National Youth Missions Movement - Philippines

The Church's Great Challenge

2012-01-21T00:09:00.004+08:00

I was browsing through The Joshua Project earlier this afternoon when I saw some interesting statistical data and facts about missions.

To those who are not familiar with the Joshua Project, here's a brief description from their About Page:

Joshua Project is a research initiative seeking to highlight the ethnic people groups of the world with the fewest followers of Christ. Accurate, regularly updated ethnic people group information is critical for understanding and completing the Great Commission.

Here are some challenging mission facts I copy-pasted below:

Challenging Mission Facts

Of the 16,790 people groups by country, 6,955 are still considered unreached.
9,835 people groups by country are not considered unreached, totaling 3,983,293,000 individuals, or about 58% of the world's population.
Of the 16,790 total people groups, 6,955 are identified as unreached using Joshua Project criteria, totaling 2,841,516,000 individuals. Of these 6,955 groups, 5,892 are in 10/40 Window countries. That means 85% of all unreached people groups are in the 10/40 Window.
1,063 of the unreached groups are NOT in the 10/40 Window, totaling 84,003,000 individuals. These groups are relatively accessible to the Gospel.
Of the 6,955 Unreached people groups, about 3,553 (51%) are small groups under 10,000 in population (or population unknown) and all these groups total less than 8,000,000 individuals. Of the remaining 3,402 unreached groups, about 1,314 are under 50,000 in population. That leaves 2,088 Unreached groups 50,000 and over in population. A vibrant church in a large group may take the gospel to a number of smaller satellite people groups that have ethnic similarities.

We still have 35% of all people groups in the world not hearing the message of the gospel which transforms lives and give eternal significance to a dying world.

The Project's Progress Report:

You’ll also notice a world map that shows the location and progress report on this big task of reaching the nations for Christ.

The map actually signifies the bigger picture of the present need to evangelize and establish a Christ-believing church in these regions.

Below is the screenshot of this report:

If you count the progress stage above, almost 2.7 billion people are mostly located in the 10/40 window and all of them has not heard the message of the gospel.

Surely, you’ve heard this very verse from Paul, the Apostle:

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?- Romans 10:14-15a

His epistle to the Romans may have been sent more than 2,000 years ago but the challenge it presents still rings true today. Paul's question is actually relevant to the very command of our Lord Jesus Christ before he ascended to heaven:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This command is not just given to a fateful few but to every believer and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Our Challenge

The figures speaks for itself and personally, I think the task is BIG for just one group or denomination or even a Christian nation can accomplish. It takes every believer to make himself available to accomplish our task commanded by our Lord.

We can do better when we work hand in hand, regardless of denomination or location. Our common ground is not just our faith in Christ but also the great commandment and commission.

The church (referring to the local congregations) need to understand this concept. We need to establish this truth seriously.

I strongly believe that there is only one church established by Christ (His bridegroom), one Lord over all believers and therefore only has one great commission to accomplish. (more on this topic next time)

The task may be big but it doesn't mean it cannot be accomplished when we work hand in hand.

It may sound challenging but we do have a BIG GOD who is Lord of ALL.

Points to Ponder:

What do you think can we do, as Filipinos and believers in this great task?
What probably is the reason why this great task is still not completed?
Which could possibly be harder - uniting the body of Christ or fulfilling the great commission?
Who could probably answer the call of the Lord of the harvest - “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

"Raising generations of Filipino Youth for cross-cultural missions"

Unreached Peoples Do You Know The Real Deal - Youtube

2012-01-17T06:55:00.000+08:00

"Raising generations of Filipino Youth for cross-cultural missions"

NYMM's 2012 Focus

2012-01-17T06:38:00.000+08:00

NYMM blog has been around the blogosphere for almost six years. I have to admit that it has been a rough road updating this blog especially with my work and among other things.

In it's existence, most of the blogs were about updates on what is going on with the movement. It's main focus was for mobilization and missions.

For 2012, the focus will shift on becoming an online resource for missions and mobilization. I believe there's a vast resource online but only a few that caters to the Filipino youth. The main initiative is to share video clips, testimonies and articles about missions.

Of course, it will still update it's faithful followers on activities that revolves around the youth and missions.

Hopefully, it will not only create an opportunity to minister and mobilize but also capture the bigger audience in the online world, which is dominated by young people and professionals.

Lastly, NYMM blog needs additional people. One man can do so much but I think three more brains can be better of. It can become a brainstorming team for future NYMM activities nationwide.

For prayer concerns, please see details below:

God is stirring the hearts of the new generation for missions,let's pray for opportunities to touch base with local based ministries that we can share the vision of NYMM.
We need people with the same heart and vision for NYMM. Pray that the Lord will call those whom are His and imprint in their hearts the need to come and prepare the harvesters in the field.
Wisdom and strategy on how to impact this generation and stir their hearts to reach the UPGs of the world
That the Lord will raise a new NYMM Director to oversee the ministry

In Christ,

Vir Antonio Silva

"Raising generations of Filipino Youth for cross-cultural missions"

John Piper: Sermons on missions

2012-01-13T08:02:00.000+08:00

I was browsing through Youtube and found some insightful clips about missions from John Piper. Here are a few of his sermons about why missions, why we should go and what matters most when answering the call to the nations:

So, should we go to missions or not?

"Raising generations of Filipino Youth for cross-cultural missions"

Our Heart's Desire for 2012

2012-01-12T07:57:00.003+08:00

The desire of NYMM is to see every young Filipino believers answering to the challenge of the harvest field and fulfill the great commission and hasten the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Our prayer is that this video will stir in you a desire to see "the nations worship" our true King:

Know More About Us:
About Page

Email: virsilva613@gmail.com

NYMM Facebook Group

Blog Post: My NYMC StandPoint (Vir Silva)

2011-07-02T11:50:00.001+08:00

"Raising generations of Filipino youth for cross-cultural missions…”

Being part of the “think-tank” meeting last June was a learning experience for me. I simply couldn't resist sharing what I want the forum to accomplish and hopefully, be established in the youth missions movement. Like what Ate Bibien has said, God is reviving the movement in his own way and I couldn't agree more.

The “think tank” meeting and previous discussions led to the Youth Forum this July 2011 wherein the goal is to revive the movement that focuses on youth and missions. After the meeting, I strongly believe that the Lord wants us to focus on areas that we should establish and strengthen to become better on what we do and plan to do for NYMM.

So, how should the movement move forward? What are the things that we need to pursue and not to pursue? These are questions that I believe can be answered through the Youth Forum scheduled this July 2011.

I personally envision the movement to have the following qualities:

A Strong Team comprising of young and old alike

Although the movement is focused on developing the younger generation, I strongly believe that the movement should be led by a young team of leaders. Like any other youth ministry, the backbone of the movement is to have people on the top like “one of them”. I personally came from a ministry that’s being led by servant-leaders who were students just like me.

Although these leaders must know how to stand on their own, we can never deny the need of the “wiser generation”. My personal belief is that the older generation plays an important role for the movement to flourish. They do have the wisdom, training and expertise on the challenges up ahead.

The “wiser generation” should be part of the movement as mentors, advisers and friends. They should not imply or push their own (or their agencies) agenda but must fully support whom the Lord has placed in the movement as leaders.

A Steady line of Activities Focusing on Youth Discipleship and Missions

The role of the movement in the body of Christ is not just to promote missions but to raise and train missionaries. Partnerships with mission agencies are vital for the movement but the movement itself should become the very training ground.

Although this will take time, money and effort, we need to develop a strategy wherein the involvement of the youth doesn't just end after a missions’ camp, congress or the like. We should have a solid follow-up system that directly involves them to missions work whether it’s prayer, supporting missionaries abroad or going to short-term missions.

Planting the “seed” for missions is just the first step; we must cultivate and develop it to become a reality.

A Solid Marketing and Fundraising Campaign

As Tita Ramona has said, our major setback in doing mobilization is the availability of funds. The movement should be sustained with a solid financial plan for it to accomplish its goal. Let’s face it, the movement is young and will be led by leaders who probably uses their own allowances. In order for us to avoid this particular setback, the movement should have a fundraising team solely focusing on raising our finances.

Although donations seem to be the only solution, there are still a lot of ways that can support the movement and in a way, lessen the financial burden of mission agencies and youth ministries involved.

A Commitment to the NYMM Vision

It is my prayer that whoever the Lord will place in the leadership position will capture the vision of NYMM and will have the commitment to pursue it no matter what.

Having a strong team, a steady line of activities and a solid fundraising campaign can work but will not be enough. Unless the people behind the movement capture the real purpose of why such a movement was born, everything that we do for the Lord’s work will be in vain.

I strongly agree with Kuya Bob's statement that we should focus on building the movement that will result in a biennial congress and not the other way around.

We also need to develop our leadership style. The "baton" must be passed to the next in line, equipped with the right training and perspective of the movement's work. The movement’s mandate is to raise missionaries, if we divert to another cause or focus on another ministry other than what the Lord has established for NYMM, then the vision has died down and our goals will be affected.

The new leaders may do it differently but its end result must be consistent to the entire vision of the movement as a whole.

Conclusion

My prayer is that we all learn from our previous experiences and hopefully, in doing so, strengthen the movement and fulfill the mandate given to us. I strongly believe and envision that whatever the Lord has done and will do in the movement; it will be for His glory alone and not for any system or person.

Disclaimer:

The things I've shared come from my own personal views and thoughts and not of the movement.

Reviving the Movement

2011-07-02T10:16:00.000+08:00

Greetings!

It's been two years since this blog been updated! And I'm not even sure if someone is still reading this blog aside from me. Just a quick update, NYMM has been in the "rebirthing" stage as I call it.

The Philippine Missions Mobilization Movement has been gearing up for a consultation forum this July 16,2011 inviting the key players in missions and youth mobilization. I personally joined the "think-tank" meeting and is excited to what will happen during and after the forum.

Below is Kuya Nono's invitation letter to those who are interested to join the forum. Please read through and be I hope that you will be challenged and join us during this event as well;

Dear colleague in missions,

Last 2003, there was an initiative to establish a partnership to prepare young people who may be considering to work overseas to become intentional tentmakers.  The partnership had embarked on mobilization and training events in different parts of the country to provide young people with information, inspiration and exposure to the opportunities as well as challenges of establishing a viable witness in a cross-cultural context. 

Two years later, forty mission agency executives, trainers and mobilizers forged a partnership to leverage the Filipino diaspora and OFW Phenomenon in order to raise multitudes of Filipino tentmakers to make an impact among the least reached peoples.  It has been recognized that many of the youth can significantly contribute to the fulfillment of the vision of the Philippine Missions Mobilization Movement or what is known simply as the PM3.  Since then, hundreds of thousands of Filipino believers all over the world have come to see the strategic role of the Philippine Church in fulfilling the Great Commission. 

Wishing to further build on these two missional breakthroughs, I wish to invite you to a consultation among youth groups and organizations to explore how we can move forward together to ignite a massive mobilization of the youth in churches across the country for meaningful involvement in cross-cultural ministry locally and globally.  This consultation will be held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, 4th Floor of the Evangelical Center, 62 Molave Street, Project 3, Quezon City.  This will be from 8am till 3pm this coming July 16, a Saturday.  There will be a small registration fee of P100 to cover lunch and snacks.

You are receiving this invitation because your organization is acknowledged to be passionate to see young people engaged in world missions.  It is my fervent hope that you and another leader in your group will be available to participate in this Youth Missions Mobilization Forum.  I can assure you that there are compelling reasons why the Filipino youth must be empowered today to become the future tentmakers, missionaries, mobilizers and member care providers, that we will be sharing with you on July 16.

Please email me (lbadoy@yahoo.com) or text me (SMART 0920-905-4021 or GLOBE 0917-719-4509 and SUN 0922-471-2008) to indicate whether you and/or another representative from your group can join us for the Youth Missions Mobilization Forum. May the LORD continue to inspire us to serve Him faithfully and to spread His fame among all nations!

God bless!

Nono Badoy

Executive Director

Philippine Missions Mobilization Movement

So, what are you waiting for? Call now and take part in building the Kingdom of God on earth!

Pray For Eman

2009-09-16T10:44:00.000+08:00

Hi Egroupmates!
Before I get swamped by the urgent and deadly (deadlines, in other words), I would like to ask your prayers for our wonderful friend, Eman, who is trusting God to send him to an important upg conference in LA before the year ends. Due to security concerns (sanay naman kayo di ba?), I can't tell you more. But I can tell you that he needs $2800 asap and has $500 pledged so far.

For me, he is the best person to represent NYMM in that conference. He is not only a mobilizer but also a practitioner now! The exposure and the experience will further stretch his faith and enrich his experience in carrying out his part of the Great Commission. He wrote a loooong email about the witness opportunities he's had and he is where the action is (grabe, todo nato!)!

Please add him to your daily prayer list. God bless you really good!

Mobilizingly yours,

Joy
--
http://nymm.blogspot.com/
http://timetogetrealwithgod.blogspot.com/
~~~~ We are the NYMM at your service ~~~

Email Updates: Encouraging You

2009-09-06T20:13:00.001+08:00

Hi Egroup-mates!

Longtime no message/news/

update! I confess my sin of busybody-ness! I have fallen into the all-pervading trap of tyrannical urgency! It's time I renew ties with you and let you in on the latest thing God is doing in the NYMM (aka National Youth Missions Movement).

I should have posted a sweet, quick note two months ago when I reluctantly represented the movement at the 2nd PM3 summit in Gems Hotel, Antipolo. I say "reluctantly" because I had been inactive in coordinating the movement for over a year. I admit that I lost momentum when I handled a gruelling tour conference for my company early last year. But the Lord was true to His Word in Romans 8:28. All things (including our shortcomings) work together for good to those who love Him...

Inspite of my decision to bow out of the PM3 National Facilitation Team at that significant gathering, I knew God wasn't through with me yet. I met Roselle (did I get your name spelled right, dear?) and Julius of 180 Degrees--the two people who replaced our hardworking and dependable core group member now OFW tentmaker Eman! Frankly, I was so encouraged to see much younger faces among the participants because I believe the youth ought to earn a voice and strain an ear in history-making consultations like the PM3. (Na-nosebleed ba kayo, R & J? Masanay na kayo. Ganyan talaga kapag ang balitaktakan ay tipong God-sized in scope) I wasn't surprised either that the PM3 goal by 2020 is now 1M deployed Pinoy global field workers. [I don't doubt God's ability to bring that to reality. I just don't know if we could keep track! But, I leave that to our adult leaders to work out.]

My immediate concern now is reviving the movement by recruiting a core team (upon the strong prodding of the new PMA National Director Dr. Rey Taniajura) that can meet with the core team of the PCEC-Youth Commission. After all, the NYMC (National Youth Missions Congress) was started by PCEC National Director Bishop Ef Tendero and Ptr Rey Corpuz, the PMA National Director at the time. It's time to join forces.

After an initial chat with Ptrs Ronnie, Ronald and Efren of the PCEC-YC about two weeks ago, I attended their regular breakfast fellowship at Starbucks, Podium this morning. For some reason, I turned out to be the only woman in the group of 18 young (and not-so-young) men that gathered. I hadn't socialized with that many (male) youth ministers for a long while. Some came all the way from Pampanga, Laguna and Cavite, which included Ptr Roman Guevarra of Rise Up Philippines (recently arrived from a concert-seminar tour in the Middle East). Ptr Joseph Bonifacio from VCF (aka Every Nation) also came but left before the meeting winded down to sharing ministries one by one.

I took the cue to share about NYMM when Ptr Ronnie mentioned the need to coordinate major events among youth ministries so that we wouldn't compete for churches' attention where to send their young people. I shared that the last NYMC was back in 2006 (Bacolod) and I broke the 2-year interval "tradition" of organizing the next NYMC. We didn't have an NYMC last year (2008) [which was providential because the global recession hit us that year]. The "extra" year actually made me reflect more on my role in the movement and how to proceed when the right time comes. If ever an NYMC is organized in the future, I would prefer that much effort were put into bonding with other youth ministry networks who would lend a lot of support to the movement before, during and after the event. There's so much that can be done when the various parts of the Body of Christ (in youth ministry) work together and not compete with each other.

Talk is cheap, so I'm holding myself accountable to you by committing to update you on the next steps God leads me to make. And THE next step I'm making (and this is what Ptr Ronnie & co. has advised me to do) is recruiting a new core team that will represent the movement (the missions perspective) in youth network consultations and serve as the team to contact when groups and churches need training or help in missions. Dr. Rey Taniajura has pledged support to this team as part of PMA's mobilization efforts. It sounds not unlike the support K Bob Lopez extended to me when he was PMA National Director. [Eeek! Here we go again!]

My good friend, Derek Ross of True Love Waits, already shared with me the idea of sending youth leaders to other countries (such as Indonesia) that request for help regarding sexual purity issues, especially the TLW message. That would be a great ministry platform for a cross-cultural worker in student/campus work, don't you think? Someone from the Global Youth Ministry Network (GYMN) also approached me after this morning's meeting to ask how his org can work with us. Their focus is on empowering local youth leaders in Asia. Now, isn't that encouraging?

If you've read this far, I salute you! I'm just making up for the long silence :D

Back to the rush job on my desk,
Joy

Let's Pray for Pakistani Believers

2009-08-04T10:36:00.000+08:00

I received this email from a missionaray in Pakistan and I would like to share this to people who are reading this blog.

Greetings in His most precious name. We have one very BAD news for all of us. May be you heard or not about what is happening with the Christians here in Gojara near Lahore. Muslims burned more than 200 Christian’s homes and couple of churches as well. There are more than 10 Christians dead so for in that incident and their families are not taking their dead bodies back until Government does not take action against the people who done this. One of the Muslim’s
organization attacked on Christian Locality and burn their homes and churches and done misbehave with the young girls and other women. The police got failed to control those people to stop them, doing this persecution then Army was called to control these people.

We just finished our Sunday service in which we prayed for the people are persecuted and still under huge danger. We are now going to visit that place which is not far from our place, this is about 35 to 45 minutes drive from our place. Please keep praying for the persecuted people and their families and also for those families who lose their family members in the persecution. I will write you again about what is happening now.

May God bless you richly,
Yours in Him,
Ps. M. P.

10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:10-15

Pray that the believers will be rescued by the Lord from all their persecutions as they continue in what they have learned and become convinced of in Christ Jesus. Pray that they entrust themselves to their faithful Creator who is working all things out for His glory and for their good in the end. Pray that His peace that passes all understanding may keep their hearts and minds quiet and at rest in Christ Jesus, as they fully cast all their cares upon Him, knowing that He cares for them.

8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Pray that the life of Jesus may be revealed in their bodies, as they entrust themselves to Him, knowing that He is the righteous Judge of all the earth. Pray that they overcome evil with good, praying for their enemies and those that persecute them.

9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:9-12
Pray that the believers will truly be peacemakers, that their lives will radiate the presence of the Prince of Peace as they truly find His ability to rejoice and be glad knowing their reward in heaven in great. Pray that they experience the manifest Presence of Jesus in their midst as they wait on Him and trust Him to guide them in all they say and do. Pray He is their shelter and strong tower, a very present help in trouble.

The New and Better Look

2009-02-06T21:13:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone,

I just finished uploading a new template for the site!

I was so busy lately with a lot of things that I seldom go online in Blogger and update some of the blogs' templates. The theme basically is made by a Filipino blogger (or so I think...) and it's way cool as being blue and easy to update and edit from time to time. :)

Before I forget, is anyone interested to be a moderator of the blog? (I think it's also known as a co-author) aside from Ate Joy's access and mine, I'll add you up so you'll have the time of your life to edit the posts and update it with me.

For everyone's information, I am currently looking for pictures from previous NYMM activities we can post online. This way, we have something to share to the world wide web what we have been doing as an organization. Please feel free to email me at vir_antonio@hotmail.com for the links.

I also made a forum for the group and it's located on the upper-right tab after the "home". This can be an avenue to share anything about the group as well as an opportunity for growth and encouragement.

Thanks,
Vir
http://melankoliko.co.nr

End Of The Year Message‏

2008-12-26T09:34:00.000+08:00

NYMC. It's what happens despite the absence of one. Some of our key leaders have been led to join the mission force. Some of you may have already known that Eman Ortaleza of the Manila core team is now working in Qatar and experiencing the life of a tentmaker. I personally pray for him everyday along with the other goers among upgs in my prayer list. Please include him in your prayers. He will be spending Christmas there by working just like any ordinary day in the Middle East.

Candy Galagnara, the sole delegate from Mindanao to the NYMC in Bacolod, will be leaving for the UK on January 3 for further studies AND work as a nurse. She went thru more missions courses and short-term missions trips than I can imagine. Like Eman, she sees herself as a tentmaker. No wonder the Lord did not make it possible for her to join K Art to the SMMR! She would not have been able to carry out her mobilizer duties anyway. Many obstacles beset her as she prepares to leave in January but she has learned to "embrace" (her own words) them as part of God's missionary training for her. Please pray for her as well.

Ptr Allan Obedoza, formerly with Asian Center for Missons when he served on the Manila core team, is now preparing for career missions in Thailand. He is presently setting up the missions department of his church while raising the needed support for bringing his whole family (wife and 4 children) with him to the mission field. He will be facilitating the Kairos course for the IVCF missions team a few weeks from now. Let us also pray for God's provision, preparation and timing for their actual departure.

There may be more NYMCers among you who are in "obedience" mode. I just don't know it. You can always make your prayer needs known through this egroup. It has been FOUR years already since this egroup for the Zambales NYMC batch was formed. Hopefully, each of us has grown a little more mature and wiser in following the Lord's call to bless the nations. Many have yet to hear as there are many who suffer for their faith in Christ in places hostile to the gospel.

This Christmas season, let us renew our commitment to be "faithful, joyful and triumphant" to bring every human heart to "adore Him, Christ the Lord"!

Blessed CHRISTmas & an Exciting New Year to all,
Joy (to the world)
http://nymm.blogspot.com/
http://timetogetrealwithgod.blogspot.com/

Waiting on the Lord

2008-09-26T16:44:00.000+08:00

It seems like ages since anything has been posted here. Except for Kuya Art's report of the SMMR (which he posted on the nymm egroup), nothing seems to be happening. But I believe something soon will.

As ramadan comes to a close next week, my own fast also ends. I've done this before but not this long and this intense. I have some pretty heavy personal and ministry concerns that I can't pray about in the usual way. At the top of my list are some unsaved loved ones.

So far, God has been showing me my own spiritual hardheartedness. Even if I do most of the talking, I am doing more listening, too.

Hirap palang mag-fast. Hindi ka lang nagdidisiplina sa sarili na huwag kumain, pati yung puso mo binubulatlat! (Sorry, I didn't know how to express myself in English] But I really believe it's the right time for me to do this. Before I expect God to move in a mighty way, He waits for me to make time for Him.

For an update, Eman will soon work in Qatar as a tentmaker. The other Filipino delegate to SMMR is studying at ATS and wants to meet with the NYMM core team sometime when her schedule permits. I also met another young missions mobilizer who coordinates short-term mission trips for youth.

God is truly making things fall into place. May He bring the core team together soon.

Blesssed to be a Blessing

2008-08-13T11:11:00.001+08:00

Today I officially have a new cellphone, exactly one week after I lost one. Just as I had barely finished emailing and telling just about everyone about my loss, God sent someone to give me its replacement. The "angel" asked me three times why I hadn't bought a new cellphone yet. I didn't have a ready answer but I tried to come up with one. Then I heard the surprise of my cellphone-less life, "Because I will give you one."

I couldn't believe my ears! Sure enough, three days later (last night), I held a cellphone unit in my hands, complete with charger, cable, software CD and SIM card. It even uses the same network I have been using all my cellphone-user life (SMART). My first trial text message to the "angel" was "Thankyou" (didn't know how to space yet). The reply was "Ur mst welcm ate. Ikaw talaga pinabgyan ng Lord nyan."

Amen and amen. A blessing on all such "angels" and the people they bless.

http://nymm.blogspot.com
http://timetogetrealwithgod.blogspot.com
~~~~ We are the NYMM at your service ~~~

While SMMR is Going on

2008-08-07T11:15:00.001+08:00

While the SMMR is going on, I experienced another mini-crisis. I lost my cellphone right in the comforts of my spacious office. A female outsider loitering in the lobby yesterday morning is suspected as the lunch break thief. The last time I recalled using my cellphone was right before lunch break. I guess times are, indeed, hard and office security ought to be tightened some more. The lady was a pro. Her kind are probably roaming around security-lax Christian establishments now.

The reason I highlight this personal tragedy is because it happened on the very day (and time!) that K Art presented the NYMM at the consultation. The only time I left my desk was lunch break (12 noon). K Art's slot was 11:30 to 12:10 (if they started on time). I confess that my hunger took the better of me and I failed to shoot up a prayer for him. Up to now, I still have to hear from him and how it went. K Art is not the emailing type (sigh!). If I know him well enough, he is having the time of his life making new friends and trying out new things. And that's what he should do.

Surprisingly, I don't feel that devastated. This is my first time to lose a cellphone. I had used only one number for the many years I've had a cellphone. Maybe I'm still in shock. Or maybe it's not that big a deal compared to the emotional turmoil I went through the past weeks. But it sure felt funny waking up this morning without hearing the Polaris sound of my cellphone alarm go off.

It's going to be a bit more serene for a while I've always put my cellphone on silent mode so I won't miss the ring tone (just the morning alarm). And I just have to start collecting contact numbers again (a great way of updating the directory!) and rely on the landline for a change (sort of like regressing, right?).

Even if it looks so petty as an application, what Job declared at the height of his loss is how I can describe what I feel at the moment: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away: may the name of the LORD be praised." Yes, I can live without a cellphone. Just not too long (heh-heh). - Ate Joy

http://nymm.blogspot.com
~~~~ We are the NYMM at your service ~~~

NYMM: The One and Only

2008-08-05T13:41:00.000+08:00

Dear Egroupmates and friends:

The last two minutes are up. K Art will be the only one leaving for Korea this Sunday at 3 pm for the SMMR. Candy has decided not to go even if she gets her visa next Wednesday afternoon. She has peace of mind about it. And that's good enough for me.

Things had not happened the way we had planned but we can only trust in God's sovereign will for the NYMM. God knows how I prayed for Candy to make it to Korea (and so did all of you who have been keeping track of the preparations) but He spoke to me this morning in my Bible reading found in Job 37. I think it was verse 13 that said to this effect, "Did you call for the morning and put the dawn in its place?" I took it to mean, it's not for me to ask why these things happened. It just happens. And God is still in control. He's not obligated to explain or give an answer that makes sense to me. This insight helped prepare me for my talk with Candy later in the day. I, too, have peace about it now.

As for K Art, he is scheduled to talk about the NYMM on Wednesday, Aug 6, an hour before lunchbreak. I had sent the Powerpoint presentation to the organizer last week. I had also prepared a session outline with notes for K Art to use in presenting the movement to the body in 40 minutes. The aim of the presentation is to share our experience as a movement and the lessons we've learned in the process that may contribute to the discussion on forming a global student mission movement. Please pray that K Art accomplishes that aim during his scheduled talk.

Thank you once again for your prayers and support. Let's continue to pray for next week's SMMR and the role NYMM will play in the global move of God's Spirit among the youth around the world.

For the Lord of the Harvest,
Joy

http://nymm.blogspot.com
~~~~ We are the NYMM at your service ~~~

Urgent Prayer Request

2008-07-29T16:30:00.000+08:00

Dear Egroupmates & friends:

This week is the "last 2-minutes" for our two NYMM representatives, Art de Guzman from Manila and Candy Galagnara from Cagayand de Oro, to the Seoul consultation next week. The program coordinator is waiting for their confirmed flight schedules and has also requested a session outline about the NYMM for their souvenir program. They already received the Powerpoint presentation and a short writeup about the movement. All systems are go for the international gathering of youth missions leaders. As of this writing, 68 leaders from 20 countries are expected to attend.

K Art will claim his visa this Thursday and will buy his plane ticket as soon as sufficient funds come in. Candy, on the other hand, just arrived in Manila yesterday to apply for her visa in the Korean embassy this morning. One of her requirements has to be corrected and she does not have much time left for the processing of her visa (5-6 days). She is also waiting on the Lord for enough money to buy her plane ticket.

I guess these last-minute hitches are typical of any missions activity or endeavor. But it is surely keeping me on the edge of my seat! I would like to share the suspense with you and beseech your arrow prayers for the two to make it to Korea by Monday (Aug 4)!

Nagpupumigil sa pagpraning,
Joy

~~~ We are the NYMM Young People at your service ~~~

SMMR 2008

2008-04-04T21:03:00.000+08:00

This might be too long but please do read for those who was not able to read this one in the emails! :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYMM Spitfire wrote:

Dear egroupmates & friends:

The NYMM has been invited to the Student Mission Movement Roundtable (SMMR) consultation in Seoul, S Korea this coming August to coincide with S Korea's 10th anniversary celebration (if I'm not mistaken) as a missionary-sending country.

I have officially recommended three young leaders from our three main islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to this historic gathering. They are Mikko Cabalfin from the, Vir Antonio Silva from Dumaguete and Candy Galagnara from Cagayan de Oro. I first sought their willingness before sending their names and email addresses to the organizers. Each will receive an official invitation and more information about the meeting. I will share with you more details next time.

The organizers of the Asian SMMR are from Indonesia, India, Korea and Malaysia. I met two of them at the Ethne conference in Indonesia last March 2006. A few months after, Joannie Sitoy as NYMM representative attended the first roundtable meeting in Singapore. We missed the next one set in Malaysia late last year (I think) but they have not given up on us. I count it a privilege that they want the NYMM inivolved in the Seoul event.

I have already urged Mikko, Vir and Candy to work on their passports and to recruit prayer partners. They will need all our prayers and support in any form or kind (as the Lord leads you) to help them make the trip together. Just to let you know, the three have not yet met each other, only learned about each other through emails I copy furnish each of them.

Take time each day to say a special prayer for them. Feel free to post your notes of encouragement and advice on the egroup, too.
Happy Resurrection Day, everyone!

For the Lord of the nations,
Joy

~~~ We are the NYMM Young People at your service ~~~

Email: Vir Silva

2008-04-04T21:00:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone!

Happy Easter!

Our God is awesome! AMEN!

Many of you might have read Ate Joy's announcement of Mikko, Candy (hi guys!) and Me going on for the SMMR in Seoul, Korea by August 2008. I consider it a privilege to take part in this historical event in advancing the work of the Kingdom in Asia and the world.

I was asking myself a few weeks back if this is an opportunity I should grab or perhaps I'm making a fool of myself. Imagine, I'm reading a book entitled "Finding God's Will..." by Ray Pitchard or Something just to satisfy my curiosity and perhaps find an answer but as the book says, I may never have a 100% confirmation that this is really God's will but that He will reveal it to me one step at a time. With prayer and much time in reflection, I made the first step - saying "yes" to the invitation.

Why YES?

Perhaps it is because of my passion to encourage my generation to take part in advancing God's Kingdom. I remember joining NYMC when it was held in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. I was one of the faithful few who responded to the call and went in front in the last night of the concert. After that life changing event, I got involved with InterVarsity-Dumaguete as one of the core leaders for the past 4 years. Through the years, my interest in missions grew stronger and got involve in any missions activity my church and InterVarsity has to offer.

In 2006,I asked the Lord to open up an opportunity to take part in NYMM again.This opportunity opened up when Ate Leah Aguirre became our missions speaker for LCDC2k6. It was through her that I believe God granted my request. After that fateful meeting in Camp Bato, I got involved in promoting NYMC2k6 in Bacolod to the different churches in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. It was a great task but an experience of a lifetime. I learned promotional and marketing work I never did try before. I also had the opportunity to stand in big and small crowds to invite them for the event. After that time, I got involved in helping out to start a movement here in Dumaguete but it seems that it's not yet time for NYMM to be in bloom here. Nevertheless, my desire to see young people from here go to the nations to answer the call has become my passion!

On a personal note, I'm currently working in a call centre here as a sourcing strategy coordinator for the recruitment department. I try to balance work and life for a year now (and 3 months!) and kind of lied low in many christian opportunities. For this year, I decided to make some priorities and make one of my goal to join any event involving youth and missions. After weighing things down,I decided to get involved again with the church ministry by mentoring the new leaders arising in our youth and in leading the congregation in worship. I also accepted 2 opportunities lately to speak in a high school camp in Cebu and in a bible study in our church. My main priority this year is to get back into gear and spend most of my time with ministry opportunities. (I surely miss doing these things!)

So why fuzz about these things?

I see SMMR as an opportunity to invest my life for the kingdom. I have not gone out of the country for such an event but nevertheless, I believe this is an opportunity God has set before me. This is an avenue for both learning and inter-acting in strategizing missions work.

In one particular leadership conference co-sponsored by AGLOW Missionaries, I got the chance to look back and reflect on my answer for SMMR. The Lord seems to impress in my heart the question, "Where have all my generation gone through this season?" at that particular event. That question kept coming back into my mind when I realized that out of the 16 missionaries from AGLOW, only one of them was a teenager at 17.

God seems to be in the move of showing me (and my generation) the need to come out and take part, and I don't want to miss that chance this coming August 2008. With this in mind, I end this email with an encouragement to continue praying for us and in case you want to partner to any of us, kindly email Mikko,Candy and me for such an opportunity!

Thanks for reading....

Updates:2008!!!!

2008-04-04T20:47:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!

I've been trying to update the blog and doing some stuff that I believe could benefit the group. :)

First, I have created a group in www.emergenetwork.com and I do hope you all can join the group! :)

Second, after this blog message I'll be posting 3 emails from the group. ) It's all about the endorsement for the SMMR invitation this August 2008.

Third, anyone up for the challenge? Since it's summertime, I would like my fellow youth to use the camps, congress and any youth gathering to create a stir in the program by sharing NYMM to the group. Like what I will do this next week in our camp. Although I am not yet sure if I'm given the chance, but I know I can make something work out to get that chance. :)

For now, That's it!

Happy Summer!

Discovering God's Agenda - Henry and Richard Blackaby and Son, Daniel

2008-01-21T15:52:00.001+08:00

Do you want to discover God's agenda for your life as a leader and as a child of God? Mark February 23 in your calendar and make it a point to come to the Discovering God's Agenda event at the Folk Arts Theater. You wouldn't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and hear Henry and Richard Blackaby with his son, Daniel. Please pray for us in the organizing committees, too. Salamat! - Joy C. Solina

Helping Spread The Word...

2007-12-27T08:42:00.000+08:00

Return to the Fountain

By Evan Burns

SVM2’s 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting beginning February 15 will engage the theme of returning to Christ as the Fountain of Life. Highlighted in each of the 21 days will be the core elements of repentance, personal holiness, finding joy, healing, and satisfaction in Christ, and being channels of that Fountain to the nations. Our conviction is that empowerment to proclaim the gospel to the nations comes from personal holiness. And personal holiness comes from diligently seeking the face of God, abandoned devotion to Jesus Christ.

“‘Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be very desolate,’ says the Lord. ‘For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and created for themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.’” (Jeremiah 2:12-13).

When the Spirit of Christ awakens us to all that Christ is, He comes in a flood. In seasons of awakening, the manifest presence of Christ is often described as a boundless fountain or a surging river. There is something about flowing water, whether it is a leaky pipe or a surging river, it cannot be stopped—just channeled. It is no mistake that some of the most passionate hymns were written during seasons of awakening, and they often describe the outpouring of the Spirit of Christ with flowing water. Even today, those hymns still speak to the often-discouraged longings in our hearts for something more. We sing songs like, “Here is Love,” which was the feature song written during the 1904 Welsh Revival. It has been considered the greatest far-reaching revival in history, literally wrapping the globe within a few years.

Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

Could it be that we sing old-fashioned songs like this even today because deep down inside we are longing for something more? Could it be that the prosperity gospel that is being broadcast around the world is leaving us disillusioned as with stagnant waterless wells? Could it be that the reason the emerging generation feels so unworthy and unqualified to follow Christ to the nations is because this generation has been so saturated with information and opportunity that we have lost our thirst for the Fountain?

Of course, we have a strong spiritual thirst. This is evident in the record number of worship songs that have been sold and produced. It is evident in the books being sold. In this generation there are many players, but few prayers. We are quick to hang out and enjoy ourselves, but slow to wrestle in prayer and spend ourselves. We love to watch movies, but we’re lazy in watching over our hearts. There is so much levity and casualness in our generation, that we don’t even have a category for sobriety and holiness.

Through discussion and reflection with message bearers and mission mobilizers, I have heard a common theme describing the emerging generation. This generation is looking for something real. Students are overwhelmed with the flood of opportunities at their finger-tips. This generation is also in bondage to feelings of unworthiness and uselessness.

What we need is not another church or campus ministry, not another website or blog. We need holiness. Holiness that heals. Holiness that offends. Holiness that hurts the eyes. Robert Murray McCheyne said, “The holy life is a God-besotted life.” The holy life is a life that goes hard after God. The Holy Spirit says without holiness we will not see God. (Heb 12:14) And the pure in heart shall see God. (Matt 5:8) This generation is thirsty for waters that do not fail. We have rejected many of the old leaky, polluted wells our parents have dug. But if we do not watch over our hearts which are the wellspring of life, (Prov 4:23) we will dig our own wells. If we think we can see God in Christ with the casual, cool manner with which we seek and speak about Him, we are fools. And we are even more foolish to think we can make a difference in the nations without first being filled with power from on high, without first drinking from the Fountain.
The baton of the Great Commission is being passed on to this generation, and it is ours to finish, if we would be filled with the fullness of Christ. But many in this generation feel unworthy and unqualified to take the gospel of Christ to the nations. And so in disappointment and despair, many put off getting right with God till some later date, maybe after they graduate or get married. Then they will really commit themselves to following Christ. So, until that “later date” comes, this information-saturated and opportunity-seduced generation builds its broken cisterns unaware, calling it hanging out or having fun. It would be different if it was fellowship, but if Jesus is never mentioned in our hanging out and there is no encouragement from the Word spoken, is that still biblical fellowship? Does our hanging out encourage holiness? After endless nights of fun and entertainment, do we feel refreshed by the Fountain or sick from bad water?
We must come to the Fountain, and drink… and drink… and drink. Jesus Christ is the Fountain of Life. When we come to Him as our Fountain, only then will we know the cleansing power of the ocean of God’s love. We may know how to explain the basic truths of the gospel, but have we experienced the joy and the healing power of the gospel? Do we experience it regularly? This is the holy life that sees God—the Fountain-drinking life. This generation will make an eternal impact among the forgotten people and finish the Great Commission when it is infatuated with the Fountain, cleansed in the Fountain, refreshed by the Fountain, carried along in the current of the Fountain, and used as channels of the Fountain to the dehydrated souls of the forgotten peoples.
Please join us for the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting as we return to the Fountain, repent of our broken cisterns, and taste and see that the Lord is good. Maybe then, together, this generation will sing a theme of redeeming love.

"There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die."(By: William Cowper)

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2007-11-19T09:24:00.001+08:00

I have talked with Joanne Bonilla, the president of the PUP for Jesus
Movement, and Jhoi Colitoy, facilitator of the UP Christian Community,
about hosting the NYMM Summit in February next year. They will be
meeting with the other leaders of their network on Tuesday and
Thursday this week.

Please pray that they will bring up our request in their meetings and
that their response will be positive. The target dates are February
18-20 but we are open to an earlier date. We can have summits in both
their campuses if both of them accept.

Both campuses are strategic to the movement: PUP for their historic
role as the first site of the NYMC as well as their reputation for
aggressive Christian student witness, and UP as the hub and "alaga" of
nationwide campus ministry organizations.

Counting on your prayers,
Joy

~~~ We are the NYMM Young People at your service ~~~

NYMM Manila core group meeting

2007-11-17T10:58:00.000+08:00

NYMM Manila core group meeting
Gateway Food Court near Time Zone, Cubao, QC
October 17, 2007
7:27 - past 9 pm

Present: Joy C. Solina, Eman ortaleza, Ramona Simons, Rome Escabillas,
Lorah Grace Singson, Flor dela Cruz, Art de Guzman, Jazmin Nogales

Agenda: NYMM presentation to churches and ministry partners,
strategies to recruit more mobilizers

Opening prayer by Eman

Topics discussed:
1. Eman summarized the discussion of the previous meeting with Ptr Bob
Lopez and Ptr Bani Miguel about buying into the NYMM vision held at
the Presbyterian main office in Starmall, Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong. One
of the insights shared in that meeting was the neediness of churches
compared to campus ministries in learning how to mobilize young people
for missions.

2. Joy presented a printout of the sample Powerpoint presentation for
NYMM which she plans to bring with her to Mindanao and show to
potential partners. Comments from the group were on the questions that
should be answered by the presentation, such as:
a. Why should I join NYMM?
b. What can I get out of NYMM that I can use for my church? or How can
NYMM help me and my church?
c. What resources can NYMM offer the church?,
d. How do we impact people? and
e. After getting trained, what do we (the church) do next?
Joy will revise the presentation to answer the questions then use it
in her Mindanao trip. The group also raised the question, should young
people be further divided into subgroups ages 13-19, 20-25, and 26-30
years old.

3. Strategies suggested that would help churches equip their youth for
missions were:
a. forming interest groups the way 180 Degrees does theirs in music
and arts that can become missions teams in a geographical area,
b. develop youth-friendly missions training resources such as
contextualizing the CSM books Worker to Witness and A Higher Purpose
for Your Overseas Job for younger people.
c. offer resources for regional training and organizing missions events.

Next meeting will be on November 17, 9 am. Venue to be announced later

Closing prayer by Rome

~~~ We are the NYMM Young People at your service ~~~

Testimony: Missions For Christ

2007-11-08T18:23:00.000+08:00

Dear NYMC friends and bretheren,

Asalamalaikom Malaikom salam! Quef Halek!

Well "Missions for Christ" is not my song ACTUALLY its God's song, He wrote it in my heart a day after 9/11 attack then I shared what God has given me TO A MISSIONARY FRIEND and after some friends and christians use it in missions or sung it on camp's missions night. I was encorage by the life of a christian american friend, Matt Delane in whom he was the first person I sang the song to him as my encouragement to him as missionary in the Phil. (he actually wants to go to China, Phil is the training ground). He was blessed and said, "Hey Boe can we record this, this will encourage alot of believers who wants to follow Christ in Missions arond the world'... so we started with a scratch recording hehehe well the sound was technically fine...then I heard about NYMC about the songwriting contest. There I went in the conference with my Church Band who supported me, I wasnt expecting that song will win I just want that song to encourage others Christians who have the desire to spread the Word of God around and anywhere in the world. But God let me win the contest with a title and a lil money. I was so very happy! yehaaa!!! can I shout for joy?!! alright! hehehe

Later, I realize that God has a better and wonderful plan for me...as mentioned in one of the countries in that song...Saudi ARabia, Philippine or CHina,....He put me here in the Middle East. Asalamalaikom Malaikom Salam..Last month was rAMADAN and I'm begining to understand their culture as a join them in their fasting but I prayed not in the mosque but sa tunay natin na Panginoon Hesus. Stricto and buhay dito, but salamat sa Diyos dahil medyo maluwag ng ang Bagong hari compared noon. Sa mga 'M' ay mahirap na share ng salita ng Diyos dahil maraming sila Batas na ginawa pa noon ng kanilang ninono its not just a religion, its their CULTURE. Marami ako nadiscover at patuloy parin sa Mission na binigay ng Panginoon...gaya ng Kinanta ko na 'MISSION 4 CHRIST' now I reliaze that I was not just singing that song but I was "LIVING" that song with my own LIFE for Jesus.

COntinue to pray for me and support Missionaries, for Matt Dillane in CHina and his wife, and for other people esp in CHina, Khazakstan, Indonesia, AFrica and other lands, reaching to those who are lost..THIS IS OUR COMMON GOAL!

You have been chosen to carry the LIGHT (Jesus), GO GO GO! kun nasa puso mo yun bakit mo tangihan ang ating Panginoon. Sya lang naman ang tunay na dahilan kun bakit nabubuhay tau...panalangin at pagisipan ang pag pasuk sa Missions dahil hindi basta basta ito ito ay BUHAY mo sa Panginoon kahit Pugot ang Ulo o Kamatayan at Paghihirap ang haharapin ay sulong parin dahil si Cristo lang ang kahulogan ng lahat ng ito.

ANg dahilan kun bakit ang mga FILIPINO ay halos nasa kahit saang sulok ng Mundo ay katulad ng buhangin na sobrang dami kung bilangin mo, ay dahil karamihan sa atin ay CHRISTIANO at gusto ng DIyos na maikalat ang salita nya hangang lahat ay makarinig at sa kanyang pagbabalik gusto nya tau lahat ng mga anak nya ay magsasama-sama.

Pagpalain kau lahat, God bless you all and continue to bless GOD, Mabuhay and mga Missionero at ang NYMC!

Masalama,

**Boey
Al-Khobar, KSA

** Boey was a student leader in InterVarsity when he was in college. He joined NYMC'2k2 in Dumaguete and his composition was the theme song of the said event in 2002.