This year was a year of leapfrog faith decisions and convictions.
In my last blog of 2021, I wrote about having more opportunities to share the gospel to our larger and extended families. Last 2022, I’m happy to report that we were given that blessing to share the gospel (in some cases repeatedly). We continue to pray for their salvation.
We are very thankful that the Lord provided an opportune time for me to really expound on the gospel to my aunt and uncle. They received it with tears of joy. Praise God!
The Move
Back in 2021, we were already considering moving back to Manila as the pandemic restrictions are starting to ease out and businesses are going back to “normal”. More importantly, we recognize the fact that we need to be part of a faithful local church again. This is the primary reason why we decided and make good of our decision to move. We want to really “leave and cleave”.
In the first 2 weeks of June, Rossan started to search for a potential place near Makati where the rent is not too expensive. By the 10th of the same month, we moved in to our temporary home. Praise God for His favor that we were able to find a good deal. We started to pack and transport some of our stuff to the new place and this went on for a couple of months.
We then started to scout for a good local church. Praise God for the many choices and we did land on Community Bible Church of Marikina.
Warming Up with Orderly Fellowships (Old & New)
We are thankful to the Lord for bringing us faithful and mature men & women in faith. They were able to help us navigate the sometimes uncertainties of life. They provided us godly counsel and able to model us how we can walk our Christian faith. We acknowledge the perils of this world and it’s easy to be ensnared by the temptations of it. We know that it’s important for us to be connected and be under the influence of these godly people.
As I mentioned, we landed on CBCM and we praise God for his mercies. We are glad to have met new friends in the faith.
The Wonderful gift of Family Worship
We have covered the book of Numbers until 2 Kings 12. With the help of our the Family Worship Bible Guide we are using, we are able to appreciate more the significance of those books.
Here are my takeaways for each book that we have covered.
Numbers (36 chapters)
We never imagined that we would very much like (and even become one of my favorite books in the Old Testament) the book of Numbers. Before, when I finish going through the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus, it starts to drag on for me. Not this time.
I guess if I could summarize my takeaway from this book how God revealed himself how he wants to be worshipped. It also shows that God is truly omniscient and he is into the details.
The numbering of the tribes of Israel reminds us that the Lord “knoweth them that are his” (2 Tim 2:19). Oh what a lovely passage and reminder to us. We may be forgotten, neglected, or abandoned by the world who see us in despair, but the Lord knows us. Such an encouragement.
Deuteronomy (34 chapters)
It was during this time that we are being convicted to move. In this book, the 10 commandments of the Lord where reiterated. Our takeaway is that God’s law is given to aid, not to burden. Man’s religion lays burden upon people, but God’s laws, given by grace, are given, “that it may be well with you”. God’s law is never a burden but a delight for those who love God.
Moreover, God’s zeal for holiness compels us to forsake the ways of wicked people. We are not fascinated by their gods.
We are also a bit sad knowing that the time of Moses is about to end. We got to know more about Moses since Exodus and we’ve been with him on the story the longest.
Joshua (24 chapters)
In this book, we saw that God’s work continues on. Moses is dead and Joshua is now the leader of nation Israel. As our guide says,
“The book of Joshua illustrates how God uses men as His ordained ministers or servants to lead His people. The recurring pattern is that God speaks to the leader who in turn speaks to the people. It imperative, then, that ministers know God’s Word so that they can effectively communicate that Word to the people.”
On chapter 18,we were convicted by the Lord to make good of our decision to move. On verse 3, “Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?
Judges (21 chapters)
On this book, it points me that God is the ultimate judge. While there were human judges (that were raised by the Lord), they were still sinners and equally flawed. The story line narrates the continued story of Israel after the death of Joshua. That there are still many areas in the promised land unconquered — Israel were partially and inconsistently obedient to the commandments of the Lord. We see this repeating pattern.
I see here the overarching idolatrous hearts of the people to worship other gods. Whenever the judge that the Lord appointed dies, the people go back to their sinful ways. It’s as if there’s no internal restraint to the people to stick to what was passed down to them from Moses (back from Exodus). Yet the Lord was merciful and brings His people back to Him.
Ruth (4 chapters)
My take away from this book is probably how a gentile Ruth believed in the God of Naomi, a jew. I think she saw that she cannot anymore go back to her motherland/community, because she’s changed. She can only stick with her mother in law for good. And that changed everything about her.
Of course the story points to Boaz’ redemption of Ruth which is a shadow of the true redeemer which is Jesus Christ.
1 Samuel (31 chapters) & 2 Samuel (24 chapters)
This first book of Samuel is the humble beginnings of the story of King David. However, it starts with the prophet Samuel — who will appoint a prior king by the name of Saul. To me the story of Saul is a story of great starting promise that ends in sorry tragedy.
Then King David. He was appointed long before he seated in power. Here we see his high regard for the Lord.
I think during this time I realized why he was called “a man after God’s own heart”. I think it’s because he didn’t worship any other god. Yes he did sin and some of them grave, yet he remained in the Lord.
On King Solomon, I noted that no amount of wisdom can defeat sin. It’s really by grace that we are able to resist & avoid sin.
1 Kings (22 chapters) 2 Kings 1–12 (we’re only able to cover chapters 1–12)
As for the book of Kings, we know that the kingdom was split into two. The northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). And to summarize a bit, not all kings were faithful to the Lord. Actually, most of them were evil.
One thing that sticks to me is that, the story is now so chaotic.
Yet the Lord preserved Judah and the lineage of King David as to him will come the promised Messiah.
The Business/es
For the most part, the business started to stabilize mid year. We reduced our costs in every way we can and just focusing on our core business, which is the e-claims. We made sure that our platform works well and is running smoothly. We started to get more clients by Q3/Q4.
I am thankful to the Lord for bringing me partners who constantly supported us especially during the pandemic. To Infocom Japan(c/o Nozomi and Yamazaki): We were able to reduce significantly our liabilities and arrears. To Dr. Joseph (of VergeTech VC), for his consistent encouragement and support — kept opening doors and intros for us.
Of course to the Stash team, what can I say. I am really thankful for all the hard work, dedication, and trust. I do not know how I’d be able to pull through if not for you guys (Jean, Navi, Jim, Mikee, May, Amie, Dim, Geoff, Neil, JB, Pao).
This is also the time I started to look for local partner who can complement what we lack — sales and finance expertise. Much has to be prayed for on this area! Thy will be done!
One of the consequence of moving back to Manila is letting go (daily operations) of her already profitable business that Rossan started and grew. In 2021, we saw this business grow 20–40% MOM. But we know that we have to move. All praise and glory to the Lord. I praise the Lord that He gave me a wife that obeys Him and honors Him above all.
Others:
I am very grateful also to the Lord for allowing me to find other sources of income during the times I literally had nothing despite me running a 7 year old business. I am glad also for the learnings I got and people I met who contributed to my personal and professional growth.
What are we looking at for 2023?
I realized that what’s important is to be faithful to the daily tasks that need to be done. Those are the only things I can control. My tomorrow’s I cannot say with absolute certainty. Yes, I will plan but it’s the Lord who will establish my steps.
Whatever God ordains is right. To God be All the Glory and Praise!
