THE KATINAS CONCERT ROCKED!!!

When we heard The Katinas were coming to Manila, our friends and I didn't hesitate to watch. I mean it's not everyday these guys come over for a concert. We grabbed the opportunity. Personally, I was very excited because it is just recently that I  get to go out in concerts. My wifey and I needed some personal time as well.

We got there around 7pm. It was raining. But it did not dampen our excitement. Our friends were already inside the colesium. We're hungry. So we grabbed a bite in one of the Wendy's which one burger costs an entire meal if you buy it outside the venue. Plus they didn't even serve french fries. Can you believe it?

We went inside the concert hall. I didn't expect that we would be watching at the patron side of the venue, which was at the left side of the stage. The night was electrifying. It was not a concert. It was ministry. It was a time for people who belonged to the Body of Christ to worship God together.

They shared their life: how they are brothers who had a father that held on to Christ. They showed a video montage of their kids. They shared about how to live a FULL LIFE. We were fed with music and the word of God. Amazing! Personally, I needed that.

The event ended with all of us singing "OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD." As the Araneta Colesium was filled with worship, The Katinas walked off the stage. It was not about them. It was about God.

As for the gang, we had a wonderful time. The video speaks for itself. Check it out and see how we enjoyed the event (It's about 10 minutes long.)

The Katinas have the heart for ministry and to share the love of God in a language the whole world recognizes - music. God bless you, Katinas! May God expand your territories.

Until then, God bless!

KATINAS TONIGHT

I am a few hours away from one of the biggest Christian concerts this side of the globe.

I am really excited to go to the Katias concert not just to see and hear the band but to be ministered to. The music they play isn't just popular Christian music but music that speaks to the heart and uplifts the spirit. Everyone, even pastors, need to be fed and be ministered to.

My wife and I and some friends will be there. If you're coming, I hope you enjoy the concert. Maybe we can exchange thoughts about it here on the site.

See you there!

Until then, God bless!

THE EDGE RADIO EXPERIENCE

Hello folks! Here's my account of the EDGERADIO EXPERIENCE.

I got to the studios around 5:30pm to beat the traffic which is predominant around the area. Friday night = Rush hour traffic. I didn't want to be late for my first full-pledge radio interview. To be honest, it has been a dream of mine to be on radio. Maybe as a DJ. But God blessed me more as I was being interviewed by my dear friends Ron, Joyce and Owie.

Going back, I was there early and was very excited. I was trying to climatize myself with the booth and the fact that I will talking on air in a few minutes. Owie graciously toured me around and introduced me to some of the staff. Around 5:55pm, Ron and Joyce have not arrived yet. They're suppose to do the interview with me. So Owie was preparing to go on board and was quite nervous. Then, a few minutes later, Ron and Joyce arrived. Whew for Owie.

The show started. Around 6:30pm, Joyce had a talk with me just to do some background stories. Most of the things you heard in the LIVE show were discussed beforehand. That's where the stories about my involvement in the new age, the stories about my family and my ministry were briefly talked about.

7pm. I'm on. I was nervous. I was excited. I couldn't believe this was the answer to a prayer. Fo about 30 minutes, I was talking about how God changed my life and how life has been good with God around. Let me tell you, it felt good being in the booth. All those days I'd hang out in the DJ booth when I was in college daydreaming to be one day be interviewed on air has come to pass. God does answer prayer!!!

If you want to check out the interview, please view the video below.



That was one awesome interview. Too bad I wasn't able to do a rap for them which we talked about before. Hopefully, I'll be back to do it.

Thanks again to EDGE RADIO for guesting me on the show. Hope we do another one in the future. I have a feeling we will be working closely soon.

Ron. Joyce. Owie. My wonderful and supportive friends who, unconsciously, believed in me - THANK YOU!!

RODNEY GARCIA AT EDGE RADIO

Hello folks! I'll be at the EDGE RADIO show tonight at about 7pm.

Here's the link to view the show: http://www.theedgeradio.net/edgetvpage/manila/

PREACHING LAST NIGHT AND RADIO TONIGHT

I have a wonderful time preaching last night about being THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. God has called those who are Christians to become the light to others. So that others may be pointed towards Jesus' direction. He says to LET or permit the light shine. Don't suppress it. Others need your light. Others are searching for a way out. Let God's light in your life become a beacon to others. Be an encourager. Be an uplifter. Pray for someone. Be a shoulder to cry on. Be a light.

I felt quite rusty last night though. It's been a while since I last preached so I'm trying to get back into "preaching mode." Plus with all the lights and cameras towards me, it takes a while to get used to it. And, without the knowledge of the crowd, I actually had back aches before the service. I had them in the morning and continued through the day. It was just a miracle that I didn't feel the aches while I preached. However, they returned right after I spoke. I guess its the stress or the pressure.

Tonight, I will be joining my friends at EDGE RADIO for an apprearance in one of their live shows. I'm very excited about it. I wasn't able to compose a rap this week which was suppose to be heard tonight. Maybe some other night.

I'll be at the EDGE RADIO show tonight at about 7pm.

Here's the link to view the show: http://www.theedgeradio.net/edgetvpage/manila/

Pray for me folks. I need your prayers as we venture into new ground.

Until then, God bless you!

FINALLY, I GOT TO DANCE AGAIN

I was invited to attend a unique Sunday night experience - the SPIRIT GOSPEL HOUSE Party at Warehouse 153 (Yakal st. Makati city). I heard about it a few times and I was very curious. Could it be? A house party with house music that is ....Christian? Perish the though! Christian House music? Christians dancing to Christian house music? Could this be true? Yes. It is true.

Aida, Rafa, Odette and myself went to satisfy our curiousity. Was it possible to have clean Christian fun in a club setting? We were quite early. But we got to meet some fine people such as DJ Benjo, Ptr. Manu (who was a batchmate in the youth ministry), Laica Marquez, Ron and Joyce Titular and other individuals. I didn't really know what to expect but I was open for the experience.

Then, the music started rocking. The lights flashed around as the house music rocked the place. It was a party atmosphere. There was something different with the lyrics. Typically, house music contained either random phrases or words about love and life. But this one was very different. It spoke of God. It spoke of Jesus. It was house music about Jesus. I couldn't believe my ears. I was filled with excitement. Imagine!

So I was on the dance floor with my wife and my son who was dancing the night away. He was just enjoying himself. He even asked me if he could celebrate his birthday there. Just proves he was just enjoying the night.

As for me, I danced. Yes! I DANCED! Dancing has been a passion for me. Unfortunately, when I became a pastor, I was put into a stereotype. Pastors preach. They don't sing. They don't dance. Well, whoever said pastors don't dance? So I did. I danced with my wife. I danced with my son. I dance with God's music. And it felts good! Really good. I haven't dance liked that for...wait for it... SIX YEARS! Has it been that long?  Oh yeah!

I am hoping to join the next Spirit House Party in December. Hope you join me too.

RODNEY G. AT GARY V LIVE AT 25

When I heard that Gary Valenciano will stage his 25th anniversary concert on November 14 and 15, I just had to be there. I wanted to buy my tickets. Due to some schedules I needed to attend to, I lost track of time. When I checked the ticket offices, they were all SOLD OUT. Man. I was sad. I really did want to go. I wanted to go to the last night of the concert (November 15 - Saturday). I tried in vain and asked around if anyone had a spare ticket or knew anyone who can sell me a ticket. Alas, no success.

Saturday morning came. I post my status on my FACEBOOK account - "Rodney is SAD he cannot go to the GARY V. Concert." Then, my friend Joyce Titular of EDGE RADIO was online. I asked her if she can hook me up with some tickets for the Gary V. event. She said that the station had given away tickets for the concert and they're all out. But maybe if I check with Joel (one of the radio station volunteers) if there's a spare.

Then, just when you thought miracles don't happen, it hits you on the face. There was ONE TICKET left. They asked me if I'd like to have it. I said, "YES!" Just like that, God gave me favor. I was on my way to watch the GARY V. concert.

I met Joel to claim the ticket. Cool guy. Unfortunately, we weren't sitting together. I was in another part of the venue. But I didn't expect that the place I'll be sitting on was at the dead center view of the venue. It was like being in front of your own living room watching the event. I said, "Lord, I don't know if I deserve such a treat. But Thank you!"

For four hours, I was treated to music coming from a man that I have looked up to as a brother in the faith. Yes. He has had his struggles. Who hasn't? But I admire his determination to be the best that God wants him to be.

I personally would like to thank my friends Ron and Joyce Titular of EDGE RADIO for giving me a chance to watch the concert. Thanks for all the help, guys! It really means a lot to me. To Joel for being patient in all my text messages and for waiting for me. To the Lord, thanks for making me smile that day. Love you!

PASTORS NEED ENCOURAGEMENT TOO

Just came back from Caliraya. I spent three days with the WWCF Local and International pastors. I am blessed with their obedience and how they have answered to God's calling.

Retreats are usually done to relax and just enjoy. This retreat was extra special for me because I get to spend some time with the pastors. I believe that pastors need to be encouraged and edified not just in material things but, more importantly, in words.

I have found the importance of encouragement in my own life and I have made it a personal mission.

I enjoyed spending time with my fellow pastors in these three days. Somehow, a new bond has been established.

I hope I become an encourager to them in any way I can be.

God bless you, my fellow workers in the Lord! May God be with you in all your efforts.

KIDZONE CHURCH LIVE 2008 BETTER THAN 2007

This year's KIDZONE CHURCH LIVE! 2008 at the PICC Forum Tent was so much better than last year.

The event held last 2007 was our very first major event done in a major venue - The Philippine International Convention Center. We had about 1,000 kids and about four hours of activities that just totally brought the energy levels of all KZC coaches to its minimum. There were plenty of things we did that we should not have done and we were willing to learn from these mistakes.

This year, we came back with more wisdom.

We changed the placement of the stage and had the chairs surround it just like a concert theater. Instead of having four hours of programs, we just alloted a two-hour worship service for kids complete with praise and worship songs. The coaches added bonus stuff like action songs, puppets and the mime. It was so cool watching the coaches do their stuff.

As for me, I was given about 30 minutes to teach a lesson. This year's lesson was entitled "BEING THE BEST IN LIFE." It was a big challenge because I had to teach 800 kids in 30 minutes or so. A normal 5 year old has an average two to three minute attention span. So you could just imagine what I was about to encounter. Good thing God gave me wisdom.

The sermon was based on the hit Pixar movie "CARS" (which is one of my favorite films). I talked to the kids about Lightning McQueen and how he transformed from being a rookie without heart to a real racecar with heart. During a crossroad in his life, he meets new friends that teach him different values. In between principles that I taught, I included video snipplets that got the kids glued. And, YES, they were glued.

I was able to receive very positive feedback about the teaching from the kid's themselves. I was told they really learned a lot. Now, coming from these kids, they are not just honest but it does mean they got the point. Praise God!

This would be my second time to preach in a major venue. Not everyone get the opportunity and I am blessed to be given such.

The kids had snacks with the help of Universal Robina Corporation - makers of different snack foods. Thanks URC!

Will there be another KIDZONE CHURCH LIVE next year? We don't know. But I am proud of the KIDZONE CHURCH Coaches and staff and all those who helped out to make KIDZONE CHURCH LIVE! 2008 a God-glorifying event.

Until then, God bless.

KIDZONE CHURCH LIVE! IN JUST A FEW HOURS

In just a few hours, I will be at the PICC for the 28th Anniversary of WORD FOR THE WORLD. Simultaneously, I will be at the PICC Forum Tent with about 1000 kids for KIDZONE CHURCH LIVE 2008. I'm so pumped up and excited with what will happen.

I prepared the whole day my sermon and presentation. I hope the kids will learn more about God.

Just a quick post, guys. Please do pray for the Anniversary.

Until then, God bless.

KIDZONE CHURCH LIVE 2008

Word for the World Christian Fellowship (WWCF) will be celebrating its 28th Anniversary on November 9, 2008 at the PICC Plenary Hall. Program starts at 8am. As for me, I will be with the future WWCF church - KIDZONE CHURCH. Kids from ages 4 to 14 will be at the PICC Forum Tent. We've prepared loads of activities for them to enjoy.

I have the most awesome opportunity to share and speak life to them on Sunday. I will be doing a very unique sermon sharing. I've never done this before but it will be fun. I hope I can post some photos and videos here by Sunday.

I'm preparing now for the sermon. Really working hard to make this event truly memorable. Last year, we had about 1000 kids in the tent and we just had a blast. This year, we have learned from our mistakes and have streamlined the program so it will be memorable and relevant.

Please do pray for us as this is both exciting and challenging. I hope I can see you there somehow.

Until then, God bless!

LEGACY PROJECT AND OTHER STUFF

Hello folks.

Finally, the Legacy project of Word for the World will be out in a few days. The Special Events committee has worked so hard to put this long overdue plan into reality. I took really dedicated and hard-working people to put this three-volume set together. It took a lot of prayers and determination. It was not an easy task. There were hesitations, distractions, altercations and decisions that we had to encounter. Plenty of sleepless nights and frustrating times for myself, my wife, the writing cast and the editing team as we checked and double-checked every typo and photo.

Personally, I'd say this is the best work I've done so far. I have designed brochures and posters in the past. This is my best work yet. I humbly say this. I have poured so much of myself into this project that it took away alot from me. This project literally stretched my creativity both in design and in writing. I have yet to get back to my form. Even writing this blog is taking me longer that it should.

On November 9, 2008, the Legacy Book will be launched at the WWCF 28th Anniversary at the PICC. This is for the Project Caleb fund which will be used for the purchase of our new WWCF church site. We hope you can support us.

Right now, I am preparing for the KIDZONE CHURCH worship service at the PICC Forum Tent on November 9. We're very excited about this. I'm excited just to be with the kids again and my KIDZONE coaches whom I have not worked with for the longest time.

Also, I'm getting myself ready to finish my rquirements for school. Yup. I'm in school. I'm working on my masters degree. And, yes, it does involve typing and making reports. Like I said, I'm still trying to get back into sync here. My brain kinda went haywire due to excess creativity. But God is good.

Again, please do support the Legacy project. I'll keep you posted for more in a days to come.

Until then, God bless.

HOLY WIN, BATMAN!!!

Halloween in church? We'll it's more of "HOLY WIN."

I was given a great chance to speak to about 60 young attendees of the Ruggednoise ministry's Holy Win event. It's an alternative of the Halloween people celebrate nowadays. We were able to wear costumes. I got to wear a John Cena costume complete with the spinning WWE belt. Cool huh?

The topic I spoke of was about FEAR. I shared how my life was when I was heavily involved in New Age. I shared how I wanted to have power over those who bully me in school and power to overcome my problems. I had gone deep in the occult to and dabbled with Ouija boards and Astral Projection.

In the end, I prayed for these kids who acknowledged that they were in fear. I don't know what their fears are. But I do know that God is willing to take these fears away and replace them with peace.

It was a great night for all of us. I was just happy to be there with them and just speak life to them.

Until then, God bless.

UPDATE ON ME

Yes. I am still alive. News of my disappearance are greatly exaggerated.

I know I haven't been able to update this page for about two weeks. Believe me. I wanted to but something was eating every minute of my time.

In the church where I pastor, I have been chosen together with my wife and other people to edit the LEGACY BOOK - a three volume book featuring the history and the future of WORD FOR THE WORLD. It's been about two weeks since we put our creative minds for the concept and design of the prodcut. And we just finished it all yesterday (Friday - October 24). Though it was very tiring with sleepless nights and deprived weekends, it was a very enriching experience. I think it all my creative juices have been sucked dry. I need to recharge. But, frankly, with all humility, it is the best design work I have done. I mean who else can actually say that they created a book from scratch. I am thankful to God for all his supernatural strength He has given us. We're excited for its release.

Tomorrow (October 26), I will be having a talk with the wonderful employees of McDonalds at The Fort. On Monday (October 27), I will be preaching at the HOLY WIN activity of the WWCF Ruggednoise Youth Ministry. It's their alternative Halloween event which is a good thing.

I'm looking forward to some time off in the next few weeks. My body and soul needs a break.

Until then, God bless!

PASSION CONCERT ROCKED!!!

It was truly a thankful night as 69 people gave their life to Christ during the WWCF Passion Concert last night. A packed ground floor of the sanctuary sang in unison, praised as one and prayed as one heart.

It was a mixture of dance, different ranges of songs (English and Tagalog) and colorful play of lights and sounds. It was an awesome night.

We thank you for being part of it. I am praying that events like these will be instrumental in bringing more people to God. This is what we live for!

God bless you all!

NOW WHAT?

Recently, I celebrated my 32nd birthday. Most people dread it when their birthdays come. Not me. I totally embrace it when my birthday arrives. Think about it this way. When you reach a certain age, you are now entitled to the benefits and blessings for that age.

I ask myself "NOW WHAT?"

To be honest, it's been a very difficult few months. It's not been easy being me. Plenty of trials and uncertainties. At first, you have an idea what will happen to your life. However, sometimes, a screwball gets thrown at you and you get a bit sidetracked. Like a boxer, you get hit by an uppercut. Then, you become stunned.

You build a lot of things as you move forward in life. You give your all into it - sweat, tears, effort and faith. Then, it's all stripped away from you. The rug gets swiped under you. Then, you fall on your back and you're staring at the ring lights.

I wish I could tell you everything but I can't. It's too personal.

But I am hopeful. God has given me a promise and He does keep His promises. Yes. The rug has been pulled under me. I may have lost everything I have built. But God can restore everything that was taken. Sometimes, He gives us more than what was taken.

I do look forward to greater things to happen. I wish my potential can breakout and be used for God's glory. Oftentimes, I hunger for the opportunities to be better. And, oftentimes, it eludes me. But I know my time will come and nothing and no one can stop it.

I do hope I don't sound boastful. I guess I'm just boosting my self-confidence because not a lot of people are boosting me right now. It's hard to be an encourager when you don't get much encouragement.

Yes. I may be a pastor. But I am human. I bleed. I suffer. I cry.

Please do pray for me, folks. The future is uncertain. Yet, I know God is there with me.

I hold on to him.

So "Now what?"

For this site (rodneygarcia.com), the site will undergo some metamorphosis. It will improve. I think it will even be more aggressive this year in spreading encouragement and inspiration. Pray I do have the resources to make it happen.

Thanks again for all your support. God bless.

I WAS AT THE NICKELODEON WEEKEND CARNIVAL

It was 3pm as we went to The Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to attend the NICKELODEON WEEKEND CARNIVAL. They have been promoting the event for weeks at Nickelodeon. It looked exciting. Besides, it's FREE. My sons and I were pumped to go. I mean you don't get to attend a Nickelodeon event. So why not. Besides, it's FREE.

Parking was good. There were designated areas for parking which was highly appreciated. It's good that the organizers thought of the importance of allotting parking spaces for its guests.

We got there and there were some people there already. Not much activity was happening. As we entered the place, we were given some stubs with numbers for the raffle and some goody bags (which contained toys and products from the sponsors). Not bad.

Inside the grounds, tents were set up each with a certain activity. They had different characters representing a related event. Spongebob had a water-themed activity (duh). The kids had to "fish" the star fish with a fish pole strapped on a helmet. The end of the line was a magnet. Those who get the star fish get a little sticker. Of course, not all the star fish were "fishable." Some were made of wood so the magnet couldn't stick. My son and his tita got the star fish and some tokens.

After a few hours, the grounds were filled with people. I saw some familiar faces. Some were from the church I pastor. I saw these kids were just so excited to be there. As for the parents, I applaud them for braving the sun and the humidity. Good job parents. What we do for our kids is truly extraordinary.

As for me, I did enjoy despite the setbacks. If you see my photo here, I got my hair glazed with silver spray. I looked like DANNY PHANTOM for a day. Actually, adults were not allowed to have their hair sprayed. But I somehow got the nod from the in-charge.

I saw Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick Star and Danny Phantom (mascots). I was hoping I could get a picture with them for the website. Unfortunately, it only took about 2 minutes. I was hoping they could go around and say HI to everyone. But I guess they wouldn't want an incident that Spongebob gets squashed by 1000 kids. Now that would be something to talk about.

There were long lines as expected. But it didn't matter to the kids. They were just having a ball.

We were there for about four hours and the people just kept coming in.

All in all, I was great being in an event like this. When you have an event like this in your town, come and give the kid inside you a chance to get out. I didn't have second thoughts getting silver hair even though I am a pastor. I mean, you'd think that you'll be conscious about it, right? I guess it's just me. The kid inside me still lives.

Watch the video report.



Folks! I need to hear from you. Post a comment here. Let's have a conversation.

KIDZONE COACHES CHRISTMAS PARTY

This time. It's the coaches turn.

After a year's work, it's party time for the KIDZONE CHURCH coaches.

I am very proud of these wonderful bunch of people. They were able to help in turning the ministry into a better and more exciting place for kids. They have poured out so much to their kids and they are changing lives in their own small way.

I pray that the KIDZONE Coaches and staff will be blessed all the more this year and the next. God knows how much I love and care of them.

KIDZONE CHURCH's success is a culminated effort which is ALL for GOD'S GLORY.

See you guys next year. Take a break. You deserve it.

Until then, God bless.

REMEMBER 9/11

Today, we remember what happened in New York. The world stood still as people watched LIVE the destruction of people's lives. Two planes crashed the Twin Towers building at the heart of New York city. In a blink of an eyes, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters were lost.

We pray for those who were left behind. We pray that they become stronger by the day. We pray that those who were abandoned find refuge in God.

Let us not forget. Life is fleeting. Let us make the most out of our lives. Make our lives meaningful.

Until then, God bless.

PARTY TIME

We were invited to the house of Mommy Mila. What we didn't expect was that it was a birthday party. Also, there were folks from WWCF who were there. My wife and I spent some time with friends such as Tony, Nitz and Judsen (I hope I spelled it correctly.)

We talked about a lot of things. Interesting topics. Light ones. Heavy ones.

I enjoy being with people. I'm glad I was invited. We had a wonderful time!

Tomorrow is the day. The practices. The long nights. We wake up early and set up early. Tomorrow, we worship God with our music.

Pray for us.

Until then, God bless.