SMO National Youth Conference 2010

Never has been a time in mankind’s history where information (whether in letters, images, voices or a combination of all three) is within grasped in an instant or in “real time”, until now. Fiber optics, satellite, microchips, among others, has catapulted information technology to almost unimaginable possibilities. Never has been the field so wide and ripe for harvest than in our time. To reach the ends of the world with information is now a clear possibility.

Everyone is placing their stakes in what information technology can offer, maximizing its benefits by transmitting to as many people as possible and in a less costly means, their ideas and commodities.

Youth ministries like ours have reaped benefits from this surge. Corresponding to our students, alumni, and supporters has been efficient and effective. The Gospel we carry and stories about our ministry could be relayed easily or be accessed by even complete strangers by typing http://smoworld.wordpress.com and pressing “enter” on their laptops. This is indeed an exciting time to do ministry. However, information technology has its downside when ministries, in an attempt to be “relevant” to the world, decide to highlight more on questionable methodologies rather than the unchanging and uncompromising message of the Gospel.

The “wired” Christian, overwhelmed by the tremendous flow of information and over zealous to adapt trends in doing youth ministry from what he downloaded from dubious Christian websites, may find himself and the ministry he’s involved in, corrupted and may self-destruct.

To avoid this, the Christian ought to give much importance in the study of God’s Word, so he could guard his mind well, be aggressive in his discernment, and strong in his conviction. In other words, he should possess a strong Christian worldview so he could be firmly stable in his faith and bold enough to speak his Christianity whether in cyberspace or inside classrooms.

This person ought to be articulate and unashamed to say – “I AM A CHRISTIAN.”

Student Missionary Outreach will be in the forefront of pursuing this message to the Christian youth of today, the reason why we chose “DECLARATION” as our theme for the SMO National Youth Conference 2010. SMO Bacolod will play host to this year’s conference which will be held on 6-10 April 2010 at Buenos Aires Mountain Resort in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

The Bacolod organizers expect a big delegation of youth participants coming from different parts of the country. A full information campaign is set to be launched nationwide on January 2010.

A New Heart

A NEW HEART
Music & Lyrics: Phylla Magallanes
(Originally composed for Camp Forever XV)

Groped in darkness, slave to sin
Lived my life for glories vain
Wayward, weighed down and wandering
Bound and blind until Your love came

On that cross You suffered instead
Of a sinner deserving that death
For who could love an enemy?
My Jesus died and now I am free!

Chorus
Thanks for this new heart
Thanks for this change
From a heart of stone to a heart of flesh
‘Tis the work of Your redeeming grace
I’m redeemed, I am home, I am blessed!
This is Your promise, this is Your gift:
Jesus, Restorer of undending peace
Peace with the Father, the Son has giv’n
The Word became flesh
The promise fulfilled

Prone to wander my heart may be
Then Satan hurls his lies at me
That sin can destroy salvation’s plan
My faith still holds on this assurance:

“It is finished,” the Savior has said
With an outstretched arm
and a mighty hand
For who could separate us from His love?
Not life, not death nor powers above

(Repeat Chorus)
The Word became flesh
The promise fulfilled
Hallelujah, the promise fulfilled!

A New Beginning for the Lives of the Campers

Camp Forever XV: Fresh Heart brought together 130 youths at the mountain resort of Rafael Salas National Park in Bago City, Negros Occidental last December 26-30, 2009. For 80% of the campers, it was the first time for them to attend an SMO youth camp. After five days and four nights, their responses were unanimous – it was an experience of a lifetime.

With solid biblical nightly messages from the speakers, the staff prays the impact to the youths would be lasting. Pastor Richard Guion kicked off the night with a message on “The Fallen Heart”; he continued it the morning after. Pastor Aeron Caldeo gave a powerfully-charged message on “A Fiery yet Forgiving Heart” focusing on the holiness of God and (justice and righteousness) and the love of God (mercy and grace). Pastor Reuel Ben “Arbi” Seijo kept the momentum with his message on “A Frenzy/Freaky Heart” focusing on the confuse state of the youth, youth conflicts, and struggles over sin. Pastor Renato Bravo during the final morning message preached on “A Fresh Heart” focusing on regeneration and sanctification, with a call of commitment from the campers. And finally, Engr. Xerwin Ceballos wrapped up the event with an exposition on Ezekiel 36:26 giving importance on the God who can change a “heart of stone” to a “heart of flesh”.

Morning group devotions were held at the break of dawn each day with facilitators putting much emphasis on the campers’ need of a Savior. The rest of day were set aside for group games which serves as object lessons.

This is the 15th year SMO Bacolod organized this evangelistic camp. The staff expresses its gratitude to churches, individuals, and alumni who have prayed and extended their financial support to make this event, indeed, an experience of a lifetime, for the youths.

What the Campers were Saying…

I was rebuked to know that no matter how big or small sin is, it is still sin. But there is victory in Christ.” – Manna

“Before I thought that God is only powerful, but the camp taught me that He is more than just powerful.  He is perfect and He saved me.” – Chello

“From the games, I learned that when one violates a law, he violates the whole law.” – Emberr

“The camp strengthened my relationship with God.” – Barbie

“There were misunderstandings during our camp games, but being brothers and sisters in Christ made the campers united after all.” – Shane

“Praise God that I was able to hear His Word and I learned that with God, all things are possible.” – Judy

“Here, I learned to love God and hate sin.” – Junel

“I thank God for the friendships that were made here.” – Jolly

“I’ve learned that even if I believe in God but if there’s no change in my life, it is useless.  I promised myself that this camp will be the beginning of a change in myself.  – Ailyn

“God is really magnificent! I know that words are not enough to express what I felt inside, but surely God sees how grateful I am for having Him as my personal Savior and God.”- Joan Mir

“I realized that joining the camp is not only for having a vacation but there’s really a purpose—to cause a change in my life.” – Irica

“I can’t believe God continues to love us even if we are sinners. He’s the One who’s offended but still He made the first step.  Because of the preaching, I said, “Lord, I surrender my life to You. I can do nothing because I’m helpless.  Lord I’m scared of hell. I want You, Lord, to change my heart.”  I get to understand God even better when we meet with our counselors.” – Anonymous

“I thank God for using someone to sponsor me in this camp. Through it I learned that God can change my heart of ‘stone’ to a heart of ‘flesh’.” – Cris

“I learned how important God is in my life.” – Christie

I’ve learned how filthy I am in God’s eyes. Even if I am a sinner, still, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a ransom for my sins. I learned that we should live according to His word for apart from Him I can do nothing. – Stephen John

I was rebuked to know that no matter how big or small sin is, it is still sin. But there is victory in Christ.” – Manna

“Before I thought that God is only powerful, but the camp taught me that He is more than just powerful.  He is perfect and He saved me.” – Chello

“From the games, I learned that when one violates a law, he violates the whole law.” – Emberr

“The camp strengthened my relationship with God.” – Barbie

“There were misunderstandings during our camp games, but being brothers and sisters in Christ made the campers united after all.” – Shane

“Praise God that I was able to hear His Word and I learned that with God, all things are possible.” – Judy

“Here, I learned to love God and hate sin.” – Junel

“I thank God for the friendships that were made here.” – Jolly

“I’ve learned that even if I believe in God but if there’s no change in my life, it is useless.  I promised myself that this camp will be the beginning of a change in myself.  – Ailyn

“God is really magnificent! I know that words are not enough to express what I felt inside, but surely God sees how grateful I am for having Him as my personal Savior and God.”- Joan Mir

“I realized that joining the camp is not only for having a vacation but there’s really a purpose—to cause a change in my life.” – Irica

“I can’t believe God continues to love us even if we are sinners. He’s the One who’s offended but still He made the first step.  Because of the preaching, I said, “Lord, I surrender my life to You. I can do nothing because I’m helpless.  Lord I’m scared of hell. I want You, Lord, to change my heart.”  I get to understand God even better when we meet with our counselors.” – Anonymous

“I thank God for using someone to sponsor me in this camp. Through it I learned that God can change my heart of ‘stone’ to a heart of ‘flesh’.” – Cris

“I learned how important God is in my life.” – Christie

I’ve learned how filthy I am in God’s eyes. Even if I am a sinner, still, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a ransom for my sins. I learned that we should live according to His word for apart from Him I can do nothing. – Stephen John

Newsbits (December-January)

SMO Gen. Santos City organized a one-day EVANGELISTIC CAMP on November 21, 2009 at the SMO-GSC Campsite. Pastor Ener Gamolo, SMO Coordinator, reported that 37 students joined the camp.

“Each One, Reach One” was the theme of the SMO MINDANAO CAMP 8 held last December 21-22, 2009 at Balunto Elementary School, Gen. Santos City. 103 young people joined this annual event. This year’s speakers include Pastor Junjie Telesforo, Pastor Bienvenido Flores, and Pastor Carlos Novisteros, who brought Bibles and used clothing for distribution.

SMO National Director, Pastor Renato del Mundo met with SMO METRO MANILA Coordinator, Pastor Luis Faller and several pastors to help reorganized the work in the country’s capital city. A plan to network with other pastors for possible partnership is underway. The pastors have decided to organize a series of lectures and trainings for pastors and youth ministry leaders throughout the year. Future topics would cover the following: Starting a Church-based Campus Ministry, Conducting Moral Values Programs in Schools, Sexual Purity, Teambuilding Ideas, Handling Follow-up Lessons, and Biblical Philosophy of Youth Ministry, among others.

100 young men and women of Maranatha Christian College in Bacolod made a commitment to sexual purity during a seminar on TRUE LOVE WAITS facilitated by SMO Bacolod staff and student volunteers on November 25, 2009. This is the fourth time SMO was invited to facilitate this kind of seminar to Maranatha students.

PROJECT ELISHA, the yearly leadership training for student leaders in Bacolod, was held on October 22-24, 2009 at Nolido’s Retreat Center. 20 young people participated in the training which covered: Starting and Maintaining a Campus Bible Study, Evangelism, Discipleship, and Purity.

SMO Bacolod and SMO Bible Training Institute students took part in a two-day TEEN GAMES training event on November 20-21, 2009 at West Negros Integrated School (WNIS). The event which highlighted “sharing the Gospel through fun games” were attended by other Christian youth groups and WNIS students. Pastor Renato Bravo spearheaded the training.

Student Missionary Outreach received DONATIONS of sound system and office equipment from brethren of Christian Fellowship Bible Church based in Los Angeles. The church whose Senior Pastor is Rev. Edwin Ormeo is a regular prayer partner and supporter of the ministry in the Philippines. SMO expresses its gratefulness to the brethren of CFBC for their generous gesture.

Prayer Concerns (December-January)

Please include us in your prayer time. Thank you.

1. Pray that we may be able to do follow-up to students who took part in our youth camps this month.
2. Pray for our Bible studies in school campuses; that from out of it, a new generation of campus leaders and missionaries will be raised by God.
3. Pray that we may be able to do follow-up to students who took part in our youth camps this month.
4. Pray for a productive partnership with local churches.
5. Pray that our SMO Bible Training Institute will train well a new generation of effective youth ministers.
6. Pray for provision to our fulltime and part-time missionaries.
7. Pray that through our ministry to the youth, we may also reach out to their family members.
8. Pray for our alumni, that wherever they may be working now, they will preserve their Christian integrity and that they may be light
9. Pray for the SMO National Leadership, that they may be able to do their respective responsibilities faithfully for God’s glory.
10. Pray for our invidual and church supporters, that they will remain pure and faithful to God and that they will be good stewards of God’s resources entrusted to them.
1l. Pray for the SMO National Youth Conference on April 6-10, 2010 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Pray for the preparations, the working committee, the response of students, alumni, and churches to the invitation to participate in the conference.
l2. Pray for God’s guidance to the SMO National Leadership as they decide what property to purchase for the ministry.

SMO Opens Youth Work in Cagayan Province

It all started in a long time search for old friends, acquaintances, and former disciples on Friendster, one of the popular social networking sites among young people in the Philippines.

It was early this year when I reconnected through Friendster to a former disciple Jeffrey S. Olivar. I had a privilege to disciple him in the early 1990’s while he was yet a student at Rafael B. Lacson National High School (formerly Talisay National High School). I never heard of him for nearly 15 years after he graduated from high school and went to Manila to study and work. In my renewed contact with him, I learned that he is now a fulltime pastor in the town of Ballesteros, a tiny yet beautiful community in the province of Cagayan Valley. He told me that before the work in Ballesteros, he pastored a church in the far Apayao mountains. God led him to Ballesteros to settle with his wife and three children. The church he pastors there has been supportive of his leadership. In reaching with the community, his church has a school where the underprivileged could be educated. Seeing the potential of this kind of ministry, Pastor Jeffrey took a course in Education at Cagayan State University situated at Sanchez Mira, which is in a nearby town. Being back in school as a student again, he thought of starting a Bible study group in his school. He remembered his high school days in the province of Negros where he used to attend SMO Bible studies.

Our meeting on Friendster was a blessing, an answered prayer especially for Pastor Jeffrey, as for three years in doing Bible study in his school, he has been longing to organize a Christian youth organization like SMO. He invited me to come and visit him in their place and conduct leadership trainings. On March, 2009, I began a long and tiring trip to the northern part of the Philippines to meet Pastor Jeffrey with the blessings of the SMO National Office.

After an hour of air travel and 16-hour bus ride, I finally met Pastor Jeffrey and the youth under is Bible study group. It’s encouraging to see them know God and enjoy Him in their day-to-day life. I gave a training to 24 young people on how to start a campus ministry in their schools, and do evangelism and disicipleship. We enjoyed our time together. So, on July 31, 2009, another answered prayer, SMO Cagayan Chapter was organized and was accredited by the school as the first and only religious campus organization in Cagayan State University.

The vision to start a campus work in the area came into fruition with the help and cooperation of Pastor Joseph Samuel and Sanchez Mira Bible Christian Church. Pastor Joseph and his family hosted me in their house while I was there. My time with them was enjoyable and meaningful. In my short time with them, I learned from this family, lessons on contentment, satisfaction, joy in serving the Lord, even in the midst of trials and persecution, humility, and sacrifice. Pastor Joseph’s story of how he and his wife got involved in ministry was encouraging as well. I learned that he used to have a high paying job in the Middle East as an engineer, until he and his wife responded to God’s call for them to go into fulltime ministry.

I praise God for the partnership of Sanchez Mira Bible Christian Church and Pastor Joseph to the ministry of SMO in the province of Cagayan.

(On July, 2009, the following people were elected as officers of SMO Cagayan: Jeffrey S. Olivar (President), Marco O. Agudo (Vice President), Esmeralda B. Diamsay (Secretary), Roger M. Gango (Treasurer), Mary Jane Q. Ramos (Auditor) and Mr. Elimar G. Doca (Adviser)).

Wood Visits SMO

Dr. Gene Wood, resource speaker and author of “Leading Turnaround Churches”, spoke to pastors and church leaders about Church Growth on November 16, 2009 at Goldland Baptist Church, Bacolod City. Dr. Wood gave hope to churches whose growth have remained stagnant, in a decline, or in a plateau. In his lecture, Dr. Wood cited three warning signs when in a church is on the verge of diminishing: (1) Extreme and continued member dissatisfaction, (2) Low morale, and (3) Declining or negative bottom lines. These points explained in full in his book. In it, he wrote: “A pastor determined to bring about new life in his ministry must be willing to change. Either the church must change its pastor or the pastor must change…Turnaround leaders view themselves as surgeons, not butchers. They know the end result will not only bring glory to God, but also good to the people they shepherd.” Dr. Wood’s visit is part of the SMO Lecture Series being organized by the ministry periodically for the purpose of equipping local pastors and leaders.

Dr. Wood also took generous time to visit three schools in Bacolod City. The first is in Murcia National High School where he lectured on Sexual Purity to the students. In West Negros University, he encouraged young Christian students to set a good testimony in their campuses and be a witness for Jesus. Lastly, he met with students of Trinity Christian School where he preached during their Chapel Hour. Dr. Wood also spent some time with the National Staff of SMO where he encouraged them to enjoy the ministry the Lord has entrusted.

Testimonies on Being SMO

Freshmen Students, SMO-BTI
Andro Paul  Semana. I have been praying to the Lord to lead me to a bible school where I would be trained on the study of  the Bible so that I can effectively reach out to people. I praise and thank God that He answered my prayer through SMO-BTI. I am really blessed to know more about God and best of all, I have the chance to share what I am learning through our mission field evangelism in the Public High schools.

Mario Mag-aso. At SMO-BTI where I am presently enrolled, I have learned a lot about the Lord through His word. It is here that I come to appreciate God’s dealing with me. The spiritual disciplines being imposed on us has taught me to make use of my life, time, and resources wisely.

Rene Orbita. I was challenged to serve the Lord in full-time ministry through an SMO Bible School student, whom we call “nong Jeric”. He was assigned to our Church for a week-end mission work. His Christian life and passion in serving the Lord has inspired me to also desire to study God’s word and to serve Him joyfully. Nong Jeric  encouraged me to enrol at SMO-BTI Bible School where I presently found myself enjoying my studies and service in the Lord’s ministry.

Domingo Sabroso. I have always dreamed to be a Pastor since I was in my high school years. I praise and thank God for answering my desire by providing me a sponsor who will help me study at SMO-BTI. My burden is to help our small Church in Palawan to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. As I continue my studies here, I am learning a lot and enjoying serving the Lord through our campus evangelism and discipleship.

OTHERS
Ms. Josette S. Terrora (OIC, Murcia National High School). SMO had been a partner with us for many years now. The past Lecture sponsored by SMO through Dr. Gene Wood has given the fourth year students the chance to relate with themselves on the conflicts regarding their growing up as teenagers. It was a lively discussion with singing, pantomime presentation, and lecture, which made the students awake and attentive. Two thumbs up! The fourth year students were, in one way enhanced spiritually, socially through this short lecture on growing-up.

Jennifer D. Alva (Sophomore, Murcia National HS). I have learned a lot through this lecture. I have come to realized that truly, life is short and has boundaries and limitations. It made me to consider my ways, to look at life seriously, the way God intends it to be. Praise God for this rare opportunity of people reaching out to young folks like us to inform, instruct, warn, and share to us the wonderful life that God has designed if only we would follow and obey him.

Pastor George Totica (Missionary, Iloilo Bible Baptist Church). Praise God that SMO is sponsoring lectures and Seminars not only for students but also for Pastors. The past lecture of Dr. Gene Wood entitled, “Leading Turnaround Churches”, was enlightening and very informative, but the time was so limited. We were blessed.

Jhun Paul Alacre (Freshmen, West Negros University). I thank God that through an SMO’er who invited me to attend the SMO 32nd Anniversary, I was encouraged to seek God. I was enlightened when Pastor Del Mundo shared to me the Gospel. When I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, no words could express the joy that I felt in my heart. Now, I understand that difficult circumstances become blessings when God becomes our priority.

Storm of Opportunities

It all started on the morning of Saturday, September 26, 2009.  What we thought here in Bacolod was just a usual Storm Signal 1 rainfall brought by the storm Ondoy was the start of a devastating calamity back in Manila.  More than 30 areas in Luzon, including Manila, were placed under the state of calamity because of heavy and overwhelming floods caused by the tropical storm.  It was estimated that more than 300 people died and up to 10-B pesos (US$217-M) was accounted for the damage in farming and fishing investments, infrastructure, home loss, wrecked vehicles, business bankruptcy. Classes and businesses were suspended for more than a month. The unusual volume of water that fell within 8 hours was already equivalent to a month of rain in the country. The flooding was the worst in Metro Manila in 40 years. The worst is far from over…

Another storm (Pepeng) hit Luzon again in a week. It hovered over the country for days pouring water at tremendous amount. This time, provinces in Luzon outside Metro Manila received its wrath.

In my generation, I would consider these twin tragedies the worst and the darkest times matching only what the Mt. Pinatubo eruption brought years back. For many, these were days of doubts and confusion, fears and uncertainties, grief and sorrow.

Despite the grim scenario, Filipinos wasted no time to reach out and help those who are in need. In a spontaneous burst of kindness, Filipinos, from different social classes, were united and determined in lifting the downtrodden spirit.

Christians of different denominations responded as well to the urgent need. Christians volunteered their time to help collect and distribute canned goods, foodstuff, medicines, clothing, and other relief items. One of the Christian organizations who responded swiftly was the International Council of Christian Churches (ICCC), a coalition of Christian churches. The ICCC, through Gen. Secretary Dr. Quek Swee Hwa, communicated with the Philippine Council of Christian Churches (PCCC), their local counterpart, and sent financial assistance for purchase of needed relief items in the affected areas.

SMO National Director, Pastor Renato del Mundo, one of the key leaders of PCCC, mobilized local pastors to discuss an efficient way of identifying and distributing relief assistance to the victims. In no time, the pastors came up with a system and called the relief operation “Sagip at Pagbangon” (Rescue and Recovery) – the ICCC/PCCC Relief Operation in Luzon.

Pastor Luis Seijo, Coordinator of “Sagip at Pagbangon” reported that there were 43 recipients for the cash aid given, which amounts to a total of 215,000 pesos (US$4,664). The assistance were extended to families whose loved one(s) passed away and for repairs of church structures.

“Sagip at Pagbangon” Relief Operation reached the provinces of Rizal, Cordillera (Baguio), La Union, Benguet (La Trinidad), Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte (Laoag), and Metro Manila.

The worst and best of people could come out during these times. Calamities and tragedies have a way of humbling and uniting Christians. The storms have brought opportunities for us to exercise our faith in God and be a light and salt to the world. (Pastor RB Seijo)

A Better or Bitter Christmas?

When the twin typhoon “Undoy or Ketsana” and “Pepeng” or “Pharma” hit our country just recently, thousands of Filipino became hopeless and hundreds died in the disaster. Those who were living near the riverside and lakes in Metro Manila particularly Marikina, Pasig, Montalban, Cainta, Laguna, and other major cities were submerged by the flood. In Northern Luzon, landslides caused many lives and houses to crumble down. They had no chance to save their valuables but their lives. Many from our churches and brethren in the reported areas had been severely affected. Some of them became homeless and were still staying at Evacuation Hall provided by the government. Others have already returned to their houses but their houses were still submerged in floody and muddy waters.

Such a sight gripped my heart as I visited some of the areas devastated by the flood, a week after the tragedy. I encouraged our Churches from the Visayas region and friends abroad to extend assistance in any way possible- clothing, goods, and financial aid to our needy brethren. I Praise and thank God for the positive responses. We were able to collect at least six boxes of goods. Foreign help through monetary support were also sent through the SMO ministry and through PCCC. I was among those who were able to distribute aid for the needy brethren, even to unbelievers who have not experienced the salvation of God in their lives yet. I have heard their testimonies and witnessed the tears of joy in their eyes as they received the plastic bags of goodies and monetary help extended to them. Their bitter experience made them look up to God and acknowledged His great power, love, and His salvation. To us who have contributed and have given our share, it was just a simple expression of Christian love. But to those who have been victims of the tragedy, the act was more than enough to feel and understand the essence of God’s love. The calamity taught them to consider life through a “better” perspective of a humble submission to God, rather than a “bitter” outlook of hatred, because of the painful circumstances in life. They have proven the truth in the saying, “Behind the dark clouds of sorrows, the sun is still shining”. Indeed, God is still on the throne.

Two months after the tragic incident, people are now preparing for the much awaited season of the year. Christmas is fast approaching. Those who have been severely affected by the tragedy may choose to be “bitter” with life and blame God for their fate. Others chose to become “better” persons by rising above their circumstances. Just like the humble shepherds and the persevering wise men from the East, those who have come to embrace the salvation and love of God through their bitter experience in life, approach Christmas rejoicing with exceeding great joy, for the Lord chose to reveal to them the CHRIST of Christmas. They found the true colour and meaning of life amidst the tragedy, suffering,  the loss of loved ones and properties, and hardships. They may have lost a lot of important things in the tragedy, but they have gained everything – eternal life, peace, forgiveness, contentment, and joy, in Jesus Christ, who is our hope in glory.

The Bible says in Romans 8:37, “  In all these things ( tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword,) we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Those who belong to Christ understand that living a “better” life can only be achieved when we commit our lives in sweet surrender to the Lordship and control of Jesus Christ. Acknowledgement of this reality will surely give us a glimpse of hope and joy as we treasure him in our hearts. This is the secret of a victorious Christian. This is the real essence of Christmas, “ Jesus Christ” the center and priority of our lives.

May Jesus be the center of our celebration this season the center of our lives in the coming year.

Pastor Renato del Mundo, National Director