This Mission Has Begun

After nearly a year of training, practicing and praying, the mission has finally begun. The first batch of our team landed yesterday and today was our first day in the field.

Today was a fully packed day for our missionaries. Interestingly, our first day began with a funeral. A "church mother" or "nanay" had gone home to the Lord and we began our day visiting the family. Our mission is about being the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world. We are here to bring people hope and share Christ and yet we begin with death. But our mission director (My dad), Virgil said this, "If you don't understand death you will never understand life". And I think that this helped a lot of our missionaries to realize how important our job is here.

After visiting with the family, we proceeded to the town of Mangaldan, which is right next to Dagupan City where we are based. We were able to share the gospel with a lot of children via beaded bracelets. It was thrilling, amazing and a bit overwhelming at times

But perhaps, the highlight of the day was reuniting with our most beloved brothers and sisters at EMC Dagupan and especially the children. Words really can't describe how the missionaries, especially us veterans who are returning to the Philippines feel.

Our mission continues tomorrow, please pray for us and for the missionaries who will arrive in the coming days! (Pictures to follow soon!)

-Melissa M
(Sorry for the short entry...it's getting late)

Meet a Missionary: JP (aka JPizzle, aka JPeso)

Sam & JP

Since my last encounter in the summer of 2010, I've been anticipating to go back and reunite with EMC Dagupan and friends ;). God has opened doors for us to go back in the summer of 2012 and we have been preparing for months now. Above all, we are preparing for Christ's return and spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth! God has called me to be a light in the darkness and salt in a bitter world. To be able to join in what God is already doing in the Philippines is a privilege and honor that demands me to bruise my knees in prayer! Besides brushing up on my tagalog, I'm excited to share with the youth, the students, the leaders, the servants, the poor, the needy, the rich, the powerful, the widows and orphans that my God is bigger than life! And as people who are redeemed through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we have a hope... we have a purpose... we have a light.



-JP

DON'T FORGET!!!!

Hey everyone, don't forget EMC International's Gala Dinner will be held this Saturday, June 16 at 6pm. We hope it will be a night of inspiration to all who attend and participate. For those who are unable to make it, continue to pray for us and our mission. We're down to our last stretch!

-Melissa M.

Meet A Missionary: Sarah

As the mission trip draws near, I can feel anxiety, hope, and excitement beginning to set

in. There is so much to look forward to - especially in what God has planned for us - that 

I can hardly wait to set foot in the land called the Philippines. With all the hard and amazing work

and preparations that Tito Virgil has put in along with the mission team, I hope that when we

get there, we will be able to touch the hearts of the people that we reach out to. A part of me

is truly looking forward to meeting the beloved people of the Philippines that are often talked about

L: Vicky, R: Sarah

by the previous mission team and the other part of me wrestles with knowing that once I've

experienced the mission, the real struggles and the truth of the need for Christ in unreached

places of the world, I cannot stay silent nor be unknowing. But I cannot wait to meet and work

with the staff, the teams, and children. There's so much that we can learn from each other

that I only hope that I give back as much as I am give!

-Sarah

Meet A Missionary: Vicky

It's hard to conceive what being in the Philippines will be like. I've never been to the Philippines before. I've seen pictures, but seeing a place through pictures and actually having been in a place are different experiences. Yet, even though I have never been to the Philippines, I can sense the importance of the mission that we will do there. My hope for our time in the Philippines is to win souls and raise up disciples who are passionate about loving and serving the Lord and others. My hope for myself in the Philippines is to learn what it means to be the salt and light for Christ in the world.

-Vicky

EMC International's Mission Benefit Gala

Your generous support of $50 per seat (or more) is appreciated! Limited Seating Available.
Please RSVP by contacting us at missionebenezer@gmail.com or emcphilnyblog@gmail.com.


Thank you.

Meet A Missionary: Rebekah

Hi, my name is Rebekah, and for the longest time I’ve been hearing great things about the Philippines! I’ve heard inspiring stories, seen touching photos, and have felt so much excitement to experience the Philippines for myself this summer! The 2012 Philippines Mission has been long anticipated, and as the date of our flight draws nearer and nearer, I can’t help but feel eager to meet all of the amazing people I’ve heard so much about. I must be honest, at the same time I feel a bit scared, because a mission like this for me is entirely new. I still don’t know exactly what to expect, but I know it will be something unforgettable! I know that God will move in great ways, through our missionaries and through our fellow brothers & sisters in the Philippines! I hope to really make a difference during this Mission, and I have no doubt that the Philippines will greatly impact my life as well!
I can’t wait!
-Rebekah

Announcements/Updates

Hello and Sorry for a very, very very late update!

Well, the mission is almost upon us and the excitement among our missionaries is really palpable! Please stay tuned for posts from our missionaries and some important updates including this weekend's Gala dinner!

Thank you,
Melissa M.

A closer look: Nicole

I'd like to introduce you to one of the children of EMC Dagpuan. The beautiful child you see in the pictures is Nicole. She is 12 years old and will turn 13 this year. Nicole is one of "kids leaders" who helped out in the kid's camp at EMC Dagupan.

Nicole

Our mission team had the privilege of meeting her and her siblings during our 2010 mission to the Philippines. Nicole was actually first child I met in the Philippines. When I first met her, she was really shy but continuously smiling. As the mission trip went on, one could often see her taking care of and carrying her younger brother Matt Gabriel who's often called Kamandag. Eventually she became attached to one of our missionaries JP and he refers to her affectionately as "his daughter". And the night right before we left, she wrote some us little notes on colored paper that to this day, I still have.


With such glowing memories and a beautiful testimony of her faithfulness to Christ and the ministry, one would hope that her life outside of the ministry and the church is just as wonderful. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Sadly, Nicole has been forced to stop her schooling due to her parent's economic situation. In the Philippines, high school begins immediately after sixth grade thus at 12 years old, Nicole would've been a freshman in high school. Her sister Madison, aged 14, went through the same thing, however it her turn to go back to school. Nicole must now wait until Madison finishes high school before she can start high school as her parents are able to pay for the tuition of one child at a time. (Public high school is not free in the Philippines)

Nicole and Kamandag

Nicole is one of seven other children in her entire household. She currently spends her days helping her mother who is jobless with chores and taking care of her brother Kamandag who is also malnourished. Nicole's father works to make dentures but demand for his work is often inconsistent.  And although we are doing our best to support the Philippines, there simply just isn't enough funds to send her back to school.

Left: Kamandag, Center: Nicole Right: Sister Janel

I would like to say that this is an isolated case and that Nicole's story is a rare one. But sadly, that isn't true and in fact, it is quite the opposite. Nicole's story is one shared by many children in the Philippines. Too many children are unable to obtain a proper education. Sadly the vicious cycle of poverty, ignorance and hunger is repeated over and over. And each time innocent children lose the chance to become educated and the opportunity to better themselves.


But it doesn't have to be this way for all the children. Nicole's story doesn't have to be like others; empty, sad and unchanged. God can do great things and He can use anyone to bring hope to children like Nicole. If you are challenged to help out. Please feel free to do so and/or contact us.


Every soul is precious. Nicole is previous to Christ and therefore she is previous to us.


Thank you,
Melissa M.

Happy New Year!

It's a new day, and a new year. It's amazing what can happen in a year. Whenever a new year starts, many folks look forward with commitments and resolutions (mostly of the weight concerning kind =) ). The more I think about it, the more I realize that in times of reflection, like New Year's Day, we should look in three directions; forward, back and up.

As we begin the year, we look at back at what God has done for us and we look back with much gratefulness. We look back joyfully at our one year anniversary celebration and how we went from one EMC to five EMC churches! How we have grown in one year! And as we look back we remember those who have gone home before us to Christ-Sam and Ate Weng. We reminisce at their memories with both tears and smiles and are grateful that in Christ, we will see them again. The road that we have travelled together has been filled with many ups and downs but God has been there through it all.

And as the new year dawns on us, we look forward. We look forward to what God has in store for us and we await with excitement for what He will do in our lives. And in particular, EMC NY is gearing up for our mission to the Philippines this July 2012. As the new year begins, we continue to diligently prepare, practice and pray for the upcoming mission. I can only imagine how God will move when we return home!

And lastly, but most importantly, as the new year starts, we must look up. We look up with to God for His guidance. We look up with gratefulness for faithfulness this past year. And we lift our hands in praise to the God who holds every day in His hands. We can make plans for everything, but ultimately, we must look up to Christ for whatever comes our way.

So as we begin this new year together, let us look in all three directions. Let us trust God in everything we do.  The EMC ministry belongs to Christ and we are His children. We can do nothing without Him. God has shown that He is always faithful and always loving.

"Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12

-Melissa M.

Updates on Updates

Do forgive my lack of updates over the past few weeks. It's been crazy with exams and family and friends coming over for the Christmas season. On that note, Belated Merry Christmas to everyone!

First things first, Kai Kai is doing great! Praise God! She's still on a medication regimen that will last for a few weeks-months. But once again thanks to everyone for their prayers and concern.

Currently, EMC Philippines is at a youth camp being held in Sam's honor. As soon as I get news and pictures, I'll be updating it on the blog.

Thank you for following this blog and continue to pray for our ministry.

Sincerely,
Melissa M.
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

Urgent request: Prayer for Kai Kai & family

Hello dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm coming to you today asking for your prayers for Kai Kai, who is the granddaughter of Pastor Ferdinand Balmores. Ate (Sister) Sunshine, who is Kai Kai's mother and Pastor Ferdinand's daughter brought Kai Kai to Dagupan City from the island of Mindoro after having a six day fever that would not respond to regular antibiotics.

Last week, a chest x-ray showed that little Kai Kai who is 4 years old, has pneumonia and a skin test this past Sunday revealed that she has contracted tuberculosis. While not very common in the US, tuberculosis is still  widespread in nations like the Philippines. The good news is however, that Kai Kai is doing much better last I checked and getting up from the hospital bed.

However, we are not out of the woods yet. Kai Kai will not be released from the hospital just yet as the doctor is advising the family that she should stay for at least another 4-10 days. Also, there is a risk that the entire Balmores family and those who have visited and taken care of Kai Kai in the hospital have been exposed to tuberculosis and are at risk for developing the disease itself.

Let's all come together and pray for the Balmores family as they face another trial. As a medical student, I appreciate the work of doctors and nurses and the new and efficient treatments that have been developed, but I also know that there's a point where science can do no more and only God who is the ultimate Healer and Doctor can step in. Let us pray for a speedy recovery for Kai Kai. Let us also pray that the tuberculosis she has will not spread to Pastor Ferdinand, his family and the entire EMC family as some of the leaders have taken turns staying in the hospital with her before the diagnosis. Let us pray for the doctors and nurses who are taking care of Kai Kai that our Heavenly Father gives them the wisdom they need to treat kai Kai.

Thank you.

-Melissa M.
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

It's CHALLENGE time!!!!!

Well folks, it's that time again! It's Challenge time!!! What exactly is Challenge you say? Well I am more than happy to oblige. Inspired by EMC International's yearly Challenge meeting, EMC Philippines has put its own creative spin on it. Challenge is a monthly/bimonthly meeting between all the Philippine EMCs and of course is open to all who wish to attend. All of our youth come together for for a night of worship, games, reflection, learning, fun and of course food!(There's always food. Seriously.) 

Sam & the praise team

Each Challenge meeting has a theme and this meeting's theme is "Awareness". We want this time to be a time of spiritual awakening for all the youth. We pray that the youth be aware that God DOES have a plan for them and we want them to not only be aware that God does have a plan but to begin to discover what exactly is God's will for each and every one of them. This meeting we hope that all who attend be strengthened in their faith and be encouraged to become active in and serve in the ministry.

Guitar: James, Drums: Sam, Bass: Sacks

This month's Challenge meeting will take place on Wed Nov 30 beginning at 4pm (local time of course) at EMC Dagupan in Lasip Chico. So if you're reading this in the Philippines come on down!!! Join the fun and be blessed! If you're abroad, let's be there in spirit and pray for this Challenge meeting. Let's pray for God's blessing to be on the youth. Let's pray that all who attend be encouraged and strengthened to have a deeper relationship with Christ and to be become aware of God's plan in their lives.

L to R: Pastor Randall, Sam, Pastor Eds

Here are some pictures of a previous meeting; Challenge: Focus.

Be encouraged brothers and sisters! God is going to do great things!

"I am always aware of the Lord's presence; He is near, and nothing can shake me."- Psalms 16:8

-Melissa M
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

Youth...Let's pray that the numbers will triple!

It's Time to Give Thanks

Every year, we as get together with our families and friends, we are reminded to be grateful for all we have been given. As I sit and reflect on what God has given to me, my family and the entire EMC family, I am overwhelmed by His goodness and faithfulness. There is much to be thankful for.

First and foremost, we give thanks to Our Father in heaven. It has been an extraordinary year. He has carried us through the triumphant highs and the agonizing lows. He brought us this far and the journey has been remarkable. I am so grateful to God that we have our own EMC family in the Philippines and by His grace we have celebrated our first anniversary with our EMC Philippines family this past year. Through Him we have come this far and through Him we will go even farther than we can ever imagine.

As we celebrate this thanksgiving, we look back and we thank God for the lives of Sam and Ate Weng. Though is has been hard these past few weeks, we thank God, that even though it was for a little while, we had these two amazing people walk the earth with us. We thank God for the memories we have with them and the love we were able to share with them. And more importantly, we thank God that there is life beyond this life and that we have the comfort of knowing that we will see them again.

On behalf of the EMC family both in New York and in the Philippines, I personally thank everyone who opened their hearts this past few weeks and supported us during such difficult times. The support we received from all over the world was overwhelming. To everyone who donated, supported, prayed for us and shared in our grief; Thank you very much. Words cannot express mine or the entire EMC family's gratitude.

But above all, we thank God for all this. It is through Him that people's hearts were moved to support us. It is through Him that we celebrated our first year together. It is through Him that dreams will be fulfilled and triumph will be attained. It is because of our Lord Jesus Christ, and only through Him that we have life, love, grace and mercy. 

We have much to be thankful for, so let us give thanks.

"In everything give thanks..."

-1 Thes 5:18

-Melissa M

EMC International: Philippines coordinator

To Sam Balmores: My Lost Letter

I'd like to share the thoughts of one of our youngest missionaries-Kenny. I pray you will be touched.


Sam if it were possible for you to read this at this moment, I'd like to thank you, apologize, and let out some of the thoughts I've had after having been with you during my Philippines mission trip back in 2010. I'm incredibly sorry for not saying this when I should of, at the memorial service. But I knew I wasn't ready, I would've either said nothing or too much with tears and saliva dripping from my mouth. So I am here with a blog post to organize my thoughts instead, and I hope you can forgive me for that. 


To be honest, when I first met you I didn't find myself dying to be your friend and starting a relationship that I actually have with your brother, Shem. I found you to be quite the character, loud and obnoxious; kind of like me but despite our common personality, I just found you to be out of my reach. When we talked, it was a bit awkward but I still cherished your presence as I hoped you cherished mine. We were able to do some stupid things here and there, but I noticed the lack in actual building between our friendship. I truly regret this, I regret not being able to start a relationship that I have now with Shem, I regret not taking the initiative to start something great with you. We left shallow imprints on each others hearts before we parted ways, but yours ended up deepening over time.

Sam, I valued your principles, but most of all I valued what you were most best at: loving. No one knows, but I've always looked up to the brotherly relationship you shared with your ading Shem. I can remember the time when we were traveling in a crowded, sweaty van but you and your brother humbly took the trunk; the whole ride consisted of your jokes and laughing along with Shem. You guys prevented me from sleeping despite my fatigue, but I didn't mind. You see, I have two brothers but my relationship with them is no where near the one you hold with yours. Unfortunately, my brothers and I are sometimes quite distant with one another and we can't openly joke and share with each other as you two do. Honestly, I was jealous. I had always wanted a brother like you, one that cared so deeply for their ading and expressed his love for his younger brother so easily. Mine are much different, and I grew up with a semi-cold heart against them because they wouldn't play with me or say they loved me. You manifested God's love in each and every one of your actions, and that empowered me to be the same. You never knew this and I don't know how much of a difference it would have made for me to have told you, but I do wish I could've returned to the loving Sam I met last year. 

Because of you, I have hope to renew relations with my own siblings. When I think of you, I think of brotherhood and I only wish that I had started one with you. We barely knew each other, yet look at the change you created in me. I am forever grateful to you and your mission and I know God is definitely pleased with what you have done and left for your fellow brothers and sisters to carry on. I can only imagine the pains that your close, loved ones feel; maybe I'll never understand. While we're all in a time of mourning, I'm still happy that you're with God with ate Weng now. I hope we, the people left to complete your legacy, can make you proud just as you made God proud. I cannot wait to be with you in heaven one day, where I will make sure I can create an everlasting bond of friendship and brotherhood. 

Yours truly,

Kenny Jin

Ate (Sister) Weng: "This is not goodbye, I will see you again"

Do forgive my late updates. It's been a difficult time for all of us. For our non Tagalog speakers, you might see the word "Ate" a lot (pronounced: ah-teh). That means older sister in Tagalog. Many of our missionaries from NY are truly devastated at the sudden deaths of Sam and Ate Weng. I would like to share the thoughts of our missionary Joanne L.


Ate Weng, words wouldn't be able to truly describe how much you will be missed. In a matter of one minute into our conversation. I already knew you were such a loving and giving person. The stories we've shared with each other made my Philippines trip even more memorable. I was blessed to have you become a sister of mine. Before I went back to the US, you burned me a CD with many Christian songs that uplifted me and I am so thankful that God sent you into my life to bring me joy.You've taught me to keep my faith strong and put it in God's hands. I'm going to miss seeing you Ate Weng but your face will always be inplanted in my heart. I will never forget what you have taught me and shared with me. This is not a goodbye because I will see you again.
-Joanne L.

Remembering Sam: A True Friend & Brother

"You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you 
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you"-MercyMe

Sam, me, Shem: Together in Baguio

Whenever I write these posts, I write as a coordinator. I look to spread awareness and to challenge people to step outside their comfort zone and be a part of God's work. But right now, I'm not writing as a coordinator or a leader or a student....I'm just a sister who misses her brother terribly.

I've been going to and from the Philippines since I was 12 years old. My first real friends in the Philippines were Sam, Ate (sister) Weng, Shem, Chad, Ate Shine and the University Baptist Church youth. And no matter how long I am gone from the Philippines, every time I come back, it always feels like I never felt and we all just pick up from where we left off.

Teaching the children music

The earliest memories I have of Sam are of him playing the drums at UBC. To me, he was the best drummer-hands down! He was so talented. I always marveled at how well he played every instrument. He was always kind, always nice, always smiling and he was always laughing. He and Ate (sister) Weng always treated me like a little sister and I loved them both for doing so. As time went on with trials and triumphs, Sam went from being a funny teenager to a man of God ever willing and ever ready to serve Christ. At our last mission, I looked with pride to see him lead our congregation in worship. I couldn't believe that this was the same Sam I had known all these years.

The very last picture I took with the three of us

But what I remember most about Sam weren't his exceptional talents in music and leadership. I remember all the little things-the most important things. I remember his kindness. His unmistakeable laugh that still rings in my ears today. I remember the way he would always say, "Don't cry! You'll come back here again!" whenever I cried upon leaving the Philippines. The way loved his niece and nephew and carried them around like they were his own children. I remember the way he made others laugh. I remember the times he would have the guitar and we would all sing together. And if we made a mistake with the lyrics we would say, "Pirated yan!" (It's pirated!=Pirated version) Every time I came home to the Philippines, he was there. Every time I went out with my cousins and friends just to have fun, he was there. In my happiest moments and in the moments where I cried like a baby, Sam was there.  I couldn't imagine not having Sam around and although I trust God and accept this, it's still brings tears to my eyes to know that he won't be there to greet me when I step down from the plane the next time I return.

Brother & Sister forever

Sam, if I had to write about all the memories that we shared and the wonderful times we had together, I would never finish this blog. I watched with pride as you came out of difficult circumstances and mature into the man of God you were meant to be. My life has been changed, because you were a part of it. I cannot thank you enough for everything. But I think what I am most grateful for, is that you taught me the one Taglog word I cherish the most-Ading (younger sibling). You loved me and treated me as your own ading. You called me ading. Because I know what it is to be loved and be called ading, I can give that same kind of love and call others my ading too. You are the best brother anyone could ask for. I miss your laugh and the way you made me laugh. As I try to smile through the sobs and chuckle through the tears at all the wonderful memories, I can't properly express the joy of having known you and the sorrow of being separated from you. I'm not sad because you are in fellowship with Christ, but my heart aches because of how long I have to wait until we meet again. I'll never forget you. I love you so much brother and I miss you.

I'll see you later.

Your ading,
-Melissa M.


"In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now"-MercyMe

Update

I have received word that the date of the funerals will be different than the one I gave previously. I will update when I get the final word. Sam and Ate Weng will be buried next to each other in Eternal Gardens in Dagupan City.

-Melissa M.
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

Helping our family in a time of great sorrow

Services and burial for Sam and Ate Weng are expected to take place within the next few days. I personally would like to ask for your assistance during this heartbreaking time. I ask for your help in covering funeral and burial expenses. This is a time of great sorrow and a time of great need. I am confident that God will provide our needs and I ask that if you are touched or your life has been touched by  Sam and Ate Weng, that you open your heart and assist Pastor Ferdinand and his family. Please continue to pray for the Balmores family, the Cuison family and the entire EMC family.

I truly thank you during this difficult time,
Melissa M
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

With a heavy heart......

With a heavy heart I inform our friends that two of our leaders Samuel Balmores, who is the son of Pastor Ferdinand Balmores and Rowena Cuison died on Monday October 31, 2011(local time).

Ate Weng

Words cannot begin to describe how we feel. Sam and Rowena, who I affectionately call Ate Weng were like siblings to me. Both loved Christ and were loved by the entire EMC family. Sam and Ate Weng were more than just friends, more than just leaders. They were the beloved son and daughter of parents, wonderful siblings, and to us in New York, they were our brother and sister in Christ.

As painful as this is, we find comfort in the knowledge that even though we can't possibly begin to comprehend why this happened, God is still sovereign and all things are in His hand. There are some things that we are not prepared for in life. But we take solace in the fact that Sam and Ate Weng are with Christ in Heaven and one day, we will see them again.

"Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him."- 1Thess 4:13-14.

Sam & his nephew Jayden

Sam and Ate Weng, I don't know if God gives you the opportunity to hear us right now, but we love you. I love you and miss you both so much. You can never be replaced. You made a difference in so many people's lives and in my life. But I know you are with our Heavenly Father. Words cannot expressed how much you are loved and will be missed. This is not goodbye....this is only 'see you later'.

-Melissa M.