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.

GOD IS AWESOME

Folks. All the long nights of practice have paid off. God is awesome.

He took a bunch of guys who doesn't have formal music training and used them to lead worship. Both the 8AM and 10AM were awesome. We do not take credit for it. It is all for God's glory.

Sis. Aida did an excellent job as our worship leader. She is more confident now than before. Her voice has developed into a strong singing voice.

The band has gelled well. We still have a long way to go compared to the other worship teams but we're willing to grow.

The back-up was great. More confidence and power thanks to the voice exercises.

After the service, people appreciated us for the job well done. It is a bonus from God.

Thank you Lord for using us. We love you!

Right now, we need a long nap.

Zzzzz...

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW'S TNW

Hello folks. I'm up and early at church. I'm preparing for tomorrow's TNW sermon. It's a continuation of the series entitled CONSIDER THIS based on James 1. I woke up a bit woozy. I might be coming up with something. I hope not. I think I need breakfast.

I am passionate for a lot of things. Fatherhood. My marriage. My ministry. But one of the things that I am really and deeply passionate about is PREACHING. I have come to a realization that I have been given a great opportunity to encourage people. I just hope I am given more time to preach at WWCF. My time will come I guess.

I'm listening to a recording of my sermon the internet. Some pastors may find that a bit weird. Others might even find that I'm so full of myself. Actually, preaching is a craft that needs to be sharpened every time. I'm listening because I want to know the areas I need to improve on. Not to mention, it's a continuation of the series so I need to recall the things I need to stress out tomorrow.

I'll let you know what happens.

Until then, God bless.

CUPCAKE FELLOWSHIP, GROCERIES AND A NEW BOOK

Hello folks.

8AM Sunday Service was great. We had communion today. But Bro. Louie reintroduced something we've done before: the cupcake fellowship. We ended service early and had some coffee, juice and cupcakes at the back of the sanctuary. This is a great time to mingle with the congregation which w don't get often. I got to meet some people while we nibbled on cupcakes. Such fine people we have at WORD FOR THE WORLD.

Afterwards, the family and I went to restock on groceries. As usual, I was doing my task with all of my heart: the tabulator. Yes! You're pastor is the official tabulator of groceries. I need to make sure we are on budget. We don't go to the groceries and spend all we have. Of course, we need to have a budget and stay on that budget as much as possible. It was also a great time for Rafa to do some adult stuff like push the cart (Before, he would be inside the cart and I'd push it).

Also, we stopped by at POWERBOOKS GREENBELT. For those who do not know what POWERBOOKS is, it's a bookstore where you can read the books before you buy it. Nice concept. But wouldn't you just read the book there and not buy it at all. Anyway.

I got his book about NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP by ANDY STANLEY (That is his name and ,YES, it rhymes). He's the son of CHARLES STANLEY. Very interesting. It's just P200 so I bought it. I'll start reading it and I'll let you know how it goes.

What a Sunday! It's a great Sunday. Saw my kids at KIDZONE CHURCH. I love these kids.

Until then, God bless.

BROADBAND PRACTICE FOR SEPT.9

BROADBAND, the band of new.media ministry, was asked to lead praise and worship on September 9, 2007 (Sunday) at the 8AM and 10AM services. It is always a privilege to lead worship. Though we may not be seasoned worship leaders, we do believe to give our best in everything we do.

That's why we practice..a lot. First time we did this, we practiced for three months. Others might find that too much. But we believe in the power of practice. We don't believe in half baked output. If we are going to do something, we'd better do it right the first time (as my Dad would tell me).

Tonight, we were able to finish the line-up and dabbled on the backup songs we have prepared. Aida told me she's nervous. That's good. Nervous is good because it makes you alert. Not to mention, you rely on the Lord and not too much on your own abilities. I know Aida can deliver. She has the gift to lead people to worship. Now is the season.


Folks. If you want to do things well, make sure you practice with all your heart. Whether its a skill or studying or work, give your best. Do it right the first time. Learn from your mistakes and strive for the top.

I'm so tired. I'm actually typing in my sleep.

Until then, God bless.

SPENDING TIME WITH THE 8AM WORKERS

I am blessed to be surrounded with such passionate workers. The 8AM workers are really passionate with their service to the church. It is very seldom that we find people who are willing to go through so much for the glory of God.

Being a worker is a commitment foremost to God. Every pastor much try his best to bring out the ultimate potential of each worker.

Today, we had some time of fellowship. We ate a lot of food brought by the workers. The mood was festive and the light. Thanks to all the workers for their continuous support.

On a side note, when I went out of the elevator today, two sweet kids from KIDZONE CHURCH greeted me with a loud "PASTOR RODNEY" and gave me a BIG HUG. At KIDZONE CHURCH, we are not afraid to hug. We all need HUGS somehow.

Why don't you give a HUG today?

Until then, God bless.

FIGHT FOR YOUR PURPOSE - THE FINAL ROUND

A few months ago, I started a sermon that became a series. It was entitled "FIGHT FOR YOUR PURPOSE." It was based on the story of Nehemiah (in the book of Nehemiah of course). Then, the sermon became as series as there was a round 2 (Just like in boxing. Get it? Round 2?). Today, I get to finish it.

It's been a long few weeks that I wasn't able to preach. I spent five weeks with the KIDZONE CHURCH every Sunday. Now, I'm back at the 8AM service and I got to preach.

FIGHT FOR YOUR PURPOSE is a personal and inspiring message that I'm happy to preach. It was encouraging, insightful and challenging. The sermon was a wake up call because the Bible mentioned there that WE SHOULD FIGHT (FOR YOUR WIVES AND CHILDREN etc). Normally, Christian teachings will say that, when opposed, we should turn the other cheek. We are taught to be patient to our enemies. However, at this instance, we are told to fight.

I believe Christians are peacemakers. We should be patient and be good. However, when we are pushed to a corner and we are challenged, then we need to fight. We need to fight when our faith is ridiculed or our morals are put to a test. We need to fight when the good is overpowered by evil. We need to fight when your life is at stake.

Yes fellow Christians. There is a time for everything (just like in Ecclesiastes 3). We will be patient. We will turn the other cheek. We will be kind. But when it is time, WE FIGHT.

I pray that you continue to fight the challenges in your life. We were never meant to be cheerleaders. We are warriors in God's army. So take your sword and your shied. We're going to FIGHT!

Until then, God bless.

8AM SERMON: THE WHEAT

Hello folks! This mornings 8AM sermon was powerful. Bro. Louie Barretto did an excellent thing in delivering the word of God in a powerful way. I learned so much. I will be posting the audio feed on this website by tomorrow (since we edit Sunday sermons on a Monday).

Also today was the launch of the LEGACY project - the 27th anniversary souvenir book, which will chronicle the history, achievements and future of WORD FOR THE WORLD. We awarded the prizes to the winners of the COVER ART contest sponsored by PROJECT CALEB and participated by KIDZONE CHURCH.

I hope you participate in the success of this LEGACY BOOK. I'll be posting more details about it because I'm still preparing the official website of the project.

Until then, God bless.

PREPARING FOR TNW TONIGHT

Hello folks. It's 7AM. I got here early because my car is number coded. (If your car's license number falls of a certain day, you are not suppose to be on the road from 7AM to 7PM.)

Also, I'm preparing for tonight's sermon. THURSDAY NIGHT WORSHIP will be another nice of inspiration, encouragement and life. I believe it is important for a pastor to speak life to his listeners. Most pastors want to give a very theologically sound sermon. There's nothing wrong with that. I believe that pastors should really give a balanced theologically sound sermon. But sometimes, the purpose of a sermon is diluted - to uplift the hearts and souls of the listener.

Please do pray for me. My sermon will be at 6PM tonight - WWCF Sanctuary.

If you don't get to be here tonight, I'll be posting the mp3 audio tomorrow.

Until then, God bless!

A WELCOMED SATURDAY

Today was a welcomed day. As I prepared for tomorrow's sermon and also prepared this website, I was able to relax a bit. I guess I couldn't relax that much because I do have a sermon tomorrow.

But I am excited to preach again tomorrow. It's been awhile. I'll be talking about FIGHT FOR YOUR PURPOSE - Round 2. It's a continuation of the sermon I did a few weeks back. I wasn't able to finish it so I thought it would be awesome to continue it tomorrow.

I'm preparing right now. I will be posting what happened to the sermon tomorrow. Right now, let me get back to preparing.

Also, have a look at the first test episode of THE ENCOURAGER. I plan to shoot a weekly 5-minute segment. Hope you guys like it. E-mail me what you think about it.

God bless you.

TAGALOG SERVICE AND A COOL NIGHT

I'm blogging my latest entry. It's 11:30pm. Aida and Rafa are asleep and I'm just finishing up on some things for this week. It's going to be one exciting week ahead. Surprisingly, it's very cool tonight. This 'coolness' should be felt during Christmas season. But I think the Christmas chill came late this year. It's almost February. Good thing here is that I don't need to turn the aircon tonight.

It's a good day. I preached at the 2PM Tagalog service today. I was very excited to once again be with such a warm congregation. Bro. Edjie was gracious enough to let me preach today. I talked about the trials we face and that God intends it for us to become better people, develop perseverance and to test our faith. Problems and trials are facts of life. It is how you decide to handle it that makes a difference.

Of course, I'm wasn't preaching in English but Tagalog. I try as much as I can to truly stick to TAGALOG when I preach at the 8AM. Not much of a mix of English and Tagalog although some words cannot be spoken in Tagalog. Praise God! I received some good feedback from the sermon. That's the ultimate compliment: when people appreciate what you do and they're lives are changes because of the little things we do. I'm not saying that preaching is not a big deal. But compared to the awesomeness of God, we are just small.

Until then, God bless!