the feast-january 20, 2013 issue

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Today, I receive all of God’s love for me. Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God’s universe. Today, I open myself to God’s blessings, healing, and miracles. Today, I open myself to God’s Word So I would become more like Jesus every day. Today, I proclaim that I am God’s beloved, I am God’s servant, I am God’s powerful champion. And because I am blessed, I am blessing the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. AT THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER A Catholic Prayer Meeting of the LIGHT OF JESUS FAMILY January 20, 2013 SOLUTIONS! How do you solve your problems? Bro. Bo Sanchez, with the help of Creaves and Events Group performers led by Anthony Valenzuela, presents three ways to hurdle life’s difficules-- in Talk 2 of the Guaranteed series. More on page 2. IN THIS ISSUE What Is Your Deepest Human Need? ARE you a parent? It’s okay to dream that your kids become like you. But never impose, just influence. And the biggest thing you can do is to spend a lot of time with your kids and let them see you having so much fun doing what you do. I know of parents who are both doctors, and they want their kids to be doctors as well. But not one of their four kids wanted to! Why? First reason: Because the parents were always away from home. You can’t influence your kids if you don’t spend time with them. And here’s the second reason: Because whenever they were around, the kids always heard their parents complain about the long hours of working as a doctor. If it’s so nasty, why would they want to be one? I told my two boys they could be what they want to be when they grow up. A painter? A rock star? A mathematician? A chef? I told them to pursue their dreams. But guess what—because I spend so much time with my sons, and because they see me having so much fun doing what I do, my boys are great communicators. (My eldest son has been writing and speaking since he was 7 years old.) Why am I telling you this? God is love. And we are too. Love is the meaning of our life. That’s the reason our deepest desire is to love others. Spend more time with God and you’ll grow in love. When all our more shallow needs are met, we discover that our deepest need is the need for Significance. We want to know that our life mattered to someone else. That we were able to serve another human being without asking anything in return. Today, you’ll learn how you can achieve Significance. Have a glorious Feast today! May your dreams come true, BO SANCHEZ 4 FEASTS TODAY! 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. First Feast Session, Plenary Hall 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Second Feast Session, Reception Hall 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Third Feast Session, Plenary Hall 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Fourth Feast Session, Plenary Hall Have Fun and Be Blessed in the Happiest Place on Earth!

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Page 1: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

Today, I receive all of God’s love for me. Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God’s universe. Today, I open myself to God’s blessings, healing, and miracles. Today, I open myself to God’s Word So I would become more like Jesus every day. Today, I proclaim that I am God’s beloved, I am God’s servant, I am God’s powerful champion. And because I am blessed, I am blessing the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

AT THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTERA Catholic Prayer Meeting of the LIGHT OF JESUS FAMILY

January 20, 2013

SOLUTIONS! How do you solve your problems? Bro. Bo Sanchez, with the help of Creatives and Events Group performers led by Anthony Valenzuela, presents three ways to hurdle life’s difficulties-- in Talk 2 of the Guaranteed series. More on page 2.

IN THIS ISSUE

What Is Your Deepest Human Need?

ARE you a parent?It’s okay to dream that your kids become like you. But

never impose, just influence. And the biggest thing you can do is to spend a lot of time with your kids and let them see you having so much fun doing what you do.

I know of parents who are both doctors, and they want their kids to be doctors as well. But not one of their four kids wanted to!

Why? First reason: Because the parents were always away from home. You can’t influence your kids if you don’t spend time with them. And here’s the second reason: Because whenever they were around, the kids always heard their parents complain about the long hours of working as a doctor. If it’s so nasty, why would they want to be one?

I told my two boys they could be what they want to be when they grow up. A painter? A rock star? A mathematician? A chef? I told them to pursue their dreams.

But guess what—because I spend so much time with my sons, and because they see me having so much fun doing what I do, my boys are great communicators. (My eldest son has been writing and speaking since he was 7 years old.)

Why am I telling you this?God is love. And we are too. Love is the meaning of

our life. That’s the reason our deepest desire is to love others. Spend more time with God and you’ll grow in love.

When all our more shallow needs are met, we discover that our deepest need is the need for Significance. We want to know that our life mattered to someone else. That we were able to serve another human being without asking anything in return.

Today, you’ll learn how you can achieve Significance.

Have a glorious Feast today!

May your dreams come true,

BO SANCHEZ

4 FEASTS TODAY!8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. First Feast Session, Plenary Hall9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Second Feast Session, Reception Hall10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Third Feast Session, Plenary Hall3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Fourth Feast Session, Plenary Hall

Have Fun and Be Blessed in the Happiest Place on Earth!

Page 2: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

LAST WEEK

2. PrideBro. Bo said you can solve your problems operating from ego-- arrogance, pride, impatience.

But such measure will have catastrophic results.He added: “Proud people—in a fit of impatience—will attack the wall without much

discernment-- blowing up the wall, without even checking if others will be injured or killed. In the process, they destroy not only the wall that blocks their Dream, but they end up destroying the Dream itself.”

AFTER all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “ You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” --Luke 3:15-16, 21-22.

Fr. Alex Balatbat said the baptism of the Lord is not about to remove the sin of Jesus because Jesus has no sin at all. His baptism signifies the willingness of God to be in solidarity with humanity.

Fr. Alex pointed out that we can understand the baptism of the Lord only in the light of His passion, death, and resurrection. The water in Holy Scripture is not just a symbol of purification but also signifies death. Jesus is slowly immersed in the water which means He is embracing even our own death. Jesus then rises from the water which symbolizes His resurrection.

Because of God’s will to be one with every person, we are all given the chance to be one with God. When we receive the sacrament of baptism, we live-- like Jesus-- in the very divinity of God. As we are baptised, Fr. Alex pointed out, our life becomes the very life of God.

With His desire to share with us His goodness, God expects us all to be like Him. We should think, love, and act like our Creator and Saviour. God’s generosity, compassion, and life must be reflected in our heart and in our life. We are all called to live a true life in God.

-- Mary Joy O. Acabado -- Photo by ELS

THE BAPTISM of JESUS

BRO. Bo Sanchez began Talk 2: Solutions, of the series Guaranteed: 3 Things God Promises You with the verse from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Three Kinds of Solutions

Bro. Bo reminded us about Talk 1: Supply, where he said, “Dreams can come from Pride or Purpose.” He added that in the same way, Solutions can come from Pride or Purpose-- plus Passivity.

Solutions

1. PassivityBro. Bo said the Passive Person does not do anything about his problem

because he has heard of the advise, “Trust in the Lord.” So he just waits for others to solve his problem for him. Such person, Bro. Bo pointed out, is afflicted with low self-worth. “He feels he can’t do anything. He feels he is a victim. He feels totally helpless. He is conditioned and trained to be a parasite, totally dependent on others—friends, relatives, spiritual community, the government, or even God Himself.”

“Imagine a brick wall. The wall blocks his path to his dreams. This passive person sits in front of that wall and just waits for a miracle to make the wall disappear. He waits for a storm to blow the wall down, or an earthquake to tear it down, or even the finger of God to appear from nowhere, flick the wall, and topple it down.”

In Exodus 2:11 to 13, a young Moses takes matters in his own hands when he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Moses kills the Egyptian and hides him in the sand.

Bro. Bo pointed out that Moses tried to correct a wrong with another wrong. In the same manner, we like solving our problems in our own way even if our way is not in accordance with God’s way. Many times, God is not in a hurry to solve the problem-- but we are. When God solves something, He wants a long-term and permanent solution.

3. PurposeBro. Bo said: “Don’t focus on your Problem. Focus on your Purpose. Don’t focus on the

brick wall. Don’t focus on attacking the brick wall. Instead, focus on the Dream behind that brick wall. Focusing on your Purpose is the God-Solution which makes your problem irrelevant. You don’t have to blow up the brick wall. All you have to do is find a way around the brick wall.”

Bro. Bo concluded his talk with a verse from Psalm 46:10 : “Be still and know that I am God.” Be patient and focus on your Purpose-- which will lead to a long-term solution-- God’s solution.

-- Anna Modesto / Photos by Ramel Robles, James Morrison, and ELSWith reporting by Gerald Gonzales / Skit by Feast PICC Creative and Events Group

Performers: Guy: Anthony Valenzuela / Girl: Connie ZabalaMakeup Artists: Camille Noceda and Rose Mendoza

Props Men: Jab Balauro and Jeremy Austria / Clapper: Robert Calinao

2 THE FEAST January 20, 2013

Page 3: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

TODAYTalk 3: SignificanceMeet Your Deepest Need

Mark 8:36

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?

1 John 4:7-8

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Daniel 12:3

...those who lead many to righteousness, will shine like the stars for ever and ever.

Matthew 25:35-40

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers you did it to me.

Personal Reflection and Group Discussion:Have you achieved Success? How about Significance? In what way? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lesson from Pi

REFLECTION

Editor’s Note: Have you reflections on the Feast talks? Share! and let the world know God’s Words are true! For details, email [email protected], or call 09399044065.

By AILEEN GRACE ALVAREZ

WHAT would you do if you lost your family in a shipwreck, and you are left in the boat, in the middle of the ocean-- with a Bengal tiger?

Undoubtedly, you would feel hopeless, since you’ve reached a dead-end, with no solution to your problem at all.

But the boy named Pi, an Indian Catholic in the movie Life of Pi , has this great principle: “Above all, don’t lose hope.”

Last week, after the Feast where Bro. Bo Sanchez discussed Solutions, Talk 2 of the Guaranteed series, I watched the movie Life of Pi. And I was like, “Oh no, if I’m in his situation what will I do?”

Bro. Bo said that there are times when we are overwhelmed with problems, they blur our vision and we think that there is no solution to our troubles. Storms do come, darkness surrounds us, monsters attack us, fear creeps in, shaking our faith, then leaving us wounded and drained.

“What are you staring at? I’ve lost my family. What more do you want?” Pi asked God.

After listening to Bro.Bo, I appreciated Pi’s later declaration: “God, thank you for giving me my life, I’m ready now.”

Indeed, with all courage, we can face the storm, find light in the darkness, defeat the monsters, and hold on to our faith.

We may not feel God’s presence especially in times of trouble, when we feel like there’s no way out. But I believe He is watching us-- how we take action, how badly we want to survive, how we trust in Him. And through our life’s adventure we would discover God’s wonders. He guarantees solutions.

Life of Pi poster.

THE FEAST January 20, 2013 3

Page 4: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

MINISTRIES

Prayer PowerBy MARC STO. TOMASIllustration by THEA DOMINGO

IN the apostolic letter of Pope Benedict XVI titled MOTU PROPRIO DATA – Porta Fidei - (© 2011 Libreria Editrice Vaticana), the supreme pontiff writes:

“The door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for everyone, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into His Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace (cha’ris). To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime.”

Pope Benedict XVI shares, “that ever since he started his ministry as successor of Peter, he has spoken of the need to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ.”

And during his inaugural as Pope he said, “The church as a whole and all her pastors, like Christ, must act out to lead people out of the desert, towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life, and life in abundance.”

He further said, “It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied. Whereas in the past it was possible to recognize a unitary cultural matrix, broadly accepted in its appeal to the content of the faith and the values inspired by it, today this no longer seems to be the case in large swathes of society, because of a profound crisis of faith that has affected many people.”

This is a sharing of experience by a fellow brother in the Feast PICC whom we shall hide by the name of Bro. Benedict. He serves among the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EHMC) but who also responded to the prodding he felt in his heart to attend an arranged empowerment seminar-series on Praying Over and Healing. He was one of those who served in the last Kerygma Conference joining the ranks of volunteer Pray Over and Healing Ministers who served at the Prayer Stream.

Bro. Benedict shares that last December, a couple of days prior to Christmas, a brethren by the name of Bro. Jorge (names were changed) related to him that his wife Lourdes had been confined at St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City for weeks already. She needed to undergo lab tests, receive medications, be closely

guarded/monitored aside from being hooked to a constant oxygen supply as well as intravenous fluid infusions. Their attending heart physician also told them she will have to spend the holidays until year-end in the hospital.

Bro. Jorge sought for Bro. Benedict’s prayers and for three straight days Bro. Benedict faithfully woke up at 3 a.m. and prayed for healing of Sis. Lourdes. Bro. Benedict did this together with Bro. Jorge also praying at the same time he did. Together they prayed for Jesus’ merciful healing grace.

One morning, Bro. Benedict felt an unusual desire to visit Lourdes to lay hands over her in prayer at St. Luke’s Medical Center. He went but as he entered the room of Lourdes, he noticed that there was no longer any support-oxygen attached to her and even the intravenous fluid lines were likewise removed early that same morning. The attending heart doctor likewise came and gave them all the good news: Lourdes will be discharged from the hospital. The laying of hands and praying over ensued matched with heartfelt thanksgiving.

The couple expressed their gratefulness to Bro. Benedict for standing by them in prayer during their hours of need and even for taking time to visit them and pray over them in the hospital where they felt most the need for spiritual support. But as they were thankful to Bro. Benedict he had but simple words for them directing them to acknowledge the divine love manifested through them by our Lord Jesus Christ and pointed out that he merely served as His conduit to God’s healing grace.

They all went home overwhelmed with God’s power and grace. This was then reported to us, the Prayer Cluster of the Feast PICC.

Lessons Learned:1. Bro. Benedict discovered the

grace made available by Jesus to Lay Ministers serving in the Eucharist, who were given special privilege of holding the

“Corpus Christi” and sharing them in Holy Communion. As this happens during the Mass, the same event took place when Bro. Benedict offered himself to commune with the Father in prayer every 3 o’clock in the morning and pray for healing. No less than a garden experience in the transfiguration... “The door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for everyone, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into His Church;

2. Instead of drifting into the mechanical realm of the usual practice of most EMHCs performed in the miraculous altar of hope, Bro. Benedict responded to spiritual sensitivities when the Holy Spirit prodded him to “rediscover the journey of faith (beyond the Eucharistic Altar) so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ.”

Because Bro. Benedict knows God is in him, he brought the presence of the Eucharist beside the “physical bedside” so that Jesus can perform His miracle as He did in the altar. No less than a beatitude experience... from the sermon on the Mount... “The church as a whole and all her pastors, like Christ, must act out to lead people out of the desert (out of their miseries), towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life, and life in abundance (and share Jesus’ love)”;

3. Bro. Benedict’s heart burned as he experienced a retroactive flow of God’s passion to free His people from bondage, not only of sins but real to life human suffering. Evangelism works both ways, towards the lost (whom we see we are evangelizing) (and towards ourselves for our own spiritual strengthening by God’s mighty hands -- we the evangelizers); and

4. Bro. Benedict continues to serve as EMHC in the Feast PICC, but he has also committed to be God’s Prayer Over and Healing Warrior.

“It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied. Whereas in the past it was possible to recognize a unitary cultural matrix, broadly accepted in its appeal to the content of the faith and the values inspired by it, today this no longer seems to be the case in large swathes of society, because of a profound crisis of faith that has affected many people.”

To God be all the glory!

Bro. Marc Sto. Tomas is the head of the Prayer Cluster of the Feast PICC which includes the Prayer-Intercessory Ministry and the Prayer-Counseling Ministry.

4 THE FEAST January 20, 2013

Page 5: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

Pilgrimage to the Monasterio de TarlacText and Photos by CES ARCILLA

ON September 22, 2012, the Intercessory Ministry went on a pilgrimage to Monasterio de Tarlac located at Mount of Resurrection, Eco Tourism Park, in San Jose Tarlac. It is run by the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community, a local community established by Rev. Ronald Thomas A. Cortez, popularly known as Fr. Archie.

The pilgrimage was the first opportunity of the group to be on an out-of- town trip to strengthen their resolve as prayer warriors of the Feast. Also, the pilgrimage was part of the Ministry’s formation program in preparation for the Kerygma Conference 2012.

The Ministry hired a bus for the pilgrimage and set the meeting place at Robinson’s Pioneer, in Mandaluyong City.

The bus was full, even the aisle was occupied, as the pilgrimage started off to Tarlac at 6 a.m.

On the way, the pilgrims prayed the Rosary. Then, Lei Caraan introduced the members and led a Bring-Me game.

In the midst of the fun game, one of tires of the bus went boom. Flat tire! But the members, prayer warriors all, didn’t at all feel disheartened. As the bus made a side trip to a vulacanizing shop in Concepcion, Tarlac, everyone took the opportunity to get to know each other more, exchanging stories about their service to the Lord.

The group arrived at the Monasterio de Tarlac at 10 a.m.

Having the pilgrimage in a monastic community accented the importance of being able to commune with God effectively through solitude. The pilgrimage gave the intercessors a glimpse of how both difficult but fulfilling their service is, and gave them even more strength to face the challenges of the Ministry.

ENRICHING VISIT, from top: The Monasterio’s administration building; Jesus the Savior statue overlooking the plains around the monastery; Fr. Jose discussing the characteristics of a prayerful person; the pilgrims attending Mass; joyful after the spiritual journey; Benjie, Sheng, Badet, and Perla.

THE FEAST January 20, 2013 5

Page 6: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

CARING GROUPSI LEARNED about Anawim, the Home for Abandoned Elderly, when I joined the Feast PICC in December 2010. Since then, I’d dreamed of visiting Anawim, which is a beneficiary partner of the Feast.

My dream came true when my Caring Group decided to attend Anawim’s Christmas fellowship last December 19.

That day was really special for me. I woke up early to attend the Misa de Gallo. Right after the Mass, I met with my Caring group members at 5:30 a.m. and we headed for Anawim.

“Woooww,” was all I could say as we entered the Anawim compound. Set in a valley of Montalban, Rizal, Anawim is protected with tall, regal coconut trees. Ornamental plants frame resort-like cottages, the home of the lolos and lolas of Anawim.

The Christmas celebration was to start with a Thanksgiving Mass. We arrived early, so we had time to meet and greet the lolos and lolas.

As if we’d known each other for a long time already, the lolos

Our Christmas with AnawimBy FRO PELAYO as told to LOURDES DE LOS ANGELES

Photos by APPLE CHICO and DAVE APALLA

and lolas readily opened up to us, telling us how they got to Anawim. Tears welling in their eyes, their voice cracking to stifle a sob, the lolos and lolas told us how they were abandoned by their relatives, how they wondered on the streets, until someone pitied them and brought them to Anawim.

I felt tears stinging my eyes as I listened to their stories. During the Mass, I let the tears fall down my cheeks. I felt sad for the Anawim elderly as they were rejected by people who were supposed to love them and take care of them. But at the same time, I was glad they found a new home and family. Seeing them comfortable and happy in Anawim, I missed my own grandparents who passed away a couple of years ago.

Lunch followed after the Mass. I happened to sit right across Bro. Bo Sanchez, who founded Anawim,

MERRY DAY! Celebrating Christmas, from top: Caring Group members with Bro. Bo Sanchez and Anawim staff; Fro with a lola; what’s Anawim’s Jomar Brillantes (center) saying that’s making Bro. Bo and Bro. Pio Espanol (right) giggle?

6 THE FEAST January 20, 2013

Page 7: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

BLESSING BLOGS

Goodbye, 2012! 2013, Here I Come!

By JASMIN MAY ALONZO GARCIA

I DECIDED to leave my job.

I was broken-hearted.

I had a spiritual crisis.

I wasn’t able to fulfill most of my dreams.

And I cried a lot.If there’s a

toughest year for me, it would have to be 2012. Everything was a roller coaster ride for me.

I decided to resign from my teaching job without any assurance of a new job. I applied for a post in various call centers. I was rejected a number of times. Finally, in May, I was accepted in one company. But hard-headed me resigned and applied in another call center.

I was just enjoying the job when surprise! I received an offer to teach in a public school. It would be a permanent position. So I was thorn between a prestige job and a stable job.

After a week of discerning, I resigned from the call center and accepted the teaching job. But then, I was told I would have to wait for two months before I would be elevated to permanent status. I was classified as volunteer teacher with a measly salary. I waited impatiently until I got the permanent post in October.

Just when I thought I was done with this problem of getting a job, I faced another trial.

I fell in love with an overseas Filipino worker. Yes, it was a long-distance affair-- a difficult one, to say the least. I tried so hard to make the relationship work. But after three months, I broke up with my boyfriend.

So there I was, exhausted with finding a job and losing my first love. I was heartbroken, confused. Inevitably, my faith faltered.

But in that darkness, God came to my rescue. At the Feast, I heard about the Kerygma Conference scheduled November 24-25. I attended and indeed, as the organizers promised, the Kerygma Conference was life-changing.

At the end of the first day, I was ecstatic. But another incident attempted to shatter my renewed faith. I took a jeepney to get home. Inside the jeepney, I took out my mobile phone to send a message to a friend. And from out of the blue someone grabbed my phone and ran away! It was not just a phone. It was a special gift from my parents on my birthday last year!

Who would have thought that even if you just came from a holy gathering, a bad thing would happen to you?

The next day, I woke up with a heavy heart. I didn’t want to attend the Grand Feast-- the culminating event of the Kerygma Conference. I was totally confused. I was disappointed with myself and with God.

But still, I felt God urging me to attend the Grand Feast. So I decided to go. It was the best decision I made in 2012.

I may have had the worst year of my life, but my trials made me who I am now-- a stronger person.

Today, I choose to look at the blessings behind my trials. At age 22, I have a permanent, fulfilling job. Although I lost my first love, I feel I will never be single anymore-- because I will be forever in a relationship with God.

I have this new faith, a new perspective about godly living. I’ve realized that it’s okay to cry over your misfortunes, but it’s better to surrender your troubles to God.

As I say goodbye to 2012, I thank Jesus for the trials that turned out to be my greatest joy today.

Welcome 2013 and be ready for me, for I have a Great God who turns mourning into dancing!

God be praised!

and I couldn’t help uttering a prayer for him, thanking God for inspiring him to build Anawim, and asking Him to continue blessing Bro. Bo that he may fulfill his dreams for Anawim.

I thank my Caring Group for helping me fulfill my dream to visit Anawim. I will make sure to fit in my schedule our Caring Group’s visit to Anawim especially during its Christmas fellowship this year.

After I heard the sad stories of the elderly, I thought I’d leave Anawim with a heavy heart. But no, I felt happy and at peace, knowing that in Anawim, the elderly are in good hands.

Editor’s Note: Have you a similar story how you have received blessings from God? Share! and let the world know miracles still do happen today to give hope especially to the lost. For details, email [email protected], or call 09399044065.

REFRESHED. Jasmin ready for whatever the New Year will bring.

THE FEAST January 20, 2013 7

Page 8: The Feast-january 20, 2013 Issue

The FEAST, published by the Light of Jesus Family, is distributed during The Feast by the Manila Bay, a weekly prayer gathering of the Light of Jesus held at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, every Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.,10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

The FEAST holds office at The Lighthouse, 60 Chicago St., Quezon City, with telephone numbers 725-9999, and email address [email protected].

PUBLIC RELATIONS:RHODA OSALVO

Head

MARTHINA G. SALOMEAssistant Head

LOST and FOUND If you lost or found an item, please approach any of the ushers who will guide you to our Lost and Found section.

BO SANCHEZFounder

CYNTHIA U. SANTIAGOEditor-in-Chief

BELLA ESTRELLA Managing Editor

KRISTINE MUTUCAPPLE CHICO Associate Editors

EDMUNDO SANTIAGOChief Photographer

CRIS LEGASPIAssistant Chief Photographer

CES ARCILLABLAISE GOMEZCHINO MODESTOJAMES MORRISON RAMEL ROBLESALEX UY YCOPhotographers

MARY JOY ACABADOREGIELE ANNE CRUZBETHANY DECHAVEZIMELDA FERRERCEZ GONZALESANNA MODESTOReporters

JOEL ESTRELLAChief Artist

ELIE BAÑEZTHEA DOMINGOAssistant Artists

MEMBERSHIP:KIM PAMPLONAHead

ARLENE BATISLAONGAssistant Head

FINANCE:JANE IBAYHead

CHICHI BARBAAssistant Head

ONE MORE MIRACLE

Got One More Miracle? A mysterious, inexplicable experience—a miracle God has allowed to happen to let you know He loves you? Share! Email your article with your picture to [email protected].

Surprise! No Gall Stones!By CANDICE MONALISA MANAOG

The greatest battles are fought within. In my case, there are moments when I encounter inner struggles that test my faith. Whenever this happens, I always try to ponder on a childhood memory that has left a lasting impression on me. I hold onto this moment up until now, as this memory reminds me that God is ever present in my life. His grace prevented a looming catastrophe that might have taken the life of my mother.

When I was in grade school, my mother Marcelina suffered severe and persistent stomach pain. She complained about it, but at first, we were inclined to ignore her ailment, thinking that it was plainly a case of hyperacidity. But when the pain persisted, my mother decided to seek medical help. She went to a hospital and the doctor said she had gall stones that must be removed through surgery. He added that the infection may lead to life-threatening consequences. My mother, however, doubted the diagnosis and so she asked another doctor for a second opinion – only to be told that she indeed had this ailment which requires operation. My father Virgilio was a seafarer and he was not in the country at the time. I worried sick about my mother’s condition,

terrified that with my father so far away, we couldn’t handle the situation. On the other hand, my mother faced her trial with courage-- and steadfast faith.

Before going to the hospital for the surgery, she passed by our parish church and attended Mass. Later she told me she really feared leaving my brother and me. So she prayed earnestly pleading the Lord to heal her.

Then she proceeded to the hospital for the operation.

But lo! after the routine tests prior to the surgery, the results showed no gall stones in my mother’s system!

Dumbfounded, the doctors simply let her go home.

If that is not a miracle then I do not know what is. I testify that our Lord is a God of mercy and healing. His is an insatiable generosity. I believe that my mother’s ailment had a purpose – and that purpose is fulfilled through this testimony.

HEALED. Marcelina (center) with daughter Candice and husband Virgilio.

8 THE FEAST January 20, 2013