Sidlak 3rd News Letter
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Transcript of Sidlak 3rd News Letter
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
BCBP CONSOLACION CHAPTER
JUL—SEP 2015
Volume#3
Outreach: Missionary of Charity by Miriam Loren
On July 12, 2015, Unit B had a humbling
opportunity to grace and lead an out-
reach event at Missionary of Charity
located in Pasil, Cebu City. This institu-
tion houses malnourished and sick
children where missionaries and nuns
feed them not just with healthy food
but also nourish them with love and care. They bathe the chil-
dren and even play with them. It’s a very touching experience to
witness the selfless act of the missionaries.
Eight sacks of rice, wherein half of the cost was subsidized by the
Consolacion Chapter, were given by Unit B. We were not allowed
to take pictures to protect the identity of the children. May we all
continue to serve our God through helping our less fortunate
neighbors especially the children.
What’s inside?
July - Sept 2015 activities 2-4
Reflection 5
Feature 6-8
Pope’s visit to US 9
Breakfast Sharers 10
Intercessory Schedule 11
Chapter Head’s Message 11
Q4 Calendar 12
SAVE THE DATE
BCBP CONSOLACION
CHAPTER ANNIVERSARY
NOVEMBER 21, 2015
2
IN THE KNOW
We thought Q2 was the most hectic quarter of the year till this quarter came. But through God’s
grace He arranges our time so we can serve and bring more people closer to Him. On July 12, 2015,
Unit B had a humbling opportunity to grace and lead an outreach event at Missionary of Charity lo-
cated in Pasil, Cebu City. Another and ongoing event is the BCLP 11 wherein a number of the mem-
bers are devoting their time to make it fruitful and life changing for the participants. Led by kuya Ed
Lanticse and supportive servants, we managed to go this far and remain on track to complete the
whole sessions by October 17. The music ministry is tirelessly singing worship songs and gracing
events almost every Sunday. Some of our members joined the St Paul Leadership retreat that was
held in Sto Nino Spirituality Center on July 18 to 19. The retreat facilita-
tors guided the participants in examining the leadership characteristics
of St Paul and his servant attitude that has direct relevance and practi-
cal use in leading an organization in today’s world. For the very first
time, our chapter and the Mandaue West Chapter held a joint chapter
teaching night at Big Hotel. NAC36 is coming to Cebu so who is not ex-
cited about it. Let us grab the early bird rate before October 4 and ex-
perience God’s exhilarating and motivating victories in marketplaces.
These are the following five letters that I have
learned from St. Paul’s Missionary Retreat held
at Sto. Nino Spirituality Center last July 18-19.
DREAM
DECIDE WISELY
Every time I make a decision in my life, I
need to humble myself first to pray to the
Lord asking His guidance. In doing so, I con-
sult my elder brothers who are experts and
more experienced than me so that I will be
guided for a particular service that I plan to
commit. Afterwards, I thank God for the an-
swered prayer. Finally, I will be able to make
my own decision joyfully.
BE RESPONSIBLE AT ALL TIMES
In every decision I make, I will be responsi-
ble and accountable for the output either
Jules and Melody Foronda
What Have I Learned From St. Paul’s Missionary Leaders Retreat?
by Bojie Velasco
good or bad. I have no one to blame but
myself because God has given me already so
much gifts to live and survive each day’s
challenges. The truth is I need to reflect
more deeply and repeatedly before making
any commitment.
BE AN ENERGETIC PERSON
As a leader, I will strive consistently to be
an energetic person for oftentimes people
are looking forward for my example and my
leadership. That is why, in facilitating a
particular activity I have to perform well to
the highest level with self confidence so that
others will be influenced and motivated to
offer freely their commitment to serve the
community.
continued to next page
3
Enthusiastic members of the BCBP Cebu chapters
attended the Regional Breakfast Fellowship held at
Mariners’ Court, Pier 1, Cebu City last August 8,
2015. The venue was filled with pleasant noise of
laughter, brisk conversation of some members, and
songs gloriously sung by the choir. There were also
first timers who came all the way from far provinces
of Cebu to witness what BCBP breakfast was like – a
joyous event yet inspiring as everyone listens to
couple’s transformational life story.
The couple sharer was no other than our BCBP
President Joe and Lulu Avellana who flew from Ma-
nila to impart with us their life stories. What they
shared was not simply all about hardships and tri-
umphs they have encountered but more on how
God made them destined to be together in spite the
odds.
Regional Breakfast Fellowship by Melody Foronda
When they opened their doors to BCBP, they de-
voted their time, energy and love as they willingly
accepted almost all kinds of services the commu-
nity needs. Kuya Joey as the head of his company,
head of the family and head of the entire BCBP
community, is able to carry on simply because he,
together with his loving wife, are truthfully serving
God.
Retreat Participants (L-R): Miriam and Richard Loren, Julius and
Melody Foronda, Fely and Axel Tumulak, Bojie and Ellen
Velasco, Juda and Marvin Soco. Not in picture: William & Ann
Roiles
What Have I… continued from p.2
HAVE AN ACTION PLAN
I always make an action plan for every pro-
ject that I’ll be undertaking. I put my plans
from A to Z into writing whenever necessary.
Then, I will appoint responsible persons who
can help me achieve the plan and turn over to
them as needed.
CALL FOR A MISSION
Why am I doing this? God has given me this
gift of LOVE that is meant to be shared. Our
Lord Jesus has called me to continue to do His
mission through a family, community and
church where I belong. In retrospect, I find
myself still needing to look for my life pur-
pose.
Consolacion members at Mariner’s Court
God’s message
1. Blessed is the man who follows joyfully God’s
command. Don’t be afraid to do what’s right.
Be humble and trust in the Lord - Bojie
Velasco
2. The Lord reminds us that He is our strength,
trust and have faith in Him always. Do not
doubt of the things you ask for, He will give it
in His perfect time - Robert Lim
3. The Lord wants us to be humble. Be good and
forgive one another. Be kind and help others,
expect nothing in return. Because at the end
you will be rewarded as He promised - Axel
Tumulak
4
BCLP #11 by Ed Lanticse
The Honor is mine: I actually did not volunteer to be the course leader, but when I was nominated and offered the position, I saw it as an opportunity to serve our Lord and our commu-nity. I decided to accept the responsibility as a chance to impart my knowledge and capabilities to incoming members of BCBP. I am much honored to have been given this opportunity to help spread the word of the Lord and to entice more people to help us win the mar-ketplace for Christ.
The Victory I owe to God: I realized that being the course leader is not an easy task. It takes a lot of research, planning and coordination to organ-ize each week of the CLP. But by our Lord’s grace and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I am able to complete my weekly tasks. I consider it as a great victory that we have inspired 16 of our participants to continue, commit their selves to the community and to practice the BCBP way of Life
The Gratitude I give: First of all I would like to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to our CLP 11 participants for diligently attending our weekly sessions and for wholeheart-edly participating in our discussions. I am very ex-cited to welcome you all to the BCBP and I promise you that joining the community will turn to be one of the best decisions you have ever made.
1st BCLP session
Eleazar Leyson Sheila Mae Leyson
Raul Raymond Alpha Marie Kapuno
Orly Secretario Resty Secretario
Arnel Bihag Gina Bihag
Carlito Conde Nolie Conde
Warren Clyde Tompong Rhesel Joan Tompong
Ma. Bernadette Algar Melody Camus
Sheryl Padillo
BCLP # 11 PARTICIPANTS
Participants and DGL in a Discussion group
The BCLP choir service team
5
Peace Be With You by Judy Gloria
Action Group Meeting
Method used: Seven Steps
Step 1: Invite the Lord
Lord you said when two or more are gathered in your name
you are with them. We claim your words that you are with us now in
this action group meeting. Thank you for your presence. Guide our
thoughts, our selection of words and verses to reflect on. Help us
make you the center of our reflection tonight and in our sharing.
Step 2: Open your Bible to select the book, chapter and verse
Step 3: Please read Bible Verse aloud so we may able to listen. (Read from three different Bible inter-
pretations to better understand the verses.)
Step 4: Please select a word or verse from the Bible Verses that touches you. Say it aloud prayerfully
three times with reverence.
Example: John 20:26
“…. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you …”
“…. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you …”
“…. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you …”
Step 5: For 2-3 minutes let us silently reflect on the words we have selected; associate it with current
experiences; it should be Christ centered and how it is applied to your current situation;
Step 6: For 5 minutes or less let us share to the group our reflection; Say the word or verse before you
start your sharing. Let us listen to the sharer. Please refrain from interrupting her or him. And do not
give advices.
Step 7: Let us discuss other matters and then close the AGM with a prayer. As we pray kindly say
aloud your thanks giving and petitions. Then we will sing a thanksgiving song.
Example: I thank you father for the friendship and support we have from each member of our action
group. Give each one of us the blessing, protection, providence and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we
need in our journey to our eternal home. Amen
Step 8: Plan for next activity or other matters and assess the seven steps. Was it conducted in a
prayerful manner; is there a room for improvement?
6
Obedience and Faithfullness Amidst Adversity by Julie Despi
“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord
delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices as much as in obeying the
Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of
rams”
(1 Samuel 15:22)
When we talk about commitment to
the community, who could best
epitomize this word than one of the
pillars of BCBP Consolacion, Kuya
Joe Caminade, who in spite of his
challenging physical condition, he
never cease to amaze us with the
kind of dedication he shows by
attending the BCBP breakfasts and
the various act ivit ies in the
community.
It’s my privilege to share a few but
great thoughts from Kuya Joe, and I
hope you will be inspired by his
words.
Good morning Kuya Joe, to start, may
you kindly give us a brief background
about your journey with the
community:
Kuya JC: I am proud to say that I
have been with the BCBP for more
than 21 years. I used to be part of
BCBP Mactan and I’m a graduate of
BCLP 1. Throughout the 21 years, I
have handled various services in the
community such as action group
leader and unit leader to name some.
Wow! That’s really a long time now.
How was your journey with God? And
how has it affected your personal life?
Kuya JC: Well, looking back, I have a
lot of blessings. I’ll just categorize
them in different aspects of my life.
Career: After being an accountant for
15 years, I took the leap of faith to
build my own business. However, it
did not become easy for me. Being
jobless was difficult as I cannot
provide a steady income for the
family. But when I completely
entrusted myself to God and became
active in the community, my income
became stable, and never again have
I experienced any problems with
money. God is truly generous,
because blessings just keep on
coming.
Family Life: Before, I had problems
with my temper. But through the
grace of God, I was able to reduce
gradually my temper and extend my
patience. I am always thankful to God
that in spite of financial challenges,
God has given me a very loving wife,
and very supportive children. Now my
kids are doing great in their respective
endeavors; Joeffrey is now in Florida,
USA together with his family. While,
Jovanni is in Manila, and has his own
business. They have been supporting
us financially as well.
We highly honor and appreciate your
dedication in consistently attending
the BCBP activities in spite of the
illness that you are currently facing.
What keeps you motivated to
continually attend the various BCBP
activities?
Kuya JC: I enjoy the BCBP group. It
also serves as a therapy for me,
because If I confine myself in the
house, I’ll just be depressed. It pays
to go out and reach out to people.
Being more engaged makes me feel
younger. And I hope my visibility in
BCBP activities will also encourage
our fellow members to be more
engaged in the community.
God is certainly a great provider! And
he as greatly blessed you and your
family. What advise(s) can you
provide to all our fellow members in
the community:
Kuya JC: First for the couples: It’s
normal for couples to have conflicts.
But always ask guidance from God ,
because conflicts easily subside if the
family prays everyday. As a couple,
you need to talk about the problem
even before going to sleep in order to
avoid the problem to aggravate.
Openness and good communication
are the keys.
Second, for your children: Always be
there to take care and guide them
even if they are already grown up.
There are tendencies wherein they
might lose their way while growing up
continued next page
Joe Caminade
7
The Catechism of the Catholic Church listed
down 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1832)
while the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians has 9
(Gal 5:22-23). Patience is one among these
Fruits.
We must be aware that there are conditions how
and when God answers what we petition in
prayer. God’s outright positive response cer-
tainly increases our faith in Him. But He has his
reasons when He doesn’t give what we ask for.
We need to discern what is best for us according
to His will and plan. A delayed response is a test
of our patience.
Perseverance, endurance, steadfastness, persis-
tence, consistency and sustainability are term
synonymous to patience. The poet Henry Wads-
woth Longfellow must be inspired by the Acts of
the Apostles to “pray in faith…it is necessary for
us to undergo many hardships to enter the King-
dom of God” (Acts 14:22) and the Letter of St.
Paul to the Colossians, “persevere in prayer that
God may open the door” (Col 4:2). He claimed,
“perseverance is a great element of success. If
you only knock long and loud enough at the gate,
you are sure to wake up somebody”.
Last August 27, 2015 on the occasion of my per-
severing wife Judy’s 58th birthday and first
founding anniversary of Rhodora Inn, we cele-
brated a Holy Mass in thanksgiving and house
blessing officiated by Rev. Fr. Clyde Salitrero,
OCam. We are reminded of “St. Monica’s pa-
tience with her husband, her long years of
Obedience and… continued from p6
because of peer influences and pressures normed by the society. Never let them go astray and encourage them to join
a spiritual community, so they will always be grounded towards God’s teachings.
For the community life: We always experience trials and harrasments in life. The community serves as a support
system for all of us. If ever you have problems, discuss with your Action Group. As much as possible, be present in the
various BCBP functions, for once you slow down, it will be difficult to get back on track.
Patient But Not A Patient by Nestor Gloria
prayer coupled with a strong, well-disciplined
character finally led to the conversion of her hot-
tempered husband and her once wayward son,
now St. Augustine. She is a model wife and
mother. St. Monica is our model of pa-
tience” (Sabbath 2015. p. 246).
In BCBP Consolacion Chapter, we experience
and are witnesses to manifestations of God’s
grace through patience and persevering inter-
cessory prayer as a Community. The birth of Sis
Girlie & Bro. Wilbert Ang’s daughter after 17
years is one among the many answered prayers.
Kuya Joe Caminade is patient but not a patient.
The noun patient means a person is undergoing
treatment while the adjective patient means a
person tolerates affliction with calmness. Pati is
the Latin word which means to endure.
When asked
by a BCBP
sister now
residing in
Canada
through
facebook,
how we are?,
I readily re-
sponded,
“We are what
you see!”.
Kuya Joe and I, with our respective wives are
pioneering members of BCBP Mactan since
1994. Together, we were moved to Mandaue
8
GOOD
READ
A Simple Path by Mother Teresa, A candid look at her
everyday life
Chapter and now, we are with the Consolacion.
That span of time is a measure of our endurance
and perseverance tempered with patience, the
fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Kuya Joe is a self-made man. After his retire-
ment from money-making activities associated
with financial setbacks due to bankruptcy in his
business, he occupied himself with his skill and
passion for carpentry that brought him to an
accident. The electric drill he used fell and in-
jured his foot. The serious bacterial infection
prompted the doctors to recommend for imme-
diate amputation. However, through the
prayers of brothers and sisters in the BCBP
Community, he was “saved by the bell”. After
more than a week of hospitalization, he was bed
-ridden for 2 months and 6 months more for
physical therapy. During this period, brothers
and sisters took turns in praying-over him in
their home during their visits to console him.
It was during his periodical laboratory examina-
tions that he was found out to be inflicted with
the third stage of lung cancer. It was a shock for
him. Like anyone who is diseased, he underwent
the 5 stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depres-
sion and finally acceptance (Life Lessons by
Kubler-Ross & Kessler. pp. 78-79). Feeling that
his earthly life is over, the Caminade couple an-
ticipated a celebration and renewal of marriage
vows on their 45th wedding anniversary at
home well-attended by brothers and sisters in
the BCBP. After a financially draining chemo-
therapy and radiation excluding the free profes-
sional fee of an oncologist BCBP brother, he gave
up and turned to proper nutrition through
internet researches. He has “an able body” al-
though his mobility is limited. He has “an open-
mind” keeping himself occupied by gathering
knowledge and information on proper nutrition
online. He has still a mission to comply.
Through their nightly couple prayer, he is
“sanctifying his spirit”. The cheerful and sociable
Ate Norms is his persevering care-giver loving
him “forever more”. Indeed, Kuya Joe is in
“perfect health” brought about by an able body,
an open-mind and a sanctified spirit. Instead of
self-pity, he makes himself available in almost
all BCBP activities specially the regular Saturday
breakfast fellowships. He is passionately en-
gaged in home-baking and preparation of “finger
foods”. In fact, during some of our intercessory
prayer times when their action group is as-
signed, he used to share with us food for snacks.
The BCBP Consolacion brethren regularly inter-
cede for his healing. With expectant faith, he
looks forward to celebrate their 50th wedding
anniversary in 2016.
Kuya Joe is blessed to be an epitome, our model,
idol and inspiration of calmness and patience
amidst adversity. “Obedience and submission to
God’s will being better than sacrifice” (1 Sam
15:22) is his guiding post that “everything is
going to be fine developing our faith that God
has a plan” for all of us.
In 2010 before his papacy, Pope Francis pon-
dered on the theme of patience. “There are
times when our lives do not call so much for
doing as far as our ‘enduring’, for bearing up
with our own limitations as well as those of
others”.
Patient but not… continued from p7
Chicken Soup for the Soul -Think Positive by Jack Canfield. 101 Inspirational Stories about Count-ing Your Blessings and Having a Positive Attitude
9
Pope Francis finished his final day in the United States with a Mass in Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin
Parkway. His 6-day, three-city trip on U.S. soil from September 22-27 was marked by several memorable
moments
Here is a look at some of the highlights of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United States.
1. Francis canonizes the first saint on U.S. soil
In the first canonization on U.S. soil, Francis elevated Junipero Serra to sainthood , an 18th-century mis-
sionary who brought Catholicism to the American West Coast, during a Spanish-language Mass at the Ba-
silica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
Serra was a Franciscan friar who marched north from Baja California with conquistadors from his native
Spain, establishing nine of the 21 missions in what is now California.
2. Francis asks for people to pray for him
Pope Francis wrapped up his whirlwind trip to New York City with a Mass for 18,000 people at Madison
Square Garden. He concluded the service with the customary "go in peace and serve the Lord" and added,
"Please, I ask you, don't forget to pray for me."
3. Francis blesses 10-year-old boy in a
wheelchair on the tarmac in Philadelphia
Francis was set to kick off the Philadelphia-
leg of his trip, when he spotted a young boy
in a wheelchair on the tarmac at the airport
in Philadelphia. He quickly asked the driver to
stop his black Fiat and walked up to the boy,
giving him a blessing and a kiss on the fore-
head.
4. Vatican flag flies at the United Nations for
the first time
The pope spoke to world leaders gathered for
a U.N. General Assembly summit on Friday,
where he championed the causes of protecting the environment, helping less affluent nations, aiding vul-
nerable people and avoiding war.
5. Francis urges immigrants to be “responsible citizens”
In an emotional Spanish-language speech in front of 40,000 people gathered outside of Independence
Hall, Francis delivered a simple but clear message of hope to the U.S. Latino community.
Pope Francis' top 5 most memorable moments during his visit to the U.S. Published September 28, 2015 in Fox News Latino
Pope kisses the 10-yr old boy in wheelchair
10
Q3 BREAKFAST SHARERS
Bong & Anafe Duldulao
We know that there will always
be struggles and heartaches.
But as long as our Lord God is
here to guide and comfort us,
ours will be a walk in the clouds Allan & Vangie Incorporado
The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives has melted our differences and weaknesses and blended them to strengthen one another. Together we can be a tower of strength for the work of the Lord
Marvin & Juda Soco
Serving God through the com-munity has become our source of joy. The different BCBP teachings and retreats have enriched us spiritually. The trials we underwent made us
more dependent on God
Norman & Tita Advincula
It has come to our realization that there is no limit to our relationship with God. BCBP has given us broth-ers and sisters who surround us with piety and compassion
Sabino & Lourdes Chua
We decided to cut down our exces-
sive lifestyles to live a simple and
humble life. And finally, we are hap-
pier now. Being a BCBP member
helped us realize that in this life we
must love God above all
Mon Figueroa
He redeemed me from my vicious past
and brought me into the light, into
freedom. With Him there is no more
darkness
Nelson Mabugnon
I have learned and understood that the
storms, trials and failures that the Lord
allowed me to experience are His ways of
letting me kneel down, surrender myself
and trust in Him
Wilbert & Girlie Ang
Our lives are a series of big and little
leaps of faith. While the worldly would
say “To see is to believe”, our journey
will prove that you need to believe first
Lando & Exal Grape
The joy that we are experiencing
through loving God is immeasurable.
We shouldn’t contain the joy to our-
selves instead let it radiate and be felt
by others. We can do this by continuously serving the com-
munity in whatever way we can
Peping Roa
Yes brothers, I found peace and con-
tentment as I abandon all my cares in
the hands of Jesus who alone can sat-
isfy the deepest longings of my heart
Ryan & Eyen Ty
In our distress, we called upon Him
and He answered us. During our
trying times, God opens our eyes
and let us experience things that are more valuable than
money, that is, our family, friends and this community
Sherwin & Kathy Bacalla
Saying “YES” to every task assigned
to us have allowed us to grow more
and mature in faith. Services may
vary and complex at times but it is
our best way of expressing our gratitude to Him
11
Intercessory Schedule for Q4
Chapter Head’s Message
56%
46%
10%
41%
22%26%
10%
33%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Unit A Unit B Unit C Unit D
52% 49%
19%
48%
33%
62%
19%
43%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Unit A Unit B Unit C Unit D
"LEADERSHIP is about making others BETTER as a result of your presence and making SURE that impact lasts in your ABSENCE." This post from Mr. Cris Widener has always been my guide in my service as the appointed Leader of the flock, the BCBP Consolacion Chapter. As a Leader, I have a lot of realization. Every day, something new would prop-up, events I have never
experienced in my whole life. But as a work-in-progress, I have to learn from it, adjust and understand since I am not a finished product. Sometimes, I get hurt in the process but I have to show a brave and a strong facade to all the members because everybody looks up to me. Likewise, I have always conditioned my mind that I'm doing service not for anyone but for God, it's in the tough times of our service that we find out what we're really made of. I have discovered in the struggles of my service that God is more interested in changing me than He is changing my circumstances. I'm not saying that God won't change the circumstances, certainly, He can and often does. Usually, I'm tested in the areas where I am most weak at. As a Leader, the trials that we always encounter are tests of our faith, character and endurance. Indeed, all of these experiences have made me a better per-son, to my family, business colleagues, constituents, and to my brothers and sisters in BCBP. Three months from now, I will be relinquishing my position and turn it over to our incoming Chapter Head, Kuya Butch and Ate Luz Gomez who will be serving Consolacion for the next 3 years. I'm very confident that with Kuya Butch's leadership, he would be able to steer our Chapter to greater heights with the able support of his young, dynamic and active governance team. Again, congratulations to the new leaders and more power to all of you! To God be the glory!
JUL 2015 A
TT
EN
DA
NC
E JU
N 2
015
AT
TE
ND
AN
CE
A
UG
201
5 A
TT
EN
DA
NC
E
Marvin and Juda Soco
22%
51%
19%24%
33% 35%
24%
40%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Unit A Unit B Unit C Unit D