2015 Adventures in Medical Missionary Work - Part 4

Ten Talents

It's cooking! A skill to be mastered for the Master.

I knew how to cook before but it's not a matter of knowing than what kind of cooking do I know. It was quite a short journey 'cause I have been convicted of the revealed truths on healthy eating and living, I purposed in my heart to shift to an ideal diet, and had the willingness to learn how to cook the healthy way. 

When I trained during the very first batch of PAFCOE (Philippine Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism), I didn't struggle so much with the vegan food that was served as much as others did. Though temptations outside the corners of the training site were so appealing, I have to learn how to resist. I believe this is the key ---  thinking to have 'conscientious scruples' over eating what is not good for God's temple and saying NO. From then, I loved eating for God's glory and I earned the promised benefits.

Came the third batch of PAFCOE training in my own church, Manila Center. I and like-a-brother to me, EJ, was assigned to be the kitchen staff. He being the chef and I, the assistant. He came from a family of 'cooks' and it was a blessing to be learning so much about cooking from him. This is what I called God's pre-arranged preparation. What for and where, that I don't have any hint yet. But I trusted that He was preparing me for something.

After the three months of observation and hands-on training in the kitchen, the answer to my questions transpired. Where? He sent me to several mission fields, both locally and overseas. For What? To teach people how to cook so they can eat healthy and live healthy. Everything made sense to me. God is undeniably a God of Health.

Let me share some of my adventures in cooking combined with doing gospel ministries.

Cooking 'Creamy Ube' during 8th evangelistic meeting

Cooking 'Squash Maja' during 9th (most recent) evangelistic meeting

At Kimilili, Kenya: Teaching the mothers how to cook 'bila mafuta' or without oil

Cooking demonstration at Eldoret, Kenya

"The blessing of the Lord will rest upon those who learn to prepare healthful foods in a simple manner, and who teach others how to cook healthfully."  {13MR 389.2}

I Praise God for the blessing of wisdom in cooking and being able to teach it.

Now it's time to share my last stop for 2015, continuing to experience a part of medical missionary work. 

Healthy MVC 30-Day Challenge

It was in Mountain View College, Valencia City. Here was held the challenge, with the poster that you have seen at the top of this page.

The invitation to be one of the cooks was from a friend and I didn't hesitate to respond positively for I knew that it was God's call and His will. The mission field was vast, the burden was great, and the subjects were enough to be introduced with healthy eating and the rest of healthy lifestyle. There were 20 students with and without medical condition who accepted the challenge for want to be challenged, to loose weight, and to be healthy, just to cite a few.

It was at the school's clinic that the kitchen was set-up. The labor room had become a literal one where we prepared and cooked the meals. Next to it was the delivery room which served as the dining area. And the male ward was where the foods were stocked. Can you imagine the clinic smelling food and not medicine or it's usual smell, as you know? The aroma was inviting! "By the smell, you shall taste the food!" By the way, this is a principle that I had to practice when I was cooking there --- tasting the food with your nose. We Praise God that because of this, workers in the clinic and passers-by visited us in the kitchen and came to see what we were cooking and how we cook it. Then it was God's appointed time to share!

The students underwent the NEWSTART Program. As part of it, they had group worships in the morning, were given health lectures, harvested fresh vegetables in the garden for their raw food, walked and played volleyball together, learned temperance over eating unobjectionable foods, and a lot more.

At first, some had struggles because they have been accustomed to eating oily and exitotoxin-added foods. But God changed their tastebuds and soon they appreciated the meals, got used to it, and experienced the difference. Now, the ball is in their courts!

It is a religious duty for those who cook to learn how to prepare healthful food in different ways, so that it may be eaten with enjoyment... {1T 682.1}

Praise God for the students enjoyed the meals! Not just them but the friends that they have invited to eat with them. It was also our pleasure to receive guests and eat with us like some school cafeteria and administration personnel, school teachers, retired school teachers, different ministry leaders of the campus, working students, friends from outside the campus, pastors, and even the school president and his wife --- they too enjoyed and we were inspired by their encouragements to go on with the ministry!

These were some of the precious moments that we had --- eating under the pines on Sabbaths and and learning and bonding in nature.

And I must not forget, the sweetness of their gratitude. It was so touching to hear them offer a song as a way of saying thanks to God and to whom He used as vessels in feeding them with healthy and palatable food. 

This song of the students who are members of Advent Philomels and a member of Sons and Daughters (famous singing groups in the campus) really moved me. We Praise God for blessing them through us!

Some students preparing for the culmination with minimal supervision

The students did not merely eat. We also gave them the chance to freely help depending on their availability. Some were able to help in baking, preparing the ingredients, cooking a particular meal, mixing batters, and more. Praise God for the joy of working together in the kitchen!

On the last day of the challenge - God helped them survive!

What made this mission amazing is how God provided for means that we did not run short; how He sustained the supply of food, even flooded, until the end of the program; how He moved faculties around the campus to see the great need of this ministry and supported the cause, even the President; how He inspired some campus workers and friends to share their organic fruits, vegetables, and crops that's why we had the safest foods; how He let us see and hear His interventions in the lives of the students; how He made us realize that it takes one step of faith to start His will, continue in prayer, and He will take charge of His work.

I mentioned about God's interventions in the lives of the students. Let me share some...

One who had a brain surgery was greatly blessed with the meals prepared, stunned that vegan food can be so delicious, started to learn cooking, felt healthy than before, and now he has decided to be a vegetarian.

One wanted to lose weight, as others do, yet she didn't lose as much; but she has excelled in class. She told me she became the topnotcher in their exam.

One is a son of a pastor and had also a passion in cooking. He joined late into the program cause of constipation. The next day after eating the prepared meals, his bowel movement improved and passed motion thrice.

One is working in the campus' radio station. He was 82 kilos when he enrolled in the program but couple of days later, he lost 6 kilos. He was determined to continue the diet, as much as possible.

One said that because of the program, they (students in lower class as she supposed) had become close friends with students in the higher class who joined the program.

Couple of them said that they want to continue eating healthy and living healthfully. With that, they desired to learn how to cook. So, they asked me for the recipes.

Granting their request, I compiled the recipes and shared it with them. Some of them have already followed it in their homes during the December break and they learned and enjoyed! You can check and try it, too. You have my permission to download it here. Learn the only secret in cooking as you go through it, enjoy, experiment, may God bless your efforts, and His heavenly agencies be your aid. 

God has superbly bless the work that was done. We Praise Him for the changes in the students physical, mental and spiritual well-being; for the decisions that they made for their own development, for their example and influence to those around them, and for God's glory; for breaking barriers; for lessons learned and character-building experiences; for His provisions and answered prayers; and for giving opportunity for the health message to be proclaimed through healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, and healthy cooking.

May the seeds that has been planted will grow and His work will prosper at Mountain View College. We trust that God who had been in control, will be, and will always be.

May MVC truly SHINE ON UNTIL JESUS COMES!

2015 Adventures in Medical Missionary Work - Part 3

THE ABC OF EDUCATION

“The cultivated mind is the measure of the man. Your education should continue during your lifetime; every day you should be learning and putting to practical use the knowledge gained.” {MH 499.1}

Yea, education and learning continues for a lifetime. But I have inquired of God: 'In WHAT area do I still need to learn that I can put into practical use?' The answer was: 

"Study in agricultural lines should be the A, B, and C of the education given in our schools. This is the very first work that should be entered upon..."-- Test., Vol. VI, p. 179.  {PH124 37.3}

It was pretty clear! When I was in the 'literal' school, we weren't taught of this. Nevertheless, I am still a student in the School of Christ. If this should be the very first work to be entered upon, the Lord knew that I should acquire more training on this field other than the 'pulling of branches.' So my next query was, 'WHERE Lord, for I am willing to go!"

It's amazing how God had already scheduled a place for me to go --- off to Puerto Princesa, Palawan!

The training was at Aborlan Outpost Center. It only started two months ago when I arrived in the site. I Praise God for the Llaniguez couple who were shown by God the truths for this end-time and the need to follow the blueprint; then later on, was inspired by a speaker, Dwayne Lemon, about the outpost center. Thus, it was built!

The Bank House

It was a country setting. Here is the place where we, the trainees, had our free lodging; where we eat our free meals; where we get to know each other; where we had fellowships; where we cook together and other things;  and where we talk about God's Word and the ministry. 

Our daily schedule

I only attended the lectures which run for three weeks, from October 5 to 24. Mrs. Llaniguez said, quoting from the Bible, that they freely received the light and they are freely giving it as well. This is why the training was for free! I Praise God for their conviction! So, for three weeks, this was our routine.

I love everything to be in order. Isn't it what the Bible says?

"Let all things be done decently and in order."

1 Corinthians 14:40 

Let me apply that as an outline of this testimony.

Worships

The humble place where we worship and listen to lectures

For the morning and evening worships, we use the Sonlight Materials. We all learned about nature, character qualities, scripture songs, remarkable parent foods, memory verses, and a lot more! The families love it; the children enjoyed the varied activities so much; and even for us singles, it serves as a practice for our future families, God willing. :) 

Food Preparation 

This is our humble kitchen. It really reminded me when we were still young and this was exactly the way we were trained --- cooking using firewood. So, I didn't have a hard time; rather I was much blessed going back to primitive cooking!

In this kitchen was different, too. We still use muscovado sugar but here was none at all. It's absolutely not a challenge. I just love the natural sweeteners --- sweet potato and squash! And added with coconut milk? Equals creamier, tastier, and healthier food! Everyone enjoyed and were filled. Praise God for nature's substitutes!

Take a look at the improvised oven. It is not powered by electricity but by charcoal and an improvised fan.

Praise God for the astounding  and brilliant inventions!

Wheat-Squash Cake 

Who can ever imagine that even in a remote area, we can still bake and make delicious cakes?

Yes! It is even sugar-free; just sweetened with natural sweeteners.

Can you guess what I used for toppings? Looks like almonds? No, no! Those are boiled and sliced breadfruit seeds!

Wheat-Sweet Potato Cake

This one is topped with overboiled and mashed breadfruit seeds.

"...But the science of cooking is not a small matter. The skillful preparation of food is one of the most essential arts...But more important still is the art of preparing food so that it is both healthful and appetizing. This art should be regarded as the most valuable of all the arts, because it is so closely connected with life...The foundation of that which keeps people in health is the medical missionary work of good cooking."

{MM 269.3}

Praise God for the given talent, and still enhancing it with His help.

Outdoor Work

Preparing the plot

Contained within the practical duties of life is agricultural education. This was what I am excited to learn about. Well, my father had his own garden and did agricultural works since we were small; but it was only when the light had flashed before me that I appreciated what he had done. And now, I need to learn it. Why? Because of this:

"...The students are to be given a practical education in agriculture. This education will be of inestimable value to them in their future work. Thorough work is to be done in cultivating the land, and from this the students are to learn how necessary it is to do thorough work in cultivating the garden of the heart." {PCO 152.5}

So why? Because it will be a help for maybe a greater future work that God is preparing for me, especially in dealing with soul's hearts.

Gathering the mulches

Mixing the organic fertilizer

Taking care of nursery plants as 'babies'
Lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, raddish, eggplant, beans, and others

Transplanting cautiously that not a single root will be cut

It's a joy seeing these lettuce grow healthy in the plot!

 Cheerfully planting fruit trees!

Gardening is the best exercise!

Even a small child delighted in helping his mom to plant

Sun Bathing

The solarium

I have learned during our lectures that there are only two ways of getting Vitamin D3, through 1) Sun bathing and 2) Stealing it from animals. Which do you think would I prefer? Which will you prefer? I hope we have the same choice --- God's way!

Sunshine/sunlight has a lot of benefits and not to forget that Jesus is the 'Sun of Righteousness'; yet many people are ignoring this natural way of getting Vitamin D.

We also breathe fresh air and drink enough/more than enough water each day

During the training, we experienced exposing ourselves in the sun at the hottest part of the day (recommended is from 10 am to 2 pm) for around 30 minutes (increasing gradually from 10 minutes). You might think that it will burn the skin. Yes, it will if you are a person that consumes too much oil which is equivalent to frying yourself under the sun. That is why there was no problem for us to stay that long under the sun and during the hottest part of the day --- our diet is free from oil.

The process? It is lying at a solarium bed with 40% of the body exposed (whole back or whole front). Why lying? Due to the fact that we don't make Vitamin D by walking around. We felt and reaped the benefits! You can try it, too!

Lectures

All ears are lent!

Our speaker was Dr. Killman Boutet. For me, it was an extension of the Family Bible Camp that I attended during the early months of 2015. The series of lectures were so informative, scientifically based, practical, eye-opener, detailed, comprehensive, clear, and above all, Bible and SOP-based.

All eyes are keen!

We were taught about Nutrition, Benefits of the Sun, Causes of Skin Cancer, Grain Anatomy, Coronary Heart Disease, Benefits of Sleep, Facts About Liquid Foods and Bread, God's Plan for the Home, Depression, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Greens Diet for Diabetes and Hypertension, Hypertension, Exitotoxins, Autoimmune Disease, Hygienic Basics, Respiratory Health, Influence of Media on the Mind, ABC of Jesus' School, True Education, Homeschooling, Natural Remedies, Leaky Gut, Arthritis, and a lot more.

Soap-Making Lecture

        What else? What about...

Making soap? Sure, we were fortunate to learn that, too!

It's easy, safe, and natural!

Here's what you need:

1 measuring cup
3-4 kinds of oil (eg. palm, coconut, soya) - look for the cheapest!
Note: The more oil, the softer!
6 cups of oil to 1 cup liquid sosa or lye


Here's how to do it:

Ma'am Carla Boutet demonstrating the process

1) Mix the 6:1 mixture and keep stirring; or
2) Expose to sun to heat faster then it will start thickening and change its color; or
3) Use a blender to speed up the process
Warning: Avoid splashing to eyes or skin!
4) If consistency is reached, pour to desired molders/containers where it can come out easily

The finished product

                        Usage:

For shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry/dishwashing soap, and for cleaning.

Taught Chair Massage

I thought that I'd just learn about gardening or agriculture this whole three weeks; but it was more than the expectations --- the light overflowed!

I Praise God for more responsibility and accountability.

Sabbath Observance and Culmination

A father had formed this man out of the ground
to teach his children about creation.
Just like when Jesus formed Adam and us
out of the dust of the ground
into His own image.

"The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children..."

{CCh 264.5} 

"In pleasant weather let parents walk with their children in the fields and groves. Amid the beautiful things of nature tell them the reason for the institution of the Sabbath. Describe to them God's great work of creation. Tell them that when the earth came from His hand, it was holy and beautiful..."{CCh 264.6} 

This light tells us that Sabbath afternoon is the most sacred and should be spent with God, nature, and family. Truly, this was what the families practiced there. 

Gone out in nature on a Sabbath afternoon

What about the singles?

Well, we don't have families but we made instant family friends. So, we go with them for a walk and spend time with God in nature.

Our last Sabbath of the training

Two thumbs up!
Glad to leave packed with spiritual learnings
and excited to share wherever God leads and sends me

Now, I Better Understood that...

“No line of manual training is of more value than agriculture...it was God's plan for man to till the earth; that the first man, the ruler of the whole world, was given a garden to cultivate; and that many of the world's greatest men, its real nobility, have been tillers of the soil…” {Ed 219.1}

And...

"...The more perfectly the youth understand how to perform the duties of practical life, the greater will be their enjoyment day by day in being of use to others..." {MYP 179.1}

Above All...

Jesus came to this earth to accomplish the greatest work ever accomplished among men. He came as God's ambassador, to show us how to live so as to secure life's best results. What were the conditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son? A secluded home in the Galilean hills; a household sustained by honest, self-respecting labor; a life of simplicity; daily conflict with difficulty and hardship; self-sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome service; the hour of study at His mother's side, with the open scroll of Scripture; the quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley; the holy ministries of nature; the study of creation and providence; and the soul's communion with God--these were the conditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus.  {MH 365.3}

I Praise God that He didn't leave us unguided in this lifetime of learning at Jesus' School. Even Jesus has shown us how to live. Where else can we see the best and right example? Are we willing to obey and follow His steps?

This is what constitutes TRUE EDUCATION --- when there are changes in our ways and not just mere theoretical knowledge or information. Are we willing to change and be like Jesus?

     

2015 Adventures in Medical Missionary Work - Part 2

'GO, AND TEACH THE CHILDREN'

I believe that when God commanded the disciples to "Go, and teach all nations..." it includes the children. To teach whatever He has commanded --- that's a lot to think about but one significant thing that I am certain is that the children and students should be taught on how to glorify God in their bodies. Even inspiration tells us:

"There is an important work to be done in our schools in teaching the youth the principles of health reform..." {CT 294.2}  

Few months after the training in Aenon, that is September 7-11, I received an invitation to speak in a Week of Prayer at Three Angels Academy at Sta. Mesa, Manila. Though it is our own educational institution, more than 90% of the students are non-Seventh Day Adventists.

Inspired to carry on the medical missionary work even in this school, I asked God for the theme. And behold, the answer was so quick. "Be Naturally Healthy for Jesus!" It was a great privilege to teach the young and older students on the subject of health.

The students learned interesting things about the 1) FRONTAL LOBE - How Satan damages it, What damages it, the Effects when it is damaged, and How to take care of it; 2) NUTRITION - What are the Good and Bad foods, Nutrients our body needs, Sources of good and bad foods, Diseases associated with bad foods, Checking the Labels when buying, Making good choices and Changing the way to eat;  3) AIR -  It's exact formula, How Oxygen goes to the body from the Air we breathe, Importance of Oxygen to the body, How to Deep Breathe, Effects of Shallow and Deep breathing, How to get fresh air, and What is the Breath of the Soul; 4) WATER - Water composition in our body,  What happens when there is no water, How much water a person needs each day, Drinks that are not good for the body, What happens when one is Dehydrated, When to take the water we need, Jesus offering us the 'Living Water';  and 5) EXERCISE - Need of Bones and muscles to exercise, Importance of storing Calcium in the bones, Foods that contain calcium, Doing Aerobic Exercise, Checking the Pulse, The Best Exercise, How long to exercise a day, We will also Exercise in Heaven!

Can you tell that they learned a lot? I believe so and I Praise God! The teachers were also glad that they learned new things out of the topics and I myself was so blessed.

Everyday was singing of the theme song that goes:
(A revision of the song 'Lord, I want to be a Christian')

God, I want to be more healthy

In my heart

In my heart, in my heart

God I want to be more healthy,

in my heart

God, I want to be like Jesus

In my heart

In my heart, in my heart

God, I want to be like Jesus

in my heart

They love to participate during the quiz...

Quiz time challenges the children to study the previous lecture and the time that they look forward to --- being called as they raise their hand, giving the right answer, and receiving a reward. 

A child who received  a Young Disciple's Magazine as a reward

Attentive students!

I Praise God that the students showed interest in listening to the lectures. In fact, it was their first time to have a week of prayer that focused on health.  Every day was a fresh topic and everyone was learning the principles of health in their level of understanding. Questions were also raised as opposed to their practices and habits and it was motivating to answer them correctly and tenderly. And to every appeal, positive decisions were made for Jesus. I Praise God for the presentations that were really designed for even the young minds can comprehend this subject of eternal worth. What a blessing to teach the young and youth! 

Illustrating why water is still the best to drink!

So true that illustrations bring clarity about the topic and makes a deep impression upon the minds. Then the children understood the importance of water; while sodas, milk, and chocolate drinks are unhealthy and making the body dirty. As a result, their decision to drink water and enough of it each day was fixed!

Praying with the Kindergarten Students

This week of prayer won't be a week of prayer without prayer. So, with the teachers and I, we spent time to pray with the students after every lecture. As the children repeated the words of praise and plea to God, I have faith that God heard it as coming from their own hearts and will surely help them to purpose in their hearts to be healthy for Jesus! 

Doing a good work!

Activity time varied and was also the students' favorite. In some topics, they were told to draw out what they learned from it. I was amazed by their artistry and creativity! And it went to practical application, too. Like on the subject of Nutrition, they were encouraged not to buy and eat the unhealthy foods (especially the ones sold in their canteen). It was rather imposed and I was inspired by the their obedience and desire to be healthy!

These two boys were exchanging thoughts about what they are going to draw

Children showing their beautiful works!

With the young students and their teachers

With the next levels and their instructress

With the higher years and their mentors
Special mention to Dra. Fely Rodriguez, the one who invited me (sitting at right end)

With the faculty present

"We should work as did our divine Teacher, sowing the seeds of truth with care, anxiety, and self-denial. We must have the mind of Christ if we would not become weary in well-doing. His was a life of continual sacrifice for others' good. We must follow His example. We must sow the seed of truth and trust in God to quicken it to life. The precious seed may lie dormant for some time, when the grace of God may convict the heart and the seed sown be awakened to life and spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. Missionaries in this great work are wanted to labor unselfishly, earnestly, and perseveringly as co-workers with Christ and the heavenly angels in the salvation of their fellow men." {3T 210.2}  

     

I thank God for the five-day of sowing seeds of truth about health in the children and youth's hearts. It was overwhelming seeing the students receptiveness to the message and I have confidence that truths planted will spring up and will make a big change in their lives. And I Praise God for being able to share and awaken the teachers of the need to instruct their students especially on this area of present truth.

It was truly an adventure educating students about being naturally healthy for Jesus!

Where and what's next, Lord?