The Promised Land 1

Jer 29:11 “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope”.

Dear Family:

It’s a beautiful Saturday morning: I see the blue skies, I hear the birds chirping and worshiping away, I smell lavender exuding perfume in the air. What a privilege it is to experience such a life readily available for us, His beloved children.

My journey here in Perth is all very new to me: the people, the place, the weather, the environment. I’m just beginning to settle in. On the one hand, my communion with God is all the more intimate. I used to take His presence for granted when life afforded me some comfort, a ready-cooked meal after a long day, and having my precious family close by.

I have been blessed tremendously here: I live with a beautiful woman in her mid-30’s who is such a darling, supporting my every endeavor; I have met her friends who are Christians and surprisingly, some of them attend the same church that I go to; I’m in the company of great, loving support-system: Faith, Jing, and Jenni, who is arriving tomorrow (Ikthus family). It’s a relief to have “sisters” nearby as we often dine, cry, laugh, and pray together. (Jing lives just 3 minutes walk away from me, while Faith and Jenni are 10 minutes drive away! We are practically neighbors!).

Our good Lord has laid everything out for me. It’s like walking on paved road and unwrapping gifts and miracles along the way. I recently have been provided with a very nice family van. Even then, God has directed me to the right dealer who is a Christian. I’m four weeks away to complete my competency as a Registered nurse yet, another miracle came along. I was called in for a job interview yesterday with the largest and most prestigious private hospital here in Perth and yes, it went really well. Last week, miraculously again, I was given a 100% mark on my first exams! One big and huge gift from God is my course coordinator. I never knew angels exist until I met Jillian. She's an amazing person and a great mentor! And last but certainly not the least, I was invited by my aussie classmate, who is a christian, to their church next sunday for a barbeque! I can only boast in the Lord and give back all the glory to Him. He has made it all happen for me and my family.

But then, it’s not all “bed of roses for me”. I long for my husband and children terribly and there’s not a moment that I wish I could hold and wrap them in my arms. I miss my Mom, my siblings, my loved-ones and friends, and my church family. I miss my favorite laswa and pinamalhan! I miss everything about home.

My past spiritual experiences has equipped me here. The verses in Isaiah 40: 28-31 has been my constant reminder. My “waiting upon the Lord” is reaping its fruit in season. I continue to obey and hope in Him, trusting His heart every step of the way for I know His plans is to give me hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11)

Thank you for all your prayers. Thank you for all the encouraging words. Thank you for just being there for me.

Have a great weekend!

Blessings and love,

Jenny

Isa 40:28-31:

“Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The eternal God, the LORD,
the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't grow tired or become weary. His
understanding is beyond reach. He gives strength to those who grow tired and
increases the strength of those who are weak. Even young people grow tired
and become weary, and young men will stumble and fall. Yet, the strength of
those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings
like eagles. They will run and won't become weary. They will walk and won't
grow tired”.

Covering and Rebecca Blessing

by Ruby Su

December 28, 2009

Jen, as you and your family venture off to a new land, it is my prayer that you, your husband, Bim, and your children – CJ, Jed, Daisy, and Caila, will enjoy God’s promised land for you.

When I say “promise land”, it is not physical, or literally a place like Australia. I mean your “spiritual promise land” where you and your family have “Shalom”. It is a state of being wherever part of this world you are. Your promised land is your place of rest, peace, safety, and security. It means being in the center of God’s will and fulfilling His plans and purposes for you – individually and as a family.

At this point, since you are under the direct authority and covering of your husband, I would like to request Bim to come and extend his headship protection over you.

Addressed to Bim: “Bim, as the husband and the direct earthly authority of Jenny, are you releasing your wife to travel ahead of you to Australia with your blessings and your prayers?”

“Bim, are you releasing a protective covering over your wife during the time of your temporary physical separation?”

Bim to bless Jenny:

Protective Covering –
“Jenny, as one charged and assigned by the Lord to be your direct earthly authority and head, I release to you my protective covering as you travel ahead of our family to Australia. I exercise my spiritual authority as a child of God and as your husband, and declare, in Jesus’ Name, that in our short and temporary time of being physically away from each other, no harm, no injury, no accidents, tragedy, or terror in the day or night, no sickness, infirmity or afflictions will strike you and nor member of our family.”

Bim Prays Prayer of Preservation –
Ask the Lord to preserve every family member and your generations, and your destiny as a family and individually be preserved and released to be fulfilled.

Congregational Blessing To Jenny:
Gen. 24:60 "And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies."
Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.”

For Bim & Jenny Together: Declaration of God’s Protective Covering –
Lord, we declare your Word and call it forth to operate in our family. You are our Fortress, our Sun and Shield. You are our protector, our Stronghold, our Rampart, our ever-present help in time of need, trouble, or distress. You are our Shepherd, our Redeemer, Healer, Provider, our Sufficiency, our All in All. You are our Lot, our Portion, our very great Reward. You are our Jehovah-God, El Adonai, the great and everlasting God who covers us and lavishes us with your great love.

Lord, may you watch over us – each member our family during the short time we are away from each other, till we are reunited. May you grant the desires of our hearts and lead us to our spiritual promised land where we rest in your Shalom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Getting Ready to Cross the Jordan River - Part 2

This year, 2008, four decades after, the fulfillment of the vision and mission is beginning to unfold. The results of the local boards came out early this year and I passed with flying colors. I went into training in the hospital and was promoted twice in just a couple of months.

In November 3, my application with the Midwives and Nurses Board of Western Australia was approved, November 5, we signed a Deed of Sale for the house, which has been up in the market for almost 4 years. Even the buyer of the house offered to let us stay until we leave for Australia. November 7, I was given a clinical placement for training with Hollywood Hospital, Perth Western Australia. All of these happened in a week's time!

The following days after that, I was sent an application for employment and Medical clearance with St. John of God in Perth Australia and an interview for a job placement is waiting for me there now. This is a very unusual occurrence. However, in God’s timetable, there is no such thing as unusual or untimely. Everything happened and will happen according to His plans and purposes for my family. God has laid out this journey way before creation came to be. It’s the best plan. It’s beyond my comprehension. My family have seen the hand of the Lord from one miracle to another and only God can do it in the fulfillment of His promise to us. And to confirm this promise, He has shown this same verse to Bim and me in two separate occasions:

Isaiah 14:24 “The Lord of hosts has sworn: As I have planned, so shall be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.”

My being a nurse is His vehicle to bring us to the Physical Promised Land of Inheritance. This is His dream, not mine, nor Bim’s. And when He blesses and directs, He adds no trouble to it.

As of now, my visa hasn’t arrived. But I know in my heart, that it is coming. I trust God’s sovereignty and His promises that He will bring it to completion, to the place where we could join Him in His kingdom building here on earth. We are about to cross the Jordan River, on our way to physically claim God’s Promised Land.

There is always a time element involved in the promises of God in our lives. We must be careful not to allow unbelief to grow during a time period that seems to delay His promise. God uses time as a tool for the testing of our hearts to bring us into dependence on His supernatural power and childlike trust in His ways.

I have been in this church for 20 good, loving, blessed years! There’s more miraculous stories to tell, I could write chapters about my life journey here and fill up a library. Bim and I grew up and were spiritually nurtured here. It is in this church that we were trained and equipped for His service. I believe this is a time for weaning for a greater task ahead for a higher calling. It’s time for us to go. It hurts to leave our loved ones and a spiritual family such as ours. We have loved you as Christ loves this body of people. But I also know that you will send us with your prayers and blessing and believing that God is looking after us, we will be in safe hands.

To my spiritual mentors, Manang Lidj, and Mayang
To my FFI family, Manong William and Ruby and the rest of the team
To the Operation Care Ministry family, Manong Manny, Marissa and the heads of team
To my Women of Purpose family, Rose, Wing, Frandi and all the ladies of WOP
To my Ikthus family, Arbee, April and and the rest of the staff.
To my prayer Jonathans: Ione and Jessa who prayed with me through this journey
To Bim’s Bond of Brothers: Manolo, Mitch, and Raffy, who journeyed with us in prayer
To our partners in the ministry: Nong Dan, Jing, Ramon and Christy, John and Marijo, Jason and Milay, our original cell group
To my Ladies of the Ring friends: Kiki, Jinky, June, Ann and Miles, they rejoiced and wept with me, through the good times and the bad.
To my nursing groupmates: Myra, Mari, Ann, Ed, Mok, and the rest
To our families, the Locsins, Papa, Gerro and Gina, Meg and Jang, Tita Alice, Tita Nena, Ray and Lynel

The Gomez’s, Tita Pynky and Aischa and their families, our step-dad, Heiner and the Salvadors, Mama, Manong Jojo, Manong Jiji, Manong Juls, Manong John, Jeffrey and Janice and their families. Through thick and thin you all were with us, supporting us through and through.
To our supporters and friends who believed in what we are doing… there are so many of you….and you know who you are,
And to our beloved Pastor Joe, for sending us off with a blessing

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are all part of our journey. May our good Lord indeed open the floodgates of heaven and pour out His blessings upon you as well!

To close my testimony, I would just like to share with you a poem I have written in February 3, 2008:

SONG OF REDEMPTION

When I am sad, You take the frown
When fast I ran, You slow me down
When down I drown, You pull me out
And to the ground, You lift me up.

Oh Lord my God, You shine above
No more to hide, no more the pride
You wrap me love, you keep me warm
No more the tears, no more the harm.

When I am tired, You grant me rest
And when I'm swift, You say, "not yet"
When heart's so hard, Your love abounds
When I am lost, You take me home.

Oh Lord my God, Your love everlasting
When I'm wayward, You always cling
When I go far, You stay and wait
With grace You stay until I'm found.

When I'm afraid, You cover me
With hands so tender, You comfort me
Heavens may fall, and stars no more
Your ever presence, fears are washed ashore.

Oh Lord my God, You love me so
For this I know, You always show
My precious God, my loving God
My heart is filled, my heart is glad.

To God be all glory forever and ever, Amen!

Getting Ready to Cross the Jordan River - Part 1

Please watch the actual testimony on video here (December 28, 2008)

A Thank Offering

“I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.” Psalm 116:17-18

I praise the Lord for giving me this opportunity to share with you my testimony, to declare of His mighty work and be a blessing to many.

As I ponder about God’s hand in my life, I noticed that every decade, a significant event or a milestone happens.

I was born in 1968, 3rd of October. This year, I turned 40. In my growing up years, I was given what was best for me. A decade later, 1978, I was crowned as the princess of San Carlos City, my hometown, and the launching of my womanhood. In 1988, I met Bim. He was used by God to bring me to this church and that same year, I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. Bim and I got married three years after. I remember vividly a couple of days after our wedding, I have asked Bim if he is led to raise our family in the United States. He said that if there is a place to raise a family, it will have to be in New Zealand.

Within the next 10 years from 1988 to 1998, we were seriously involved serving the Lord with many ministries at BCCB. But it was in 1996 or thereabouts that I was led to ask Bim again, being the head of our home, if the Lord has given him a life vision and mission for our family. He gave me this verse:

Genesis 12:2-3, “I will make you a great nation, I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse. Through you every family on earth will be blessed."

In 1998, Bim and I heeded the call to go full time in the ministry.

In 2001, we were involved with Family Foundations International. At its infancy, God has assigned me to work in the ministry as a facilitator, the office assistant and the finance officer. As I continued to journey with God, He showed me a remarkable verse in Genesis 12:1. Notice that this is found just before our family’s vision and mission.

"Leave your land, your relatives, and your father's home. Go to the land that I will show you.”

The year after, I was offered a job as an accountant in Australia. I applied but was denied because my qualifications were not comparable to Australian standards.

“What now, Lord?, was my inquiry. At this time, I kept going back to our family’s life verse. The desire to know more about God’s leading for our family increased.

In 2003, in one of the FFI seminars in Manila, a pastor prayed for me, and in his prayer, he mentioned these words... “You will go to a place. I see you on a ferryboat… such a beautiful place. While he was praying, I saw myself on board a cruise ship at Sydney harbor. He continued by saying, “Your visa will be approved and all the visas of your husband's and children will be approved as well. But this will not come soon. This will only be accomplished when your children are all grown up.” (Pastor Carandang) At that time, Caila, our youngest has just turned one year old. I wrote in my journal the word AUSTRALIA in bold letters and with a large question mark. But all the while, we were focused on pursuing New Zealand.

Another impartation from our gifted brother, Jeff Littleton to Bim and he said: “Bim, you are a Joshua”

Joshua 1:6-9, “Be strong and of good courage. For you shall divide for an inheritance to this people, the land which I swore to their fathers, to give it to them. Only be strong and very courageous so that you may be careful to do according to all the Law which My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may act wisely wherever you go. This book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it by day and by night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall act wisely. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed. For Jehovah your God is with you in all places where you go.”

Then he added by saying, “God will bring you to a spiritual land of inheritance”.

What is this spiritual land of inheritance, was my heart’s big question. I didn’t take God’s word lightly. On the one hand, I took it literally and seriously. I sought for answers and didn’t stop. I read the whole chapter in context with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and God spoke to me specifically. His instructions were very clear for it is supported by His word, impartations, and confirmations from godly people, and more times in prophetic dreams.

Another sign in 2004, God showed me a dream. I saw myself dressed in white facilitating a birth of a child. I asked the Lord the message of that dream and wrestled with Him in prayer. There was a deep prodding. This, I thought, was a call from God. So, Bim and I went to Pastor Joe for godly counsel. We ended up with a handful of blessing from our dear pastor to pursue what God has in store for us, and to fulfill God's purpose and destiny for our family. God, likewise, appointed two women close to my heart to be my Prayer Jonathans, Jessa and Ione to support me in prayer throughout my journey towards the Promised spiritual land of inheritance.

So we took a leap of faith and obedience. I resigned from my post with FFI and held on to the promises of God, that was all we have and that was enough to make us take the first step.

I took up a nursing course, an endeavor Bim and I never have thought of doing. But God likewise has placed a desire for nursing in my heart. It was an impossible venture because we knew that it required finances as well which we did not have. We obeyed and I went through nursing school well provided for, I never lacked in anything.

When there’s a vision, comes provision.

At this time, it was clear, God will bring my family to another land. God is preparing a mission field for us somewhere out there.

There were several points why God chose Abraham and how it relates to the vision/mission for my family:

1. When God spoke, Abraham listened.
2. When Abraham listened, he obeyed.
3. He was willing to sacrifice anything for God.
4. God chose him for a specific assignment or task
5. The task was overwhelming and He needed God to accomplish it for Him.

But why Bim and my family, Lord? was my inquiry. He confirmed His answer through this verse: Genesis 18:18-19, “His descendants will become a great and mighty nation, and through him I will bless all the nations. I have chosen him in order that he may command his sons and his descendants to obey me and to do what is right and just. If they do, I will do everything for him that I have promised."

2007, last year, I acted hastily and went ahead of God’s plans. After nursing school, I forced my way and took the local board knowing in my heart that I wasn’t ready. I failed the first time. I was depressed and I thought my dream for my family was shattered. I found myself in the wilderness and my spirit was dry and desolate. I went away for a long retreat, and there, in my Mt. Sinai experience, God spoke to me in the book of Exodus. Three words that encouraged me to get on my feet again, these were: consecrate yourself, be still, and move on. This was further confirmed through the verse in Habakuk 2:3 “These things I plan wont happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient.”

God in all His wisdom ordains circumstances and situations in our lives that will test our hearts and show us what is there that is not pleasing to Him. I confessed and repented. My daughter wrote me a love note and said, “ It’s okay Mom. God is just correcting you.” I was deeply touched by this note. Indeed, my daughter was right!

He further made it clear to me that the keys to receiving the Promised Land of God is by faith, and lies deep within a divine relationship with Him. Therefore, I did not progress past the wilderness wandering about unless I discover a deeper level of intimacy where God wants me to be. He was serious with my time with Him. I realized that the Promised Spiritual Land of inheritance is not a place, but a deep, special and divine relationship with Him. This was the Spiritual Land of Inheritance the Lord was trying to tell me about. Once my spirit arrives there, the physical realm follows.

Family Newsletter, Christmas 2008

Bim continues to serve as full time staff in our church and loves every bit of it. Aside from coordinating the Small Group Ministry, he has found many new challenges and opportunities in his new assignment as overseer of our 10:15 am Sunday Service with a congregation of about 200. He tries to stay fit by having regular visits to the gym with eldest son, CJ.

Jenny became a registered nurse and began her professional practice early this year. In her short stint with the acute hospital experience as an OR nurse, she was promoted from trainee to reliever status. In October, her application was approved by the nurse's board to become a professional nurse in Australia.

CJ, turning 16 by January, has grown to be a handsome man. He will be graduating from high school come March and wants to become an aircraft mechanic someday. His love for sports, particularly basketball, is his favorite pastime.

Jed, 14, loves playing his guitar and soccer is his favorite sport. He is a sophomore and likes preserving insects and even snakes! He has emerged with a well rounded personality and is a friend to everyone. He is active with the church’s youth ministry.

Daisy will be 10 in February. Her dream to become a chef someday remains and she wishes to put up her own restaurant offering the family's favorite dishes in the menu. Like Jenny, she has developed a love for crafts. She can cross stitch and is learning to weave.

Caila, 6, our little one, has began to read; it’s been her favorite thing to do. She is very fond of drawing and writing letters to Mom and Pop. She excels in her school work and is praised by her teachers.

Jenny will commence her training on January 5 with the Nurses Board in Perth, Western Australia and will begin her nursing practice as soon as she is granted a working visa. If all goes well, Bim and the children will follow as early as May. This journey has been traveled in faith. As of this writing, Jenny has not received her visa and she has a plane to catch on January 1! We are hoping for God’s best whatever the outcome is and you will surely know in our next letter.

May your 2009 be a year of blessing!

All our love,

Bim and Jenny

Enjoy Harmony in Your Home - Part XI

Manage your money well. Build your financial decisions around what’s most important to your family; remind yourselves of your priorities often. Figure out how you’re currently wasting money, and how you can save money without sacrificing a fulfilling family lifestyle. Scrutinize every area in your budget for ways you can reduce expenses. Before buying something, ask: “Do we really need it?”, “Can we make do with what we have?”, “How often will we use it?”, “How much care does it require?”, “Is it durable?”, “Does its design and quality meet our standards?”, “Is there information available to help us make our decision?”, “Is the price right? Could we find it at a secondhand store?”, “How much difference will its addition to our home and family life really make?”. Avoid debt and pay down any debt you already have. Save for unexpected expenses and large purchases like family vacations or new appliances. Learn how to invest wisely. Give generously. Develop an effective filing and bill-paying system. And better yet, have the adept spouse keep and budget the money. In my case, it’s my husband.

Johnny the Bagger

A very inspiring video! Please watch and make a difference!

The Nurse

The world grows better year after year

Because of some nurse in her little sphere,

Puts on her apron and grins and sings

and keeps on going, the same old things.

Taking the vital signs, giving the pills

To remedy mankind's numberless ills;

Feeding and cuddling the baby while answering the bells

Being polite with a heart bequething.

A caring heart, a gentle touch,

Oh how I long to see you well, that much.

In the little time, in my small little way,

"I feel much better", I pray that you say.

Longing for home and all the while,

wearing the same felicitous professional smile.

Blessing the newborn babe's first breath

and closing the eyes that are still in their death.

At times, taking the blame for the doctor's mistakes

Oh dear, what a lot of patience it takes!

Pulled a night shift and off duty at seven o'clock

tired, discouraged and ready to drop!

But called back for emergency special at 7:15!

With woe in my heart, yet, in my eyes not to be seen.

Morning and evening, noon and night,

praying, hoping, and doing what's right.

When I lay down my cap and cross the bar,

Oh Lord, will you give me just one little star?

To wear with my crown and with my white uniform, new

In that city above, where the Head Nurse is You!

The Big 40

JOURNAL ENTRY: October 3, 2008

I stopped counting at 33. Whenever someone asks for my age, I can easily figure it out with a little math by calculating the sum between my natal year and the current year. I bet you’ve done that too!

I just turned 40 today and I feel great! I was actually looking forward to this day for the past months. But am I ready for the inevitable? Where am I now? What’s in it for me?

I was bombarded with these questions. Fortunately, answers came rushing through from the back of my head.

Along with juggling a busy life, I’m also dealing with a great amount of change. I am entering a new stage of life and facing challenges that I have never faced before.

The BIG 40. Some say life starts here. How so?

Firstly, I now have specific nutritional needs that are much different from those of men and younger women. I have bouts of sudden mood swings, headaches, cravings, and all the other issues of pre menopause, so they say. It's crazy, but it’s true! There was a time in my journey when I looked in the mirror and—yikes!—where did that paunchy middle come from? I seem to gain weight overnight while battling fatigue, irritability, and all kinds of body aches!

Then, a need to forever tag along my reading glasses and catching myself plucking a few stubs of silver hair every now and then while launching two handsome boys into adulthood... the wake up call…. Yes, I’m definitely here.

Secondly, I have a better view of where I am heading. My priorities are in order. I’m done on the side of distraction by that gnawing voice inside of me. I guess I learned the lesson that too much inward focus can be stifling. It inhibited my ability to act, my inability to interact with others, and my service to my Saviour as well. It inhibited my ability to really grow.

For the past months prior to this day, I realized that when I started to begin to believe and not fear, act according to my faith, and decide to reach out and care, I found the answers to my questions! I felt more energized. Otherwise I continue to spin around and around and feel old! It's dizzying and confusing and oftentimes, I was led to make choices that take me out of my life’s mission.

The Almighty has been good to me. I have a beautiful family, a house filled with love and activity and a community full of opportunities!

So I'm moving forward.

I’m 40 and I’m glad I know where I am, who I am, my life’s purpose and mission in life. I have so much hope where forgotten dreams are coming to fruition! I will find myself doing things I have never done before!

My prayer is to shine for Jesus, and make a difference for the glory of my Father in heaven!

Praise Him!

Enjoy Harmony in Your Home - Part X

Use your time wisely. Set up a “control central” area in your home to organize and track your family’s schedule (consider places like a desk, countertop, or home office). Use a “daily hit list” to categorize the various jobs you hope to accomplish each day into seven areas: home and property, food, family and friends, financial, special events, and self. Then consider what you can delegate to others, and what you can delete. Move necessary jobs that you haven’t finished on a certain day to the next day’s list. Set realistic expectations for how much you and your family members can accomplish in a given time period. Make lifestyle changes gradually and rely on God’s strength as you do. Encourage each other and hold each other accountable as you all try to manage your time well while creating a better environment at home.