SMO Bacolod will hold Camp Forever 17: Redemption on December 26-30, 2011 at Seaside Resort Punta Salum, Manapla, Negros Occidental. This evangelistic year-end camp has brought a hundreds of students to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. The low-priced registration fee of 500 pesos (US$11) is pegged at such to accommodate many students (mostly coming from families with low monthly incomes). The rest of the funds are being generated through fund-raising activities and sponsorships. If you want to sponsor a camper, please send e-mail to smodirector@yahoo.com.

A similar camp will also be held in Gen. Santos City on December 21-23, 2011.

Rev. Ormeo leads the Dedication and Ground Breaking ceremonies at the newly purchased SMO property.

October 21, 2011 is a historic day for SMO as Rev. Edwin Ormeo, son of one of the SMO founders, hit the fertile ground with a shovel of the 3-hectare Promised Land of the ministry. In simple yet meaningful Ground Breaking Ceremony of the newly acquired SMO property in Barangay Pandanon-Silos, Murcia, Negros Occidental, Nenita del Mundo, SMO National Director, narrated how God through His people provided the money to purchase a land property where the ministry could use to house the SMO Bible Training Institute, the National Office, a campsite and recreation center, and where it could have a place for organic farming and raising of livestock as means to generate self-sufficient funds for the ministry. The search of the property began under the leadership of the late SMO National Director, Pastor Renato “Aboi” del Mundo and was carried on by his wife Nenita. It was an emotional day witnessed by other staff members.

The ministry is praying for God’s provision for the realization of the SMO National Training and Recreation Center in this property through generous donors from Christian brethren in the Philippines and abroad.

Reflections on the Historic Ground Breaking Ceremony

Rev. Ormeo and SMO National Director del Mundo (center) together with the Staff and guests

“Following the Lord, My God wholeheartedly.” Joshua 14:6:13

It was a great honor and privilege for me as a young man to witness the momentous event last Oct. 21, 2011 Ground Breaking service. Pastor Edwin Ormeo was the one who officiate the service. His Message was taken from Joshua 14:6-13 about Caleb’s request and Inheritance. In his message I can remember at least two powerful truths that strengthen my faith as I continue in the ministry.

First, God’s faithfulness, in chapters 14 and 19, while the Levites were not given a special inheritance, both Joshua and Caleb were each given a special inheritance, an allotment of land. God singles out these two men, these were two men who had gone into the land earlier, 40 years before, and had come back to Moses and said, “Let’s go and enter it by faith because He’s told us to enter the land” and do you remember that the people were so enraged that the people would have stoned them to death. And now we have this illustration of how God keeps and rewards the faith of Caleb and Joshua.  He keeps His promises in detail and in a way that He vindicates the obedience and trust of his servants.  Based on His faithful promise, God granted Caleb’s desire for Hebron because of His faithfulness (He followed the Lord wholeheartedly) to believe that God would give the land to the Israelites as he promised.

Second, God’s sovereignty, in chapter 14: 6-10, this passage reviews what is also recounted in Numbers 13-14. As consequence of their unbelief the people of Israel including Joshua and Caleb wandered in the wilderness 38 years, then conquering the Land took 7 years, Caleb was now 85 years old. Through all of these years Joshua and Caleb did not question the fairness and faithfulness of God. They did not resent and murmur against God because they believed that God is sovereign. He is in control and He knows what he is doing.

When we find ourselves in difficult situations and God is not rewarding us in any way, we may think that God has forgotten His promise.  And here is the story of Joshua and Caleb, and God remembers them. They have a special piece of land that they would call their own because God is faithful and sovereign. As one puritan writes, “Promises, though they be for a time seemingly delayed, cannot be finally frustrated…. the heart of God is not turned though His face be hid; and prayers are not flung back, though they be not instantly answered.”

May these two powerful truths be our foundation as we continue in doing the Lord’s work. (Pastor Aeron Caldeo)

Transform the hearts of your ministers Lord, to always desire you above all else, above all things, and to put your glory to be our main purpose, our priority and passion in all that we do, say, and think.  Give us one mind and one heart that with all humility and in unity, we will all work together in harmony to advance your kingdom here on earth.  Deliver us from the sin of selfishness and pride. May your love reign and rule our hearts and minds for we are not competitors against each other but partners in your kingdom building. Bless the united efforts and works of our hands as we reach out to the “Lost” and serves your Chosen people. May our service be acceptable and pleasing to you. May it gain your smile of approval.

Teach us each day Lord to always delight in you in whatever circumstances you will allow us to go through. Help us to learn the art of true contentment as we live our lives in reality and simplicity.  May we learn to accept and submit to your providence not only during the “pleasant” times in our life, but even during the “unpleasant” seasons of tears, grief and pain. Grant us Lord the courage and the strength to face life’s tests, that whether in poverty or in wealth, in sickness or in health, or even in life or in death, we can sincerely thank you in all things at all times. For in Jesus, we have always the reason to rejoice evermore.

Train us dear Lord to always depend on you not only on the “big” issues in life, but even on the “small” areas in our daily decision-making, ministering and planning. Help us to seek your will, your way, your perfect time, and give us the wisdom to discern it and the willingness to obey whenever, whatever, wherever, your will would take us. Make us realize that apart from you, we can do nothing of eternal value. It is in our dependence on you that we come to experience your strength, your guidance, your power, and your mighty working. Empty us of our “self-sufficiency”, “our self-glory” and our “self-dependency”. Open and fix our eyes on the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we may have a better grasp of our sinfulness and frailties, and so be awed with Christ’s surpassing greatness and the richness of His grace. 

This we ask from you loving Father, by the finished work of your Son Jesus Christ, through the working of your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

(FROM THE DIRECTOR: Nenita S. del Mundo)

Grace Overflows is this year’s SMO Anniversary theme.

On its 34th year of campus ministry in the Philippines, the month-long celebrations kicked off on August 19, 2011, with the 11th Foundation Day of SMO Bible Training Institute (SMO-BTI). Students participated in friendly competitions in Preaching, Musical Interpretation, Bible Quiz, Storytelling, and Singing. Pastor Alex Hong, visiting missionary from Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Los Angeles, gave a challenge to the students focusing on The Gospel

This was followed by an Alumni Night Fellowship Dinner on August 21, 2011, where Pastor Hong challenged the alumni members of their role in the spreading of the Gospel. That night, SMO received offering and pledges from the alumni, and a brand new sound system equipment was donated by a missionary couple and their church they represent.

Pastor Hong, who is also a student of Master’s Seminary in California, lectured on August 22, 2011, to SMO staff, SMO-BTI faculty and students, and guests on The Gospel, Evangelism, Apologetics, and Hermeneutics.

The main event of the August celebrations was the 34th Anniversary Gathering on August 28, 2011 where students from 12 public and private schools were represented. Pastor John Todor of First Baptist Church of Quartzsite in Arizona preached The Gospel to more than 200 students, alumni, and guests. Pastor Todor used Romans 3:23-24 (“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”) as his main text. He is married to former Mythyl delos Reyes, who is an alumni and used to be one of the staff of SMO before. The event was filled with singing of worship songs, song numbers from the Afterglow singers, fun and games, and skit presentation from SMO-BTI students.

Jason (right) with family members

At an early age, I was already involved in vices such as: heavy smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and drug activities like using and trafficking. These led me and my friends to be involved also in crimes as theft and robbery, fraternity war, vandalism on private walls of buildings, and on residential and commercial establishments. I experienced being detained and imprisoned many times, but because I was a juvenile delinquent then, I was always discharged after a week or two. I quit going to school, my parents were always a frequent guest at the Principal’s Office. But with my parent’s nagging, I would just transfer to another school the following year, then quit again after a few months, and then try a different school again. My life was empty, hopeless, I felt so lost, It seemed to me that everything I am and do was just a chasing after the wind.

It was in the year 2009 when SMO bible school students conducted their weekly bible studies in the school where I was enrolled. They were friendly which attracted me to attend their fellowship. Their invitation for me to attend the Annual Evangelistic Camp led me to somehow be curious on the secret of their joy and security in life. Their patience, kindness, and passion to share with me the Gospel had somehow touched my heart to continue attending their bible studies. The following year, as the Word of God continue to pierce my heart showing my sinfulness and my need for repentance and salvation, Pastors Elmer and Aeron visited my house and shared the good news of Jesus Christ to my family. To my surprise, my family welcomed them and even decided that we have a regular schedule of bible teaching weekly. God’s word is really powerful. It has penetrated my heart and little by little changed my life as I struggle and continue to surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Just like the song, “I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see”. My family as well experienced God’s salvation which made all of us to follow the Lord in water baptism last August 29, 2011. At present, we are already actively attending a Christian Church and the bible study in our place is still going on weekly.  Praise God for His deliverance.

Every weekday, SMO missionaries go to school campuses to preach the Gospel to people like Jason. We sow the seed, others carry on the task of spending time with them in discipleship, but it is God who causes all things to “grow”. There is joy in serving Jesus and seeing students come to have an understanding of the Gospel, of Jesus, and their need of the Savior is of greatest consolation.

Our prayer partners and supporters are part of this jubilation, that though they may not have met the missionaries and the youths whose lives were changed, they are part of this greater joy.

SMO continues to trust God that His work will be carried on until He comes again.

Pastor Calixtro (right) officiates the baptism

Two school outreaches in Bacolod City will soon lead to the establishment of local churches in their respective areas. Pastor Al Calixtro, elder of Lifespring Fundamental Baptist Church and volunteer worker of SMO, started Bible studies to students of Sum-ag National High School and Bata National High School. Some parents in these communities also attend with them. Last September, Pastor Calixtro officiated water baptism to 22 individuals (most of them came from Bible studies in these two areas); they are currently attending regular Sunday worship services in Lifespring and in members’ homes. This January, 2011, Lifepsring will officially acknowledge the outreaches in Sum-ag and Bata as their sister churches. Pastor Calixtro is assisted by youth members of Lifespring, who are also SMO members.

EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGNS HELD

Pastor Faller on the helm

Community Life Ministry based in Metro Manila continues to expand in their ministry outreaches. On September 17, 2011, Hoop Heaven Basketball Tournament was held in Cainta, Rizal, where several teams participated in friendly basketball games and in Bible studies. On September 23, 2011, an Evangelistic Night was held with singer Ryan Fuentes as the speaker. There were singing of praise and drama presentations. Hundreds of people mostly youths listened to the Gospel preached. On September 25, 2011, visiting US missionary couple Jeff and Bernadette Todd spoke to a youth gathering called The Greatest Love Story with God. And on October 14-15, a joint Parents and Teachers Camp was held in Iba, Zambales. More than 200 people participated in the camp titled Limitless: Infinity and Beyond.

Community Life Ministry is being spearheaded by Pastor Luis Faller, who is also a ministry partner of SMO.

Iloilo Bible Baptist Church based in Iloilo City commemorated their 21st Founding Anniversary on September 17-22, 2011 with evangelistic campaigns in three schools, a visit in a jailhouse, distribution of tracts in commercial areas and schools, and a worship celebration. US missionaries, Clayton Edgy, Lucas Edgy and  Mat Stahlman preached the Gospel and gave their testimonies.

Pastor George Totica leads the church and is ministry partner of SMO.

In Bacolod, an evangelistic film showing was held in two public schools on August 23, 2011.

ASIAN MISSION TRIP

Repollo (left) with Rev. and Mrs. David Wong, and Afterglow trainer Ervin Lumauag

SMO Gen. Secretary Frederick Repollo joined the Afterglow Singers on a Mission Trip in Singapore and Thailand on October 28-November 6, 2011. Repollo was given the opportunity to talk to ministry partner Zion Bible Presbyterian Church to give new developments in the SMO work in the Philippines. He was also met by Rev. David Wong, Senior Pastor of Zion, where they had informal discussions about the ministry. Repollo also met and discuss matters with incoming Missions Director Tay Houw Jin. Video presentation about SMO was also shown during the worship services.

On the other hand, the Afterglow Singers sang in different occasions, notably, during the worship services at Zion and Emmanuel Bible Presbyterian Church, the Reformation Day Rally at Serangoon Bible Presbyterian Church, and the concert at Mt. Carmel Bible Presbyterian Church. The group also ministered to brethren in Thailand, particularly to Church of Blessings in Korat and Bangna Christian Fellowship. The group had a send-off concert in Bacolod City, Philippines on October 25 before they left for the Asian trip. Rev. Edwin Ormeo gave the message during the Philippine concert.

The Afterglow at a concert in Mt. Carmel BP Church, Singapore

The team was welcomed by Rev. Dr. Quek Swee Hwa in Singapore, and alumni members of Afterglow and church leaders in Thailand.

THANK YOU, PASTOR ARBI

Pastor Seijo

SMO will be missing one its Bible Study leaders and teaching staff as Pastor Reuel “Arbi” E. Seijo leaves for a new ministry in Davao City as one of the pastors of a local church there. The ministry expressed its heartfelt thanks to Pastor Arbi for three years of joyful service to the Lord. SMO looks forward to be in partnership with him and the local church he will be working with for a start of SMO work in Davao City soon. Our prayers on a new chapter in your life, Pastor Arbi.

FROM THE DIRECTOR: Nenita S. del Mundo

Receiving gifts during special occasions and unwrapping it, perks up my spirit and gives me a feeling of excitement and delight.  Grateful for whatever the giver has offered, I would appreciate his thoughtfulness and his gesture of love in remembering me.  The same is the feeling I have whenever I meditate on God’s gift of grace, which is intricately and beautifully wrapped in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I couldn’t express in words how to fully describe it, but let me attempt to give at least an ABC of this unspeakable gift of Grace. Firstly, It’s  Amazing! I still can’t imagine how the King of kings in all His glory would leave the splendour of heaven to die for a sinner like me. In his mercy and love, he has forgiven and delivered me from the punishment and power of sin which is death. He offered me eternal life through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. This gift is free and it knows no bounds, without distinction on account of one’s nationality, gender, profession, or social status. As John Newton puts it, “Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretched like me, I was once lost, but now am found, was blind, but now, I see.”  This wonderful grace of salvation is secured and can never be lost because it doesn’t depend on my performance but on the finished work of my Lord. It is complete and it assures my eternal destiny because His Amazing Grace Thoroughly Saves.

Secondly, this gift of Grace is Breath-taking! Having the assurance that I now have in Christ, each day for me becomes an exciting adventure of knowing and experiencing the richness of his grace and sweetness of his love and fellowship. Serving Him becomes a sheer joy, an opportunity and privilege as I learn to completely trust and depend only on him in every area of my life. I am thrilled to discover God’s surprises for me as he unfolds his gifts wrapped in various sizes, shades and shapes. It comes through either an answered prayer or an opportunity of service. It could be favourable or unfavourable news from friends, family members, fellow workers; or even an unexpected call from a long time brother or sister in the Lord. Every day is filled with wonderful experience of the miracle of God’s provision and greatness because His Breath-taking Grace Truly Satisfies.

Thirdly, this gift of Grace is Comforting!  Throughout our Christian walk, there are times when the pathway seems dark and the road is filled with sharp rocks and stones. The trials, temptations, troubles, hardships and difficulties we face every day seem to deprive us of the promised joy that is already ours to take. Praise God that it is his grace that comforts us in these trying times. God’s grace strengthens and empowers us to do the impossible things beyond our human strength and wisdom. Paul declares in Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This grace will give us the victory and will enable us to finish well in our journey of Faith. Phil. 1:6 says, “He who begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  This gives us the confidence that if we are a true child of God, His grace will carry us until the end of time because His Comforting Grace Totally Sustains.

What Grace is this? It’s beyond words & beyond understanding. It is Amazing, Breath-taking & Comforting. Surely, God’s grace overflows ….

Finally, after 34 years, Student Missionary Outreach has acquired a 3-hectare land property in Negros Occidental; the Promised Land we have all been waiting for.

SMO National Director, Nenita S. del Mundo, signed the contract deal amounting to Php1.5 million (US$63,870), with the original land owners and their lawyer, and also witnessed by SMO Bacolod Coordinator, Pastor Elmer A. Genol.  The official document signing took place on August 12, 2011 at the Depasucat Law Firm office.

The property is located at Barangay Pandanon-Silos, Murcia, Negros Occidental, which is a 40-minute drive away from Bacolod City and is accessible by commercial bus transport.

It took almost two years for the search of the “Promise Land”, after SMO received a one-time generous financial donation for the purpose of a land property purchase. The search started under the helm of the late former SMO National Director, Pastor Renato S. del Mundo, and finally finished by his wife Nenita.

Mrs. del Mundo signing the contract.

God’s provision came at a significant time in August when the ministry celebrates its 34th year in youth ministry and the first death anniversary of Pastor del Mundo. Indeed, the land acquisition was a fitting monument of God’s faithfulness and a reminder of the humble servant leadership of Pastor del Mundo.

The property, temporarily called, The SMO Training and Recreation Youth Center,  will be the future site of the SMO Bible Training Institute. It will also be developed into a conference and camp site, and source of livelihood projects for the ministry.

“The Promise Land” serves as an encouragement to the SMO missionaries and student leaders that the “field is still wide and ripe for harvest” and that the Lord’s work is yet to continue further until He comes again.

On May 2, 2011, Pastor Elmer Genol and Pastor Aeron Caldeo, both faculty members of SMO Bible Training Institute were tasked to visit 6 cities in the Philippines to give lectures to youth leaders and young people on Biblical Evangelism and Discipleship, and on How to Study the Bible and How to Start a Campus Ministry. Their trip lasted for almost a month and the rewards were encouraging. This is their first-hand account.

We praise and thank the Lord for His great faithfulness in sustaining us all throughout our travel. From Bacolod to General Santos in Mindanao to Bicol to Manila (Antipolo) and to Baguio it is indeed only by His grace that we are not consumed. Different place, different people, different dialects, different cultures, but one in calling and burden.  All come with one desire: to learn and to follow the great missionary challenge – to bring the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the different campuses in different schools in the Philippines.

General Santos City, South cotabato (May 3-6; Youth attendance: 26). Our SMO Coordinator, Pastor Ener Gamolo welcomed and hosted us. The training was held at the SMO Campsite, a 40-minute ride from the city. 26 young people attended coming from the different churches of our missionaries Pastors Ener Gamolo, Elmer Polo, Bienvenido Flores, and Romeo Salomon, who came from the neighboring Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Province. We are also blessed to see the group of high school, college and young professional SMO’ers who attended Pastor Polo’s evening Bible Study at his church, they were about 20. Our fellowship with them was indeed a great encouragement to us as they share testimonies on how the Lord used SMO as the means by which the gospel came to them. Each one of them thanked the Lord for SMO in their school.

Pastor Batalla (center) with Pastor Caldeo and Pastor Genol

Legaspi City, Albay (May 9-13; Youth attendance: 35). From the hot weather in Gen. Santos City we flew to Legaspi City where there it was cold and a storm was brewing. The Batalla family warmly welcomed us. We were a little bit worried about the attendance of our training because of the storm. The training was postponed for a day. The training was held at a scenic campsite in a town about an hour ride from Legaspi. Ricefield and pili tree plantation surround the site with the imposing Mayon volcano on the background. The youths who came were joined by their pastors, church workers, and laypeople. Sadly, participants from neighboring Naga City did not arrive due to floods  in their area. We were so blessed to see the youths and fellow workers respond to the call of reaching the Filipino youth for Christ in their campuses.

Naga City, Camarines Sur (May 14; Youth attendance: 15). Upon the advice of our National Director, Nenita del Mundo, we made a visit in Naga City to train the youths there. Even though tired, we thank God for his grace that sustained us. We praise and thank the Lord for a very nice accommodation of Pastor Ed Santonia and his family. We also thank God for the Nealega family for hosting a sumptuous lunch for us and the Dignadice family for giving us a nice place to stay.

Antipolo City, Metro Manila (May 20; Youth attendance: 33). Antipolo Faith Fundamental Baptist Church played host to our training. Youths from nearby Marikina and Cainta were there. To God be the glory for a wonderful fellowship we have with the youths and fellow workers. We were also able to learn some insights from Pastor Marlon Albo on how his church carries out discipleship and campus evangelism.

Baguio City, Cordillera (May 22-23; Youth attendance: 20).  From Antipolo we took a very long 6-hour journey all the way up to the “city of pines”, Baguio city in Northern Philippines. Fogs and droplets of rains greeted us upon arrival. Even though we find it difficult to adjust to the cold temperature there, we consider our stop in Baguio as sort of a bonus to us. Aside from the blessings of the people’s hospitality, God allowed us to witness his beautiful creation through nature. Despite the fact that we came at a time where most of the youth are on vacation still we praise God for sending 20 young people to attend our training.

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental (June 2-3; Youth attendance: 40). We touched home base in Bacolod where the bulk of the youth leaders were. It’s good to be back home.

Indeed, the Lord is great and mighty. With one heart and one mind, from southern to northern Philippines we are blessed to see young people committing their lives to the gospel and to the testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s a blessing to see young people’s passion ignite. It’s a great encouragement to see fellow workers revived. And for us to go home wholeheartedly satisfied for the great things He has done. And together we commit with “One Gospel, One Team.”

To God be the Glory!

TESTIMONIES 

From Steve Dy Agor of Naga City, Student

The bad weather condition that hit our province did not deter Pastor Elmer and Pastor Aeron to visit us in Naga City and give us a one-day lecture on Biblical Evangelism and Discipleship. The lecture came at no other better time. Being a Christian and an engineering student of university, I would want to be better prepared in witnessing to my schoolmates.

Back in high school I had witnessed to three of my friends with courage and zeal. Once, I was walking back home when I bumped into my classmate in elementary. We chatted for awhile asking what we have been doing of late, then suddenly I was convicted to talk to him about Christ and the gospel. My experience in witnessing continued when I was in high school. In contrast, today, I find myself in a predicament where I feel uneasy doing evangelism to my friends. My courage and zeal have seemed to just fade away.

The message of the lecture was very clear and I believe God is telling me something. I had a clearer reason and motivation for witnessing. I learned the basic and key contents that should be in the presentation of the gospel – God, sin, the person and work of Jesus, repentance and faith. The message brought a spark and renewed the desire to witness to others. It reminded me once again that if it was not for God’s grace, I, too, am on the way to eternal damnation, which is why other people need to know God’s salvation. Presently, there still remains a bit of uneasiness in me when witnessing comes to mind, but God is helping me overcome it step by step with love as the motivation for the greater glory of His name. The lecture renewed my commitment again to be passionate in Christ and the gospel.

From Pastor Bats Batalla, SMO Missionary

The training in Legaspi City was indeed a blessing. It kindled a fire for fellowship between youths from other churches. The students have been encouraged to strengthen one another in their Christian testimonies. They now have monthly meetings. Though it is difficult for them to organize a Bible study inside the campus, they strive to do personal witnessing to their classmates.

The students have now the boldness in proclaiming their faith in Jesus to their non-Christian friends.

From Jethro Batalla of Legaspi City, Student

The training challenged me to become a campus missionary at Bicol University where I am enrolled. From the lectures given by Pastor Elmer and Pastor Aeron, I have learned that being a missionary is not an option for every Christian, but a command from the Lord Jesus Christ for us to obey. It is the responsibility of every Christian to spread the Word of God. Thank God for giving me the privilege of becoming a campus missionary.

From Rebekah Mae Batalla of Legaspi City, Student

The training has been a real blessing to me. I am again encouraged to do my responsibilities as a child of God, to share His love and grace to others, and to witness particularly inside our school campus. Despite the obstacles before the training, like the storm, we pursued. I was then revived through the life testimonies of the two ministers of God from Bacolod and from other churches here in Bicol. I pray that the SMO ministry here in Bicol will become fruitful in the years to come.

For more than twenty five years in my Christian service, I have experienced and have proven that living and serving for God’s glory is the chief end of man as what the Westminster Confessions says. I Corinthians 10:31 exhorts us that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we must do it all for the glory of God. To integrate this principle into our theology and daily practice would likely result in humility, unity among fellow servants of the Lord, personal contentment and joy. Here are three ways on how we must seriously consider “God’s glory” in our lives and service:

1. Make “God’s glory” our PURPOSE. With this, SELF or the FLESH will just slip in oblivion. There will be no room for PRIDE as we learn to humble ourselves before God and acknowledge that everything comes from Him – our spiritual gifts, talents, resources, even our faith and the strength to obey & fulfil His commands. Phil. 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure”. Knowing then that the purpose of our life and service is the glory of God, it would develop in us humility, as we realize that we are only God’s channel or instruments to make Him known and to proclaim and manifest His Glory in all the earth.

2. Make “God’s Glory” our PRIORITY. As we allow God’s glory to be our primary concern, this will teach us to become fully dependent only on Him for His direction and guidance. We must always seek His will, His way and terms, His time and plan in every decisions, activities, programs, events, and details in our lives. Making God’s glory our priority will produce unity, order, harmony, peace, love & beauty in our relationships with fellow workers as we do God’s ministry together.

3. Make “God’s Glory” our PASSION. God’s glory must be our motivation in everything we do. If this is true in our lives and ministry, our view of Christian service will be different from the concept of the worldly, materialistic values. For us who passionately pursue God’s glory, hard work is preferred over mediocrity. Longer hours spent with God in prayer will no longer be as boredom, but a delight. “Low pay”, “No pay”, or a mere “Thank you” in return for our service, will not be considered unfair. Nothing will be too difficult, too long, or too painful that we cannot bear. Just like what the Apostle Paul says,“ …for I have learned in every situation I am to be content.”  Making God’s glory our Passion would lead us to contentment. It is not impossible then to be ever rejoicing in the Lord at all times, because our every service to God becomes an enjoyment, fulfilment, and excitement as we wait for God’s Glory to unfold and be revealed right before our eyes.

There is no greater privilege than to proclaim and manifest the glory of God in our lives. There is no greater joy than to be called His servants. May we be found wise and faithful stewards as we honor  God in our lives and service.

(The message was delivered by Mrs. Nenita S. del Mundo, SMO National Director and SMO-BTI Dean of Students, during SMO-BTI’s 7^th Commencement Exercises).