BROTHER D

...is Brother Dennis Salud, my first discipler in Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF). Having been a Protestant since college, I went through several denominations, from Assemblies of God to Pentecostal to Evangelical.

Brother D and his 'D-Group' (another term for cell group) were having their Bible study in Figaro-Greenbelt, Makati when I happened to be around having coffee. I was supposed to attend a press conference in the area, but forgot what and where I was supposed to go. So, while I was sipping my barako coffee, I saw Dennis, Au, Serf and others in a circle. This was late last summer (2004). It was the time I was becoming interested in the holy scriptures again after watching The Passion of The Christ. I told them I'd be joining their group the following week, which I did.

Dennis is married to Liza Berroya, the former Bb. Pilipinas Miss Universe. They have three kids: DJ, Sofia, and Josh. Brother D is a business exec, as are Brothers Au (de Leon) and Carlo (Cervantes). Liza also leads her all-female D-Group in Makati, with such fine sisters as Maripi, Kitty, and Karla.

Other professionals in Dennis' D-Group included a Time Magazine sales exec, a TV cameraman, a pediatrician, and a marketing communication officer for a chain of hotels (that was moi).
After about a month, I became a frequent attendee in their Bible-based church in Ortigas Center (St. Francis Square area). And I am now a regular attendee of the vesper service since CCF's 20th anniversary, and am even involved in a couple of CCF ministries.

Today, I remain a firm believer in the LORD who is Faithful and True. Amen to that. And my area pastor is the wonderful Pastor Ricky Sarthou.

PASTOR O

I just bumped into Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF) elder Pastor Glenn Oblicacion ('Pastor O') who recounted to me the fire mishap which totally burned down his house in Kapitolyo, Pasig on the morning of November 19, 2004. Pastor Glenn is one of the nicest, sweetest pastors in CCF, even one of the best speakers on the pulpit. It still boggles my mind how such a tragedy could happen to a very fine Christian like Pastor O; but then of course I am reminded of the story of Job, that such a trial is given to a select few--those who have the spiritual stamina and God-like qualities to react in a positive, godly , and yes, "Job-like" way.

Another important lesson that can be gleamed from this is to count one's blessings, though one may be "like an owl among the ruins" (from Psalms 102:6). The area pastors, ministry heads, and their members are now consolidating relief efforts for Pastor O and his family.

My brethren and I thank the Lord that everyone in Pastor O's household got out alive from that fire, and with no one physically hurt.

So, that's the sad story of our Pastor O. If you, Young Stag Mag readers, have a burden to help Ptr. O and family in this time of troubling need, please call CCF at (632) 635-3410, or write to CCF at this address: 2/F St. Francis Square, Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. God bless...

YOUNG STAG MAG 2005

The year 2004 has just been a dress rehearsal for the 'soon-to-be-improved' Young Stag webzine. We plan to haul it in for viewing early next year. For starters, we will be including pictures and graphics to make your Christian reading MORE fun and MORE filling! And we'll also have excerpts from the writings of such literary giants and theologian titans as C.S. Lewis, F.F. Bruce, John MacArthur, Tim LaHaye, Professor Theophilus, and good ol' Guillaume Farel. Plus cool Christian comic strips!

So watch for the New YOUNG STAG MAG...

Is Bukkake Art?

In those days of early Japonisme and print blocks (Buson, Hokusai, Kyosai, and the like), there was true Oriental art. Such simplicity of colors, yet much aesthetic leverage--be it in a boudoir, a garden, a seaside view! What seems to have replaced those gallery-and-museum pieces in the collective mind of today's new "art audience" is perversion manifest in what they label as 'Art of Bukkake.' It is a shame to mention what the wicked do in secret. That is why one must be careful in describing this so-called new "art." Those practitioners and patrons call it "splash art," "splatter art," and even "interactive art." But the simple truth is...bukkake film, bukkake print, and bukkake photography are PORNOGRAPHY.

And we all know, true believers, that the world of porno remains Baalim's Bailiwick.

[From 'Floating World']

Bruce Wayne...NOT Wilkinson

Gotham Rants: Batman's Blog: Christian Who?

FACTS OF THE APOSTLES

DON'T KNOW YOUR 12 APOSTLES?
HERE'S A GREAT WAY TO REMEMBER THEM...

ANDREW
BARTHOLOMEW
SIMON
JOHN
JAMES THE BROTHER
JAMES THE OTHER
PETER
PHILIP
THOMAS
THADDEUS
MATTHEW
MATTHIAS (who replaced JUDAS)

There you have it!... ALL TWELVE.

Thursdays With Erwin

It's great to learn from a terrific theologian, especially if he's a guy like Pastor Erwin Balanay, teacher/missionary and the associate pastor of National City United Church in Quezon City. Every Thursday evening at 7, at Pasig Capitol Community Church (PCCC), my brothers/sisters and I pay attention to the lessons dished out by Pastor Erwin who, in the past few months, have taught us with much electricity such fascinating "crash courses" as Hermeneutics, Homiletics, and Biblical Foundations.

Who says learning Theology is a bore? Not if you have a teacher like Pastor Erwin! GOD BLESS HIM.

PCCC is located at No. 19 San Rafael Street, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City. If you wish to know more about PCCC and its classes, dial (632) 631-4463; look for Pastor Angel Ramos (BLESS HIS HEART) and Sis Annie Ramos (BLESS HERS, TOO).

[From Catch 153 Outreach News: "Catch Them If You Can..."]

WHO IS THE YOUNG STAG?

In the 22nd book of the Holy Bible, Song of Songs, the author (believed to be King Solomon) painted a rustic picture of the love between a dashing shepherd and a vineyard worker. The book, described by many theologians as a spiritual allegory, explores how great God's love is for His Church, symbolized here by the Beloved.

At the end of the tale, the dark yet lovely woman from the vineyard calls out to his radiant Lover: "Come away, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains." (Song of Songs 8:14, NIV)

Like, WOW. Our Lord is Solomon's wonderful Young Stag!

The Best Bible Version is...

KJV? NIV? NASB? NLT? The Message?

When I became a Christian, my brothers in the faith got me into the New International Version. And it remains my favorite Bible. Sure, I've discovered other great versions. I use the King James 2000 for formal equivalence study and the Amplified Bible for expanded reference. But when it comes to writing style, no version can beat the NIV.

As to paraphrases, I've had an affinity for the Living Bible, and then I gravitated toward the Contemporary English Version, or CEV. But when you want a good devotional, stick to NIV. Or if you want something extra-light, I suggest you pick a paraphrase you're comfortable with. The Message is cool. But a more rad transliteration is coming out -- Rob Lacey's The Word on the Street.

Lacey's version combines street lingo and rap and even some sound effects; it's pretty exciting. It's already being sold in the U.S. by the thousands, but will be available in Asian bookstores by the first week of December 2004.

So, that's WORD ON THE STREET. Let's check it all out, beloved brethren!

ASK THE PASTOR...

CAF� SARTHOU

HEAVENLY HANGOUTS

R&R

wxyz

As you go veggin' out in front of the cable box, try to catch this cool campus movie on TCT! It's titled End of the Harvest, starring David A.R. White (Melrose Place, California Dreams) as a Christian dude who has no choice but to face off with a bunch of atheistic philosophy studes. The direction is neat. The script, well thought out. The acting sound enough for a small-budget movie. I expect more great things from David White, who's not only an astute thespian, but also writes, produces and directs. He's currently doing post-production work for a film project called Six . . . Publishing-wise, check out the fine collection of sermons by National City United Church-Quezon City pastor Isagani Deslate. Titled Touching All of Life, the exegetic book covers a wide spectrum of subjects, from teen to tween to clean-and-green. Those who have seen and heard how terrific a pulpit preacher Rev. Deslate is would want to have a copy of this gem of a book (watch for a coming review). . . Radio-wise, catch the improvised concert of Majestic on Now Radio DZFE Philippines, on the night of November 27, Saturday, 9 to 10 pm.

Special Announcement

The Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, Manila (Philippines) mounted its latest tribute to the Holy Family--20 impressive dioramas depicting scenes from the Bible. The exhibit is housed in the Holy Family Gallery, to complement the well-known and much loved giant Belen. The concept and execution of these dioramas was done by Mario Viel of Creative Trade Center. An Italian by birth, Mr. Viel is a true Filipino at heart. Also the creator of the giant Belen, his mastery of detail once again stuns the viewer as one is transported into the significant events in the life and times of our Lord Jesus Christ. Admission is free. Viewing hours are from 10 am to 8 pm daily. The new Holy Family Gallery is located behind the Chapel of the Holy Family. For group tours, please dial 721-0572. Advance Happy Holidays!