Sharing my faith and my life one day at a time.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Donations for Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana Victims)



In response to the recent calamity brought about by Typhoon Ondoy, Victory Metro Manila has been doing relief operations for flood victims in Marikina, Pasig, Taguig and other areas.

Specifically, the following Victory Centers are currently open to receive donations, whether in cash or kind:

* Victory Alabang (+63 (2) 771 1212)
* Victory Fort Bonifacio (+63 (2) 8171212)
* Victory Greenhills (+63 (2) 584 1212)
* Victory Malate (+63 (2) 522 1212)
* Victory Ortigas (+63 (2) 631 1212)
* Victory Pioneer (+63 (2) 687 1212)
* Victory Quezon City (+63 (2) 426 7031)
* Victory U-Belt (+63 (2) 736 0752)
* Victory Malolos (09228424403)
* Victory Los BaƱos (+63 (49) 536 8201)
* Victory Sta. Rosa (09228424403)

The following items are considered priority goods to be donated:

* Clothes
* Bottled water
* Baby milk formula
* Canned Goods
* Bread
* Medicine (Biogesic, Neozep, Diatabs, Alaxan, etc)

For donations in kind, Victory is receiving cash and check donations at the centers stated above.

For those interested in making bank donations, please follow the following instructions:

PESO ACCOUNT
Account name: Victory Christian Fellowship
Account no: Current acct no. 0821-0298-13
Bank name: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank address: Fort Serendra Branch Ground Floor Serendra Retail Area Bonifacio Global City. Taguig City

DOLLAR ACCOUNT
Account Name: Victory Christian Fellowship
Account Number: Dollar savings account no. 0824-0542-58
Swift code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank Address: Fort Serendra Branch Ground Floor Serendra Retail Area Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Please email carol.almadin@everynation.org.ph with the following information so that we can confirm your deposit:

Your name
The Victory church you're a member of (if applicable)
The Name of the Organization on behalf of whom you're giving the donation (if applicable)
The dollar or peso amount deposited
Date deposited
Bank branch

THROUGH CREDIT CARD
Philippine-based donors may call 8171212 (9:00am to 5:00pm Philippine time) and inform the operator you would like to make a credit card donation to Every Nation Ministries for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. You will be connected to a representative who will take down your information.

International donors (persons based outside the Philippines) may process their credit card donations through the Every Nation Ministries donation gateway.

If you would like to send a donation through PayPal, please send me a private message/comment and I can e-mail you the information.

Thank you very much and please do continue to pray for those who are affected by Typhoon Ondoy.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Fearless by Max Lucado


The world we live in today puts us in battles we are not typically prepared for: life-threatening diseases, child endangerment, loss of financial security, lay-offs, premature deaths, and home foreclosures. These problems aren't the kind we see on the usual exaggerated story-telling on television anymore.

All of these scenarios are real -- and most of them may knocking on our doors.

This reality puts us in a position where fear understandably shakes us and suddenly the faith in God that we claim to have gets tested and tried. Max Lucado's newest book, Fearless, puts into perspective on how these situations measure up in an eternal standpoint.

When we attempt to understand the point of view from above, we can truly ask ourselves -- can we live life without fear?

I am known to be scared of the silliest things. Rats. Water slides. Driving in Metro Manila. But fear of the big stuff? Death. Parenting. Job loss. Not knowing what's next. Nah -- I can cope well with those.

If I die soon (and my husband hates it every time I say this) -- I say, "Great. Earth -- peace out! It was a great life. Now I am off to see my Father and I am excited." I know how detached I might sound but I have really come to terms that my life here is temporary. I am going to make the most out of it. But when it's time -- then it's TIME.

Now let me change it up a bit. Let me talk about my biggest heart issue. What if a family member forgets to call and check on me? Or a good friend gets caught up with his/her own life and just doesn't bother to spend time with me anymore? Or when I bring up ideas and it gets brushed off? Guess what -- that hurts me deeply. And it creates wounds in my spirit that I cannot even put into words.

The book drove me into a deeper understanding that YES -- I may not be fearful of the obvious scary stuff but I am scared of a lot other things that cripples me just as much.

Why do I grieve when I am taken for granted by people I love? Because I fear that at the end of the day, I do not matter. And that, my friend, also brings death to a life of victory Jesus Christ has bought for me.

I am grateful that through this book, I was once again reminded that I do not need to strive for fear of insignificance. I am His -- and if I matter that much to Him, I am in a good place. A great place.

I can't wait to sit down with my life group next week and go through Lucado's list of fears (which is dealt with chapter by chapter). What I talked about was just the one of many. I am excited to see breakthroughs in their lives as they understand that faith, not fear, is the best default reaction to life's storms.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Hoop for LIFE


My husband, Robert Johnson, is turning 30 on September 25th. Most of you probably know that we are involved with Real LIFE Foundation.

Real LIFE Foundation is a Christian, non-profit NGO (non-governmental organization) that envisions seeing thousands of marginalized Filipino youth educated, gainfully employed, and uplifting their communities. It is passionate about providing a better future for underprivileged Filipinos by giving them access to a good education and transforming their environment through community service. Their biggest activities are providing scholarships and weekly feeding programs.

To know more about Real LIFE Foundation, please visit their website: http://igivetolife.com


On his 30th birthday, Rob wants to give something back to the community through a partnership with Real LIFE Foundation. I want to invite all of you to get involved in Hoop for LIFE.

Hoop for LIFE is a charity basketball game. Players include PBA stars such as Kelly Williams, Kerby Raymundo, Asi Taulava, Harvey Carey, Gabe Norwood, and Jimmy Alapag. The roster is still being finalized at this point. All the proceeds of this event will go toward the construction of the foundation’s Real LIFE Community Center in Pasig. Imagine what a blessing it will be for Filipino kids to have a place to go to (other than the streets) in order to play and study!


The game is on September 25th, Friday, 6:00 – 9:00pm in Pasig Sports Center – next to Pasig City Hall.


The event details are found on this Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152153274049


I really hope to see you there! Please expect another message from me in a couple of days. I will be letting you know the many ways you can get involved.

Thank you for reading this and I look forward to hear from you!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Fireproof (The Movie)


Robert and I watched Fireproof (The Movie) last year and loved it. It is an inspirational film produced by Christian filmmakers wanting to make a difference in how people view marriages – especially in times when a situation requires clinging to God in order to make it work.

Whether you are married, engaged, in a relationship or single – this movie will speak to your heart. It is now out on DVD but, trust us, watching it on the big screen will be a more rewarding experience.

Michael Foust said: "I walked into the theater without any expectations, but walked out after the closing credits believing I had just seen perhaps the most convicting and inspiring film I had ever viewed. Fireproof isn't just a great Christian movie. It's a great movie. Period."

We are currently selling tickets to a one-time screening of Fireproof.

September 18th
Friday
7:30pm
Power Plant (Rockwell) Cinema
P150 each

If you would like to watch it, please send me a private message or text me. I really hope you don’t miss the chance to see it.

If you are on Twitter, please tweet this 140-word blurb:

Special screening of Fireproof: Sept 18, 730pm, Power Plant Cinema http://carried-to-completion.blogspot.com/2009/08/fireproof-movie.html


God bless you!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

My All New tumblr!


Please check out my new and revamped tumblr!

http://happysammy.tumblr.com

A photo blog on my favorite people, places, and things + good stuff on my wish list!

Listening to His Voice+ Blog design by labinastudio.