THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE

Hello folks!

This will be my first blog for the year 2009. So much has happened in 2008 and I will write my thoughts about it tomorrow in another blog.

But I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for 2008.

I want to thank those who gave gifts to me for Christmas 2008. It was very sweet to remember me and be part of your gift list for the Christmas season. I want you to know that I appreciate what you have given me: food, items and even financial gifts. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. These gifts are simple ways to show how you appreciate yours truly. It feels good in my soul and spirit to receive these with all humility. Whenever I receive gifts, I am deeply honored because someone took the time to remember me and thought about me. Some gave clothes and clothing accessories such as ties. I will be using them during services and during my business engagements. I hope you catch me wearing them to show my outmost appreciation. Those who gave food, I thank you .They have not just fed my stomach but my soul as well. For all these gifts, I say THANK YOU.

I want to thank those who believe in me in 2008. Yes. There are countless people who didn't give Rodney Garcia much of a chance n 2008. Peopel doubted my abilities and what I can put on the table. But as much as there are doubters, there are supporters. I want to THANK YOU for giving me opportunities, opening new doors of ministry and involvement in the community, for believing that I can do it and for being a friend when I needed it.  To you I say, THANK YOU.

I want to specifically thank some people and groups.

WORD FOR THE WORLD, its pastors and its attendees specifically the 8am Sunday Service congregation, workers, Gener8 group and various supporters - You have constantly opened yourself to me and have seen me grow. You have cheered me on especially during my dark period in 2008. I want to thank you for lending your encouragement and support to me and my family. For 2009, God will bless the works of our hands and he will take us to places we have not dreamed before.


The New.Media Ministry - We have laughed and cried together. We have dreamed and failed together. We have grown apart and have been brought together. Yet, through it all, your support was unwaivering. You are my family. We do not know what the future holds for us. But one thing is for sure, the bond between us will NEVER be broken.



Kidzone Church - Thank you for being an inspiration to me. Every time you hug me, it makes me feel good inside. I pray that I have been able to make your life better, teach you things that make you a better person and help you become closer to God. I miss you all.

I want to thank those who visit my websites, watch my videos, send me comments and support my causes. Every time I type, every time I shoot a video, every time I post a message, I always have you in mind. I always think if what I type, say or record will impact your life. Not that I am as significant as the world leaders or CEOS. But I believe that I can do my part to make your life a bit better. Thank you for letting me talk to your via YouTube. Thank you for watching my videos and listen to my opinions. I will continue to do these things knowing that I am speaking LIFE to you TODAY. To you I say, THANK YOU.

I want to thank the FACEBOOK community and the wonderful people I have met through Facebook. Peopele ranging from simple folk, celebrities, people of influence and even politicians. I thank you that you took the risk of adding me to your account. I thank you that you took the time to talk to an unknown fellow. I thank you that you trusted me to be your friend though we have not met personally. To my Facebook friends, I say THANK YOU.

To my wife, Aida, and my son, Rafael. 2008 has been a time of great trials for our family. Yet, it was an opportunity for us to be closer as a family. Aida - you have been a pillar of strength. Rafa - you are always an inspiration that pushes me to be a better father. Our family has faced tremendous odds. Still, we have passed them and learned from them. I love you both.

Finally, and with all of my heart, I want to THANK GOD for 2008. I want to thank Him for always having me in mind (as with all of us). God taught me many things in 2008. It was a testing of character and integrity. I learned so much and I carry all these lessons to 2009. I know that greater things are in store for me in 2009 and 2008 was my training session. Lord, you know my desires and dreams. Once again, I give them to you. Let your will be done in me. To my Saviour, Lord and Best Friend, Jesus, I say THANK YOU.

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!

PREACHING TONIGHT

Hello folks! I will be preaching tonight at the THURSDAY NIGHT WORSHIP (TNW) service of WORD FOR THE WORLD. If you have time, please join me and let's just be encouraged by God's word.

102 Valero st. Salcedo Village, Makati City.

See you later. God bless.

MY NEW BIG TASK: WWCF TELEVISION CHANNEL

I have been given one of the biggest challenges so far in my life. I have been assigned to be part of a working team to lay the ground work for the Word for the World Television Channel.

It is a herculean task. But I am confident in my teammates and the ministries that are involved in this major project. It is in the impossible that we see God do the possible. Please do pray for me because so much needs to be done for this channel. I will update you all about this.

Personally, I am very excited. Please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it will be easy. I know it is not. But there is just something exciting when you think about starting something new for the church. I have always been a strong advocate of making things better. This is another avenue for me to be used by God to make things better.

Until then, God bless you all!

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.

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!

ON THE WAY TO FAMILY DAY

Today, me and my wife are part of the advance party for the WWCF family day.

We're hoping that things go well especially the weather. As reported, it is very rainy these past two days. I'm praying that we have some sun tomorrow. I hope the weather doesn't dampen the spirits of the participants.

So that means, I have no internet for the next 24 hours. This would be my last post for now.

Upon my return, I'll be posting some pics online and probably a report on the family day in video.

God bless.

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.

NEW.MEDIA RETREAT IS LIFE CHANGING

This retreat is life-changing.

Coming to the retreat place of the Lotilla's was a challenge. This was during the time when Sen. Trillanes staged a failed attempt to overthrow the government. Thus, putting a curfew from 12AM to 4AM. Then, the highway going to the place was a parking lot as cars traveled bumper-to-bumper. We got there 1AM.

Deep in my heart, I knew something great will happen in this retreat. Life-changing would be the right term.

We started the day with breakfast courtesy of the culinary skills of Mommy Cons. Then, we had our devotion. We talked about the importance of DREAMING BIG even if we are adults. Dreaming is not just for kids. To dream is to expect great things from God and to make impossible things possible for God's glory. God loves dreamers especially those who dream God's dreams. We were encouraged by God to become dreamers especially at this time.

We had a great moment of prayer. We were crying and really pouring our hearts out to God. It's great when God's people go down in their knees in prayer. We felt God really spoke to our hearts.

In the afternoon, we had a wonderful session with Bro. Willy Chua, our special guest speaker. I've heard him speak before and it was a blessing he was with us. He talked about how we are the God's media army and that we can reach the world through the things we produce. Do I hear DREAMING BIG? Also, he talked about the ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. It is the attitude to be thankful of the things we take for granted. Simple yet so powerful.

I'd like to thank Bro. Bert and Sis. Kate Lotilla for their hospitality in having us in their retreat place. It was there that we heard God and saw that there was much more at stake for the future. We left that place different and on fire for God.

Hope to post the pictures here soon.

God bless you folks. Don't stop DREAMING!

OSAMA AND RODNEY?

Before you tell the authorities that I met with Osama Bin Laden, let me just tell you that this is my good friend, Mark Martin, wearing prosthetics for the CHANGE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR. He portrayed Moses. For a guy who played Jesus in our cantata, he does a good Moses impression. Plus I got to hold the staff. Who can say that he got to hold Moses' staff. One in a Millions. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Mark is such a trooper. He's not shy in being part of things like these especially if it will drive the point home. Great job Mark!

LEGACY PROJECT SOUVENIR BOOK

Hello Folks. I've been quite busy being involved in WORD FOR THE WORLD's project entitled the LEGACY SOUVENIR BOOK. It's a very exciting book that chronicles the history and future of WWCF. I've mentioned this before on the site.

I'd like to encourage you to become a sponsor in this project. It's important to me and to the church. We do need your help and support. Kindly visit the OFFICIAL LEGACY PROJECT website for details.

Below are some of the videos I created for the project. Watch it please.






Until then, God bless.

POWERFUL AND ANOINTED

Folks. Just got home from the concert of the WWCF choir. Let me tell you that it was truly awesome. The stage was simply set up. Not flashy designs. No dancing performers. Just the choir and wonderful songs. The simplicity brought the best out of the people's worship. The choir did an excellent job. I know they poured out their heart and soul into this project. For that, I applaud them.

Their hard work payed off. People went to accept the Lord that night. Truly amazing.

If you missed it, well make sure you catch the performances prepared by WWCF. God has given different churches different gifts. For WWCF, the gift was music. We thank God for this gift and we plan to use it for HIS GLORY.

Until then, God bless.

MONDAYS AND BROADBAND PRACTICE

Hello folks! It's a Monday.

Usually, a pastor's day-off is a Monday. Not for me. When Monday comes, I'm a school bus. Since my son goes to school from Monday to Friday, I bring him to school. So I'm up at 630am and dress up to bring my wife and son to their respective destinations. As for me, I go to the office just to hang around. Oftentimes, I still have things to do so I still work (check emails, do reports etc.) It's just for four hours. Then, I'm off to the school and fetch Rafa.

We had a band practice this evening. If last week were the fast songs, we did the slow songs this evening. I have a very good feeling about this band. I'm happy we got along well. We sounded good which is not bad for a not-so professional band. They got their stuff together. I think we'll be able to finish and fine tune the songs just in time for September 9.

I'm preparing for my sermon on Thursday, September 9 - 6PM at WORD FOR THE WORLD. If you have time, please do come and visit. I'm very sure that you will be encouraged.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at rodneygarcia@yahoo.com.

Until then, God bless.

TIME WITH THE YOUNG ADULTS AND OTHER THOUGHTS

I was invited to preach at the Young Adults ministry last night at the 4th floor of the ACCM building. This ministry is very near and dear to me and my wife simply because we were among the few who started the ministry from scratch. It took a lot of praying and hard work to bring the ministry back on its feet.

I talked about how the things we do can be used as a justification to be in God's presence; that we earn our spot in heaven. It is by grace we can be saved and not because of our good works. Hopefully, some people go to hear a good word or two from the Lord.

Looking at the ministry today, I believe that the YA have so much to offer to WWCF and the the Body of Christ in general. I believe they have so much potential in them both individually and as a group. It just needs to be tapped and used properly. I prayed for them last night and I hope this could spark something greater in their ministry.

Excellence is not an option. It is a necessity. God wants us to be excellent in what we do. Not perfect because we can never attain perfection. But as we do things in excellence, it reflects to the God that we serve. Mediocrity must have no place in church or in our life. Do not expect great things to happen when you do things in mediocrity.

It was my choice to live an excellent life. Other people don't like to see excellence flourish. Unfortunately, sometimes, excellence is misinterpreted as arrogance. But that view should not stop us from doing what we need to do to get the job done. When you count the cost and compare it to the greater good, it is easier to take the risk and do it.

I hope this new culture of excellence will infiltrate the lives of the people of WWCF and the world.

Until then, God bless.

GOD IS AT WORK Podcast Season 2Episode 9: "Being a blessing in today's world."

I just want to share this podcast that we do at WORD FOR THE WORLD together with my partner, Sis. Evelyn Uy. It's a weekly podcast with practical topics but with meaningful content.

Have a listen and let me know what you think.

Until then, God bless.

A NEW REVOLUTION

If you noticed throughout history, a major change is brought by either one man or a few people who have banded together. Because of their influence, passion and perseverance, they were able to commit change: Good or bad.

In WORD FOR THE WORLD, we need to start a revolution and it will only take a few people. We need to start a culture of prayer and fasting. I guess not only does WWCF need this but the body of Christ as a whole. We need to fast and pray. When to fast depends on you and God. But to fast and pray is needed.

Tomorrow is SHOUT NIGHT. We start the congregational fast. There were people who committed to be part of this. We pray there will be more. In my spirit, I believe God will move mightily as we fast and pray. Our congregation needs to understand that everyone must start a burden somehow to do this. If not now, then when? Tomorrow. It might be too late.

Should you read this, I urge you to start this discipline in your spiritual Christian walk. Take small steps. Everything is done this way. But one thing is for sure: as you take small steps, it will take you further towards growth in your walk with God.

Until then, God bless.

WANT TO COME OUT OF DEBT? MAKE SOME CHANGES.

Just got home from THURSDAY NIGHT WORSHIP (TNW). We started with the COMING OUT series tonight with the topic on DEBT. Bro. Raymund Ladao preached a wonderful and insightful message about our battle with debt.

With all that was said, there's one thing that stuck in my mind. He mentioned that one of the reasons we have debt because of our lifestyle. We live beyond our means. All of us should take a closer look at ourselves and ask, "Do we really live beyond our means?"

In this world of cellphones, designer clothes, cars and other things that makes us envious, we are pressure to either obtain what we don't need or purchase what we can't pay.

Once, I was watching this movie. Her daughter asked his old dad if he was OK with his finances. His dad said, "Earn more. Desire less." He's right. If we desire more things that we don't really need or way beyond our means, then our spending money increases. I'm not saying that we shouldn't want things. I know all of us want things even me. If you ask me now what I want, I'd tell you that I want a mac (hint. hint.) and I will be able to use it in ministry extensively. But can I afford it? Uhm... no. There are things that needed to be paid for right now. Maybe someday I'll be able to own one. But I'm not going to force myself simply because I cannot afford it.

Getting out of debt is a step-by-step process. I know all of us want out. But we need to take the first step. For some, it might be a bitter pill to swallow especially if there will be changes in lifestyle. Remember, the adjustments are there because you want to be FREE OF DEBT. Maybe I'll tackle this in future blogs.

For now, I have to go. I'm actually typing this blog with a headache and it's getting worse. It's a good thing I can type fast.

It's a big day tomorrow. Rafa's birthday celebration in his school. We'll be sure to post the pictures.

Catch you guys later.

TNW:VIP WAS AWESOME

TNW:VIP has just concluded. One word: AWESOME!!!

The moving of the Holy Spirit was so intense that everyone in the sanctuary will not be able to deny its presence and power. Tears flowed. Voices cried out to God. People lifted their hearts in prayer. That's what happens when people come together with one purpose: To Call upon the name of the Lord.

Bro. Louie Barretto preached a wonderful sermon on Calling unto God. It was moving and powerful. It was a strong reminder that we need to always call upon God regardless of our circumstances. And that God is there to answer and reveal to us those things that we do not know or understand. Thank God. We serve a mighty and loving Saviour.

I'm pleased to say that our attendance increased. From 419 the previous week, our attendance is not 496. Just a few more weeks before our 1000 people deadline. But I'm sure we can achieve it with God's help and with the effort of the congregation.

It was quite a busy day. I've been preparing for the TNW:VIP the whole day. I had the ads printed and even bought a flood lamp (I think that's how you call it) to highlight the event outside the building. All efforts were rewarded. Hopefully, next week will be better.

After a long nights work, my family and I spent some bonding time munching some pizzas at Brooklyn Pizzas. Yum! Yum!

Until then. God bless.