PANANAW • �

The United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines is a youth organization that shares the vision and advocacy of KAPPIA — Kabataang Aktibo sa PangkaPayapaang Inisyatiba. As such, part of the Peace with Justice Program grant of the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church, Pananaw launched its first Peace with Justice Edition through an Essay and Poetry Writing Contest.

This Peace with Justice Essay and Poetry Writing Contest is a call for young people to speak of their ideas, perspective and experiences about the prevailing peace and justice issues in the country, in their community or in their youth groups. This is an opportunity for young people to advocate for making shalom visible and active in people’s lives and communities.

Art and design by Johanna May Dela Cruz

THE HEART OF PEACE

PANANAWUMYFP: A Strong Community of Faith Straining toward an Empowered Nation

SPECIAL ISSUE THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE UNITED METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES APR 2008

SPECIAL EDITION

featuring: first Essay and Poetry Writing Contest

Quiescent no more

UMYFP: An Asset or Liability?

A CALL TO MEND THE FRUCTURES OF QUIEScENCE

PanaghoySmall Voice:

A Call for the UMYFers

� • PANANAW

The very reason of evil’s triumph is for good men to do nothing, pretending deaf and blind to the reality in our community. Our country is screaming for justice, for peace, for equality. If we just open our eyes, we will see it. Only then we will know that our country is being abused and molested. If we just open our ears, we will hear it. Only then we will know that our nation that was once great is now in great chaos. Is there any hope for the Philippines?

Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal believed that the youth is the hope of our nation. He said the youth; neither the politicians, the professionals nor the educated “oldies” because they already have done their part. If there is someone who can change the history of this country, it is the youth. But what are we doing? Where are the next generation or the so called “hope of the fatherland” and their idealism?

Unfortunately, most of the youth nowadays can be classified as liability rather than asset to our country. There are numerous college drop-outs, youth involvement in drug trafficking, fraternity riots, snatching, sexual scandals, and other filthy and immoral acts. What a sad reality?

UMYFP, can we allow this immorality to continue in our generation? Or we will just be silent and go with the flow of our society? Perhaps, we are being silenced by fear of rejection that they might not hear and see us. Even worse, we already foresee a hopeless country in the future that discourages us to do something. Politicians are more corrupt than ever, professionals are migrating in other developed countries, immorality are more rampant, obvious and so on. It seems like a peaceful and progressive Philippines is far beyond our reach.

Paul encouraged Timothy who was then a teenager by saying, “don’t let anyone look down on you just because you are young. Set an example for others to follow . . .” (I Timothy 4:12)

Yes, we might be young, inexperienced and outnumbered but we should not allow the powerful and the elderly to be a hindrance in what we can do for this country. We should not allow them to demean or paralyze us by what they say and do. Above all, we should not allow them to look down at us. We should do something that will enable people to see a mighty and powerful God in us.

“O.K. I will! But How?” a young UMYF might inquire. Like what Paul said to Timothy – by setting an example for others to follow. The influence of an individual person is powerful that it can change the whole community. The power of influence can turn this country upside down. This is the best way of promoting peace with justice.

Several people exercised this and made a tremendous impact in their respective community. Who wouldn’t know how a young, shepherd David killed an experienced soldier and a giant Goliath. This influenced many Israelites soldiers in believing the power of the Lord and won many battles themselves for Israel. Also, John Wesley, in his 20’s started the Holy Club.

Its members later became the pioneers of Methodism that made an impact throughout the world by preaching the good news. Lastly, our very own Dr. Jose Rizal who ignited the patriotism of his fellow Filipino people thru his writings. This led to the liberation of our country from more than three centuries of Spanish colony.

They are only few examples of ordinary persons who fought for their beliefs and idealism, persons who, in one way or another, changed the community by their examples and way of living. They became part of their community’s history of victory and triumph over injustice and inequality.

I believe that until a single person who fervently prays and is willing to change our society exists, there is still hope. UMYFP is not just a single person but is composed of thousands of Christian youth throughout this nation. We can make a loud voice, a noticeable example in our words, actions, faith, purity and love. If we just unite and heed the call our country for righteous and patriotic citizens, only then we will achieve peace and justice. It might take a long time but it will surely come to pass. Someday…

So now, speak up children of the most high God and don’t be afraid. Let your voices be heard future leaders, professionals, politicians, citizens. Let your actions speak loud and clear.

Rise up young men, rise up. Be an asset. Fulfill your destiny. Be a history maker for God’s glory. Amen .

UMYFP: An Asset or A Liability?

CHRISTOPHER NAGMA (21 - Cabangan, Zambales)

– Became active in the UMYF at the age of 15, Chris

has become involved with Kristiyanong Kabataan Para

sa Bayan at University of Sto. Tomas where he just graduated

with the degree Bachelor of Science in Chemical

Engineering. His composition presents the role of the youth in addressing the country’s cry

for peace and equality.

(First Place, Essay Category)

PANANAW • �

“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” -- Luke 18:7

Our Father is counting on us, His children to pray for and lead His nation. The nation is counting on us too, to remain steadfast and persevering in dong the will of the Father because it is the right response to the present adversaries and challenges we face.

On the verge of issues on corruption, extrajudicial killings, poverty, etc, God is testing our respect and relationship with our leaders, fellow citizens, and most especially with Him. He is expecting us to respond to these issues in His way. Ironically, we want peace but we rebel against our parents, pastors and mentors -- the leaders whom God appointed to lead us. We call for justice yet we judge and mock them. We place ourselves in the throne of God, a place far higher than our leaders. We clamor for peace but our heart is filled with rebellion, judgments, pains and complaints. There is so much hurt in our heart that there is no longer room for trust and love in the Father. He wants to reveal and speak His purpose but we are so much engrossed in complaining and shouting. We cannot clearly listen to His voice if we are noisy in our own business. We want peace yet we rebel against God who is the source of genuine peace. Are we not perpetuating injustice and violence in these ways? We can not immediately change our situation but we can alter our responses to them in order that we may win others for God and eventually please Him.

We cannot change the community unless our heart is changed by God. We cannot promote peace with justice unless we allow His peace to dwell in our heart. The heart of peace is a peaceful heart. A growing and intimate relationship with God is very essential. It is through our daily communication with

God that we can listen to His voice and see a clear picture of what He wants us to do. In here, we humble o u r s e l v e s , remain silent and wait for Him to speak. Indeed,

The Heart of Peace

our quiet time with the Father is the breeding ground of genuine peace. We can not escape from this basic step for it is where we stand firm and find security. It is our foundation. We have to strengthen and empower this foundation with God. Through this, He changes us from glory to glory. Our perspectives become closer and aligned to His. His heart is eventually implanted to ours. He puts in us the true compassion

for the nation, genuine love for His people and dependence on the cross. These

inner changes will subtly be reflected outside. They will be manifested

in our testimony and relationship with other people. Apparently, a healthy and growing relationship with the Father is the key to having healthy social relationships. God wants to us to protect our

testimony in order that we can make a difference in our community

and in this nation. He wants to change more lives and nations through our testimony. The joy of serving and worshipping Him should be seen in our life. We should faithfully submit and obey to His authority embodied by our leaders in the church, home, community, university, etc. We too are leaders in our own homes, churches and schools. We will all be judged by our Father in due time. We should look beyond each other’s imperfections and see where our Father is leading us amidst the not-so-good picture of society we see right now. It is not our duty to mend each other’s weaknesses and brokenness but God’s. He alone can change our heart as He desires. Let us be faithful to the tasks that God has entrusted us. We, the youths, are being raised by God into the leadership that He desires. The nation needs us, the youths who truly stand up for His name and live a life of compassion for His people.

ELEN JOY P. ALATA (18 - Burgos, Isabela) – Dreaming of becoming an English professor

in a prestigious university in the country while actively sharing the word of God to

her future students, Elen is currently taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education, now

on her 3rd year, at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She believes that the heart of peace is a peaceful heart and that God is the source of genuine peace with

justice.

(Second Place, Essay Category)

� • PANANAW

PANAGHOY(Special Citation, Poetry Writing Contest)

Karahasan ay laging nasa paligidHindi ko malaman kung bakit

Mga gulong ito kailan matitigilNa minsan na sa ating buhay kumitil

Paano nga ba magiging payapaAng aking minumutyang bansa

Kung mga mamamayang nakatiraAway dito, away doon sa kalsada

Kawalan ng katarungan, siyang dahilanNg pagkalugmok natin sa karahasan

Mga bayani noon, sigaw ay “Kalayaan!”Ngayon sigaw ng kabataan, “Kapayapaan!”

Mga kabataang Kristiyano, Pilipino tayoTayo’y magtulungan, ipaalam sa mga tao

Na kapayapaang ating minimithiMakakamtan kung katarunga’y ating katabi

Kapag may krimen kang nasaksihanIsumbong agad sa may kapangyarihan

Upang katarungan ay kanilang makamtanAt sa bansa’y makamit ang kapayapaan

Kaya mga kapwa kong kabataanTungkulin nati’y ating pangatawanan

Panatilihin ang kapayapaan sa bayanPatunayang sa bansa’y may katarungan!

Who am I?

I am a son of warBorn with a gun

My belt if made of bulletMy forebears are wounded

soldiers

I am an activist Branded enemy of the statePermanent tenant of forest

Wrestling with cosmic powers

I am a prisonerMaster of myself

Numb body behind barsJustice is my battle cry

I am God’s prophetSharer of the gospelHis word is my armor

His righteousness my sword

I am an ordinary manAlienated in my own land

Where is sovereignty?Where is freedom?

I am a youthSometimes a childMy eyes are teary

Callous is my heart

Whoever I amI deserve peace

A challenging thrillAn elusive dream

Peace is...A squirrel coming down from an oak tree to

pick up a corn on the ground and climbs back to the top

Water that gathers at Magat dam, released to turn the turbines of change

A mother sewing breakfast amid sounds of explosions and bullets pussing by.

A bird descending to perch on a branch and sing

The clouds in the sky reflecting the whiteness of light

The turbulence that jolts an airplane passing by

The lamppost seen by Lucy when she entered the wardrobe.

Divisoria

Ti ling-et, ti bangsit nagraramanenAmin a pukkaw, amin a riawKasla asok nga agrusingManipud iti dagaIti abay ti baybay

Ti ay-ayam, badbado ken aruatenAdda amin, mabalin a gatangenAgtinnawar, agtinnulagAgudong amin a takiagAwan talna ti Divisoria

Uray rabii, wenno tengnga ti aldawMakita ti adu a ruprupaAgtalliaw ditoy, agtalliaw dita“Made in China”Isu a nalaka, uray rupa

dagiti kapitalista naggapu Idiay Tsina. Wen, napudaw da‘Di pay makaawat nu daddumaNgem apay nga isuda ti agnumarAgnam-ay iti kuwarta ni Juan dela Cruz.

Awan banglo ti DivisoriaAmin nga angot agraramanenDagiti ubbing, agdidigos iti Karayan Pasig, napno’t basura, narugit a danum Ti mangbuggo kadakuada.

Awan bain ti Divisoria, ti basuraNga ibelleng dagiti dadakkel A nasyon maitappuak ditoyKet dagiti tat tao agdigosda Iti ayamuom dagiti gameng

Ken produkto a naggapu’t ballasiwTaaw—Tsina, Taiwan ken Korea.Agrarambak tayo iti tengngaDagitoy a basura.Agrambak, agrambak.

Ti angot, ti dugyot, Agwaras iti pagilian.

•Mighty Rasing

•ISMAC

•Darius Mark Zabala

Ayan mon ading?(Nasa bus station sa may gilid ng LRT,

habang naghihintay kay Leanne)

Maiingay na busina ng sasakyanLamok na sa tainga ko ay bumubulongSi Magdalena sa isang sulok ng dilimKanina pa nagpapapansin, nakaiirita!

Bus na hapo ngayo’y tulog naMga taong kapwa ko naghihintay

Mga tagapaglinis ng kalyeGwardyang malaki ang tiyan

Kanina pa palakad-lakad!

Lumalalim na ang gabiUnti-unti nang napaparam ang ingay

Sana dumating ka na…Bago pa lumabas ang mga halang na

kaluluwa.

•Kibitzer

•Penstalker

PANANAW • �

Quiescent no more(First Place, Poetry Writing Contest)

Harvests first the master saysFamine stricken throat for daysBrought the end of farmers toil

Again united with his soil

Comfort of a market shadeHome of all the beggars frayed

Talking wounds on fleshless kneesThat is what they meant of peace

Collecting broken dreams, a houseOf harlots forced to work with sowsMake-up hides the swollen ducts

Client undresses and locks

Bustling cars of justice menDoes his job from ten to ten

Meets the youth to sell his drugsRemits to political rugs

Precious vault the greedy ownsMoney in his blood and bones

Hunger knocks his shiny FordMocks away the poor ignored

Peaceful yet it harrows you

If justice hides what should you doFor a youth that serves to God

Must you share our Jesus’ blood

Blood of love and peace accordsChristian soldiers drop your swordsWear the cleanest conscience robe

Start with you before the globe

PEACE

Peace is fragilePeace is shattered easily

Peace is impossible

A stone thrown in the center or even in the fringes can

easily disturb a placid lake. It shatters the image of the

sunset beautifully reflected on its surface.

The mind also creates a wave that further upsets the

placidity of the lake. The lake is peaceful.

Peace is fragile. In silence, there is peace. In

pausing, in reflecting, there is peace.

But silence is shattered easily by the chatter of people inside the train;

by the thunder piercing the night;

by the shriek of a frightened child; by the sound of gun

and cannon blasts. Peace is silence.

Peace is broken easily.Peace is a painting displayed

in a museum, accessible to only a few. It is the lines, the curves,

the colors drawn by a child on a blank piece of paper.

Crumpled and tossed to the trash bin.

Peace is impossible.Yet peace is possible.

The rest in a music sheet; the shelter in the downpour,

the oasis in the desert, a new metaphor in

the sea of tired clichés. It thrives in turbulence,

it conquers fears and lives on.

For peace to exist, it should transcend war,

defy definition, convention. Peace itself should transcend

understanding.

Like a river

Like a river it flowsIt travails along the

smooth sandIt is in motion ,

like the free water

Like a river peace flowsIn journeys with

calmness and serenityAnd goes against bane and pain

It is in motion , like life

But where is that river?Where is that peace?Will it forever flow?

And never settle on me?

• Life Sharer

Sementado

Maputik, mabato, mabuhangin at nakapupuwingPaakyat, pababa sa bundok na kailangang tahakin‘Yan ang daan tungo sa IyoHindi sementado

Ngunit ang pag-ibig moMatibay pa sa pinakamatigas na sementoMawasak man ang mga bundok at burolIka’y mananatili, ‘yan ang pangako mo

Mahulog man ako sa banginKamay mo ako’y aabutinMadapa man ako sa landasinTiyak ako’y iyong babangunin

Kahit marami man ang hahadlangSa paglalakbay tungo sa iyong tahananIkaw naman ay laging nariyanKasama sa di sementadong daan

• Earlie Pasion• Gerald Galindez

• Penstalker

� • PANANAW

BIBLE

OFFICIAL

BALLOT

COUNTERFEIT

A call to mend the fructures of quiescence

Peace with justice is such an odd and ambiguous phrase for me. I think it sounds better if it is written “peace and justice“ -- like all other peace keeping missions use to state. Although the phrase has an intellectual quality, being of its depth in meaning, it is mystified by a fog of intrigue that will keep the reader or thinker give some ample time to reflect and analyze the significant truths that it conveys. It is not easy for a poet or a writer to mend weaves on this theme, especially if you are dealing with the most common concept of peace. Therefore, it is an investment for us to dig in this subject as people of God who follows the commandments and set morals.

Just like all the great discoveries of great people like Maxim, Pasteur, Freud and Einstein that shaped the world we know today, we also have the capability of unraveling great discoveries in oneself. There are other things that are more than all the worldly pleasures that should be given importance. The ideas I got from “peace with justice” really lunged through my head in an instant, literal brain storms drenched my thoughts and I was suddenly talking to myself with an outburst of realizations that hit me hard.

We all know that peace is such a very self-explanatory word, you wouldn’t even have to get the dictionary to define it for it is very common. But when we come to realize that this word really more than one meaning, we come to the conclusion that defining the word alone is not the enlightenment to our queries. We maybe the best speaker or the best writer who expresses large quantities of thoughts and ideas, but we may never compensate the other needs of human existence — things that Jesus himself

taught us on the sermon at the mount — to love our neighbors wholly, to be of peaceful instrument to God’s kingdom.

Let’s accept the fact that self-centeredness and greed are still the wrecking force that lashes down the base of society’s pyramid. And Jesus is unhappy with that. Now is our time to turn the tides of injustices.

During my childhood years my concept of peace is very limited. I thought that peace is a hand symbol in the middle of catholic rites. Sometimes peace comes to me in symbolisms with no integral values at all. I then reached the stage of understanding the definition of peace. The high school student in me taught of the peace associated with the wars in Mindanao, the peace that comes after the bloodshed, the deathly peace of corpses in the hands of their mourning loved-ones and the peace of hiding evacuees in the comforts of slums.

Peace with justice is a state of calm, quiescence and tranquility that enables one to sleep sound at night, not afraid of things borne of evils cradle, when one can hear the chorus of nature in the wellness of his/her backyard, when you are free of debt from an unruly person, when you cherish the times with your family and friends, when you hold no grudge to a neighbor, when you’re content with what you have and you know in yourself that you are just in the eyes of God.

Real peace comes from the grace of God. We are the bridge in an unbridgeable point in time where evil has no place. It is in our own two hands that we mold red bricks of hope to the purged ones that do nothing except singing sobs of misery. God encourages us to stop this civilized shame, by promoting peace with equity to the less fortunate. Let us not waste time in things that

GERALD C. CALENDEZ (18, Tacurong City) – Presently taking-up Bachelor of Secondary

Education in English and a varsity player of table tennis. Gerald is a man of many

talents, maximizing the gifts that God has given him. Born on biodiversity of culture, he has developed the spirit of camaraderie with

Maguindanaon people. He just discovered his pretty writing skills and publishes his works at

geekerzz@blogspot.com.

•Kristoffer Magboo

Turn on page 7

SOCIAL PRINCIPLES

(Third Place, Essay Category)

PANANAW • �

Peace ischildren’s

freedom.

SMALL VOICE: A Call for the UMYFersWhentheZTEbroadbandscandalandLozada’s

statementshadcomeout,therewereunsaidthoughtswithinme.Thereweresomanythingsayoung,ordinaryFilipinohastosayaboutwhatishappeningtoourcountry.Butwhatcanasmallvoicedo?Withthisessaywritingcontest,withthetheme“UMYFP:PromotingPeacewithJusticeintheCommunity”.Godgavemerescueandmadewayformetospeakupmythoughts.

Idon’thaveafullknowledgeaboutwhattheZTEbroadbandscandalis,butIhavebeenawitnessofhowithasdisturbedthepeacenotonlyinthecommunitybutinone’sheart.Asanationalist,Iamindeeddeeplyaffected.Manystatementscameoutbutwedon’tknowwhoreallysaysthetruthanditisforGodtotell.ButFilipinosseemtobeblindedoftheonesideofthestoryandarebusyinexpressingtheiropinionsoutloud.Whereispeaceandjustice?

Peaceistheconditionthatexistswhennationsorothergroupsare not fighting. It is also defined as freedomfromnoise,worries,troublesandfears.Thatispreciselywhateverybodyneedsnow.FilipinosaresoloudthatwefailtohearthevoiceoftheHolySpirit.IamhurtthatFilipinosbelievetotheirowneffortsandseemtodictateGodwhattodoinsteadofaskingHimforrevelations.Weneedtosilentourselves,meditateandlettheHolySpirittouchourhearts.InsteadofUMYFersdoingralliesormovementsandjoiningtherevolt,IenvisiontheUnitedMethodistYouthFellowshipinthePhilippinesdoinganationwideprayervigilandfastingforpeace.ItistheChristianwayofpromotingpeace.

(photo taken during the Caravan Mission at Sitio Ye Young, Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac)

provoked Adam and Eve’s fall. Instead, let us give time to think of the graces that we received from God and it’s time to pay Him back with holy service. If obstacles obstructs us, then let us not use force in the inquisition of righteousness sake, do not let the ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah rise up again in the sinful sands where they came, for we all know that evil shall not prevail through Jesus. Let us favor the condemnation of prostitution, where evil possesses the lustiest thoughts, of slavery, where innocent souls get deprived of their rights as human beings, of greed, where money rules the hearts by making it numb of sympathy and care, of other injustices, where all is a sore loser in the end. These things define the other side of peace — the peace without justice.

The gospel teaches us many things that guide us to a happy living. Peace is a perfect example of it. If you are in peace but have not loved, it is hypocrisy and it lives with the perished. A poet’s common theme of peace is superficial and artless if he himself has not loved and has no peace. So therefore it is a must to first drop all of our fermented malt and change our evil ways before we go to the peace with justice crusade with our lord Jesus Christ.

We must think of our future. Will we let the inequities continue to stain our lives as Christians? We have Jesus beside us, so what are we afraid of? We longed for peace a long time ago during the world wars, but today it is different. Instead of bullet and bombs, we now face a totally different evil that silences the human race. The time is now for us to make a stand, break the quiescence of fear and work hand in hand. We are the youth, the morning awaits us with optimism. Let us not throw it away.

A Call to Mend... from p. 6

KIMBER. B. BULAUITAN (17 - Roxas, Isabela)

– An incoming 2nd year BS Accountancy student at the University of Sto. Tomas,

Kimber feels grateful that God made her part in establishing a campus

ministry in a catholic school. She got involved in the Worship Ministry

of Knox UMC where God molds her to be a mature

Christian

IhavenotreadanystoriesinthebibleaboutJesusjoiningrallies.Instead,healwaysprayedandfastedforthings.

However,truepeaceisachievedifjusticeisalsoattained.Justiceisthestateoffairnessorreasonableness,especiallyinthewaypeoplearetreatedorintimewhendecisionsaretobemade.AsChristians,wemustneverfind the right to condemn sinners.

Whoarewe?Wearealsosinners.Nottakingsidesisnotplayingsafe,butbeingjust.ItisstillGodwhowilljudgeanyonewhosinned.ThebestwayUMYFPcanpromotepeacewithjusticeistoprayforournationandthegovernment.ToprayfortheplansofGodforourcountryandforthewisdomtodiscerntheseplans.

SomeUMYFersaremaybelikeme,affectedbythesocialstatusofthecountrybutothersmaybelenientaboutit.Itishightimeforallofustogetinvolvedandrefrainfromthinkingthatweareonlyforchurchactivities.Wearethelightoftheworldandsaltoftheearth.PartofourresponsibilitiesistopromotethetruepeaceJesustaughtus.Weshouldnotdoitindividuallybuttogether.Togetherwewillintroduceourselvestotheworld:theUnitedMethodistYouthFellowshipinthePhilippines–advocatesforpeacewithjustice.Letusliveoutourname!

(Finalist, Essay Category)

Pananaw through the years...

PANANAW • �

NYC — continuing history

Philippine Haggai Institute Alumni Association Office Address: Rm. 203 Puno Bldg., 47 Kalayaan Avenue,

Diliman, Quezon City, PhilippinesTel/Fax: (02) 426-5584, (0917) 8805003, E-mail:

philhaggai@gmail.com

Rev. Rudy Juan International Faculty

Reiner Puno National President, PHIAA

Dates to RememberNATioNAL UMYFP SUNdAYFirst Sunday of January

Description National UMYFP Sunday is a time for celebrating the life and ministry of young people of our church.

YoUTh SeRviCe FUNdApplication Deadlline: June 1

Description Youth Service Fund projects will be examined to see how they challenge youth to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Projects should be youth-related and youth-led.

Organization Division on Ministries with Young People of Global Board on Disciple-ship

More Info http://www.gbod.org/youngpeople

GRANTS FoR MiNiSTRieS wiTh YoUNG PeoPLeApplication Deadline: July 1

Description The funding opportunities are for ministries with young people are for creativem innovative approaches to ministries with, by, and for young people.

Organization Division on Ministries with Young People of Global Board on Disciple-ship

More Info http://www.gbod.org/youngpeople

PeACe wiTh JUSTiCe GRANTApplication Deadline: February 28

Description The project should assist United Methodists in understanding and responding to violence and milita-rism; involve United Methodists in efforts to end conflicts and violent aggression around the world; pro-mote just national and international policies and actions (governmental and non-governmental) seeking to restore communities and respond to the disproportionate effect of injus-tices on racial and ethnic persons; and support policies that promote systematic economic justice and the self-development of peoples.

Organization Global Board of Church and SocietyMore Info http://www.umc-gbcs.org

PhiLiPPiNeS CeNTRAL CoNFeReNCeNovember 15-23, 2008

Description The PCC is the highest decid-ing body of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines and it convenes once in every four years.

This is a paid advertisement.

Moed Printing PressCommercial Printing Press

47 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippinestel nos. (02) 9223213 / 9221392

Reiner Puno, Proprietor

AnOpenLettertoHeavenDear God,

The song “Held” by Natalie Grant reminded me that you are a faithful God who heals my brokenness. I have been playing this song over and over again to comfort me in my tiredness. You have always held me and I survive.

This is what it means to be heldHow it feels when the sacred is torn from your life and you surviveThis is what it is to be lovedAnd to know that the promise when everything fell we’d be held

If hope is born of sufferingIf it is only the beginningCan we not wait...

I am stealing some time from my office hours to write this last article for this volume. I actually do not know what to write now, except that I need to write something. I am done with some of my articles and I feel a little exhausted from all the preparations we have for the NYC. I know I should have written this letter long time ago but I cannot be more than thankful to God than now.

I know that the times I approached you when I am happy were lesser that when I am worried, depressed or exhausted. For many times, I even forget to say thank you for a new day when I wake up because I immediately jump up and turn

on my computer for work. I have not a very good child, I know, and I humble myself for all the blessings you have for me especially for the years of my leadership in the UMYFP.

For many times, I wanted to quit but your grace remained abundant and I could not think of any reason to leave your ministry among young people. I may not have been very effective in my undertakings; and have not actively proclaimed your

gift of salvation to other people but you made my life radiate even to some that they may acknowledge that you are the big God I am serving. Thank you for the lives of these friends who continue to inspire me to do my work with love.

My plans are not perfect yet yours are. You have placed me in circumstances that have molded me to be stronger and to wilfully serve you. There were decisions that shook my faith in you but your wisdom is greater and your strength is

insurmountable. I was broke but you realized Yourself as the God who provides. You have used my job as an instrument in showing me that survival is not all about getting my salary but more about trusting that you will provide my needs.

When I resigned from my job to put Your ministry at the top, you have blessed me more. I thank you for my bosses who allowed me to work part-time so I could still earn and even keep a little; and

to my officemates who help me fulfill my job even I’m away. Truly, You have used them that your will on my leadership tasks will be fulfilled.

I lost my father along my faith journey but during the times that I missed and needed his advises, You never failed to do miracles in bringing people to lend me a hand. My brother, my housemates and my beloved are your hands to give

me hug when I am tired. I am also grateful for letting my mom live more years that she may always remind me of your unending grace to our family.

Thank you for pouring your blessings in many unexpected times especially when I feel empty. And whenever I am broken, you are the potter who remolds me; you use my tears as catalyst to make a stronger pot.

My love for you and for my chosen ministry may not be enough to thank You for everything you have done and are doing in my life. I know I still have reservations but teach me to trust you more.

I love you, Earlie

PANANAW • �

AnOpenLettertoHeavenDear God,

The song “Held” by Natalie Grant reminded me that you are a faithful God who heals my brokenness. I have been playing this song over and over again to comfort me in my tiredness. You have always held me and I survive.

This is what it means to be heldHow it feels when the sacred is torn from your life and you surviveThis is what it is to be lovedAnd to know that the promise when everything fell we’d be held

If hope is born of sufferingIf it is only the beginningCan we not wait...

I am stealing some time from my office hours to write this last article for this volume. I actually do not know what to write now, except that I need to write something. I am done with some of my articles and I feel a little exhausted from all the preparations we have for the NYC. I know I should have written this letter long time ago but I cannot be more than thankful to God than now.

I know that the times I approached you when I am happy were lesser that when I am worried, depressed or exhausted. For many times, I even forget to say thank you for a new day when I wake up because I immediately jump up and turn

on my computer for work. I have not a very good child, I know, and I humble myself for all the blessings you have for me especially for the years of my leadership in the UMYFP.

For many times, I wanted to quit but your grace remained abundant and I could not think of any reason to leave your ministry among young people. I may not have been very effective in my undertakings; and have not actively proclaimed your

gift of salvation to other people but you made my life radiate even to some that they may acknowledge that you are the big God I am serving. Thank you for the lives of these friends who continue to inspire me to do my work with love.

My plans are not perfect yet yours are. You have placed me in circumstances that have molded me to be stronger and to wilfully serve you. There were decisions that shook my faith in you but your wisdom is greater and your strength is

insurmountable. I was broke but you realized Yourself as the God who provides. You have used my job as an instrument in showing me that survival is not all about getting my salary but more about trusting that you will provide my needs.

When I resigned from my job to put Your ministry at the top, you have blessed me more. I thank you for my bosses who allowed me to work part-time so I could still earn and even keep a little; and

to my officemates who help me fulfill my job even I’m away. Truly, You have used them that your will on my leadership tasks will be fulfilled.

I lost my father along my faith journey but during the times that I missed and needed his advises, You never failed to do miracles in bringing people to lend me a hand. My brother, my housemates and my beloved are your hands to give

me hug when I am tired. I am also grateful for letting my mom live more years that she may always remind me of your unending grace to our family.

Thank you for pouring your blessings in many unexpected times especially when I feel empty. And whenever I am broken, you are the potter who remolds me; you use my tears as catalyst to make a stronger pot.

My love for you and for my chosen ministry may not be enough to thank You for everything you have done and are doing in my life. I know I still have reservations but teach me to trust you more.

I love you, Earlie

� • PANANAW

Yesterday, I was out all day preparing and coordinating a lot of things for the 30th National Youth Conference. I went to the United Methodist Headquarters at UN Avenue. At 1:15 p.m. I was at Central UMC for a meeting with Pastor Homer, then I received a text message from Baliwag Trans manong driver telling me that the shirts from Kuya Ely are already in the terminal. What’s more, I have to be there before 2 p.m. because they are leaving for Bulacan. Oh no! I boarded an LRT1 train right away. I also rode LRT2 from Recto to Cubao. Before two o’clock, I arrived at the Cubao station and immediately went to the Baliwag station. Thankfully, the bus was still there.

These days, I barely have time to think about life, about my directions, and much more about peace. The preparations for the NYC are enough worries to occupy my days and my consciousness. Actually, I

Traffic, Rush Hour, and Musings on Peace

feel like I have lost a few pounds just because of the busyness for the NYC. Hahah!

I took a taxi from the terminal and braved through the traffic of EDSA. When I arrived home, I carried two sacks full of shirts and climbed three floors. I was panting when I was done! Whew. What a day that was.

As I sat down and listed down some additional items for the NYC, I just took some time off to think about peace and its lack. For young professionals and other members of the workforce, dealing with the busyness of life is a daily affair. With the busyness comes the lack of time for contemplation and musings on peace. When professionals ride jeepneys or taxis going home, they’d rather rest than think about peace or the deeper things in life.

Yet, young professionals, and young people per se, are idealistic. We still possess a worldview

capable of harnessing our best potentials so we could do something good for our country, and our world.

In the busyness of our times, we tend to consider only one aspect of peace—economic peace and prosperity. What about political peace, social and cultural peace, and what Ms. Universe-wannabes always say, World Peace?

Peace. Fish. In a funny

mispronunciation of peace, like a beauty pageant we’ve heard about recently (pamily? tough ten?), we can see a particular way of viewing peace. Peace is fish! The fish has been a traditional sign for the Christian faith. So, as Christians, we are agents of peace. Sometimes, we are actively pursuing and promoting it. Other times,

we seem like undercover agents, unable to promote peace actively.

Defining peace is a tedious job so I won’t even attempt it. Jesus said that he grants peace that transcends

understanding. He was right. Peace transcends our understanding. With Jesus, we have peace yet we cannot fully explain how it works. All we know is that this peace that comes from Him enables us to become peacemakers. According to Jesus, “blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons (and daughters) of God.” As Christians and as children of God, we are peacemakers.

Where does justice come in? Mercy should be accompanied by justice. And justice is the foundation of peace. When there is justice, there is more than just equality; there is equitability. Meaning, those who lack more may get more while those who possess more will get less than the others. When there is justice, there is equitability, and eventually there is peace.

As young professionals, we may tend to forget about peace in our bid for economic self-sufficiency. Yet, let us remember that as part of the UMYFP, we want a world build upon Christian principles. As we celebrate the National Youth Conference, let us remember that peace with justice is one of our mandates as young people.

In the midst of traffics, problems, work, and other pursuits, we are called upon to promote peace with justice in our world.

Happy NYC everyone!

enough to equate them with His blessings. What and who we are now are fruits of the faith that we have developed while in the ministry. My heart is even rejoicing that we are given the chance to serve such a big God. Even in our own little ways. From the day we started with the fellowship, we should always be grateful that we remain steadfast until this time that another biennium is drawing near, for it’s more than worth-it to serve our Creator!

Words of gratitudeAs this maybe my last column in Pananaw, I wish to extend sincerest

gratitude to Kuya Myts who always shares his vision for the young people through his writings and to Earlie (my half-soul but not my girlfriend) for helping to conceptualize every issue of this newsletter inspired with her journalistic and layouting skills.

To Kuya Lenmark who always seeks for a better layout, Joejit who had nothing to edit if there were no articles from the staffs and to all the members who remained until the last issue. To the dear readers whose appreciations, critiques and comments were rarely or never heard at all. To God be the glory!

Regeneration...from p. 3

PANANAW • �

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PANANAWvision • information • inspiration

The official newsletter of the National United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines

EDITORIAL STAFF(2006-2008)

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READ ME!READ ME!

Watch out for the first UMYFP album! Featuring original Awit Kay Yahweh compositions from our passionate Methodist youths. Now available on CD through the National ExeCom or your

respective AC pres!

We want to hear from you. We are working to make our publication better. Send us your comments, reactions or suggestions. We also welcome article contributions. Update us with the latest events in your Annual Conferences, Districts or Local Churches. Share your personal testimonies. Send them all to pananaw_feedback@yahoo.com or visit http://umyfppananaw.wordpress.com for guidelines.

Be a Pananaw Sponsor• reduce the printing cost of Pananaw, thus enabling the national funds to support other programs • bring Pananaw to the hands of the methodist youth for free • ensure the continuous publication of Pananaw for

the whole biennium • bring about the fulfillment of the goals and purposes of Pananaw: to establish an effective communication and information among Methodist young

people

For inquiries, please contact us through Earlie L. Pasion, National Education Dept Head at 0916 6025474 or send email at pananaw_feedback@yahoo.com.

� • PANANAW

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•ISMAEL “ismac” FISCO Jr.

I almost combusted a thousand neurons just to come up with what to write for my last column. Words don’t really come into my mind as I want them to. I can hardly organize my thoughts. Maybe because I haven’t been writing for quite some time. Or maybe, everything had already been written in the past issues of this newsletter. Nothing more interesting than the deafening silence. Peace, no?

As I am mesmerized by the thought that there are only two more days before the NYC, am also welcoming another year in my life. Time flies and we all hear the voice that whispers how many years have we been in the ministry.

Yes, yes. We are not getting any younger anymore. I mean we are becoming quite old. Okay, old! As we look around, we realize that we are now sitting with younger batch of leaders whom God has chosen to carry on the mission. Ahead lies greater responsibilities for self and others. Yet there is a ministry that needs to be continued and sustained.

Better yet, we have once again proven the faithfulness of God through the years. Through our ministry. Through our personal lives.

Many of us have graduated from high school or college while some have just got a new job. Alongside these, we remain in the ministry for the young people. Despite busy schedules and other priorities we have in hand, we spared couple of days to gather for the NYC. (We’re glad to see you again friends. One biennium was not really long!)

There’s a lot to thank God about. We were blessed with committed leaders in the past years who have been willing to sacrifice their time, talent and treasures. Some of them even resigned from work just to give much time for the ministry. Their unseen efforts are manifested through the successes of every program. So many years in the UMYFP leadership... NYC will surely be memorable for them as they leave the doorstep of the fellowship but not actually the ministry. Kudos ates and kuyas (and welcome to UMYAF!hehe).

New set of leaders. Different challenges. Yet the same God!

The joy of servingIt is always a privilege to serve God. Though

it may sometimes entail sacrifices, it will never be

Random Thoughts

Turn on page 5PANANAW • �

The Asian Methodist Youth Network (AMYN), a network of youth organizations in Asia belonging to Methodist Churches or churches rooted in Wesleyan traditions and beliefs, held a Consultative and Preparatory Meeting among its member-countries on March 20-22, 2008 at Women and Ecology Center, Mendez, Cavite.

Hosted by the Philippines, participants from eight (8) Asian countries representing different youth organizations, including the United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines (UMYFP), gathered for the three-day affair. Said event primarily aimed to plan for the 6th AMYN Conference, approve proposed AMYN structure and lay down its program direction for the next four years. It also sought to emphasize the importance of ecumenical unity in strengthening concerted efforts towards peace and justice, revisit Methodist faith and Wesleyan roots as a source of ecumenical unity and provide a general picture of the youth situation in Asia.

AMYN started in 1992 as AMYC (Asian Methodist Youth Conference), a gathering with the goal of establishing a Methodist youth network in Asia. In 2003 the delegates to the 5th AMYC finally took concrete steps in building the Asian Methodist Youth Network or AMYN. It is now a strong youth network, not a gathering every two or so years.

To springboard the activity, a welcome night for participants was held at UCCP Shalom Center graced by Ms. Kendra Dunbar, Executive Secretary of GBGM-Youth and Young Adults Ministries, Bishop Solito K. Toquero, Resident Bishop of UMC-Manila Episcopal Area, Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua UCCP-General Secretary, Ms. Emma Cantor-Orate, Youth and Young Adult Adviser and GBGM-Regional Missionary, Leslie Capuz, NCCP-Youth Desk Coordinator and other guests.

Other participating organizations include Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF), Pambansang Kapatiran ng mga Kabataang IEMELIF (PKKI – Iglesia Evangelica Metodista En Las Islas Filipinas) and United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship (UMYAF).

Philippines hosts AMYN Consultative and Preparatory Meeting

NYC: On the Pages...from p. 1

San Nicolas UMC. A venue of history in the life of UMYFP.

(SOURCE: 25th Biennial Convention Journal)

October 7, 1976 when Bishop Paul Locke Granadosin granted NUMYFP the permission to initiate experimental form of structure within the fellowship. The National Council finalized the New UMYFP Organizational set-up and election code referred to it by the convention.

During the 17th Biennial Convention, the new Constitution and By-Laws was amended by the 1982 Constitutional Drafting Committee. The constitution was them revised and adopted during the 20th Biennial Convention.

A leadership vacuum occurred which yielded no election during the 22nd Biennial Convention on April, 1992. A National Steering Committee had been formed. The Adjourned 22nd Biennial Convention was held on April, 1993 in Capas, Tarlac with electing national officers as its primary agendum. Another Constitutional Convention was called into order by Juvy Manuel on April 9-12, 1997.

After nine years, though constitutional amendment was being proposed for several times, a formal call to hold a Constitutional Convention was done at Iba, Zambales in April, 2006 during the 29th NYC. The ConCon then took place at the historical city of Malolos, Bulacan in July 2007 during the leadership of Mighty Rasing as national president.

This year, the fellowship celebrates its 30th National Youth Conference and seeks to ratify the amended constitution in San Nicolas UMC, San Nicolas, Pangasinan

which will surely situate another history in the life of the UMYFP. This year’s conference will also be jovial celebration as it stages the First Awit Kay Yahweh concert featuring original compositions of Methodist youths and Laverne Mercado leadership award in honor of Bishop La Verne Mercado, first NUMYFP president, who exemplified a true spirit of leadership. It will also be a venue of reminiscences for the past leaders of the fellowship who have been invited for the Alumni Night.

God indeed remains faithful to the UMYFP. There is vision in the midst of uncertainties and a clear path in the crossroads of great challenges of this time. After all those glorious years, the history continues…

�� • PANANAW

UMYFP: A Strong Community of Faith Straining toward an Empowered Nation

PANANAW VOL 5 N0. 5 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE UNITED METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES FEB-APR 2008

NYC: On the Pages of UMYFP HistoryWhile many already have gone and more are yet to go before us, the UMYFP

remains a strong community of faith straining towards an empowered nation – making history while carrying on the ministry…

The fellowship has stripped off its old skin and created an identity along the years. We see the undying legacy of the great commission through our past and present leaders. Another biennium is soon drawing to its end while anew comes. As we rest on our laurels and set our sights up high, it’s worth looking back onto the footsteps we left behind and realize how far we have gone as a community and a church.

Indeed, the God of Timothy and Jeremiah had blessed us with glorious years that placed our fellowship into where and what it is now. He had chosen leaders from humble and ordinary faces of life to do extraordinary works for the ministry. No wonder that the National Youth Conference was institutionalized to guide the fellowship on its journey and the UMYFP Constitution evolved according to the needs of time.

As we bask in brief relief of having gathered for the 30th NYC, let us glimpse through the pages of its humble history…

Through painstaking works and consultation with youth groups and leaders of the early organization, the “Methodist Youth Fellowship” came into being and was formally inaugurated at the Watch Night Service on December 31, 1941.

It was after the World War II that the proposed constitution was approved and ratified leading to the creation of local, district and conference organizations.

After the establishment of Annual Conferences in

some areas in Luzon, the first National Conference of the MYF took place at

Guiba, Nueva Ecija on January 2-5, 1951 under

the leadership of Rev. F.V. Cabotaje who was then the Area

Executive Secretary of the Central Conference Board of Education.

Three hundred delegates attended and elected La

Verne Mercado as the fist National MYF President.

The organization soon became the

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYFP) after

several conferences were held. On March, 1976, the 14th UMYFP

Convention formally adopted the new Constitution that elected Rogelio Bueno

as President for the third time. It was on

Congratulations to all winners of

the First Awit Kay Yahweh Song Writing and Peace With Justice Poetry and Essay Writing

Contests!!!

Praise God for the UMYFers who

graduated this year and to those who passed the board/licensure examinations; and to Gideon Salatan, former NUMYFP

President for passing the bar exam!

W h a t’ s

i n s i d e ?

Turn on page 2

AMYN p.2

Dates to Remember p.7

AnOpenLettertoHeaven

p.6

PANANAW through

the years p.8

PANANAW • �