Bernard's posts with tag: friendship
 Discipleship is a lifelong process of being transformed in the image of Christ. But one thing I discovered, discipleship is best caught through friendships.
First time I have seen a great leader face to face was in August of 1987 when Pastor Steve Murrell shared the S.T.A.R.T. tract to me as I was being followed up in discipleship in Bugerden (infront of De La Salle University). I had few times talking and chatting with Pastor Steve, but in those few moments I realized that this man is serious in following and serving God. He really loves his family and is totally committed to serving God by planting many churches in the Philippines. I learned from Pastor Steve that you have to be all out in your Christianity. All or nothing (not all for nothing - that's different).
The second man who impacted me was an usher, way back in Anson arcade. He ushered me into a seat and did a short warm talk (for me to feel "At home"). His name is Archie Arroyo. He worked for Xerox Philippines. A simple man. A hard worker. But in his simplicity, he showed me care and attention. From that time on I wanted to be his friend. I got back to church the next Sunday and never missed church since. Ushering is a great ministry to be in. So I signed up immediately. (That was the start of my neck tie education).
The third person I met was a Big American guy named Tom Bouvier(in the picture). He discipled me in the word. He invited us in his place. Made us memorize the whole book of James (down to the last punctuation mark). He made us do push ups every minute were late in our bible study. So, after a year with him, me, Pastor Ariel, Stevie Yang, Arthur Abrantes, Anton San Diego, Ardy Abello,... were buffier and more toned in our upper abdominal region. I learned from him that it takes serious reading of the word to get faith and close devotion to Christ.
The Fourth person who influenced me to Christ-likeness was Pastor Jun Escozar. He is a fire breathing preacher, who speaks a visayan english with a twang of fire in between every sentence. He deposited passion for evangelism and mission into my life. I was so inspired that I immediately signed up to go our very first local church outreach in Australia just barely eight weeks of being a disciple. Pastor Jun did a great modeling of faith, passion and love for the lost. Pag na excite si Pastor Jun, eto natutuhan ko sa kanya...."Grabeee bro..." "Crazeee"
Another man who had deep impact in my prayer life and devotion was Pastor Manny Carlos. We did years of prayer meeting together in Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez's office in Edison st. near Pasay Road, along with Ms. Mary Malinao, Hedy Yalung, Mabel and Jun Lee, and Ronnie Hernandez... We were the prayer room for the church back in the late 80's and early 90's. I love prayer because of his influence. Little did I know this prayer meeting was so instrumental because this was the place where I met my wife. (She was always praying at my back--- for what? I do not know).
Pastor Manny's influence on intercession and book worming was also contagious. He introduced me to the books of De Vern Fromke, Oswald Chambers, Bob Bickle, Francis Frangipane etc.. those deep stuff of prayer and intercession (those scary books with all words and no pictures in it).
But the most impact I received in real life disciplesip was with Pastor Joey Bonifacio. He is a visionary. He was a role model for me on how to lead a great christian life while doing business, how to lead my family and become a great leader. We used to go to his house and have leadership meetings and have instant fellowship and meals together. I learned real leadership from Pastor Joey.
If you want leadership lessons, go to Pastor Joey. There's always a nugget to chew on every time you meet him.
There are a whole lot more to recount... There is Pastor Ferdie, Tito Bomboy Fabregas, Ardy Abello, Anton San Diego, etc...
All these people I mentioned had great influence in my life. They helped me see life as a great gift. They made me into a better follower of Christ. They believed in me were sometimes I would have given up myself.
Books, pod casts, videos are great. But there is nothing like real life discipleship through friendships.
Discipleship is indeed about friendships.
John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
| |
|
