the Philippines and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. While there he joined the most prestigious fraternity in campus, Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity, of which he served as Lord Chancellor for two years, the highest achievement possible in the brotherhood. Upon graduating, Atty. Vigilia took the bar exam and passed, becoming a lifetime member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. For two years he worked as an associate lawyer, after which he began his long-time career with China Banking Corporation. He started as a legal assistant, and through hard work and determination, Atty. Vigilia worked his way up through officer and managerial positions, and today stands as one of its Vice Presidents. In 2000, Atty Omar Vigilia added Reverend to his already accomplished title. At the time, he was also serving as Executive Director of Operation Smile Phils., Inc., a non-profit organization with the medical mission of changing children s lives one smile at a time. Since 1985, Atty/ Rev. Vigilia has been pastoring a local church in Novaliches, Quezon City and has also served as Chairman of the Pastors Council Presidium of Light of the World Christian Center, which has more than 20+ churches throughout the Philippines. In 2005, he was elected to become a member of the Board of Trustees for FGG. In his spare time, Atty/Rev. Vigilia likes to read theological literature, and play the 3 B s as he calls it - bowling, basketball and billiards. He is married to a lovely woman named Catherine, and they have one son, Oliver Duane William. Atty/Rev. Vigilia currently resides in Quezon City, Philippines. 5

6 I S S U E N O. 3 * T H I R D Q U A R T E R The Biblical Basis for Fundraising By Pastor Valjun Apuzen Is fundraising biblical? Yes. The Biblical basis for fundraising is clear. The Bible gives us various examples of instances when God s people were asked to contribute to a certain project. When God commanded Moses to build the Tabernacle, the LORD also instructed him to tell the people to contribute precious stones, fine linen, wood, and other materials for its construction (Exodus 25:1). King David also raised funds for the building of the Temple (1 Chronicles 29). The apostle Paul raised funds from various churches for the poor in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9). Again and again, believers are asked to give in support of various ministries. Prompted by a fundraising appeal, the generosity of believers is God s normal means of providing for His work. The apostle Paul was confident that those who responded generously to his fundraising appeal will be made rich in every way (2 Corinthians 9:11). Is it really necessary for FGG to raise funds from the Christian public? Yes. Although FGG was started in 2004 and has been solely funded by Juno Healthcare Staffing Systems, Inc. until 2005, the overwhelming requests for assistance from Philippine Bible schools, churches and communities compel FGG to seek additional help from the Christian community here in the US. Why is a pastor in charge of FGG s fundraising? The idea that pastors should not concern themselves with raising money comes from the misunderstanding that money (or fundraising) is a necessary evil. In the Bible, money is not dirty, although our attitudes towards it often are (1 Timothy 6:10, For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. ). Fundraising is not less noble than preaching, teaching or counseling. The Bible gives numerous examples of prophets and apostles engaged in fundraising. If Moses, King David and the apostle Paul were willing to raise money for the Lord s work, then it is OK for a pastor to do so too. Fundraising is a necessary good, not a necessary evil. Is FGG in competition with local churches for the Christian s money? No. According to Scripture, Christians are one body (the Church), gathered around one leader (Jesus Christ) follow- ing one purpose (the Kingdom of God). Ephesians 4:3-6 says, Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism; and one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. So, ministry fundraisers are co-laborers, not competitors. We are all helping build the Kingdom of God for His glory. Should I give my tithe to FGG? No. It is best to give to your local church first. FGG does important Christian work, but we do not have the biblical authority or range of responsibilities that belong to the institutional church. Only churches can baptize or serve the Lord s Supper, among other things. Being God s appointed institution, the church is the first and worthiest recipient of Christian giving. As a rule of thumb, our tithes should go to the church, not anywhere else. Then we should give to the needy through FGG. This act of generosity is pleasing to the Lord. It is as if we are helping Christ himself. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). FGG plans for 2006 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 and Sustaining the Foundation and its programs. Every bit of the organization s practices, accomplishments, and needs were assessed by FGG staff and by Marketing & Communications and Financial & Legal Compliance experts, namely: Dennis Clemente and Daniel Santa Maria of JUMP Creatives, Rico Gloria - VP of Finance JUNO Healthcare & Staffing System, Inc., and Atty. Vanni Alo. The last day of the planning, on the other hand, produced a detailed, comprehensive calendar of activities for 2006 and a plan for a major fundraising activity within the year. Though FGG is a private operating foundation with funds for its current The FGG NY staff: Anne; Charm; DR; & Ptr. Valjun programs, a need to fundraise was established during the planning in order to deliver added services to the communities, such as community-wide Medical Missions and other outreach activities which are not within the annual budget of FGG. FGG already has a set of programs, but we feel compelled to respond to the requests and needs of the impoverished communities in the Philippines. It is a reality that being citizens in a poor country means receiving little to no medical attention or social services. With just our volunteers, prayers, and a goal as our capital, we want to reach out to our Kababayans or fellow Filipinos. We currently have volunteer doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. We just have to work on getting medicines, medical equipments, and other materials for our outreach activities. Hopefully our planned fundraising event in November this year will help us reach our noble goal. After all, we commit all these efforts to bringing people closer to God. 6

7 I S S U E N O. 3 * T H I R D Q U A R T E R Meet and Greet Conference Held for Baguio Scholars CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 FGG Commitments Mendoza, held a conference to meet the scholars of North Luzon Regional Director, Rev. John Coral in Baguio City, Philippines on May 31, The scholars who attended were Emelita Flores, Perry Moguet Hombrebueno, Silver Goy-um Hombrebueno, Eduardo Hidalgo, George Kindipan, Gayl Lango, and Albert Taca. All of the mentioned scholars have passed FGG s screening processes and have demonstrated their calling to disciple to the unreached, serve their local churches, and build their own church upon graduation. Volunteer teachers Reverends Domingo Plano, June Evasco, and Anderson Bumahit also joined the conference. Together with the students, they learned about the nature of FGG s scholarship grant program and FGG s expectations from Regional Directors, volunteer teachers, and scholars. Furthermore, everyone shared their insight on the implementation of the program and on meeting FGG s expectations. Issues such as the who, what, where, when, how of the scholarship program were considered and answered in a participatory manner. The conference, which started from a short worship service, ended with FGG scholars, Regional Director, and volunteer teachers reaching a common understanding and a solid plan on how to implement the scholarship program in their particular region. It was such a successful activity, and FGG wants to extend its gratitude to all people who helped make the conference happen, especially Rev. June Evasco and his staff at Southern Baptist Church, Baguio City where the conference was held. Foundation for God s Glory is a Christian organization with the following commitments to carrying out its vision, mission and goals: We commit to do all programs for God s glory. We believe the chief purpose of man is to glorify God. We commit to intentionally carry out the Great Commission of Christ through all programs. The gospel of Christ brings the greatest transformation to man. We commit to work in partnership with local churches. The local church is ordained by God to carry out His ministry on earth. We commit to holistic development of children developing their minds, bodies and spirits. We commit to serve the neediest people, to relieve their suffering and to promote the transformation of their condition of life. We commit to follow the highest ethical standards to ensure the proper stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. We are responsible before God, one another and all people for our programs, personnel and expenditures of time and money. Scholars of North Luzon gather to discuss the program. From the Executive Director CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 then considered not only blessed, but more blessed. And that is precisely what I want to experience: the reason why it is more blessed to give than to receive. And so I give. 2. When I give, I know very well that it only leaves my hands and not my life. And while it tends to decrease my cash, at the same time, it increases my faith in God and in human beings which, at the end, fortifies my character. It fortifies my character because I realize I can share and give my hard-earned, blood money, the very product of my sweat, pain, labor and skill (which is not an easy thing to do for most people). 3. When God the Father gave His only begotten Son to die for and in our behalf on that cross ( He was wounded because of our sins, bruised because of our iniquities, the chastisement of peace was laid upon Him... -Isaiah 53:5) to fulfill the righteous and legal requirement of law for us so that we could become His righteousness before the Father and live forevermore, the least that I can do is to give Him my money, my obedience and my trust. After all, have I really given anything to Him who owns everything? Yours for the Master, DR Teodoro 7

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