w ISSUE SEVENTY-THREE

WORD ON THE STREET MAGAZINE (WOTS) is a campus publication released four times per year that has been around for 17 years. WOTS is written, laid out, and printed by members of Street Level Ministries at three universities in the United States and in Cebu City, Philippines. We’re Christians who love Jesus and want to write about life, God, and college.

The Philippines WOTS crew can be found throughout Cebu City… we’re often writing at our office, doing a Bible study at a local cafe, or handing out magazines at universities. [email protected] Email [email protected] for details on how you can get involved. We hope the magazine is funny, challenging, and provocative, while encouraging you to pursue a strong relationship with Jesus.

WORD ON THE STREET MAGAZINE PHILIPPINES

SUPERIOR CEBU CITY WISCONSIN PHILIPPINES

MENOMONIE WISCONSIN

CREATE YOUR OWN PATH BE A PATHFINDER TODAY: USC STUDENT ORG ONE GUY’S TRUE STORY STUDENT TESTIMONY BLINDED BY LOVE: LOVING THE UNSEEN MOVIE REVIEW TOUR THE WORLD WITHOUT LEAVING CEBU 7 GLOBAL CUISINES IN CEBU LIVING ON MISSION IN AMSTERDAM INTERVIEW WITH ANNEMIEKE ROERING EUROPEAN MISSIONS WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN CLIMATE LIKE IN EUROPE? DON’T FOLLOW YOUR HEART BOOK REVIEW LIFE ON MISSION 7 TIPS FOR SHARING YOUR FAITH IN COLLEGE IDENTITY SPOKEN WORD LYRICS A.W. TOZER PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD DEAR LAURA HOW DID WE GET HERE? NEW PLAN, WHAT PLAN? BIBLE READING PLAN FOR THE NEW YEAR IN AN UPSIDEDOWN WORLD

USC Pathways is a student volunteer group that makes it their mission to promote education as a tool in uplifting youth to reach their dreams. Its members are called Pathfinders because they aim to help show others a path to success. Cebu is one of the regions in which this program is tackling the barriers faced by academically- gifted but financially underprivileged youth who are seeking a college education.

“It opened doors for me which I never expected, doors within myself, within others, and within the community we thought we knew since we were born.” – Meryll A. (BS Electrical Engineering 3)

Pathways' purpose is not only to provide financial support to these participants but also to assist them with the major difficulties that they face in their pursuit of a college education. These difficulties include things like lack of academic preparation for college, insufficient family income, lack of self-esteem, and lack of educational resources. To address these issues, Pathways provides access to education by offering seminars and serving opportunities.

"I believe that volunteering in Pathways is like travelling on a road less taken. Many would start to join the ride but only a few are left to continue the journey. Aside from the advocacy, seeing the people that believe in it gives me the drive to continue serving." -Kristal K. (BS Computer Engineering 3)

In Pathways, there are many students who volunteer the majority of their time to planning for educational activities from the elementary to senior high level. Giving out free education and opportunities gives the participants the chance to act out of servitude and generosity.

Joining Pathways changed my life, although it was not easy at first as I am not from USC. As time flew, this organization slowly brought out the best of my abilities as a college student, and it also gave me a different perspective on life. Joining this is easily one of the greatest decisions I've ever made, and I am eternally grateful for what it has done not only to its project beneficiaries, but also to myself. – James V. (BS in Aircraft Maintenance Technology 4)

USC Pathways opens its doors to new members every start of the semester with a membership orientation where they talk about their past events and how the events changed them. They don’t require your full attendance to every meeting or event, but if you want to participate in them, it is advised to try and attend the meetings every week to know about the details of the event.

If you or anyone you know is interested in joining, there is a page on Facebook called USC – Pathways where you can openly voice out your request to join and be a part of the organization. Since it only accepts new members at the start of every year, you will have to wait until the start of the next year to join. You are welcome to leave your contact info if you are really interested in joining. Pathways will always be open to students who have the heart to serve.

True Story

grew up not going to church at all except on Easter and Christmas. I had known about Jesus, and my parents had The Holy Spirit had talked about Him occasionally, but that was it. No one in I our household really had a relationship with God. When I opened my spiritually would go to church, I didn’t feel anything and it was like I was just going through the motions. dead eyes and my heart

When I was in middle school and early high school, my life of stone to see the showed no acknowledgment of God. I was into things like swearing and pornography and I wasn’t honoring God with wondrous anything in my life. When I was in my second year in high school, one of my teachers invited my brother and our family to his church in a nearby town. It was there that I had first work of God heard the gospel message of God coming down as a man, living a perfect God-honoring life, and dying on the cross, Almighty. bearing the sins of the world so that we can be legally right in God’s eyes, those who trust in Jesus. When I had heard this, I felt very convicted of my lifestyle and this was when I got saved and the Holy Spirit had opened my spiritually dead eyes -Mike and my heart of stone to see the wondrous work of God Almighty. But my first two years of college, I never got plugged into a body of believers to help grow and strengthen my faith. on Jesus gives me so much joy knowing I am in the hands of The summer after my freshman year of college, my brother, the Creator of the world, and that He can certainly handle Mitch, had really been pressing on me to sign up for this camp ANYTHING that deeply troubles me! for Christian athletes through an organization called Athletes in Action. I really did not want to go but my brother kept This past summer I was feeling very convicted to get trying and eventually I signed up. The camp was called “The connected to a local church because I had not done that my Ultimate Training Camp” and was directed around how to first two years of college. I came across Jesus Fellowship of glorify God through our sports and how to really play/run for Believers Church and have been greatly blessed by everyone Him. At this camp, I met so many other Christian athletes there. It is amazing how God has lead me to this group of from around the country and it was so comforting knowing people and how far He has brought me in my walk with Him. that others went through the same struggles I do. It was at Since then, God has still been pursuing me and showing me this camp where I realized what my sins were doing to me many areas in my life that are not fully surrendered to Him. It and, more importantly, how God viewed my sins. Being in a has been an uncomfortable process, but just trusting Him is Christian community at that camp really made me long for something like that in my life permanently. the most important thing. After graduation, I would like to stay in the Menomonie (USA) area and keep serving God Since that camp, my life has not been the same. I have through Jesus Fellowship of Believers Church and Street Level directed my path to reading Scripture daily, having a richer Ministries. prayer life, and following the path directed for me by the Holy Spirit. Being in constant communication with and meditating

Kita Kita ("I See You") restores our sight to the truth. His love heals us, make is a briskly-plotted, us whole and give us hope because God's love is the refreshingly light, bond of perfection. delightful, whimsical and bittersweet You may be hopeless and brokenhearted today, movie featuring the searching for that one true love just like the unlikely pairing of Alessandra de Rossi known as Lea, a characters in the Kita-Kita movie. Just stop, be still, Filipina tourist guide living and working in , , and and give Him a chance to speak to you. God sees you as Tonyo, a homely but funny Filipino guy. in your pain and He will reveal Himself not in a Unfortunately, Lea discovers that her Japanese boyfriend has fleeting way, but with His sweet presence He will let been cheating on her, and she suddenly loses her vision and you know and make you understand that He loves becomes blind. Tonyo ends up wooing desolate Lea with you more deeply than any human could ever offer. persistence and home-cooked meals, and when they finally connect, they become friends and develop a romantic Spoiler alert: the Kita-Kita movie ends in a character's relationship. When she finally perceives that she is in love with death, but God's story of love for you did not remain Tonyo, she regains her vision. in the grave when He communicated His true love for you. He rose from the grave and lived again because Whether you have seen or have not seen this movie, every love He wants to live with you and in you - in your story depicts how the pursuit of love affects the life of each heart. Now, feel God's presence and let individual. Sometimes we identify ourselves in the character’s Him fill your life. You don't see role. If you are reading at this point and you are maybe happily God but God sees you and single, hurting from breaking up with your partner, enduring a loves you. long-distance relationship, or confused in a complicated relationship, it's always because you are seeking genuine love. The best part is that, unlike in a movie that leaves a false feeling of "maybe there's someone out there for me," there really is a genuine, constant, and unchanging love out there for you.

It is hard to find that kind of love in this fickle world. You can only find such love when you stop searching for that love in the wrong person and allow yourself to be still and give God a chance to speak to you. He sees you with His unconditional love and has been chasing you and pursuing you for a very long time. His name is Jesus and His love comes from the Father because God is love.

Today, maybe you are loving too much, giving too much without reciprocation, or getting hurt yet again in the name of love. It's been frustrating and unsatisfying, right? When you pursue a false illusion of love, it makes you blind from the truth: loving selflessly will open our eyes to see the truth. We are all spiritually blind, but God's love is the only light that make our blind eyes of faith open. When we embrace His kind of love, it

TOUR THE WORLD WITHOUT LEAVING CEBU 7 global cuisines that will leave your taste buds dancing Have you ever noticed that Cebu is a melting pot of cultures? You can walk down the street and meet people from every corner of the world. We can glean a lot from other cultures – languages, clothing styles, music, and most noteworthy: FOOD. If you have a little extra allowance to spend or you’re looking for something new, check out one of these restaurants and journey around the world without even leaving Cebu!

We’ll start our journey in the 1 USA with one of the nation’s largest fast food chains – McDonald’s. If 1 you want a truly American-style meal, opt for the Big Mac, french fries, and chocolate shake. However, McDo also caters its menu internationally to fit local cuisines. Try the vegetarian McSpicy Paneer (deep-fried cheese patty) Burger in India, french fries topped with guacamole and salsa in 2 Australia, or a Deluxe Shrimp Burger in Korea. LOCATIONS: More than 28 locations to choose from in Cebu

South of the border is Mexico, which is known for its burritos, 2 enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, and of course, tacos! Although it’s a bit spendy, the menu available at Army Navy Burger + Burrito is worth it. Go with friends and share a giant steak burrito and nacho chips with salsa. And for dessert? Sugary-sweet, deep-fried sticks of wonder: churros! LOCATIONS: eBloc 2, IT Park; 2nd Floor, The Terraces or 4th Floor Food Court, Ayala

Traveling northeast, we will venture to the Mediterranean country of Italy. This country’s 3 food is characterized by its simplicity and quality ingredients. This country has a diversity of specialties: the north is known for its risottos, the middle for its tortellini, and the south for its pizzas and spaghettis. If you’re looking for budget bites, try Sbarro, a blend of American and Italian cuisines. Choose from deep dish pizza, stromboli layered with your choice of sauce, creamy pastas, and fresh salads. LOCATIONS: 2nd Floor, Active Zone, Ayala; Ground Floor, next to SM Supermarket, SM City; Ground Floor, Food Court, Robinson’s Fuente

Neighboring Italy and similar in its cuisine, is the nation of Greece. Known for its use of grains, 4 fish, olives, and fresh vegetables, Greek cuisine can be quite healthy. One of the best places to try in Cebu is My Greek Taverna. You can get a gyro, potato wedges, Greek salad, and drinks combo for less than P250 – and for that amount of food, you can easily share with your best friend (and split the cost!). LOCATIONS: 4TH Floor, Ayala Food Court; Ground Floor Banilad Town Center; EMall

Continuing east is India, a nation whose cuisine is as Next up, our journey around the world takes us 5 diverse as the spices that comprise it. You can find 6 north of the Philippines to Korea. What better many regional specialties throughout India and notice representation of Korean food than a steamy dish of that the food gets progressively spicier as you travel bibimbap? Or, if you find yourself at Mr. Kimbob, you’d south. If you want a taste of India in Cebu, try The have to ask for their version of the classic dish, called Famous Indian Curry House. As you walk in the door, you “Bibimbob.” The nice thing about Mr. Kimbob is it’s a will be greeted by a Mumbai-native, who cooks all the fast-food chain that prides itself in providing quality food herself. For a quick lunch, try the Samosa Chaat. If Korean meals at affordable prices, which could easily fit in you’re sharing with friends, get the Butter Chicken and the tight budget of a college student! LOCATION: Food Jeera Rice. Don’t forget to sip on a refreshing Mango Lassi Court, Lower Ground Floor, SM City or steaming cup of chai tea! LOCATION: APM Mall Food Court (across from SM City)

3 4 6

5 7

Bringing it full circle, we’ve saved one of our favorite countries for last… The 7 Philippines, of course! If you haven’t been there yet, get a delicious meal for cheap at Yakski BBQ. Our favorites include chicken breast (with spicy sauce!) and pork barbecue. Pair it with rice and an ice-cold Coke and you could potentially eat for less than P120! LOCATIONS: Capitol, IT Park, or Lapu-Lapu

LIVING ON MISSION IN AMSTERDAM

Name: Annemieke Roering Education: International Hotel Management Birth place: Terwolde, The Netherlands Current city: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

WOTS: How did you come to be involved in the ministry, or WOTS: What is the "Christian climate" like in Amsterdam? ministries, that you are a part of? What is your role in it? How does that affect the ministry work that you do?

Annemieke: I have been working with YWAM Amsterdam Annemieke: Amsterdam has quite a few churches and since September 2004, I felt a call to reach out to the people Christian organizations and there is a lot of diversity; in in the red light district, especially those who do not know expressions of worship, but also in language, background and Jesus and the wonderful relationship that we can have with nationalities. Him. At this moment I am co-leading the Cleft team, a ministry that focuses on evangelism among people in WOTS: What is your typical day like in the ministry work? prostitution, homeless, and tourists in Amsterdam. Annemieke: Every day is different, but in general I combine WOTS: What is the best part of the ministry work that you worship and intercession with outreach on the streets. do? What is the hardest part? Sometimes we go out to the ladies who work behind the windows in the red light district, other times, we invite them Annemieke: The best part is to see God at work and to get to at our home for dinner and Bible study. Since I am also co- know Him better through that. Also getting to know the leading the team, some of my time is also consumed with ladies in the red light district more personally and to share pastoral care, organizing finances, etc. life with them. The hardest part for me is to see precious men and women believing in the deception of the enemy and WOTS: What prayer requests do you have? Word on the all the horrible consequences that come from that. Street and our readers would like to pray for you specifically.

WOTS: How have you grown in your relationship with God Annemieke: Thank you for your prayers for Amsterdam. We through the ministry work you are a part of? would love to see a move from the Holy Spirit in the lives of the people we minister to. Please pray for the revelation of Annemieke: I have gotten to know God better, meeting Him Jesus for the men and women in the red light district. That in other people. Seeing the work He has done in my life and they might be able to receive the Fathers love for them and the in the lives of those around me. As a missionary I live by get to know Him better. faith and I have really learned to trust Him more, even for my daily bread. I am much more aware of my dependence on Him, than before I joined missions.

hat comes to mind when areas where people are successful, well- you think of the word fed, well-educated, seemingly happy, "missions?" Does your and yet spiritually dead? In countries W brain think of a where many people do not perceive a developing country somewhere far need for God, how are Christians in away that is in desperate need of aid, 2018 going forth to fulfill the Great reconstruction, or direction? Perhaps Commission given to them in Matthew What’s the Christian you think of any people group that 28? In the context of Europe, it is seen Climate Like in Europe? doesn’t know God and are lost because by Christians that people, who have they don’t have Jesus. The word rejected the living hope of God and "missions" has certainly taken on a life replaced it with the illusion of of its own, but the Bible simply states in something else, are often very lonely. Matthew 28:16 to, “Go therefore and Acts 29 is one organization dedicated to make disciples of all nations." planting and growing churches across Therefore, any group of people, or any the globe, including Europe, and it is individual, that doesn’t know Christ is done one person at a time. Each church someone to be reached "on mission." plant is begun and sustained by forming This is regardless of the individual's relationships with people and socio-economic situation, their family demonstrating the real love of Jesus. name, or their nation’s standing within Where appeals to logic and reason may the global economy. Certainly many fail, the living, breathing truth of Jesus people are in need in regards to food, evidenced in the life of a person water, shelter, and infrastructure, but reaching out to another in relationship spiritually, everyone is in need of Jesus wins. It outperforms the shortcomings Christ. It is a myth to equate missions of everything this world has to offer. work with digging wells and building orphanages. Missions work, no matter If you would like to be a part of the where it takes place, is speaking the missions work of Jesus without leaving truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ to your hometown, you can. Ask God to people who are lost and dying. give the mission workers in Europe wisdom in starting and leading a new Studies show that various Christian church, clarity as they hear from God, denominations are still the most unity amongst those involved, and prevalent religion that people subscribe endurance to continue the work when to in Europe, but just a fraction of that it gets difficult. Also, you can pray for percentage, 2.5%, describe themselves the people of Europe (and anywhere as followers of authentic, biblical else!), that they may no longer live in Christianity.1 A study conducted by the distracted darkness. Pray for them to Pew Research Center says, “While have God wake them up and come alive Christians remain the largest religious to the realities of Jesus Christ, and to group in Europe, they are projected to know the truth of the Bible. Not only drop from three-quarters of the can you start by praying for those small population to less than two-thirds."2 church plants and their leaders across This trend predicts Christianity will lose Europe, but more importantly you can "This trend predicts over 100 million people in the coming rise to the challenge of being a decades since almost 25% of Europeans missionary right where you are, too. Christianity will lose over are projected to claim ‘no religious The Philippines, and every place else in 100 million people in the affiliation’ by the year 2050.2 the world, is also full of people that coming decades since have either rejected God or may never almost 25% of Europeans In places where wealth is prevalent, have heard of Him, and you can be sure are projected to claim ‘no what does helping people know God that your classmate, co-worker, friend, religious affiliation’ by the look like? How does "missions" work in or neighbor is one of them. year 2050."

here is something very, very wrong completely failed to do so as I struggled with this world. Don't you feel it? through classes and spent days on end Yet somehow, there are vast feeling incredibly empty. I always thought segments of beauty within it that there must be something more to this echo something larger than our present life, but it remained unattainable until dilemma. It's a perplexing situation to Jesus destroyed my false belief that I navigate as human beings. On one hand, could somehow fashion my own reality. we are confined to eke out our daily Until I traded in my limited worldview, I food, shelter, and clothing. On the other was blind to the awesome truth that hand, we are driven by an insatiable need eternity is not a theory; it's a reality, and for belonging, purpose, and community. God has made us eternal creatures. The famed theologian, C.S. Lewis, says it well in his book Mere Christianity: "If I ETERNAL REALITY find in myself desires which nothing in A standard dictionary defines "eternity" this world can satisfy, the only logical as infinite or unending time. Ecclesiastes explanation is that I was made for 3:11 states, "He [God] has planted another world." eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of In the Netflix series, Stranger Things, the God’s work from beginning to end." God characters experience another world is not on our timeline. Imagine you are called the Upside Down. It was portrayed standing in a crowd of people watching a as a present, sinister reality that no one parade. You can see each float pass by could see except for those cursed enough one at a time but you can never predict to fall into it. It lurked just beneath the which float will come next. God, surface and it had the power to destroy however, is like an aircraft in the sky. He the living. This analogy is not as far sees the entire parade at once and knows removed from reality as you might think. the exact order of the parade, all of the Lewis described our world as "upside spectators, and how it's all going to end. down." He likened it to a "valley of tears, That analogy helps us understand the cursed with labour, hemmed round with difference between our perspective of necessities, tripped up with frustrations, time versus God's, doesn't it? doomed to perpetual plannings, puzzlings, and anxieties."1 We don't remember being born and we cannot predict how we're going to die, When I was in college and in my early but God knows that information in exact twenties, I often wondered what the detail. This also means that God knows future held in store for me. I tried to find how the world is going to end because a sense of fulfillment for my life, but I He's the one that set it all in motion at

1C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm, ch. 17

will. If all you do is ask Jesus to forgive your sins in fear so you don't perish in hell, you're "Here's what the still missing out on eternal life. John 3:16 says, “For God loved the world so much that he Bible teaches gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have about eternity and eternal life." Jesus defined this eternal life for us in John 17:3 where He says, "And this is the your stance in it: way to have eternal life – to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you everlasting life is sent to earth." So, in a nutshell, eternal life is knowing God. a present-tense Are you disappointed with that definition? If possession." you are, the problem is that you only think you know God, which means of course you aren't satisfied with this succinct little answer. the start. With this in mind, take heed to the There has to be something more, right? Well, warning He has given us. In the book of 2 what does it mean to know someone? In this Peter, it states, "But you must not forget this passage, the Bible was speaking about so one thing, dear friends: A day is like a much more than just an intellectual ascent. thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand For example, just because you "know of" years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, doesn't slow about his promise, as some people think. mean you "know" them. You only really No, he is being patient for your sake. He does "know" the people that you are closest to, not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants like your family and friends. In the same way, everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord when Jesus said eternal life is knowing God, will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the He was speaking of that type of knowing. heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, God, the Creator of the Universe, desires an and the very elements themselves will intimate, close, off-the-charts love story type- disappear in fire, and the earth and everything of-knowing relationship. That is the key to on it will be found to deserve judgment." eternal life, and why Christians walk around so often with a stupid grin on their face. What are your thoughts right now after We're not just looking forward to our future reading that? Is it just crazy nonsense and/or home in Heaven with Jesus; we're actually old-fashioned hysteria? Or, is it reality? It has experiencing it right now, at least as much as to be one of those, there is no in between! this lifetime allows us to comprehend of it. Many people explain away Jesus as a crutch that was developed through the centuries to INTERFERENCES deal with the painful reality of death, and Without God, the Bible counts you as a blind they attribute eternal damnation to the same person. As a spiritually blind person, you have ludicrous category. It's up to you to decide the full authority to interpret the upside what you're going to believe, but if Jesus is down world around you in any way you want. true, then your eternity hinges on what you Without the responsibility of an eternal believe about Him. perspective, your goal is likely to obtain all that you can see and touch in this life. When REDIRECTING FOCUS you have a lot of things, life is good. When Here's what the Bible teaches about eternity you are deprived and desolate, life stinks. and your stance in it: everlasting life is a When someone else has what you want, you present-tense possession. It is not something go after it. Since you see that a successful that begins if you get to heaven. Eternity is career, relationships, status, money and high- real and we will experience it after this end possessions are what everyone is forming lifetime. Think on this: Will you be conscious their lives around, you do too. You only have in 1,000 years? The Bible says yes. Everyone today, right?

In reality, every day you have here is another gracious "Accepting the truth that this present opportunity given by God for you to know Him world is not all there is ushers in a (remember, eternal life?). He has given you time here to choose Him or not, to believe Him or not, to accept the sharpened perspective of the purpose reality of eternity or not. Up until now, it's been too for our lives while we're here." easy to miss out on the grandness of this life God designed you for because you haven't understood, or wanted to understand, the full weight of the reality of toward us in Christ Jesus." The thing is, while we can eternity. As human spectators of the parade passing never know it fully until we pass away into His Kingdom, before us, we tend to forget about tomorrow, let alone in His mercy and grace and kindness, He has already eternity, when each day is filled to bursting with the given us glimpses and moments of this eternal glory. urgent demands of everyday living. You've experienced it since you were a kid, in those elated moments of carefree activity, in the awesome FOREVER TODAY beauty of the summer sky lit up with a thousand stars, But once you believe that your spirit will endure forever, and in the timeless treasure of enjoying a holiday with things change. Once you, like a blind person, ask for family. You understand without a doubt that you were sight, Jesus works through His Spirit to give you eternal made for something so much larger. Just like you could perspective, and in the same breath, He gives you the never imagine fitting the ocean into a cup, you cannot realization of your utter dependence on Him to walk fully comprehend the reality of eternity, but you know through this world in the meantime. You thought you it's there. Eternal perspective means having your eyes were in control, but it was only because in your wide open to the source of Who created this earth. That blindness you thought you understood the world. You is why Jesus commands us to seek His Kingdom and not didn't think you were actually in the Upside Down the short term, fading glory of this world. In regards to because it was all you had ever known. Being a Christian this quest, He promised us, "My God will supply every is a transformation, but you have to take that first step need of yours according to His riches in Christ to actually receive what Jesus is offering: an eternal Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). perspective based on knowing the Eternal One. Accepting the truth that this present world is not all We humans have a real obsession with knowing what there is ushers in a sharpened perspective of the our purpose is. God says that you were made for purpose for our lives while we're here. If your eyes are eternity. Since having an eternal perspective means open, you no longer have to operate like the rest of the knowing God, you cannot separate the two. Each one of world, drifting along, caught up by the passing swells. us was made to enjoy the riches of the glory of God, You get to have your sight set on what actually matters which can only be lived out by knowing Him. An eternal in the long run. When life "goes bad," you can perspective means that going to work is no longer about remember that Jesus is making sure you realize true how much pleasure you can squeeze out of it, but reality is knowing Him, not groping about in the dark on because your true treasure is in Jesus, you go to work your own terms. with the perspective that you're there for others. It's amazing how the anxieties we have about figuring-it-all- There are many passages in the Bible that describe the out so you can be as comfortable as possible are future God has planned for those who believe in Him eliminated when you stop living for the here and now, and know Him. 1 Corinthians says, "What no eye has and start living for the Eternal God. He will change seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man everything. Life cannot possibly be all about getting the imagined...God has prepared for those who love Him." career, the spouse and the house, so why are you living Not only can we not imagine it, but we cannot measure that way? God has offered the impossible. He is poised it. Ephesians 2:7 says, "In the coming ages He [will] to put eternity in your heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11). But, do show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness you want Him to, or is this just nonsense?

You Today," you cannot read this book with a neutral attitude. While digesting each section, you are left reeling from the bad news of how wayward you truly t's are, but led to drink in the not hard to guess what good news that dying to the book "Don't Follow yourself to follow the Savior Your Heart" sets out to is the most sane, rational deliver. Its author, Jon thing you could ever do. Bloom, offers a microscopic view into your heart's For example, read the condition in the midst of a following excerpt from page in the act of opposing our pride, because it makes us world that chants the 103: “We often do not know humble. For he knows that the more humble we are, "follow your heart" mantra. what we are really building the happier we are. The proud will be destroyed The book is organized into when we embark on our (Prov. 16:18), but the humble will dwell with God 31 sections that break down achievements. We often (Isa. 57:15).” the various myths you've aren't aware of how deep, been led to believe about pervasive, and motivating It doesn't matter where you are currently at with yourself by using the Bible our pride is. We often are God. Whether you are a curious voyager, a to illuminate the One you blind to how much we seasoned Christian, or hurting from the overload of were made to follow. It's not cherish the glory of our this world, reading this book allows you to take a a "how-to" manual, but name. But God knows. And brutally honest look into the reason things are the rather a "collection of helps in mercy he confounds us, way they are and offers fresh hope in the path for common heart problems." impedes us, and humbles us. forward. And it is all mercy. 'God With chapter titles like, "The opposes the proud but gives A free PDF download is available online at Insanity of Leaning on Our grace to the humble' (1 Pet. desiringgod.org/books/don-t-follow-your-heart.pdf. Own Understanding" and 5:5). When it comes to his Share it with friends. It's definitely a must-read for "Where Satan Will Attack children, God gives us grace everyone.

t was just before my second year of college that I first came to believe that Jesus was the only thing that could make me stand perfect before a Holy God. I remember wanting to bring up Jesus in every conversation. It didn't even really take that much effort. The good news that I had made a new best friend (One that was never going to leave my side) filled up most of the space in my heart and An empty cup has nothing to pour out. Our own fellowship mind. It was readily on the tip of my tongue. with God should be the first thing we assess. Go to God and repent of any sin you currently recognize in your life. Spend Four and a half years later, I admittedly find myself waiting time with other Christians. Develop habits in yourself of for “the right time” to openly share about my faith with my daily bible reading and prayer. You’ll develop a knowledge coworkers, family, and definitely with people I’ve just met. I of Scripture you can use to encourage others. It’s easy for us sometimes feel awkward knowing how to bring up God into to talk about the latest movie or T.V. show we’ve been into. everyday conversations even though I understand with my Sharing the Bible can, and should, be just as natural. The head what the Bible talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:10 when times when I’m meditating on the Word of God more it says, “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. frequently, I naturally talk about it more often because it’s We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or on the surface of my mind. When you’re in love with God, evil we have done in this earthly body.” If we, as Christians, you’ll talk about Him. You won’t be able to help it. The joy truly believe in the power Jesus has to save us from sin and that comes from a deep love for God isn’t something that give us eternal life with Him, why do we shy away from can be faked, and it definitely will catch the world’s eye to speaking openly about this Good News worth sharing? Just see someone have hope in something bigger than ourselves. as desperately as I do, the people around me need to know the salvation of Christ. I have experienced the joy and inexpressibly peace that come from an intimate relationship If you notice yourself holding back from talking openly with a relational God. If I want that for others, I will speak, about your faith, ask yourself why. Ask God why. Maybe it’s and I'm guessing if you're reading this, you feel the same a self-centeredness issue and you’re just too busy with your way. Below are seven approaches I’ve pulled together from own day-to-day happenings. Maybe you’re concerned about my own experiences as a disciple of Jesus during and after ruining a reputation you think you have. It could be a fear of college. I hope they encourage you as you share your faith rejection or fear of someone thinking you’re ignorant for with those God has specifically placed in your life. believing in God. Maybe it’s straight up apathy in which case

"The joy that comes from a deep love for God isn’t something that can be faked, and it definitely will catch the world’s eye to see someone have hope in something bigger than ourselves."

you’re lacking the sense of urgency a little awkward at times. It requires a we can gather from numerous places certain level of courage and the 1 throughout Scripture. When I first started visiting a campus leading of the Holy Spirit. Sharing ministry, people would ask me all the your faith does not require advanced time about what I believed. “Did you faith, the perfect words, or the right If you are a born-again believer, grow up going to a church?” “Why do feeling or timing. If you wait on those chances are there were certain you think God allowed situation XYZ factors, it may never happen. individuals, other Christians in your to happen in your life?” “Do you Ultimately, God does the saving. You life, that spent time with you and got believe that God is always good?” I can’t talk anyone into salvation so to know you. Over time, you built a could tell these people cared about don’t put that heavy weight on relationship with them and you me and wanted to hear what I yourself. There's a verse in Romans 2 trusted them enough to talk about that tells us that it’s God’s kindness thought, so I answered honestly. They 2 real life. How can you share the listened to my ideas instead of that leads us to repentance. Your job Gospel if you have no one to tell it to? waiting to say what they wanted to. is to be obedient to God, share what Being hospitable is one way those They were eager to hear what my life you know, and trust Him for how that relationships can start. Some simple was like and what my dreams were person will respond. God used many ways to start are to ask if a classmate for the future. Not only that, but their people with less than ideal abilities all wants to eat with you, go for a walk questions inevitably made me think throughout the Bible, and luckily for or run at Abellana with someone you us, His strength is made perfect in more deeply about what I believed to 3 don’t normally spend time with, or be true. It prompted those “lying weakness. Do you trust God? Do you invite your classmates who are awake at night” kind of moments... have a neighborly love for the person usually on the fringes to join your You know the feel. sitting next to you? Then forget what group of friends (i.e. avoid being it might cost you to tell them about exclusive among your peers). the Man who died for them.

If you really believe the truth of the Any amount of hurt that someone is Don’t always wear headphones or Gospel, that a perfect God man willing to share with you is an look at your phone when walking to would come to earth just to be opportunity to share the story of a class. See who you run into. Sit by murdered for your sake and for your Creator God who made the world and someone new in class and introduce sin, you’re going to want to tell other doesn’t want to see it suffer. Listen to yourself. They might be surprised – people about this, aren't you? You what’s bothering that person. Realize good! It'll make them wonder. Study won’t care about the opinions other how much they must trust you by in open spaces when you’re not people might come up with in their them opening up to you. Be sensitive crunched for a deadline. Yes, your minds about you because you know for an opportunity to tell of the God homework is important, but our first that their opinions don’t affect your who loves them without wavering priority as Christians is our eternity. You still will have assurance and is active in our world today, relationship with God and others. that you get to be with your Father whether it feels like He is or not. Think about your ultimate purpose one day, face-to-face. Ask God for the Consider being honest about a time here on Earth. Is it to get your degree Holy Spirit and pray for opportunities you were distant from God and what and live a good life? No? Then do to talk openly about what it means to you (or He) did about it. something different with your time: live as a Christian – then be on alert

Live your life openly for other people for them. You just might be surprised to enter into it and see what this at how quickly God answers that Jesus thing is really all about. Boldly sharing your faith requires a prayer. willingness to be embarrassed or feel

1Matthew 3:2, Romans 13:11, Revelation 22:20, Mark 1:15, to name a few 2Romans 2:4 32 Corinthians 12: 8-10

I was about to go. I looked in the mirror with lipsticks and brow then suddenly I saw this familiar face, very simple with no cosmetics or so. The face that is very innocent and young with a jolly smile. I look in the eyes and it speaks to what’s inside. The eye that longs for love but cover the shame, holds the hatred and anger, shows a haughty eye but hides brokenness. Then suddenly she points her finger to me and said, “You’re ugly, you’re old, and you’re a pathetic cheater, a liar, hypocrite, and immoral. You’re disgraceful, you’re worthless, you’re no good and you’re a failure. So, stop pretending, stop hiding, and show them who you are coz after all this world will accept you as you, and the world you’re trying to fit in will judge you, question you, and mock you.”

Well, hello! My name is Regret. My name is child of the One True King and he exists from the very beginning. I may be in bondage from my past, I may be flirting in devil’s court, but that’s before. Because Jesus saves me, he redeemed me. He is one call away and he’ll be there to save the day. Justice League has nothing on him. He did not only save me but he promised me a forever, well sorry for those who were bitter but I believe in forever. He pursued his love for me and never leaves me hanging or breaking. He said “I am the way, the truth and the life,” “I am the vine you are the branch,” “I am the light,” “I am the bread of life and living water.” He was and is and is to come. There’s nothing I need as long as I believe. His love to me never fails and yes this is what I feel. The old has gone, the new has come. He sanctified me, though I sin but I sin less and less.

And yes! I may fail but I will never stop persevering to the very end by this grace and strength. I am saved, I am forgiven, and I am free, even to you past. Past is past no need to discuss. You cannot define me with who I am, because my identity in Christ matters. Enough with these dramas, enough with these lies, and enough with these pains, these brokenness, these shame and lies. It’s over! I am justified by Christ blood on the cross and wash away my sin, and after this he said “it is finished.” In this world, in front of you I am not but I know I am, Jesus.

//

n the year 1897, William Tozer’s ministry grew steadily, “It will cost something McKinley became president of decade by decade. He spent 30 years the USA, Bram Stoker’s Dracula as the pastor of Southside Alliance to walk slowly in the was published, Thomas Edison Church in Chicago, edited a Christian parade of the ages, patented the first machine that publication called Alliance Weekly for while excited men of produces moving images, John 13 years, and wrote numerous books, McDermott won the first ever Boston all while raising seven children with time rush about Marathon, and arguably one of the his wife, Ada. He viewed all of these confusing motion with greatest theologians of the modern accomplishments simply as the time was born: A.W. Tozer. results of faithfulness that any progress. But it will Christian ought to exhibit. Therefore, pay in the long run, Everyone has an interesting story to his tombstone simply reads “A.W. and the true Christian tell about their first high school job Tozer—a man of God.” and Tozer isn’t an exception. His is not much interested family moved to Akron, Ohio, from a In 1945, Tozer’s most iconic book, in anything short of farm in Pennsylvania, and shortly The Pursuit of God, was published. In thereafter he got a job at the a time where authors like George that.” Goodyear Tire factory cutting up Orwell and Aldous Huxley were chunks of rubber by hand. Streaming describing fictional utopias, Tozer - A.W. Tozer music wasn’t available then, so he was pointing his readers to the truth often memorized poetry to occupy about Jesus Christ and how our his time. posture ought to be towards Him. motion with progress. But it will pay Little did he know, over a million in the long run, and the true Christian One evening, on the way home from copies of this work would be in print is not much interested in anything a shift at the factory, Tozer passed by 70 years later. short of that.” Tozer’s wisdom can be a street preacher who pleaded with summed up in this—he encourages all who would listen, “If you don’t A pervasive theme throughout all of us to invest today in what will know how to be saved, just call on Tozer’s work was to set aside the ultimately be our eternity long after God, saying ‘God, be merciful to distractions of the culture and we’re dead. Getting distracted and me—a sinner,’ and God will hear instead pursue the calling of God on a following what everyone else is doing you.” Those words were a catalyst for daily basis. In one of his editorial isn’t inconsequential—it comes with a teenage Tozer, and his life was writings, he explained, “It will cost a price much larger than we realize. suddenly filled with purpose: to something to walk slowly in the We have the option to follow Christ passionately pursue God and worship parade of the ages, while excited or to follow the rules and regulations Him always. men of time rush about confusing of this world, but we cannot do both.

The Essential Tozer Collection by James L. Snyder

Laura don’t lie like that other science guy.

HOW DID WE GET HERE ANYWAY?

DEAR LAURA DON’T LIE: itself? If we just “appeared” how do we believe something, and not just I am new to this Christian thing and you explain this statement by WHAT we believe. With all of that have a lot of questions about science Stephen Hawking, “The odds against said as you consider the facts and dig and what my professors are teaching. a universe like ours emerging out of further, I recommend a couple of In particular, I am wondering how did something like the Big Bang are resources to get you started: Answers we get here? My professors have incredibly enormous. It would have in Genesis (answersingenesis.org) and been talking a lot about the scientific been difficult to explain how the the Bible (either the New Living answer but nothing else. universe began in just this way. Translation or English Standard --Confused in Wisconsin Except the act of God who intended Version will do). to create beings like us”.1 --Laura DEAR CONFUSED: That is a great question! There will be If there is no God there is no purpose If you have a nature, science, or times you will be challenged about for why we are made. Are love, joy, philosophical question for Laura Don’t your beliefs! Let me begin by giving compassion, imagination “just” Lie, send them our way at you a couple of things to think about: chemical reactions or are they part of [email protected]. God’s design that can only be 1. Did we appear by chance? explained by creation? 2. Is there another reason to explain how we got here? If you are still wondering who or what may have started it all the Bible LAURA DON’T LIE. REAL “Both science and faith seem to begins in Genesis 1:1 with these four ANSWERS FOR REAL suggest that the universe began at a words, “In the beginning God.” In QUESTIONS! precise moment in time. If this is true, Romans 1:20 we also learn God is a Laura Don’t Lie has been something caused everything to God of order and beauty, a God who studying and preparing begin—and this powerful creative controls powerful forces. Science Creation Lessons for force must be beyond the universe students in Cebu City. She itself.”1 If you are still seeking more recently started to take her information about how we got here I lessons on the road sharing Do you think someone or something encourage you to look further. It is them with students around created all of this or did it start by important for all of us to know WHY Metro Cebu.

1NUA Film Series Session 1: How Did We Get Here? www.nuafilmseries.org

○ Day 1- John 1:1-18 ○ Day 2- John 1:19-34 new plan, ○ Day 3- John 1:35-51 ○ Day 4- John 2:1-12 ○ Day 5- John 2:13-25 ○ Day 6- John 3:1-21 ○ Day 7- John 3:22-36 ○ Day 8- John 4:1-26 WHAT PLAN? ○ Day 9- John 4:27-42 Are you thinking about starting a new Bible reading plan? Maybe you’re ○ Day 10- John 4:43-54 wondering what a Bible reading plan is all about. Did you begin the new ○ Day 11- John 5:1-15 year hoping to read the Bible more, but never actually started? Whatever ○ Day 12- John 5:16-30 your case, whether you read every day or have never even opened a Bible, ○ Day 13- John 5:31-47 here is a quick guide along with a basic reading plan to get you started. You ○ Day 14- John 6:1-21 don’t need to memorize any special prayers, read for a certain amount of ○ Day 15- John 6:22-40 time, or even know a lot about the Bible. You just need to open it, start ○ Day 16- John 6:41-59 reading, and let God show you who He is. Oh, and one last thing: rip out ○ Day 17- John 6:60-71 this page and put it in your Bible to keep track! ○ Day 18- John 7:1-24 ○ Day 19- John 7:25-36 1. Select a quiet place. Read somewhere you are free from distractions. Put ○ Day 20- John 7:37-53 your phone down or read a print Bible. Be serious about meeting with God! ○ Day 21- John 8:1-11 ○ Day 22- John 8:12-30 2. Select a quality time. Choose a time to read ○ Day 23- John 8:31-59 when you are at your best. Set aside time to read ○ Day 24- John 9:1-17 and to pray. ○ Day 25- John 9:18-41 ○ Day 26- John 10:1-21 3. Reading Plan. This will make you cover passages ○ Day 27- John 10:22-42 and information in the Bible that you might ○ Day 28- John 11:1-16 normally avoid. ○ Day 29- John 11:17-44 ○ Day 30- John 11:45-57 4. Questions to ask as you read: ○ Day 31- John 12:1-19 - Who is the passage speaking to? Who is the ○ Day 32- John 12:20-36 person that is speaking? ○ Day 33- John 12:37-50 - How did they respond? And to what? ○ Day 34- John 13:1-17 - What does this passage reveal about who God is? ○ Day 35- John 13:18-30 - How can this relate to me? Can I see God work in ○ Day 34- John 13:31-38 my life in the same way? ○ Day 37- John 14:1-14 - How does this passage apply to my life? What do ○ Day 38- John 14:15-31 I have to change in my life to follow it? ○ Day 39- John 15: 1-8 ○ Day 40- John 15:9-17 Other Reading Plans: ○ Day 41- John 15:18-27 - www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/ ○ Day 42- John 16:1-15 - www.ligonier.org/blog/bible-reading-plans/ ○ Day 43- John 16:16-24 - blog.youversion.com/2011/05/the-top-5-reading ○ Day 44- John 16: 25-33 -plans-from-the-bible-app-and-youversion-com/ ○ Day 45- John 17: 1-12 ○ Day 46- John 17: 13-26 ○ Day 47- John 18:1-27 ○ Day 48- John 18:28-40 ○ Day 49- John 19:1-16 START SMALL... TRY READING THROUGH ○ Day 50- John 19:17-27 ○ Day 51- John 19:28-42 THE BOOK OF JOHN FIRST, AND DON’T WORRY ○ Day 52- John 20:10-23 ○ Day 53- John 20:24-31 IF YOU MISS A DAY! ○ Day 54- John 21:1-14

BECAUSE A CAMPUS MINISTRY churches IS NOT A CHURCH Banawa Bible Fellowship Fervent Generation Metropolitan Christian Fellowship Sundays: 10:00am Sundays: 10:30am Sundays: 10:30am | 2pm EFCP Bldg., ETCP Compound, R. Duterte 146 Avelino Morales St, Escario St, (2nd 2nd Floor, GMT Bldg (across Elicon St., Banawa floor of building w/Redeemer Tattoo) House), P. Del Rosario St. facebook.com/bbftoday facebook.com/ferventgeneration ph: 0912.863.6207 facebook.com/mcffmi Bradford United Church of Christ Ikthus Pathway Sundays: 7:30am | 10am | 4pm | 6pm Sundays: 9:30am | 4:30pm New Covenant Church 340-P Ascension St., Urgello 2nd Floor Gaisano Capital, M.L. Quezon Sundays: 10:30am ph: 032.253.4094 or 032.253.5281 Ave, Casuntingan, Mandaue City Conference Room at International e: [email protected] ph: 0977.812.5052 Pharmaceuticals Inc., Mabolo facebook.com/ikthuspathway e: [email protected] Cross Pointe Church facebook.com/newcovenantcebu Sundays: 10am | 6pm Lahug Evangelical Free Church Crown Bldg. (across SM), Road North 6, Sundays: 9:30am Word at the Centre North Reclamation Area 448 Gorordo Ave, Lahug Sundays: 11am | 2pm | 5pm ph: 032.410.2290 ph: 032.231.4699 3rd Floor, J Centre Mall, Mandaue City e: [email protected] ph: 0955.297.9280 or 0942.189.3603 facebook.com/crosspointechurchcebu Living Word facebook.com/WordAtTheCentre Saturdays: 5pm Downtown Church of Christ Sundays: 9am | 5pm | 7pm /////////////////////////////////////////// Sundays: 8am, 11am, 6pm Good Shepherd Rd, Banawa /////////////////////////////////////////// 2nd Floor, WDC Bldg, 82 Colon St., ph: 032.261.6300 or 0925.759.2224 /////////////////////////////////////////// (beside Dimsum Break) e: [email protected] ph: 032.253.1182 or 032.520.9588 livingword.ph facebook.com/dtccebu ministries

Campus Crusade For Christ (CCC) Thursdays 6pm at ISBCC Guadalupe facebook.com/CCCcentralvisayas

Every Nation Campus (ENC) Fridays at various locations in Cebu facebook.com/encampuscebu

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) Meets at CNU, CTU, UC Main & Banilad ivcfphil.org

The Saline Option (TSO) Meets at CDU, CIM, MHAM, & SWU Text 0922.804.5737 or 0977.230.9797

Street Level Ministries (SLM) Meets Fridays at 6:30pm at Elicon House facebook.com/streetlevelministriescebu