Christmas Message From The Ambassador

Embassy of the Philippines 4th Flr., Nedre Vollgate 4 0158 Oslo, Norway
Jurisdiction: Norway, Denmark & Iceland

MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR ELIZABETH P. BUENSUCESO

In the name of Him who is the real reason for the season, I send to you warm Christmas greetings on behalf of my family, the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, and the government of the Republic of the Philippines. I pray that the Lord would always bless you and keep you in His loving arms and that you welcome Him in your hearts and minds. I also pray that your Christmas celebration be a meaningful one, focused on the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Giver and Sustainer of our lives and the Star that guides us all in our lives here in Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

More than 750 years before He was born, the Messiah’s coming had been foretold by the prophet Isaiah. (Isa 9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Christmas is the celebration of this prophecy come true. When the world was oppressed by sin, tyranny, poverty and injustice, the Father had promised a deliverer, a Savior who was going to pay the price set for this oppression. Jesus was to be that Man. He was God but He chose to be born a mere human to demonstrate the humble heart with which He had wanted to fulfill the plans of the Father. He was born in a lowly manger but the royalty of Heaven proclaimed and rejoiced in His coming.

Humility, sacrifice and victory - these are the words which characterize his birth, death and resurrection. We must not be tempted to merely picture Him forever as a helpless infant in a crib. This baby grew up, became an excellent youth, obeying and loving his human parents, performed a very public and miracle-laden ministry in his adult life and then fulfilled the will of the Father even if it cost Him his life. But His story does not end there either. He conquered death and was resurrected and had left behind the Holy Spirit to be our Wonderful Counselor until He returns and takes us to dwell with Him in heaven.

This is the same message I would like to convey to you this Christmas season. Let us be like Jesus in demonstrating these virtues in our lives. With humility, let us acknowledge that all that we have today- our jobs, family, material possessions, talents, and gifts all come from Him. We need, therefore to share these with those who have less in life, especially those we left behind in the Philippines. For this is the essence of sacrifice. The Father gave His son, and I do not know of any other more painful experience than to give up one’s child for the sake of others who are not even worthy of it. Finally, let us live victorious lives. Let us conquer the spirit of conflict, sin, envy, uncaring and malice which are from Satan and replace it by the fruit of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. In this way may we be able to uplift our country, cheer our countrymen and serve our God.

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa aking mga Kababayan sa Norway, Denmark at Iceland, mula sa inyong Embahada!

Sino At Ano Ang Miss Mo Ngayong Pasko?

Growing up from a little barrio where every inhabitants are familiar and known is a wonderful experience. I grew up in Baranggay M. Parang, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. We celebrate Christmas every First week of January. It is called as Pasko ng Tatlong Hari (Celebrates every January 6, 7, 8). That celebration Commemorate the visit of the Magi to the Lord Jesus after He was born. The tradition in our Barrio still continue up to this time but there are those who celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December at this time. Now that I and my family are away from home, i sincerely misses the time I'm going from house to house to pay a visit to our relatives, friends and ka babarrio during the Christmas season. I remember my Nanay singing a song for me..."Ang magandang Christmas Tree natutuwa ang marami..." My father who use to work as a tricycle driver then use to bring home some food and fruits so we may have something to eat on our table together. Kapag tapos na kaming mamasko na mga bata, punta naman kami sa kalye to buy some toys and have some fun outside. Hay naku talaga...ang daming kasiyahan at kasayahan sa aming Barrio kapag ganitong panahon tulad ng Family reunion, outing atbp.

I'm turning 4 years away from my parents in the Philippines this coming January. However, Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord kasi i found an extended family away from my family and a home away from home in Norway. The celebration may be different from the way I grew up, yet, the Lord blesses me beyond all measure as I found a home in the heart of our JIL-brethren in this part of the world. The love, concern and affection you showed me and my family is more than enough to say how glad and blessed are we for having you as our extended family here.

Sobrang tuwa at saya namin, Kasi ngayon Florenz (my wife) and I celebrate Christmas with our baby Eddielijah. First Christmas ni Jajah(Eddielijah's nickname) itong Christmas of 2008. Eddielijah turn to be a covenant ring of God in our married life. Each day that I'm looking on Jajah, hindi ko maiwasang maluha sa kagalakan. The Lord constantly reminded me of His great faithfulness, abundant mercy, amazing grace. What we have experience is beyond our understanding and finite mind. Lagi ko na lang sinasabi "We Are Highly Favored By God" . Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

With all honesty and sincerity I misses so much my Nanay Lita, Tatay Fidel at Si Bunso (Jemuel) this Christmas season. Totoo, I miss the celebration in our barrio. However this is not a season to make us sad because we are temporarily away from our family back in the Philippines.

This is a season to focus on the reason for the season. God commendeth His love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. More than what a big fat, old man wearing in a red clothes can give. The birth of Jesus brings good news that brings forth real joy and peace.

When the Angel appeared to the shepherd, the angel did not come to declare the judgments of the Lord, but his merciful loving-kindness, the subject being a matter of great joy. He then declares his message unto the Jews first, and then to the entire human race. The good news is not exclusively for the Jews, but for all the inhabitants of the whole earth.

The Saviour was prophecied as the Prince of peace, (Isa 9:6). The world is at war with God; sinners are at enmity against their Maker and against each other. There is no peace to the wicked. But Jesus came to make peace; and this he did reconciled the world to God by His atonement, he brings the sinner to a state of peace with his Maker; inducing him to lay down the weapons of rebellion and to submit his soul to God, thus giving him the peace which passeth all understanding, he diffused in the heart universal good-will to people - "disposing," people to lay aside their differences, to love one another, to seek each other's welfare, and to banish envy, malice, pride, lust, passion, and covetousness-in all ages the most fruitful causes of difference among people, And, by diffusing the principles of universal peace among nations.

If the gospel of Jesus should universally prevail, there would be an end of war. In the days of the millennium there will be universal peace; all the causes of war will have ceased; people will love each other and do justly; all nations will be brought under the influence of the gospel. O how should each one toil and pray that the great object of the gospel should be universally accomplished, and the world be filled with peace!

Sana ngayong Pasko, si Jesus ang sentro ng ating pagdiriwang. Joy and peace from Him are available if you will received Him as Lord and Saviour of your life.

A Very Merry Christmas And Let Us Welcome The New Year Of Overflowing Blessing in 2009.

CYN Norway...Bag Second Place In Youth Got Talent In Oslo, Norway

The CYN (Christian Youth For The Nation) of JIL-Norway bag the second place for the YOUth Got Talent Competition in Oslo, Norway last November 21, 2008. Participated by different Youngster from different walks of life in Oslo, the CYN of Norway take a giant step of faith by participating in the said competition.

Though there are other Christian group that participated in the said competition, they are the only group that render a Christian Praise And Worship song for the Lord. Indeed the glory of God manifested in the lives of our dearest CYN as they utter word of prayer and thanksgiving to God in the said event. Praise God, they bag the Second Place in the said competition.

Proceeds won by the CYN from the competition were donated by our Youth for the Church Building Fund of JIL-Norway.

Congratulation...CYN...keep up the good work!!! God Richly Bless You!!!

(1 Tim 4:12 - Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.)

WE LOVE YOU SO DEARLY

God Is Not Silent In The Midst Of Crisis

Ps 112:1-7 - Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures for ever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered for ever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

This past few days we heard so much about Global Financial Crisis. This crisis affects the life of people from all walks of life. Huge number of people were lose their job, business are closing and numbers of hours of work has been cut off.

What others are saying about Global Financial Crisis.

1. "I think one has to anticipate that no company is immune to these issues." - Steve Ballmer-
2. "The current global financial crisis will be the most serious risk facing the Asia-Pacific region in the next 12 months, " -Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC)

We may also have our own statement concerning the financial crisis besetting the world today, but God has something to say about this kind of situation.

Each time that I'm thinking about the financial difficulty besetting the entire world at this moment in time, I remember the story of the 4 Lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-20 (Please Read).

Remember, They are lepers. Leprosy is one of the most dreaded diseases of the world. Leprosy is caused by a bacillus and is characterized by formation of nodules that spread, causing loss of sensation and deformity. People believed then that it was highly contagious and hereditary. Leprosy is a chronic, infectious disease characterized by sores, scabs, and white shining spots beneath the skin. In the book of Lev 13:1-17, it condemned leprosy as a "plague.

As we read the story of the 4 Lepers we can find great lesson from them.

1. They did not allow their situation to paralyze their mental capacity to think on what must be done in order to meet their needs.
2. They are a risk taker, unafraid even to invade the enemies camp. They are no longer fearing for their life. A demonstration of their giant faith.
3. The Lord was with them in their situation. They may no longer have a family to look after them. As leper, the Bible shows that those who are suffering from such kind of disease are outcast in the society. However the word of God shows how the enemy get terrified when they hear them coming. The enemy thought that an army is on the way to attack them. But it was the 4 Lepers with the hosts of heaven joining them.
4. They share the blessing with others. They follow the pronciple of "IT IS MUCH BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVED".

Hallelujah, Glory Be To God!!! The 4 Lepers came out as Victor and Conqueror, Blessed and Blessing others because God was with them.

Jesus said, in John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

God even said in Psalms 46:10a - Be still, and know that I am God;. God is taking a step to enter into our most difficult situation. We may not notice nor hear His voice because we are so annoyed and troubled by the situation of today. But remember, He has already spoken a word of promise and gave the assurance to us. We are safe in His hands. And since God is the one who makes a promise, we have nothing to be afraid of in this life.

Cheer up FELLOW CITIZEN OF HEAVEN. God is with us, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL MORE AND MORE...JESUS IS LORD OVER THE WORLD!!!

Looking Forward With Great Expectation

The Year 2008 marks the Year of New Beginning for me and my family.

I just celebrated my 41st Birthday last September 26, 2008 and Thanksgiving celebration was held last Sept. 27, 2008 in Summerset Garden and Pavilion in M. Parang, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

More than 250 Friends and relative attended the said occassion. It was in the said date that our precious miracle child Eddielijah was presented and dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was in this same year that God has showered us with so much blessings and miracles over and above our expectation.

Tatay Fidel was miraculously healed by God from diabetis. He was rushed many times in the hospital before the end of December 2007 until February of 2008 but now he is healed. June 30, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. Eddielijah was born via normal delivery in A-Hus Universitetssykehus, in Lørenskog, Norway.

What more shall I expect this coming 2009.

King Solomon of Israel started to build the Temple of the Lord during his 4th Year reign as King in Israel. It was a majestic, glorious, splendid, dignified, above reproach and above all...A GOD PRESENCE FILLED TEMPLE.

2009 marks my 4th Year as assign Pastor of JIL in Norway. I believe without any iota of doubt that this coming year marks the year of something that is over and above glorious.

Honestly, I can not describe by words my expectation. But sincerely from my heart, I just humbly ask God to let me be a bearer of His light and glory to the world. It is my prayer that the good Lord may continually use my life as a vessel of honor for the greater glory of His name.

This last quarter of 2008 personally will be a season of preparation for something more MAJESTIC, GLORIOUS, SPLENDID, DIGNIFIED, ABOVE REPROACH and GOD PRESENCE FILLED YEAR.

GOD BLESS US ALL!!!

Eddielijah...Dedicated To The Lord

Last Sept. 27, 2008, We dedicated our precious miracle child Eddielijah unto the Lord. The feeling of excitement and joyful anticipation of God's mighty moving is burning in my heart as we waith for the actual time of her dedication.
As we are preparing at home before going to the place of dedication, our fellow servant of the Lord in Norway, the highly respected and dearest kuya of ours (Kuya Gilbert Palmero) came together with Eddielijah's Ninong Gino. Word is in adequate to express the joy in our heart as we see them coming in our place in Bulacan all the way from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (they just arrive in the Philippines from Norway.) They were driven by kuya Sixto to Bulacan. They were served with a lunch before going to the actual site of the Dedication

Then, after their lunch we went to SummerSet Pavilion, The place of Eddielijah's dedication. It was just less than 1 km. from our place. Thanks to Ninong Vic and Ninang Neneng Cheng for allowing us to use their Pavilion. God bless you more for your gesture of love and support to us.

As we arrive at the place the sound system and and everything needed were prepare and ready for the event. Then came some of the Ninongs and Ninangs of Eddielijah. To mention the Ninong present are...Ninong Ptr. Bobot Bernardo, Ninong Ptr. Gino Hernandez, Tito Ninong Jemuel Delos Reyes, Tito Ninong Nino Gugulan and Lolo Ely to represent Ninong Noel Ilocto. The Ninang presents are Ninang Love Joy Baja and Ninang Olive Francisco.

Bishop Bro. Eddie and Dr. Dory Villanueva came early as well and have the time to talk and mingle with the visitors that came early.

We started the dedication by a combination of testimony on how God graciously shower us with His blessing and entrusting us with the precious gift of life by giving us our precious miracle child Eddielijah and a couple of song rendered by Ninang Olive. The Holy Spirit fills the place with the very presence of God as the Dedication Service turns to be an evangelistic happening. Bro. Eddie Villanueva share God's love for everyone and even share that God indeed is a miracle working God as it became evident to us, it is also available for those who are in need of the miracle from God.

Then Bishop Eddie pray for Eddielijah and release the prophetic blessings to let Eddielijah fulfill and inherit her glorious destiny.

After the Dedication service, we enjoy having fellowship with all the guest and a picture taking din naman. At siyempre hindi mawawala ang masarap na pagkain para sa lahat para sa aming dinner.

Indeed, our heart is so thankful to all the people na tumulong para maging maayos at matagumpay ang dedication ni Eddielijah. Hindi ko na po babanggitin ang inyong mga pangalan, ngunit taos puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong kabutihan.

Excited For The Homecoming

I have so many reason to thank the Lord as I and my wife (FLORENZ) together with our precious miracle child (Eddielijah) are preparing for our travel back to Philippines tomorrow (Sept. 16, 2008). Before the end of 2007 until February, my family together with all the JIL-Brethren are helping me in prayer as my father is in need of it because he was very ill. That even cause me to have an emergency leave to visit him in the Philippines to give my father the moral support and the spiritual impartation that I may share especially at that time that he need it most. Thanks alot to my JIL-Family in Norway who understand my situation. However the decision to return to Philippines at that time is not easy on my part because my wife was just on her first 3 months pregnancy period. She was not able to join me to Philippines at that time as per Doctor's advise. Praise God, because God control the situation, the time and the season and He take care of my wife and our precious miracle child in my absence. Now, my father is completely healed and recovered from illness.

26 years ago my mother got healed from cervical tumor even without going through an operation through the prayer of (Bishop) Bro. Eddie, I can even recall the first time that I attended the JIL. As young man, ages 15, I just observe and look on the people while they are singing God's Not Dead, Alive...Alive and Ang Buhay Kristiyano Ay Masayang Tunay. Sa isip ko...ano ba tong napasukan ko, paano gagaling ang Nanay ko dito. Pero the rest is History...from that time on, my life was never the same again and my mother was miraculously and completely healed. Praise be to God.

I got married last Sept. 30, 1995. After almost 13 years of married life it was last June 30, 2008 that our precious jewel and miracle child Eddielijah came and given by God via Normal delivery. Scripture bears testimony that God is working out His purposes in man's time. He promised Abraham that he and Sarah would have a child (Gen 18:10,14), and the promise was fulfilled (Gen 21:1-4). God is working in our present time-space world; therefore, the present time is to be used for God's purposes and glory. The fulfillment of time is an important concept in the Bible, because it shows God's sovereign control of time in order to bring His promises to pass.

One thing for sure, only the Lord knows the times and seasons for fulfillment (Acts 1:7; 1 Thess 5:1). God has indicated that what He promised long ago would be fulfilled (Isa 37:26; Titus 1:3), because God had the ability to fulfill what He has promise. God's time is perfect... He is righteous in all He does.
Abraham's 25 years of waiting may not be easy for him, however, the God of hope fills his heart and gave him the assurance and the faith to believe the impossible. He believed that the promises of God will be fulfilled and it happen.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8).

This homecoming is completely different...Our family will celebrate and have a thanksgiving gathering for the precious gift of life that God has given upon us.

Salamat Panginoon sa biyaya ng buhay na ipinagkaloob mo sa aming pamilya!!!

"Purihin Ka Oh Diyos" (lyrics of a song)

Purihin ka o Diyos (2x)
Purihin ang dakilang ngalan mo Panginoon
Dahil sa biyaya mo,
Ako ay naligtas
Pagpapala mo sa aki'y hindi magwawakas (2x)

A Testimony Of God's Faithfulness And Miracle

Greetings in Jesus most precious name.

Kamusta na po kayo? Alam ninyo po, excited na kami sa pag-uwi sa atin sa Pilipinas this October para sa ating JIL- Church 30th Anniversary. Sobrang daming blessing at kitang kita namin ang katapatan at kabutihan ng Panginoon sa mga nagmamahal at naglilingkod sa Kanya ng buong kapakumbabaan at may katapatan.

Let me share with you a bit of our testimony, last February and March of 2007, we consulted an OB-Gynecologist and Urologist here in Oslo. We told the Doctor that we are married for 12 years. The Doctor said that it is impossible for us to have a baby the natural way. However after the mission trip of Bishop (Bro.) Eddie and Sis. Dory Villanueva and Ate Edith Mendoza here in Norway last August 2007, the Lord strongly impressed and put in my heart His word in Isaiah 43:18-19 that God is doing a new thing, and now it shall spring forth...(His Word is so strong in my heart that I can really feel that my entire being is being full, immersed and saturated by that WORD of the Lord. God even told me...THAT THE SPRINGING UP OF NEW LIFE IS COMING).

Last November, My wife, Florenz woke up one morning and for curiosity sake, she test her urine and found out that she is pregnant. Trully, we are both amaze for the precious gift of Life that God had bestowed upon us. We are so thankful to the Lord. Amid the twilight sky of our life...God place a treasure indeed. Our Baby is really a MIRACLE CHILD!!!


TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

Last June 30, 2008 at 07:03 a.m. in A-Hus Universitetssykehus here in Norway, Florenz gave birth to a healthy, normal baby girl via normal delivery. After more than 12 years of waiting, God answered our hearts cry. Thanks be to God for the gift of life...Thanks be to God for giving us our precious miracle child. We named her "EDDIELIJAH".

Her name means...Double Assure Protection Of Yahweh My God, A Double Witness Of Yahweh My God.

She carries the name of our Spiritual Director (Bishop Eddie- A Prophet To The Nation), And Elijah (A Prophet Who Demonstrated God's Power In The Midst Of A Perverse Generation).

Her Name sounds the same as that of the Great Leader and Annointed Servant of God whom God use in Spearheading The Orange Revolution in Ukraine (Ptr. Sunday Adelajah) that resulted in the National Transformation and Spiritual Awakening of Ukraine.

Eddielijah's Nickname is Jajah...meaning Yes LORD.

Florenz and I Believe that EDDIELIJAH Our Precious Miracle Child Has A Glorious And Spiritual Destiny To Fulfill.

To God Be All The Glory!!!

God bless you more!!!

In God's Service;


Ptr. Jojo/ Sis. Florenz

And

Eddielijah Delos Reyes