Tribute to my Father-in-Law: Antonio Cayanan (January 17, 1935 – January 26, 2022)

You're the father-in-law that anyone would love to have. Your loving sacrifice will be remembered, especially since the day you joined our family here in Canada, together with Mommy. You're a huge blessing to myself, Monette, Jappy, and Alyssa. You've made an impact on our lives, especially in how you gave your time and effort to support us in many ways. Thank you for taking care of Jappy and Alyssa (together with Mommy) while we were travelling doing ministry when they were younger. You're one of the best cooks that I know, I enjoyed every meal you served every time we had fellowships after the worship services at your house in Manila and every time you cook for our family here in Canada. You will be remembered and never forgotten. Your kindness and your smile made everyone comfortable and happy in your company. Many will miss you, Daddy Tony. Your impact on my family is immeasurable and filled with remarkable things. Thank you for being such a blessing to us and to others throughout your lifetime. Now heaven is yours to enjoy. You're home now and we'll see you someday. With much gratitude to your life and legacy, rest in peace Daddy Tony Cayanan.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/burnaby-bc/antonio-cayanan-10553661

Fifty Years and Counting: A New Journey of Life

Somebody said, “50 is the age when you look back and smile at what you have achieved, frown at those missed opportunities, and release a slight chuckle at those moments.” 

I've officially entered the golden age; thus, another level of adventure awaits. I believe I’m at the point of seeing life from a top-view perspective. It is simply having an attitude of “I’ve been there and done that” standpoint. Life, as I move forward, becomes a new epic journey. My children are in their 20’s and living out their lives with fullness and great expectations. Also, my wife and I celebrated our 25th year of marriage. Altogether, the year 2019 is a double whammy for my marriage life and my personal life. 

What could be better than this? From a spiritual perspective, it is expecting greater things from God’s and being ready for them one step and one day at a time. Life is indeed great with abundant blessings; however, they are not without challenges. The only difference between facing them is having God at our side. He makes all things possible when things seem impossible. What’s my goal in the next years inching towards the end? Keeping my mind focused on what’s important and valuable as a family man and a disciple of Jesus. Restating what the apostle Paul said: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" and "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). There’s no higher aspiration than finishing God’s calling in my life through godly wisdom and biblical guidance. 

From a biblical background, listed below are some of the references I found in the Scriptures about the number fifty: (Source: https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/50.html)

•      The number 50 derives its meaning from its relationship to the coming of God's Holy Spirit. 

•      Fifty can be found at least 154 times in the Bible.

•      After Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene on Sunday morning, April 9 in 30 A.D., he ascended to the Father in heaven (John 20:17). His ascension, as a type of firstfruit from the dead (Revelation 1:5), occurred on the day God told the Israelites they were to wave a sheaf composed of the firstfruits of their harvest (Leviticus 23:9 - 11). It is on this day that the count of 50 days to the Feast of Pentecost begins.

•      In the New Testament, the word Pentecost comes from the Greek word for fiftieth (Strong's Concordance #G4005). Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Firstfruits, it was on this special Holy Day that God first poured his Holy Spirit upon about 120 believers who had gathered to keep the day (Acts 1:15, 2). They became the firstfruits of God's spiritual harvest of humans. 

Finally, new things are ahead and I’m pretty excited about what the Lord prepared for the next phase of my life and ministry. I’m blessed in fulfilling my calling and serving God’s ministry through JRAM. Being surrounded by mighty men and women in pursuit of God’s best makes it all worthwhile. No dull moment, as one may say. Indeed, greater things are yet to come. 

No copyright infringement intended

As each day comes and goes, I’m fully persuaded that I’m placed exactly where God wanted me at this point in my life. Whatever may happen next, it’s all in His hands. I trust and entrust to God every aspect of my life, whether good and not so good things. It’s all about learning the lessons intentionally and growing in God’s grace daily. This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice more in the next days ahead. Become excited with me and keep me in your prayers as well. 

Thanks for sharing your time in reading this short reflection as I enter my golden age towards a life that honors God. 

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Increased Knowledge with Enriched Experience: 2013 Washington Conference

JRAM delegates
with Pastor Arnel Aquino
in front of the Cannon House
@ Capitol Hill

Recently, there were a number of JRAM leaders from Calgary and British Columbia who’ve participated in the 2013 Washington Conference and Leader’s Summit with Israel Allies Caucus Foundation in Washington, DC last November 14, 2013. The invitation to attend was sent by Knesset Christian Allies Caucus through its Director, Josh Reinstein. According to the email sent to me, “The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus has been working hard to mobilize political support for Israel through faith-based diplomacy. The culmination of that work will be centered around a summit that we will be holding in Washington on November 14. At this summit we will gather dozens of Congressman, Members of Knesset and Bible- believing politicians from around the world. The centerpiece of the Summit will be a Gala dinner where we will make the point that the Christian leadership is behind Israel. Our plan is to have 50 tables full with pastors, Christian businessmen and Christian leaders from across America.” 

Inside Cannon House during Summit

In addition, one of the major reasons for JRAM’s participation is a simple reminder that Christianity owes a debt of gratitude to Israel, as our Savior Jesus Christ, a Jew Himself begun this movement that we are part of. This is the least that we can do for His people, i.e., to show our unwavering support through education of our church leaders and congregation towards Israel and its role in our Christian life. Furthermore, we adhere faithfully and believe in the promise that God gave Abraham in Genesis12: 2-3 about Israel, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

When I received this invitation, I immediately sent an email to all JRAM Pastors and Coordinators with the following objectives for attending this event:

1. To maintain friendship with Israel through Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and support its objective for Israel's concern. 

2. To connect with key leaders in the greater Body of Christ coinciding with support towards Israel.

3. To align JRAM with like-minded organizations and the Body of Christ in openly declaring support for Israel. 

Taken during
2013 Washington Conference
Gala Dinner

JRAM delegates with Pastor Giulio Gabeli
and other Canadian delegates

I am happy to report that we have fulfilled each objective that we have set out to do in this ministry trip. Attaining new knowledge and understanding of the value of Israel to our Christian life is essential to discovering God’s purpose and plan for humanity and it is when we begin to immerse ourselves with this awareness that the biblical knowledge becomes a reality for us today. Nobody can deny that Israel’s presence is intertwined with Christianity’s ideals.

Attendees of the Gala Dinner

Jesus Rock of Ages Ministries (JRAM) is proud to become one of Israel’s partner in fulfilling God’s plan and purpose in sharing His message to many people that He is a God of miracle and wonder, as Israel’s existence in modern times is a witness of it. Overall, the ministry trip was worth it and looking forward to a time that JRAM can organize an educational tour to visit Israel and individually experience the Holy Bible comes alive. This is something we need to prepare for and look forward to. Thanks to JRAM Churches that participated by sending the Pastors and Coordinators and the opportunity to represent JRAM. Lastly, I speak for all delegates when I say this: we were blessed by the experience and learned a lot

from it.

Value of Perseverance - My Journey Towards Completing a Bachelor of Theology Degree

“Victory belongs to the most persevering.” ~Napoleon I

The above quote exemplifies its reality in one of the most important milestone in my life.

April 21, 2013 marked the day that I’ve graduated from Pacific Life Bible College with a Bachelor of Theology degree, through Distance Education, after eight years of part-time study. Additionally, receiving a “High Honors” award, which is an added blessing from the Lord, made the event momentous. I truly thank God for these accomplishments. The presence of my family, friends, loved ones and the JRAM family made it even more meaningful and unforgettable.

Monette, Jappy and Alyssa

Receiving my degree

This journey was not an easy one.  In retrospect, it started when my wife and I discussed the prospect that I needed  I was convinced that since I wasn’t able to complete my Engineering degree in the Philippines, due to our family’s migration to Canada, I needed to pursue this goal. However, after two years of our arrival in Canada, I was given the opportunity to do pastoral work and my educational goal was shelved temporarily. Being involved in pastoral ministry for the past twenty-one (21) years and saw God’s work growing and expanding, I began to see the value of attaining higher education for the benefit of the people God has allowed me to lead. Along the way, I personally realized that having a degree would allow me to represent myself, God, His ministry and His people to diverse groups and levels of people wherever the Lord leads me. In addition, I have also recognized that pastoral ministry experience coupled with formal education is essential to a fruitful and meaningful ministry service.  
to go back to school to acquire a bachelor’s degree.

My Mom with my siblings and their spouses

Juggling various ministry duties with frequent travelling, family responsibilities and other various commitments permitted me to take only two subjects at the most per year. Providentially, I was able to complete eight courses last year and I was able to submit the last course required last December 2012.

Altogether, those eight years produced complementary experiences and long-term growth in my personal and spiritual life. It provided myself a strong bearing and foundation of “doing” ministry and “being” in ministry as God’s servant and as a Pastor. With this, I can honestly say that everything I have learned from Pacific Life Bible College gave me confidence, credibility and consistency to name a few. Looking back, it was perseverance that helped me to complete every course, thus, I thank God for the grace He gave me to pursue my goal in spite of many challenges, completing one course after another.  

My co-pastors and friends

Les Warriner (Director
for B.TH) praying for me. 

The completion of this degree increased my level of credibility as God’s servant because it gave me a solid foundation, indispensable knowledge and greater confidence in preaching and teaching God’s Word. Most importantly, having this degree allowed me to settle in my own heart that the God I serve deserves the best out of me. Being immersed in a formal study allowed me to become consistent “in season and out of season.”

My JRAM Family

After all is said and done, there were many that stood beside me through the “thick and thin” and the “ups and downs” of my life. With this in mind, I acknowledge with much gratitude the Jesus Rock of Ages Ministries’ pastors, leaders, workers and members that cheered me up and supported me in prayer.  Most importantly, I share these achievements with my wife, Monette, and my children, Jappy and Alyssa, who influenced, inspired and supported me in this journey. I also acknowledged the support and involvement of my parents, in-laws, and siblings, together with their spouses and children, and every individual and friends that God has brought and used in my life to inspire me to serve God more excellently and fruitfully.  My heart is filled with abundant thanksgiving for your steadfast support and partnership. Lastly, I thank God for PLBC together with its faculty and staff for providing me the opportunity of fulfilling my educational goal. You are all a part of this achievement and may the Lord bless you greatly.

To God be all the glory!

Celebrate Jesus Together Gathering in Vancouver

Last nite was a great night out with the multi-ethnic family of God in Vancouver worshipping and praying together as one voice. The Glad Tidings Church in Vancouver, BC became another house of prayer and praise for God's people from the different ethnic community churches gathered specifically to worship Jesus.

There were many highlights to share but the greatest impact will be upon the city of Vancouver. It was a night to plant a seed of faith from the many voices of God's people seeking revival and renewal for this city as a whole. A continuous bombardment through worship and prayer must be offered to experience a mighty breakthrough. i believe that when it comes, it will be a glorious day...Let's keep on praying...It is coming on the horizon....

Serving God

What a great time to spend one's life to serve the purpose of God in my generation. I just came from a mission trip in USA and visited JIL Churches in LA, San Francisco and Sacramento. It was such a sight to see how God releases His mighty favor in putting everything right according to His time. And to see His people becomes very excited of the possibilities in the coming days is incredible. This is what it is all about: transformation of HIs people to become who they are as God desires. And being part of it personally makes it more worthwhile.

I was accompanied by my wife, Pastor Monette and having her with me in all my mission trips provides additional favor as well. To be with one's partner both in life and ministry makes it even better.

I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him....Looking forward for more....

Just Got Back..(JIL Australia and JIL New Zealand)

The past two weeks were spent in Australia and New Zealand to attend the JIL International Summit in Sydney and to minister to the JIL Auckland congregations. Both were successful events with God’s mighty blessings and favor abounding. There were more or less 150 delegates outside of Sydney coming from 11 countries including the Philippines who’ve attended the Summit. And everyone was excited to be in Sydney for the first time. It was a three jam-packed days of Word, worship and fellowship. Truly an exciting event to see many JIL people gathered in one place for one purpose and that is to have a “Significant Impact.”

A big thanks to the JIL Australia family for their efforts and sacrifices to make this event a successful one. Your labor will never be in vain. Keep it up!!

We were at JIL Auckland with 39 delegates from JIL Canada and JIL USA after Sydney to meet the JIL people as well. And it was a four day tour with a Sunday fellowship also.

A big thanks to JIL Auckland especially to Ptr Nilo and the leadership for their time and effort to provide a personalized tour for all of us who came…

It was such a great time to be in another country. The warmth of the JIL people in both countries are exemplified by their care and concern for their family members who’ve come to visit them. God will bless you indeed!!

The next two major events announced will be an Educational tour in Israel in 2010 and another JIL International event in Vancouver, Canada on 2011. Don’t miss this two exciting events and make your preparations now…Until next time…I’ll try to post some pictures next time..

Hmnnnnn.....

After the ministry trip from Europe, it's time to get back to ministry work in British Columbia, Canada. The recent Encounter Retreat 2 weeks ago was a huge success with more or less 65 delegates from JIL BC Churches. Right after was the Area Pastor's Meeting of JIL Canada in Mission, BC for a week. There were many new things discussed and reviewed past discussions as well. The JIL BC Prayer Gathering was held last Friday. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend due to the Pastors' Meeting. Just last Saturday, a water baptism was held with 45 candidates that publicly declared their commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives. Most of them were Encounter attendees.

Altogether, it was an immensely exciting time to see these things happening with the JIL people and churches. The ministry continues to grow as we fulfill the tasks we have received. One key component of doing ministry is the accompanying joy in seeing God's favor and blessing manifesting as we faithfully do His work.

This year, we have just begun to see great and mighty things that will overflow in all aspects of our lives. Let's continue to believe this year as an overflowing year of God's blessings!

God bless us all!!!

Just got back..

Finally arrived from the misson trip last Wednesday...Feeling a bit tired and trying to rest for a while before going back to ministry in BC, Canada.

Side note: This weekend is the 1st JIL 12 Encounter of JIL BC for this year and we have 66 delegates. Praise the Lord!

In the past three days, I just laid back and were adjusting from the jet lag. The mission trip in Europe was a huge sucess and I will share some of the updates next time.....Bye for now....

Personal Thoughts

Hello!

As you are probably aware, Canada has entered it first winter with a whallop of snowstorm....Last Sunday morning, the total accumulated snow where I am - Vancouver and surrounding cities was more than a foot of snow. But there were other places that experience worst than us...They said that this was the first time after many years that snow has affected Canada from coast to coast. Well, what can you do? I think many are praying for snow to come and it did!!! And a lot, too!!!

In other words, we got stuck and cant' leave yesterday to go anywhere. But it was good, though for I had the chance to catch up with some work and watched some videos for my distance course - Ecclessiology.

Good thing the snow stopped or just took a break and will continue again this Wednesday or Thursday, I'm not sure! Let's just wait and see!

I'll try to post pictures next time!!!!!

Personal Thoughts

Praise the Lord and Jappy was finally well after just one day of rest and went back to school already. Yesterday, snow fell hard that caught many from Vancouver and neighboring cities quite surprised.

We need to cancel some appointments and just stayed at home and let it snow. My children are quite anxious as well if there will be school today. Just got an e-mail now announcing that their school is open.

Why do we want to take some off from school, I think it is just to have some mind break from academic pressures. No matter what, we just want to relax once in a while and snowy days are a good source of excuse. Oh yeah, there will be meeting tonight at church and I know some will be calling if there's any....let's wait and see.

Good thing that their school is just close by and the drive is only 5 minutes on a regular day. I will be shoveling some snow off the vehicle now and it will be cold, brrrr again!!!

Got to go now!!!!

Personal Thoughts

Coming from Manila since October, the days thereafter were filled with many other activities. But they were all part of ministry activities that were necessary to do. However, it took its toll when I started coughing and having sore throat before the start of the Canada Pastors' Conference. Then I started to try the cough medicine "Buckleys." My goodness, the taste was really awful....but I believe it helped in relieving my problem and honestly, I don't think anyone could get used to the taste but it works, eh!!!

Yesterday, during my preaching assignment in Vancouver Churches, I had a hard time speaking due to remaining cough problem. Praise the Lord, I made it and finished it though with intermittent coughing. Well, the preaching assignment must go on. Thanks to Genis and he helped in doing the ministering before I preached in the afternoon.

Over-all, it was a great weekend. Though Jappy did not go to school today due to flu and I think the factor is the cold weather....

It is -6 in Vancouver today with -10 windchill and for us here..it is really cold..brrrrr!!!

Hope that our really cold provinces will not be offended at my whining!!!

Personal Thoughts - God's Mighty Embrace

Allow me to share my thoughts in written form towards God's love that I received.

A Mighty Embrace

You have looked into my heart wanting it yours

You have peered in to my soul wanting to satisfy

You have touched my life wanting to come in

And said, "You are mine forever."

Here at this place I am restored

Here at this place I am healed

Here at this place I am renewed

By your mighty embrace

I am never the same because of your love

I am never the same because of your grace

I am never the same because of your touch

And I say, "I am yours forever."

I hope that you are ministered knowing that God's mighty embrace is always near...

Personal Thoughts-Undignified Worship

It was a great time what transpired last week in JIL BC Churches. A new level of worship has occurred that swept many of the participants both in the Worship Nights and Worship Breakthrough. Personally, I had the chance to really express myself in ways that I know had given my Lord Jesus a great time as well. I know now that it is called "Undignified Worship."

Just watch this video with the lyrics and you will understand what it means to be "Undignified" in our worship- all for our Lord.




The events that I've mentioned were events that I had the chance to become undignified. Though I may be a Pastor, but I am a disciple and a worshiper of the Lord as well. And my Lord is worthy to be praised in ways that will bless His heart and honor Him even if it seems foolishness to other people watching. It is because I am only concern with how my "Audience of One" thinks and feels. When He is happy, I am happy, too!!

School of Evangelism

One of the key aspect of being inspired in doing what we need to do is to find the right avenue to do so. In my life as a disciple of Jesus, attending conferences to enhance myself in ministering effectively is a great opportunity. That's why when the Billy Graham School of Evangelism came to Vancouver this month, my wife and I decided to attend the second time. Our first time was last year in Seattle. But this time I made sure to encourage other JIL Pastors and leaders to join us this time.

For three days from Nov 11-13, 2008, we were being fed and given the challenge to focus on the Great Commission of Jesus as witnesses of the Gospel message. There were many sessions and speakers that provided personal testimonies, challenges and timely words for the task of the Gospel.

Altogether, it was a fruitful three days and worth going to. I will attend again given the chance. I am excited especially for those who came along to attend. I believe that God re-energize in all of us a new passion and fire for the Gospel message.

Let's talk again!