A number of the younger ones have also initiated a “Marty’s Fellowship”. (I can’t really describe what it is, my schedule doesn’t allow me to attend!) But the most exciting part is how guys and girls are stepping up and beginning their own personal ministries.

We actually allowed the option for members to switch to the Tuesday group. But none of them took that option. This church has an admirable stability to it. There is ownership of the community while beautiful bonds are maintained and nourished. They are definitely worth watching out for next semester. Thank You Jesus, that church can be more than a worship service.

These ladies set up a victory dinner right after the game. The whole team is loving their support. Flo said that good friendships are forming among them. Hopefully this contributes to good relationships all around.

The 2010 PSHS Alumni Basketball League ended with an epic championship game. It was a do-or-die finals game for Team 2003 (my team) and the Admin team (consisting of veteran coaches/players). Our team was trailing for most of the game. Every time we managed to tie, the Admin team would answer back and pull away. It went on this way for 4 long quarters.

Frustration like that takes a heavy mental toll on a team. The picture of going home defeated was getting more and more vivid! Was our championship last year just a lucky break? Were we not really champions after all?

But there was something resilient in my team. There was courage that moved forward after every frustration. And this wasn’t just in one person or instance, you could sense it from the whole unit (and even from the crowd!). It was hustle play after hustle play (defensive and offensive). Then at 1:13 in the 4th quarter, we were tied again. Our intensity did not waver throughout the whole game; at 0:54 we were in the lead. We held on and won the championship.

Could my team lead the way even off the court? Show our generation how to live passionately? There’s definitely potential for that. I’m even more sure because I know them off-court. These guys know my past and respect the transformation Jesus made in me. They don’t foolishly disregard it, nor have they shut their doors or minds.

After the win we came together center court and prayed. Being Christ-like isn’t about being religious or nice. Because that would be kind of weak. Being Christ-like is about living life as a champion. We tasted a little bit of that yesterday. May that have all of us craving for more.

And now, the victory shot:

Visit http://www.facebook.com/pisayalumnibasketball for full game reviews.

The first one was with Erris, a Thursday house church man I’ve recently started discipling. He told me stories from his past that made him want to share the absolute truth of Jesus. We met a freshman dormer today. Erris’ eyes lit up and he said “Jackpot.” Apparently, Erris and the freshman have a lot in common. Their schedules sync too, much better than mine. Erris will share the Gospel in the next few days.

The next one was with three freshmen who just recently received Christ. Discussion was again, very lively. They had good questions and were joyful that they had eternal life. One of them was so joyful, that he had already invited another friend to join us! He also seemed eager to talk to his friends about what he was learning.

Last story is of a freshman I had been working with for a few weeks. Him and I have been having trouble getting a common sked recently. (He’s super busy, being part of a varsity team.) But we got to meet again today and what I loved about the time was his expressiveness. He said he really wanted to be an active part of Stillwaters and that he would somehow make it work with his schedule. He said he’d start attending service regularly and begin talking with his friends about Jesus.

God is answering your prayers, partner. Please keep them coming. May these men rise to be models of passionate living.

It was a good day of looking for such people today. My peace goes to all who have referred me to people of peace. Keep those names coming and we’ll soon jostle a greater kingdom awareness.

A number of people I called today said that they can’t partner financially because their hands are full with other organizations such as churches and Campus Crusade for Christ. As long as its kingdom building, we all win.

Onward for the glory of Jesus.

Feedback from the congregation has been thrilling. They say that though Tim and Dee aren’t professional speakers, they are inspiring because of their ability to connect. Students speaking to students. This probably contributes to the recent increase in attendance. Members are bringing new people almost every week.

It looks like it’s time to begin the preliminaries of starting another house church. Let’s pray that a handful would be up to the challenge!

Please contact us if there is any way that you feel we can partner better. We will be more available during this midterms season. Also, you may have friends who want to invest in ministry as well. Hook us up.

We love you teammates!

Hazel Guevarra is a very talented young professional. She’s been with Stillwaters ever since she was a UP Fine Arts student. Now with the yuppies house church, our lifetime spiritual family continues. She quietly made the following video in her spare time. I don’t think anybody knew about it, so it was a pleasant shock when she posted it on her Facebook account. Can you feel the gusto that went into this?

Discouragement has been lurking recently, in the form of some peoples’ responses. I somehow knew that spending a day with Jesus would make it better. He didn’t disappoint. There was a common thread in all of my readings today. It was joy. Not just any joy, but the kind that’s indestructible. It’s independent of the world’s response to you. The ecstasy of intimacy that no one can take away from you.

I am thrilled that Jesus would care so much to take care of me this way. Just what I asked for: strength for life.

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probably explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis

I approached and asked in a friendly way why they didn’t reply. Apparently, one of them did show up for the time but we couldn’t spot each other. They both didn’t reply due to lack of load though. That isn’t the best part. The best part is that they were free this afternoon and we continued talking about the greatest ambition imaginable. One of their friends even joined us.

Discussion was lively and they seemed to joyfully grasp the gospel. We’re set to meet again next week. I’m looking forward to these lively guys growing in divine desire.