by Myrna M. Flores

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. No symptom. No warning. Darkness came all over me. A big question mark was stamped on my future. From that fateful day onwards, everything around me was uncertain and unpredictable. So many voices, all well-meaning, flooded my already confused mind. “God, I don’t know what to do! I can’t see in this darkness? I’m scared!”

What is your darkness these days? We all journey through the valley of darkness. It is part of life, because not everything in this life is all plain and sunny. Darkness is here to stay and for a reason.

When in the dark, it is normal to be afraid, but fear need not paralyze us. There is something we can do other than grope and cower in fear. In the dark, we still have a choice: to fear the darkness or to trust the Light of life. With God, darkness can be quite an experience, because with it, He opens up new choices. Darkness offers us a chance to:

Test the heart. Have we really given God complete control of our life and future? Is there something that we need to confess to him?

Read God’s Word. You can’t see in the dark, but you can always listen to His voice. Let God speak to you in the dark.

Talk honestly with God. Pour out your heart to Him. He is never threatened by our honesty and we can’t hide anything from Him anyway.

Take a walk in the park or by the seashore. Be awed by God’s handiwork, which you can enjoy without end and for free! Understand that a Creator like this is big enough to take care of you.

Tune up your vocal cords and sing from the heart. The darkness of cancer lifted when I heard the following lyrics of a song:

God is too wise to be mistaken;
God is too good to be unkind,
When you don’t understand,
When you can’t see His plan,
When you can’t feel His hand,
Trust His heart.

Tackle a project. Compose a poem, paint a picture, redecorate your home, reframe that age-old photo, make a scrapbook. There is magic in being a co-creator with God. When we create something, it gives us hope.

Touch a life. Give another person your listening ear. You will see light in his eyes because you freely shared something of yourself.

Try dreaming in the dark! Let your bright aspirations dovetail with your dark realities. Who knows? The birth of great things almost always starts in the darkness of the womb – just like you and me!

Even though fear is natural, faith is supernatural!

Choose faith.

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Let’s pretend you are a secretary. Your boss has been avoiding a certain person and orders you, “If so-and-so calls for me, tell him I am not in the office.”

Sound familiar? Every day we face situations where we have to choose between right and wrong. In our example, you are being asked to lie. How can we deal with these situations? Let us examine five principles that you can use the next time you are asked to do what you know is wrong.

Decide beforehand to do what is right. Being pressured to do wrong is like a battle. You must have strong beliefs about right or wrong before the battle begins. Otherwise, at the time of pressure, you may not be able to think straight or you might react out of fear. The secret is to promise to yourself that you will always choose the right thing no matter what.

Remain respectful and tactful. Reacting with a “holier than thou” attitude turns other people off. If you bluntly tell the boss, “I am sorry, but I would be lying and that would be a sin,” you will offend or embarrass him. Besides straining the work relationship between the two of you, you will lose his goodwill, necessary for the following step.

Suggest an alternative. This is where you need to be creative as well as diplomatic. Think of another way to do things. Think of a right action instead of a wrong one. To the boss, you may say something like this, “I understand you would rather not talk to so-and-so. Next time he calls, what if I simply take his messages and promise to relay them to you?” You would avoid lying and your boss will remain undisturbed.

Don’t be afraid to say “no.” If the other person doesn’t agree with your alternative and insists that you do the wrong thing, politely but firmly decline. The boss may snap back, “No, I want you to tell him I am not in the office!” Then you have to say, “Sir, I would like to help you, but I am not comfortable with that. I hope you understand.” Stay humble. Keep cool. But, resist the pressure.

Above all, depend on God. Make a quick, silent prayer that the other person will cooperate with you. When you refuse to lie for your boss, perhaps he will get angry at you. He may even make your life miserable in the office. So be it. Leave the outcome to God. Trust Him to help you. On the other hand, who knows? Perhaps your boss will respect you more. After all, if you would lie for him, what makes him think you won’t lie to him?

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by Haidee Chu

Corazon Tantengco draws a crowd whenever she speaks. The book “This is my Story”, published by OMF that includes a chapter about her life sells well, too. No mystery. After all, don’t we all wonder why a successful mama san would give it all up—the money, and the fame?

Hostess in Hong Kong

Like many women who became hospitality girls, Cora did not have an easy childhood. Her father died early. Barely a freshman, she had to quit school to support her mother and her 7 siblings. In 1972, she was offered a job in Hong Kong as a member of the Philippine Folk Dancing troupe. When Cora’s contract expired, martial law had been imposed. Cora decided to remain in Hong Kong and try her luck.

The economy in Hong Kong was soaring, so standards were high to qualify for career positions. And, Cora couldn’t speak Cantonese. Working as a hospitality girl was a legal job in Hong Kong. It was an easy career for a girl like Cora who didn’t finish her formal education.

Cora took a job working as a receptionist in a club. At first she didn’t realize her “receptionist” position was actually that of a hospitality girl, or hostess. She was supposed to entertain guests, order drinks for them and dance with them. Cora restricted her activities to entertainment; she decided not to go out with her customers. Because of this, her basic monthly salary was barely enough to pay bills, and send money to her family back in the Philippines.

When Cora met Doming, he was a drummer in a band. They decided to live together. Cora loved him, and longed for a long-term relationship, but their love affair turned sour. Because Doming was a band member, there were a lot of girls vying for his attention. He began an affair with a dancer. It broke Cora’s heart and she left him temporarily; a year later they reconciled and got married.

Money is top priority

Cora wanted more money for her family in the Philippines and for herself in Hong Kong. She learned that the position of mama san would earn her an enormous income. Besides a basic monthly salary, a mama san also received commissions, tips, and bonuses. In 1976, Cora decided to accept a mama san position when it was offered to her. Her title was “Public Relations Manager.” In reality this meant she was a pimp.

Cora became very good at being a mama san. She was so good, in fact, that she was transferred to a bigger and more popular club. The club owner gave her “lucky money” as an initial bonus when she signed her contract. Her reputation increased by word of mouth in a short amount of time. She became the number one mama san in that club while her husband was the band leader.

Marriage crisis

Although Cora was legally married, the marriage had deteriorated by this time. The couple’s daily life consisted of being with friends, and working at the club. Cora didn’t want to have a baby because she thought this would hinder her career. She knew if she stopped working, the remittances would stop, too.

When Doming realized that Cora preferred working to having a baby, he became frustrated because he really wanted a family. In her heart, Cora knew her marriage was falling apart, so she decided to get pregnant hoping to save the marriage. Because they were still both so preoccupied with their careers, the decision didn’t help. Doming again had another affair, and Cora got involved with another man. Subsequently, she decided to file for a divorce.

Easy money, empty heart

Cora did everything possible to maintain her reputation as the #1 mama san, and because of this commitment and hard work, money making became almost effortless. But suddenly one day, she woke up in the morning asking herself whether this was the life she wanted. She had all the luxuries she could dream of but she still felt empty. All the money she had, all the men she entertained, could not dispel her constant loneliness.

True make-over

It was through a routine facial that Cora came face to face with an amazing opportunity to learn what life is really all about. Cora had a friend from Manila who gave her a facial whenever she was in town visiting. Cora knew Manang Cue was a born-again Christian, but she never really understood what that meant. Cora thought Manang Cue’s belief was merely another religion.

Manang Cue visited Cora in Hong Kong to present her with a business proposal. After they negotiated, Manang revealed the real purpose of her visit; she wanted to introduce Christianity to Cora and her girls.

Cora couldn’t believe what she heard. “Do you really understand what we do here?” Cora asked. Manang Cue replied that Jesus came for sinners “just like you and me.” Cora says, “Immediately, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord who touched my heart at that moment.”

Manang Cue volunteered to conduct a Bible study for Cora’s hospitality girls. While they waited for the girls to arrive, Manang did a facial for Cora. Cora believes that Manang Cue was praying for her while she gave her the treatment. Manang Cue asked Cora if she would like to invite Christ into her life.

“I asked her how, and she led me to pray until we came to the part about asking God to forgive my sins. I began to cry and cry. I was amazed to realize that God could and would completely wash away my sins. I knew God had really begun to work in my life.”

At that moment, Cora experienced for herself that God is really alive! Her view of life totally changed. She hungered to know more about the Lord. Ten of Cora’s hospitality girls followed her example and received Christ as their Savior.

Cora and her girls attended discipleship seminars from October to November in 1991. The seminars started with about 20 people in attendance, but the figure climbed to 40 before the seminar ended. The seminars finished with a water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism. Everyone felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. One girl after another was freed from spiritual attacks; they all experienced deliverance. Some of the girls spoke in tongues. Some girls immediately went back to their own countries and began to serve in their churches. A few young men working in the club also became believers.

In time, a church in Hong Kong was born from among the attendees of this seminar. To date, this church continues to grow in attendance and has given birth to daughter churches.

Now what?

The contract Cora signed with the club owner was still valid; she couldn’t just leave. She still had relationships outside of her marriage. How was she supposed to reconcile her former life with her new belief in Christ?

Finally, Cora asked God to help her give up the pimping that had enslaved her for so many years. She also asked her employers to let her go. The impossible happened; they released her immediately! The only condition they put on her release was that she had to return the “lucky money” she had received.

In the same year, God restored her marriage. Miraculously, the divorce papers had not been processed even though the divorce had been fully paid for. Cora and her husband decided to return to Manila for good.

He saved my life and my marriage

Cora gives God the credit for saving her life and marriage. Cora’s husband became a believer. He is now the drummer of the praise team of their church. Although her marriage was not instantly perfect, it is very good now. Cora doesn’t worry about things anymore. The emptiness is gone. “There is hope in Christ,” Cora says. “It is through Jesus one receives peace.”

Cora is a leader and she loves to pray for people. She leads care groups and teaches Bible studies. She loves to pray and spend quiet time with the Lord. Cora also loves to share what God has done in her life.

Cora is not obsessed with money and fame anymore. She is blessed with peace and contentment. Cora has made a wonderful choice—to follow Jesus.

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In grade 2, my teacher had us draw pictures of our favorite foods. (My pictures were all pictures of cakes, cookies and chocolates!) Then she told us what each kind of food did for our bodies. I was disappointed to find out that my food preferences were really not very good for me!

When I became a mother myself, I wanted my children to have the best nutrition possible. I wanted them to be smart in school, able to participate in sports, and have good health. I found out that the foods children eat greatly influence their health and performance.

Food can easily be divided into groups. The groups are roughly: meat (including fish, poultry, eggs): vegetables and fruit: dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, and other milk products); grains. Each food group provides different benefits to your child’s health. The meat group, basically protein, builds their body. Dairy gives them strong bones and teeth. Fruits and vegetables give them vitamins and keep their body running well. Grains provide energy.

Choosing food well does not necessarily mean choosing the most expensive foods. In fact, what is important is variety and purity (food in its most natural form). It is best to feed your child foods from each different food group every day. Also, realize that the more natural the food is, the better it is for them. For example, brown rice is better than processed white rice. Oatmeal is better than boxed cereal. Fresh bananas are better than banana chips. Roasted peanuts are more nutritious than packaged chips. The more natural state the food is in, the more vitamins and minerals it will contain.

Of course everyone loves ‘junk food’ but it should be eaten sparingly. Avoid foods like packaged snacks and chips that contain lots of MSG. Avoid food that has large amounts of added coloring. Avoid food that is full of processed sugar. Use prepackaged noodles sparingly. Always read the food labels and see what chemicals and preservatives have been added. In short, go for variety and go for natural foods! Save the cakes, cookies, chips and chocolates for special occasions. It can be a fun challenge for parents—how to make the food that is good for kids taste good as well!

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When you go up to Baguio and wander through the market, different varieties of rice ranging in color from white, beige, yellow, red and brown catch your eye. Why is it that most of us get stuck buying polished white rice, when there are so many other fascinating varieties? Here are some facts about brown rice:

• Brown rice is processed with only the outer hull removed leaving all the vitamins, minerals, and fiber intact. This remaining magic fiber reduces the chance of getting some forms of cancer and heart disease.



• Brown rice contains the wonder vitamin B, which prevents beriberi.



• Brown rice is less dangerous for diabetics because it takes longer to change to glucose after we eat it.



• Let’s be adventurous and health conscious—let’s add brown rice to our diets!

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Interview with Mercy Martinez by Alicia T. Abadilla

Mercy Martinez, former secretary of a multi-national company and mother of 3 grown children doesn’t regret her decision to become a hands-on mom because she now enjoys the fruit of her labor: one child who graduated computer engineering is now a businessman; one child graduated in commerce and is also a businessman; the third graduated in business administration and now works in a large advertising firm. No mean feat!

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment as a mother?

The fact that I raised my children knowing the value of money, aside from having raised them with a sense of moral values, of course.

How did you teach them about the value of money?

I made sure we lived within our means. When it came to the needs of my sons, I did my best to provide them with what we could afford at the time. But that doesn’t mean that they got everything they wanted. Their school allowance was limited because I sent them packed lunch as well because I wanted to make sure they ate the right kind of food.

Any objection from the boys?

None whatsoever. They took it well and made no demands, maybe because they knew that they need not ask if we could only afford it.

How did you teach the children about spending money wisely?

They only got the toys we could afford. Sometimes when they would eye something expensive, we would tell them right away that it was not within our budget.

No violent reactions or tantrums?

No. They seemed to understand they wouldn’t have it their way, anyway.

Did you ever require your children to work for money before you gave it to them?

As the boys were growing up, they helped their dad. He was into telecommunications and the installation of this and that was a part of their growing up years. So, they sort of worked like apprentices and they got extra money. That way they experienced what it was like to work and get paid for it. They even started saving part of their earnings.

What about your daughter?

The same rules applied to her. She got nice things, but we made sure she spent within the budget.

Do your children, as adults, apply what they learned from you?

Yes. My eldest is a responsible father and husband, and a successful businessman. My second son and daughter, who are single, began to contribute to the household expenses from the time they got their first jobs without any prompting from us. They are all financially independent because they learned the ropes at an early age. To this day, our children still enjoy open communication with my husband and me when it comes to money matters, especially regarding business advice.

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by Jeanne Ching

Our generation has survived coup attempts, people power and martial law. Protest rallies, scandals and labor strikes are too common to mention. But, as a Christian, is that the legacy we want to leave behind? If not, are we willing to help change the situation?

Change takes a lot of work. Change is not easy; there is a price to pay. But change is attainable. In the last quarter of 2005, Pastor Ed Silvoso, President of Harvest Evangelism based in California, traveled to the Philippines to help many of us understand this point. In his view, nation transformation means winning souls for Christ while making the world a better place in which to live. To bring honor and glory to God, key sectors of our society, government, business, and education, should be tapped. Ed Silvoso proposes 5 principles that we need to understand.

1. The marketplace must be reclaimed. In other words, business needs to be conducted according to Christian principles. To reclaim the marketplace of our nation, we must pray, and plant people in strategic places to influence change.
2. Every individual should consider his vocation as a calling. Whatever we do should be done as a form of worship. We must do our job as if we are doing it for the Lord.
3. Christians should positively influence society. Jesus walked and dined with the rich and poor alike. He influenced them to turn back from wrong conduct and to do what was right.
4. The main proof of nation transformation is the elimination of poverty. The gap between the rich and the poor should be narrowed. The rich in the society should help ease the burden of people from the underprivileged sectors of our neighborhood.

Nation transformation is possible. We have to sincerely want it. We have to really work for it. We need to shift our focus to the marketplace. Otherwise, according to Pastor Ed Silvoso, the harvesters are in the wrong place— waiting inside and praying for a great harvest, while outside there is a plentiful harvest waiting to be brought in. If the harvesters get together with the harvest, the church will cease to be a monument confined to one place, to a physical structure. It will become a dynamic movement that expresses itself daily all over the nation.

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by Peter Banzon

Pastor Peter Banzon

A: Decisions, decisions, decisions. Last year you made thousands of decisions. Some were ordinary decisions. Some were life-changing decisions— you changed jobs, got married, chose a major for college, decided to have a child, or applied for immigrant visa to another country. Every decision you made, no matter how small, affected the direction of your life . Some of those decisions were wise; maybe some were not so wise.

Here are some practical guidelines for making wise decisions.

1. Consult God. Do you get your perspective on life’s situations from the TV, newspaper, radio, the internet, or from God’s Word, the Bible? The Word of God offers us a map that will keep us from dead end situations. Talk to God in prayer. He speaks not only through the Bible but to you when you pray. When you pray, don’t have a monologue where you do all the talking; allow God to talk back. Learn to develop a listening heart.

2. Consult others. It is wise to learn from experience, but it’s wiser to learn from the experience of others. Let’s admit it, we don’t know everything. We need to look at situations from the perspective of others. Listen to people who are spiritually mature, are experts in their field or have deep relationships with you. Don’t forget your spouse! God will affirm his direction for you when you and your spouse are in united agreement with a decision you make.

3. Do your research. Get the facts straight! It would be foolish to decide without getting all the facts. Do your homework. This includes counting the cost of your decision. Every decision has risks, so be ready to face them.

4. Let the peace of Christ guide you. You know that you have made a wise decision when you have the sense of God’s overwhelming peace, when you are not driven or rushed into making it. You know that if you are troubled, anxious or irritable because of a decision, it might not be the right one.

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