Participants: Bien Tejano
Series Code: OTR
Program Code: OTR000944
|
01:01 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
01:03 It's again a privilege and an honor for me to be here 01:07 and be a part of this program. 01:10 I too myself is so excited to come and share with you 01:15 some of my humble experiences as a diplomat 01:18 and also as an ambassador 01:21 of the Republic of the Philippines 01:23 and of course, as an ambassador of God. 01:25 We are all ambassadors of Christ, amen. 01:28 Amen. All of us. 01:29 All of us. No one is exempted. 01:31 Anyone who accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, 01:35 accepts the commission that you are an ambassador, 01:39 you are to represent Him in all angles and all capacity 01:43 and all powers that God has given you. 01:46 So we are here in the same, talking of being ambassador 01:52 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 01:56 When I was a literature evangelist, a colporteur. 02:01 I tried to observe why some of my colleague 02:04 are not selling good books, especially health books. 02:10 I was wondering. 02:12 For me it was just easy for me 02:13 to sell health books especially. 02:16 I observed them one by one, 02:19 especially when I become the director of the publishing. 02:23 I observed my men, how they do the canvassing, 02:27 how they try to present the books, the health books 02:30 to their subject, to their target customers. 02:35 I observed something. 02:38 One of those who were presenting the health books 02:43 could not even convince the buyer 02:48 because he himself doesn't look healthy. 02:57 So I kept this, you know. 02:58 I was recording, I was watching 03:00 all my men, my salesmen and women who were under me 03:04 when I was the director of the publishing. 03:07 For other books like, you know, 'Your Food and You.' 03:13 In fact, that 'Your Food and You' 03:14 is even more sensitive because if you see, 03:16 sell your food and you and you are malnourished, 03:20 you are pale and unhealthy, 03:22 do you think you customer will buy your book? 03:25 No, no, no. 03:27 If you talk about hygiene 03:31 and you have a lot of dirt in your face, in your eyes, 03:34 you have not brush your teeth and you face your customer, 03:36 do you think that will convince to sell that book? 03:40 I don't think so. 03:43 So I have to regroup my men again and tell them these tips, 03:46 you know, I did not tell them frankly of what was going on 03:51 but I just told them you know, you just wear your nice dress. 03:57 Clean yourself, tidy yourself. 04:00 If you don't use gel or what, you put something 04:03 that you look healthy and powerful. 04:06 I tell you friends, when I get the tip to change their aimings 04:11 when they face their customers, the sale of my books 04:14 just rose up so high 04:15 and almost all of those who joined my group, 04:18 almost all of them became millionaires. 04:22 Very interesting. 04:25 Now, we are talking here about evangelism. 04:28 We are talking here about selling Christ 04:32 as our commodity. 04:34 Selling the kingdom of God as our goods for the people 04:40 to understand what it is about, you know. 04:42 People doesn't just join Christianity just by joining, 04:46 they join because they're feeling themselves 04:48 importance of it. 04:50 And that is why when you describe about Christ, 04:53 do you really know Him as an ambassador of Christ? 04:58 Do you understand when He talks to you? 05:01 My son, my daughter, please tell them 05:04 how good and precious I am. 05:07 Could you speak in His behalf? 05:10 Could you tell the people that the kingdom 05:12 where He belongs is the kingdom 05:14 that you will not want anything anymore? 05:18 If you are not ready to speak on that, 05:21 you won't be able to sell His book. 05:25 They will have to close their doors 05:28 and their hearts. 05:33 I was mandated this morning to share with you 05:36 on the witnessing and evangelism 05:39 and then you ask me, "Hey, ambassador. 05:42 How is it to witness for the Lord, 05:44 now that you are the ambassador?" 05:47 Friends, I wish I could tell you 05:50 the excitement that I have. 05:52 Too much excitement, too much joy for me. 05:57 As a poor pastor coming from a poor province 06:01 of the nothing, nothing. 06:03 You know that. 06:07 It's just too much for me to accept 06:10 how the Lord has open to me the opportunity. 06:14 You know, when I was in the union, 06:18 we have to fight for our... 06:24 trip going to from one place to the other. 06:28 We have to fight for operation. 06:31 We have to fight on the transport. 06:34 Sometimes we are given 2,000 pesos for the whole year, 06:39 and that 2,000 is just enough 06:41 to fly to from Manila to Palawan, 06:43 it's not even enough because now it's already 5,000. 06:47 And that was the limitation that we have. 06:50 Then of course you have to ask your provision, your food, 06:53 your hotel or your place, you don't even talk about hotel 06:56 but that's not the language. 06:58 You talk about where you can sleep in the makeshift there. 07:01 That is where we are pastors, that's how we work. 07:06 And all I decided and I became the ambassador 07:08 of the Republic of the Philippines. 07:11 You know what? 07:14 When I go to a place except this of course, 07:16 I understand, I hope you did. 07:20 When I go to the place, it's all prepared. 07:27 Someone meets me at the airport with all their grand reception. 07:31 Escorted from the airport 07:35 to the place where I want to be. 07:38 Hotels, accommodation are prepared first class. 07:42 The food. 07:46 And you know, I just go to the place 07:49 to preach on Sabbath. 07:53 I say, "Boy, this is an opportunity." 07:58 That's why when I was in Papua New Guinea, 08:01 I had all this privilege to be flying 08:03 from one place to the other, so may trips 08:08 and the government pays with all this expenses, 08:12 then I said, "Lord, why should I not use this 08:16 for your honor and glory." 08:19 Of course the intention is to serve my church 08:22 but all Filipino community are delighted 08:25 because I don't only answer their needs 08:28 and counsel our affairs 08:30 and their needs to have renewal of passports, having visa. 08:35 They have problem entering the Philippines. 08:37 They have some cases, this and that, 08:39 and of course I attend to them 08:40 but much more they are delighted to hear 08:43 that I give them a message 08:45 that they have never heard in their whole life 08:47 when I tell them that all your cares, 08:50 there's is someone who can answer your need, 08:52 and that is Jesus Christ. 08:59 It is so interesting to see this, 09:02 and I can't, this is special privilege, you know. 09:05 And that is why what that personal representation 09:10 and witnessing to the people. 09:13 I have used so many techniques, method, style, 09:19 but I think the church is so much aware 09:21 of the methods of witnessing. 09:24 First of all, is you have, first listen, 09:28 you have to live alive. 09:32 That is so clear reflecting 09:37 of who send you there, okay? 09:42 Live a life that is so clear and clean. 09:47 So that when you speak to the people, 09:50 they don't even have to think second times. 09:57 The representation, the right representation, 10:00 that's why we ambassadors who are called the diplomats 10:04 because we do diplomatic styles and approaches. 10:10 Dealing with people, learning their language properly 10:16 and always remembering that there is someone who sent you 10:23 and that you have to represent Him clearly, cleanly 10:28 and you happen to be Christian that represent Him 10:31 with all clarity of your life. 10:35 So that when I visit from one country to the other, 10:39 I make sure that I'm prepared. 10:42 I'm prepared, I rehearse the words 10:44 that I would like to speak. 10:46 And so exciting, you know, 10:49 especially if you are going to meet the prime minister, 10:52 if you are going to meet the president of the country, 10:55 if you are going to meet the king of the country. 10:59 You have to have all those precise words, 11:04 the first words that your mouth can open 11:07 and others in times they reflect about us 11:11 as ministers as layman, as lay workers, 11:14 as representatives of God, as an ambassadors of God. 11:17 We have to be precise with our own words 11:20 as we speak to the people about Jesus Christ. 11:25 One time when I made my presentation 11:28 of credential to the president of Fiji. 11:40 I was thinking whether to bring the letter of the president 11:44 and to bring my Bible. 11:47 So it was like, 'should I bring my Bible and the same time, 11:52 the letter of president?' 11:53 Then later on I decided, 11:55 "Oh, these people might think that 11:57 I'm trying to proceed like or I'm trying not to." 11:59 So first because I'm there to represent my country, 12:02 and of course back in my mind, 12:05 I'm going, ''I'm representing my Lord.'' 12:08 So both I rehearse. 12:11 The first approach, "Your Excellency, 12:15 let me present to you the letter of my president, 12:20 and I'm here to serve your country. 12:22 I'm here as your representative, 12:25 I'm here to cooperate and establish 12:29 stronger diplomatic relation 12:31 between my country and your country." 12:34 Then and on and on and on with this 12:36 and I handed my letter of credits to the president. 12:42 But then my mind arouses and said, 12:44 "In order to have finish my presentation, 12:48 where can I find my way at least for me to, 12:53 you know, it's always my blood, it's always boiling, Jeremiah, 12:58 you know, where he is speaking in the Book of Jeremiah, 13:01 Chapter 37 he says, 13:02 "Oh Lord, please help me 13:04 because your words is just like a fire within my bones. 13:09 It is burning within me." 13:11 So I have that feeling, I said, "Lord, how could I? 13:15 Please help me. You see, I'm your servant. 13:18 I'm also your ambassador. 13:20 I know these people deserve to hear the word of God. 13:24 So after my speech, I was very, you know, 13:33 I was thinking that I was presenting myself 13:36 the way my president wants me to present my country. 13:40 I was looking at the president and he looks at me and he said, 13:47 "So what else." 13:50 I said, "What else?" 13:53 That word what else. 13:55 You know, friends, 13:57 if you are truly the ambassadors of Christ, 13:59 you should know your signal. 14:02 If you are a salesman or a literature evangelist 14:04 and you sell the books, find a way 14:08 and make sure that when there is that buying signal, 14:12 don't let it go. 14:15 Hang on it. 14:17 So when he... when I hit it, so what else? 14:19 "Oh, Your Excellency, yes, of course, 14:22 the very reason I came here is, 14:26 you know, I am a Seventh day Adventist." 14:31 And he opens his eyes. 14:34 And I am an ordain pastor of the church. 14:38 And then he opened his eyes. 14:42 And Your Excellency, 14:46 it is my intention during my term 14:51 and my tour of duty here in your country 14:55 that I'll be able to share the word of God. 14:59 There are beautiful promises from the Bible. 15:03 God has promised. 15:05 With all the trouble world we have. 15:08 He said, "Let not your heart be troubled." 15:10 I started to recite ethics from John Chapter 14. 15:15 "Your Excellency, the Lord said, 15:16 ''Let not your heart be troubled." 15:18 You know that country is a little trouble now. 15:21 You believe in God, believe also in me. 15:24 And He said, 15:26 "In My Father's house are many mansion. 15:28 If it were not so, I would have told you, 15:31 I go and prepare a place for you, 15:33 and if I go and prepare a place for you, 15:36 Jesus said I will come again and receive you unto myself." 15:40 Then He said, "And where he is, you can be there also." 15:45 He was listening, friends. 15:46 I was having a one on one evangelism 15:49 and the president was just mesmerized 15:52 and he was listening. 15:56 And he said, "Well, you know, Mr. Ambassador, 16:02 I've so many ambassadors that came into my country. 16:07 There was no one who ever spoke anything about God except you. 16:14 When I heard that, that was another buying signal for me. 16:19 You know, colporteur, you could not fold in, 16:21 anytime they hit you, you hit back then, all right?' 16:24 So I said, "Well, Your Excellency, 16:28 if you don't mind, 16:30 could I offer a prayer for you and to your--people?" 16:35 "Oh, thank you very much, Mr. Ambassador. 16:37 I'm honored" "Please, Your Excellency, 16:40 could you please kneel down and we will pray." 16:44 You know what he did? 16:46 He rose up from there where he was seated. 16:49 He asked me to come into his chamber 16:52 and there in his chamber a lot of his people there, 16:56 they are all standing and waiting for the word 16:58 and the president said, 16:59 "You all people, you all kneel down and we will pray." 17:07 Oh, man, my hair is standing. 17:10 And then I kneeled down with my power, 17:15 I prayed, "Lord, please give me now the power of your word," 17:18 and then I pray for the president. 17:21 I pray for the people. 17:22 I prayed for his health, I prayed for his kingdom. 17:26 I prayed for his family. 17:31 After the prayer, he shook my hand and said, 17:34 "Your Excellency, Mr. Ambassador, 17:37 please you come back here again." 17:40 And I told him I will, I will. 17:43 You know what I did? 17:45 I reported immediately to the mission 17:47 and I visited the president of other country 17:50 and that his heart is open to listen to the word of God. 17:53 I told him please visit him. 17:56 He is a soul that is hungry for the word of God. 18:00 Now, listen church. 18:02 Do you think, if not for the Lord, 18:06 I can ever command a president to kneel down? 18:10 No way. 18:12 You don't do that to head of state. 18:18 I tell you, you can be killed. 18:21 But when you are on the mission of Christ, 18:25 remember that the one who send you 18:27 is more powerful than any president, 18:30 any prime minister, or any king in this planet earth 18:34 and that is why when you tilt on his business, 18:38 you are on a higher priority of life. 18:41 What a privilege? 18:43 What a privilege? 18:47 Another place I visited. 18:53 This is another place 18:57 I probably would not mention to you in particular 19:01 but I'll tell you the incident because we are on the air. 19:06 I visited this place. 19:09 I presented my credential. 19:14 They know I was coming, I was met at the airport 19:17 with all the entrance and trip protocol was there. 19:22 You know when you visit as an ambassador, 19:25 they treat you like the president of your country. 19:28 So the moment you arrive, by the way, 19:32 I'm so honored to be traveling, 19:34 and when I am on official mission, 19:35 because they would always give me the first class seat. 19:39 I tell you. 19:41 Even if you buy an economy, economy seat, 19:44 the moment the crew learn that you are the ambassador, 19:48 they would, "Could you please seat in the first class?" 19:52 Sometimes "No, that's all right." 19:53 "No, no, no. Please, please." 19:56 But my heart, "Come on, come on." 19:59 So I have all these special privilege 20:03 that I never had in my life during or ministry of 18 years, 20:07 that's where I wish 20:10 you can be an ambassador one day. 20:11 You are already an ambassador 20:13 but these are the special privileges, 20:14 I'm just trying to share with you, you know. 20:16 We as a family you understand where I am now, 20:18 so I went there 20:23 and when the door opens of the plane, 20:28 I was the first one to come out 20:30 and this court was there to meet me and said, 20:35 "Mr. Ambassador, can I have your passport?" 20:38 So I have to give my passport. 20:41 "Uh, you document for your luggage?" 20:43 So I have to give my document for the luggage. 20:46 And they said, "Mr. Ambassador, 20:48 would you please stay at the presidential lounge?" 20:50 So I have to sit there, you know, 20:52 while they work on my papers, my visa, 20:55 with this customs and all this luggage. 20:58 As soon as they have collected, "So, Ambassador, 21:00 is that all your luggage?" 21:02 I said, "Yes." 21:03 And I said to myself, I confided upon myself, 21:08 like a widow but you know, 21:09 I pretended to be real diplomatic, 21:13 but my hands really wanted to work. 21:16 And I feel just, you know, a little bit awkward 21:19 because I'm not used to this. 21:20 You let me carry whatever. 21:22 I mean, I can do that 21:24 because I'm a graduate of Mountain View College, 21:26 I'm trained to work hard work in the muddy place. 21:30 We sleep on the makeshift on the floor. 21:35 But these people, they treated me like the, 21:37 of course, there is the respect for the country. 21:39 They did that because they honored my country 21:42 and they respect my president. 21:45 So I was brought to the presidential lounge 21:50 and I went to there then later on 21:53 that trip protocol came in and said, 21:56 "Mr. Ambassador, 21:58 the limousine is waiting for you." 22:01 So you know, I acted like 22:04 really willing to ride a limousine, as if I know. 22:12 But I practice many times you know, 22:15 many times, many times I practiced all this. 22:17 So I pretended to stay sitting out there, you know, 22:21 without talking and not opening my mouth, 22:23 just be watchful and my eyes just turning like, 22:27 but I never moved my head but only my eyes. 22:31 You have to be very diplomatic, you know, 22:33 you don't have to show your ignorance at all times. 22:40 So I'm sorry I have to tell you this well. 22:45 Why did I say this? 22:47 Anyway, so I was, you know... 22:52 the trip protocol wanted to talk to me more about dinner. 22:57 I don't want to talk so much so I was so serious 23:01 then driver doesn't open his mouth so yeah. 23:06 "How's the president?" 23:09 "Oh Your Excellency, he is okay. 23:11 He is excited to see you. 23:13 In fact we have a good preparation." 23:16 "Okay." 23:20 Then I was brought to their compound, the palace 23:25 and there I saw all in white uniform, 23:28 all this honored guards under president. 23:34 My heart started to pump. 23:38 I said, "Boy." 23:41 So I stepped out from, you know, 23:43 I wanted to open, you know, as I used to open the door 23:47 but you don't do that. 23:50 You wait for all those people to work and they open. 23:53 "Excellency." 23:55 So, you know, I step up with all formalities. 24:05 And then they escorted me to the dais, it's in the stage 24:13 where I have to face all these honored guards 24:17 and then all of a sudden 24:19 when I look up to my right side, 24:21 they raised the Philippine flag 24:24 while someone sang 24:27 the national anthem of the Philippines, Bayang magiliw. 24:31 And I put my hands on my purse and then and some of them 24:35 they followed, they are not supposed to do that. 24:38 Some of them do like that, 24:41 I think later on at the middle of the singing, 24:43 they realized that this is not their national anthem. 24:48 But we do put our hands right here, right? 24:51 Correct? You Filipinos people. 24:53 I mean, this is a sign of our love and respect 24:56 to our national flag and our country 24:59 so it's supposed like, I'm nervous 25:00 and I was laughing inside me. 25:02 I said they are also confused like me, 25:06 so I was singing my national anthem 25:10 and you know, when you are in a foreign land 25:13 and when you hear your national anthem being sung, 25:16 and your hear your flag and you hear these big band, 25:20 you know, this orchestra and the people there, 25:23 you cannot hold it, your tears will roll down 25:25 from your cheeks. 25:27 So I was there singing with all my heart 25:31 and after the national anthem, 25:34 the commander came to me and said, "Your Excellency, 25:39 the guard is waiting for your inspection." 25:45 I almost retorted, "What? 25:50 I didn't come here to inspect you guys." 25:53 But you know, "Okay, let's go." 25:56 So we move on and he guided my one by one. 26:00 I wasn't actually... 26:02 Don't tell anyone. 26:04 I wasn't that actually looking at him, 26:05 I was just submissive of. 26:07 "What am I doing here now, Lord?" 26:09 So I was just looking at them, 26:11 glancing at them once in a while 26:13 you know and we went around all those 26:17 lines of platoons up and down, up and down. 26:20 And then some of them, well, they acknowledge me 26:23 and give them my, wink my eyes a little bit once in a while, 26:27 to acknowledge. 26:29 Then we came back 26:30 and then they played again the national anthem 26:34 and after that, they made a salute. 26:38 Of course I responded with a salute 26:41 that I practiced many times. 26:45 Many times. 26:47 Then they guided me 26:49 where the president was waiting for me. 26:54 I went up there. 26:58 While I was walking, again it crossed into my mind, 27:01 "Lord, this is the head of the country. 27:05 I might not see him again. 27:08 What would you have me to do? 27:09 Please give me the word. 27:12 Of course I know what to do with my either presentation 27:17 of my president, the introducing letter 27:21 but how about you, Lord? 27:22 What should I say?" 27:23 You know all this questioning in my mind. 27:25 "Remember Lord, you sent me here as your ambassador." 27:30 So I was thinking how would I be able to relate, 27:33 because in this situation, 27:35 you cannot make it like a robot you know, 27:37 that's automatic the same word you are going to say 27:39 to the president of one country so you have seven countries. 27:42 You cannot have because 27:44 everyone have different responses 27:46 and different tastes. 27:48 So I said, "Lord, how does it look like, 27:52 you know, what will be his... 27:53 would he accept my presence?" 27:57 So I was thinking 27:59 when I finally saw him and said, 28:01 "Oh Excellency, come inside." 28:03 And he asked me to sit down 28:06 but my mind was rushing already. 28:08 No, I did not sit down immediately 28:09 but what I did was 28:11 I was bringing my letter of credits 28:16 and I started to set a litany again. 28:20 "Your Excellency, I would like to present you the letter." 28:25 Just have way of my memorized, you know, presentation, 28:30 all of a sudden the president, "No, no no, Bien. 28:32 Come on, come on, you sit down here, 28:34 sit down here." 28:35 So I was surprised. 28:38 He just stopped all his formalities. 28:39 "Come on. Let's be friends." 28:42 So I relax, I started to relax, said, "Oh, God. 28:47 Thank you very much. 28:48 At least you save me one of my presentation." 28:51 Then he started to say. 28:53 "You know what? 28:55 Now listen, I, you know, just want to be friend with you 28:59 because this Filipino friend, 29:03 this Filipino guy is a friend of mine." 29:06 And I said, "Who is he?" 29:07 He said Mr. "Henry Sy." 29:10 Mr. Henry Sy is the wealthiest man 29:12 in the whole Asia and he is a Filipino. 29:15 The one who owns the SM Mall of Asia, 29:19 and now he owns the big 29:21 and even much more richer than Lucio Tan, 29:24 who owns the Philippine Airlines. 29:26 And he told me he is a friend of mine. 29:28 So I become comfortable because Henry Sy was my friend also. 29:32 And we talked together about Henry Sy. 29:34 I forgot about my president. 29:38 We talk about very long, long talk about Mr. Henry Sy 29:41 and how we met in Hong Kong, 29:43 we met in Europe and all these so. 29:47 We had very kind and nice conversation. 29:51 And then started to think on 29:54 how I could again share the word of God. 29:57 I said, "Lord, please let me tell this man 30:01 that I am a pastor of the Seventh Adventist church. 30:04 Let me share to this guy 30:06 that you have sent me for a purpose. 30:10 You know this is my mission, 30:11 where I even have the opportunity. 30:13 I don't have any other plan to do it next time." 30:18 Next time I don't have that language in my ministry 30:22 because I always think that 30:25 this might be my first and my last 30:26 to meet these people, 30:28 although I have met them several times later on 30:30 because of some incidents that happen. 30:33 And during our conversation, I glance at one... 30:41 like stone. 30:43 It cracks in all around and I look at it. 30:49 "Your Excellency, you have this in a very conspicuous..." 30:56 He said, "Oh, yes, yes. 30:59 You know what is it?" 31:01 I get that about just... 31:04 It's a little bit secret but you know, 31:06 I'm not telling anyone in the country 31:09 and the president said, "You know what, 31:14 that one is from the temple in Jerusalem." 31:19 It's just a stone, you know, as if it was chiseled around. 31:24 I said "What do you even think?" 31:27 "Kind of a piece of you know..." 31:31 And then he started to talk to me about his story. 31:34 You know the piece of stone like this, a piece of, 31:38 a part of a tile on the floor. 31:44 And I said, "Yeah, very interesting." 31:47 But to me it doesn't make any appeal. 31:50 It just kind of ''why did he put that dirt on the wall?' 31:54 ' You know, so I just kind of curious about it. 31:59 Then he told me. 32:01 It's a big story on that. 32:03 When I was in the temple, he said I was so impressed 32:07 with the massive all this and then I saw the beautiful, 32:13 was this a cane or stick, of St. Peter. 32:19 And I said, "Boy, I hope I could find a replica on this 32:24 and I'll bring it to my country." 32:27 So he talked to one of his people 32:29 around the church. 32:30 I said, "Could you buy me a replica like that? 32:35 Could you buy me something like the same like that 32:37 to remember St. Peter?" 32:40 And the boy said, "All right, I'll go around." 32:43 But then he did not find any. 32:46 So when he left there, 32:48 when he was already in the airport, 32:50 this boy went to the airport with a package and he said, 32:56 "Hey, Mr. President. 32:59 I wasn't able to find the stick or the replica of the cane 33:07 of St. Peter but you know what, 33:12 I just chiseled the floor 33:17 and maybe you can have this as your remembrance." 33:21 Then I realized that he has an interest, anything about God. 33:25 And I started talking to him. 33:27 "Oh, St. Peter is a very good disciple of Christ." 33:31 "Oh yes. 33:33 Although I did not meet him 33:34 but I hear the story about him," he said. 33:36 I said, "Well, I met him." 33:39 "Did you?" I said. 33:41 I said jokingly, "Your Excellency, 33:43 I met him in the Bible. 33:45 I read a Bible. Do you read a Bible?" 33:48 "Once in a while." 33:49 "Oh, there are great promises in the Bible." 33:52 Then I come again to recite on the Bible 33:56 it says in John Chapter 3:16, 33:59 "For God so loved the world that He gave his..." 34:02 And he was listening to me 34:04 and then while I was in my recitation, 34:06 he said, "Do you care for some liquor?" 34:08 I said, "Well, I'm fine." 34:10 "Your Excellency, some wine?" 34:14 "I'm okay, I'm okay. 34:16 Could you give me orange juice please?" 34:18 And then we interrupted our conversation 34:22 and then he told me, he told me, 34:25 "I want to invite you for a dinner." 34:29 I said," Oh, that's an honor, Your Excellency." 34:33 And he said, "Since there are other guests that are here, 34:37 that so happen that are here. 34:39 The President of Samoa, 34:41 the Vice President of Fiji is here, 34:45 the Speaker of the Parliament of Australia is here 34:50 and some Cabinet members of New Zealand are here. 34:53 I would like to invite you to join us on that dinner." 34:56 Oh, I said. 34:58 "Your Excellency, I'll be honored to do that." 35:00 '8 o'clock tonight." 35:02 I said, "yes." 35:03 So I made pray will and I leave. 35:06 Before 8 o'clock about 15 minutes, 35:09 you know, not really that Filipino time, 35:11 really on 15 minutes, I watched their 15 minutes. 35:15 You know when I arrived, he was still on his night gown. 35:20 He was asleep. 35:22 And then he came to the door and then he met me. 35:25 "I'm sorry. 35:26 Oh yeah, we have a dinner tonight, 35:28 I understand." 35:29 I said it's already 8 o'clock." Yeah. 35:33 "Well, Excellency just sit down and in few minutes 35:35 our guests will be coming here." 35:37 So sure enough in few minutes, all those guests arrived. 35:41 There were there and we have pleasantries, 35:44 we shook hands out there, 35:45 and some they might know, and some I don't. 35:49 Then we waited, we talked. 35:51 They served the wine, all kinds of liquor, 35:54 all kinds of finger foods they served. 35:58 We waited. 36:00 The dinner was at 8 o'clock. 36:02 It was already 10 o'clock, no dinner... 36:08 and I cannot see the president around. 36:12 11 o'clock he appeared, he was already drunk. 36:17 I said, "Oh, man. 36:18 I hope you understand, you are always, you know, 36:20 I hope you are enjoying your life here." 36:22 And of course these people would drink alcohol. 36:26 They didn't feel so much to hunger. 36:28 I was so hungry and I tell you, friends, 36:32 while they served this alcohol, this liquor, 36:35 I continued to drink alternatively, 36:38 water and orange, orange and water. 36:41 When you combine this all, your tummy will bulge you know. 36:46 And I kept going to the toilet 36:50 while these people are just enjoying. 36:51 I said, "Oh, have mercy on me. When is this going to stop?" 36:55 And I thought when the head of the state came 36:59 that we're about to eat. 37:02 He just came and mingled with us 37:04 and enjoyed the drinking. 37:07 So everybody was really getting quite 37:11 and I know we were all hungry. 37:13 12 o'clock, there was no dinner. 37:17 12.30, this president went out 37:23 and then after about 15 minutes, 37:27 he came and he said, 37:29 "All right, we are going to have our dinner." 37:34 And everybody's smiling on. 37:37 I said, "At last, at last." 37:41 Now I was so happy because I was so hungry, 37:43 I was terribly hungry but he said, 37:47 "You know, you will enjoy our food 37:51 because I chose the best part of the pig." 38:05 And I thought, 'I'm not hearing I think right.' 38:07 I said, "What was that, pig?" 38:12 "It's really the choicest part of the pig, 38:14 you will enjoy it." 38:17 Man, it's just like a bomb that hit me. 38:22 You know when you are so hungry, 38:24 and you are so much excited to eat that food 38:29 prepared by the president in a palace, 38:33 you kind of anticipate you know to some-- 38:38 And I saw, I said, "Lord, I'm not hungry anymore." 38:44 But how can you sit and be there on the table 38:50 and watch them eat and you yourself. 38:53 They know that you are hungry and all this I was so worried 38:58 and I started praying, "Lord, please." 39:01 Then I started to reflect what was in the Bible. 39:05 I started to look up. 39:07 All the experiences of those people 39:08 who served in the palace of the king. 39:13 I started to think on how these people were able to stand 39:16 and maintain and present themselves 39:18 as the representative and ambassador of Christ 39:21 How they themselves behave on that situation? 39:25 Did they compromise? 39:27 They defy to, you know, 39:29 just let them heal and they are. 39:32 Did they try to just please the host? 39:38 But then you reflect from the Book of Daniel 39:40 when it says, 39:42 "Daniel, before he arrived 39:44 in the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar, 39:47 he made up his mind, 39:50 not to defile himself with the king's meat. 39:54 And that bounce back in my heart and in my mind 39:57 I said, "No matter what happens." 39:59 I immediately called, I immediately declared 40:02 Persona non grata, but I will stand for you, Lord. 40:05 I will stand for you." 40:08 Of course your stomach was complaining, you know, 40:10 you can hear the bubbles and all the... 40:15 "And, Lord, if this is the way 40:17 I can be a testimony to these people, 40:22 if this will be an opportunity for me 40:24 to witness for you, Lord, please help me, 40:29 with all these dignitaries, these people." 40:34 Then I thought, 40:38 ''I think I'll talk to this head of the state.' 40:44 ' So I get the courage. 40:45 I was watching him, he was walking around, you know, 40:48 talking to all issues like economy, like politics, 40:53 like about issues about crimes and all this. 40:58 I was listening so that anytime I can come close to him, 41:00 I can join the issue. 41:02 My ears just... 41:05 I zoom it to his mouth even I'm not looking at him. 41:09 So that anytime I can get near to him, I just can connect. 41:12 You know, if you are a literature evangelist, 41:14 you know where to approach and when to hit the target. 41:18 You don't talk anything so far away from the minds 41:21 on your customer 41:23 because you will not be able too sell the book. 41:26 But if you know, if you are a very diplomatic guy, 41:31 you know where to come in, you know. 41:34 So I was listening even if I was at a distance, 41:37 they did talk about politics, 41:39 they talked about corruptions and crimes. 41:41 I said, "I know all these subjects. 41:43 I have also my story about that." 41:46 I said. 41:47 And finally I caught him in a corner. 41:50 I went just right there. 41:52 "Oh, Your Excellency, your country is so peaceful. 41:59 I understand you have a very sound economy." 42:02 "Oh, yes. 42:04 With the help of my technical people, 42:05 we are doing all right." 42:07 I said, "Good. 42:09 Oh by the way, Your Excellency." 42:11 And this is how the Lord comes in with the problem I have 42:18 in few minutes they are going to bring us to the table. 42:22 "Hey, here Excellency." 42:26 I was praying to the Lord 42:27 what word do I say if I would it. 42:29 Should I tell him I don't like to eat your pig? 42:32 He would slap me right there or he can even, you know, 42:36 the head of a state can even declare immediately 42:40 a Persona non grata and move you out. 42:46 I told him, "Your Excellency, 42:53 I like to eat fish." 42:56 That's the word that came from my mouth. 43:01 You know, of all list of, you have to think, 43:04 I wanted to be a full vegetarian, 43:06 but at least more or less you have all this, you know. 43:10 And he looked. "No, no, no." 43:12 He said there, we have the pig. 43:13 It's nicely cooked. 43:15 I want to eat fish. 43:18 No, we have the... 43:19 Your Excellency, I hear that the fish you got 43:22 is so beautiful, it tastes too good. 43:24 Oh, we have the pig. 43:25 Your Excellency, you know, I want to eat the fish. 43:28 And he just looked at me and said, "We have the pig." 43:32 "Excellency, your fish are good here, really good. 43:34 I admire, you know I would feel sick 43:39 if I leave this country without tasting your fish. 43:41 And I want it now, please." 43:44 And he looked at me 43:46 and turns back and waved to the kitchen 43:49 without saying a word and it took another 40 minutes. 43:54 Think of it, was it really like about 1 o'clock in the morning. 43:59 That was a dinner. 44:04 He came back, he was so perspiring with all, 44:09 it was so wet all around and I said, "All right." 44:13 And he came to me, you know you have your fish 44:16 I cook it myself. 44:22 Church, you might laugh but I have it as an answer, 44:29 a direct answer from the Lord. 44:32 The message that I got here is this 44:35 and this is still true with Daniel's experience. 44:39 You stand for him and be true to your God 44:46 and he will have all the answer that you need. 44:51 Who would ever think that God would give in us 44:54 the president to cook for you, 44:57 that's impossible in this world. 45:00 It cannot happen, 45:02 but when the Lord give the answer to those 45:07 who remain faithful and loyal to him, 45:09 friends there is nothing impossible. 45:12 We were ushered to the table, I was the only one with fish 45:16 and vegetables and fruits and while we were eating, 45:20 all the eyes of all those who were there 45:23 were just all focusing on me 45:25 and he said, "Oh, you have a healthy food." 45:30 To those that were seated on my right and my left 45:33 and they whisper, "Can I share some?" 45:35 "Of course." 45:37 So I did a ministry 45:41 and I had the privilege to pray before we started. 45:45 Amen. 45:47 These are some of the experiences 45:50 that I wish I could share to you 45:52 and this is not the only one I tell you. 45:54 One time, I think time is running out. 45:58 We will have another round 46:00 because we have another topic to move on this, 46:01 but truly friends, the best thing for us 46:05 to be an effective witnesses for the Lord 46:08 is for you yourself to stand firm on your belief. 46:12 Make yourself a presentable, 46:14 something when you do approach people about Christ, 46:17 prepare yourself. 46:19 Please don't approach anyone when all your mouth 46:22 and all your mouth here are so dirty, 46:24 you do not comb yourself. 46:25 I say, "You know what, the Seventh-day Adventists 46:28 are very good. 46:29 They are really good, healthy people 46:32 and then they look at you, you are so pale 46:34 and you haven't brushed your teeth. 46:35 Do you think someone will join you? 46:38 Please don't invite me to your church, 46:40 I don't want to be a part of you. 46:44 But I tell you, friends, 46:46 when you have all the excellent representation, 46:50 I see if you really are bringing the image of the one 46:53 who sent you, being the ambassadors of Christ, 46:57 friends, there is no way that these people can turn you back. 47:00 They will accept the one whom you believe 47:04 and that is Jesus Christ, our Lord. 47:06 I challenge to this church. 47:08 I mean, I challenge you with all my heart, 47:11 with all the humble experiences that I have. 47:14 Friends, let us represent Christ 47:17 if we really are going to be witnesses 47:20 for His kingdom. 47:22 May the Lord bless us. This is my prayer. 47:25 Let's have a break for a while and just before we do that, 47:29 could we bow our heads for prayer? 47:32 Our Heavenly Father, 47:33 what a privilege to witness for You. 47:37 What an honor to bring your name in our hearts, 47:40 in our minds and mumble it with our lips 47:43 that You are the one sent us. 47:45 Yes, we accept that we are Your ambassadors, 47:50 ambassador for the kingdom, for Your kingdom. 47:53 We can hardly describe the kingdom where You belong, 47:58 so far away in comparison with the kingdom in this earth. 48:05 And yet, Lord, sometimes we misrepresent You. 48:09 Could You please give us that courage? 48:13 From this time on, Lord, speak in Your behalf 48:16 and to present ourselves as truly we are, 48:20 Your representative and we are Your ambassadors. 48:25 Thank you so much for the privilege 48:28 and being a part of the family 48:31 and the workforce of your kingdom. 48:33 All this we ask in the name of Your Son, 48:36 Jesus Christ, our Lord. 48:37 Amen. Amen. |
Revised 2015-10-08