Purpose Driven Life Invitation (November 8, 2007)

What on Earth am I here for? Ever asked this simple but nevertheless “important question“?

2 1/2 months ago, I applied for apprenticeship in Imagine Nation Photography owned by John Mateos Ong. One of the requirements for all aspiring apprentices was we all should be open about God. Second, is to attend a weekly bible study with the group every Tuesday night.

I’ve had the book for 2 years but was never able to finish reading all of it because I couldn’t apply the teaching without an accountability partner. Good thing God brought me this opportunity to discover my purpose in life together with other people seeking for answers in life. The book gave me a better idea about what I should really be doing in life and re-affirmed everything I’ve already learned from my SFC community. And I can boldly say that this book is something we really should have and read with a group or a partner.

So, I am inviting you guys on November 8, 2007 (Thursday) to attend the orientation about The Purpose Driven Life. There will be 12 slots (limited only) so that we could still have a manageable group.

The only requirements are:
1. Must be open about God
2. Must be able to commit and attend the 8 weeks of Thursday meetings

Questions? or Anyone interested please email me at dominic.barrios@gmail.com. Thank You and God Bless!

It’s in Christ that we find who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ… he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11

Please pass to all your friends who needs Christ in their lives…

Bible Hunting

Recently, I developed the love to read the Bible. To read the word of God. and discover new things about Him.

One of the questions we Christians would encounter in our life would be: Do we believe all the things written in the bible?. When we were asked that question, all of us almost instantaneously answered “YES”. Then the follow-up question came: Who among you have finished reading the bible from cover to cover?. Only two were able to raise their hands and these were our “heads” Jong and Monique, the same people who asked these questions.

Of course, we were speechless. dumb-founded. caught like a kid with his hands inside the cookie jar.

And this happened not so long ago.

I’ve read the Bible. Well, more of, some books of the bible or some chapters and probably verses. But not all of it.

After discovering my purpose in life, what’s next? I wanted to learn more about God and started reading my Bible. I’ve had it since Grade 3 and the cover is already loose. I recently learned that there are different bibles used by different religions. Christians, Catholics and Protestants. I found out that Catholics usually read the New American Bible or anything that was made by the (Thomas Nelson Publishers). And my Bible is the New International Version. No wonder I can’t find Baruch or Tobits there. Well, I’m glad someone told me about this new information. Sorry guys, no one bothered to tell me these things when I was young.

I was now in search of a Bible I could call my own. Something I’d consider very personal and give my commitment to. Not that I wasn’t committed to my NIV bible. I already consider it as one of my treasures because that’s what I used during my growth. It already has a lot of highlighted verses and bookmarks so it would really be hard to part with it.

Everytime I went inside bookstores, I found different bibles of different sizes, color, covers and versions. Mostly, I found Bibles which are NIVs and these books are made up of colorful, attractive coverings that made you want to have it. I even found a Bible which is made up of a Metal Hardcase costing around P1800+. Some with a leather covering and some as big as an album. In the end, I decided to postpone my search because I couldn’t find something that suits my ideal Bible.

When I went home, I found an old book with rugged cover on my table. It was a New American Bible. The one we were required to buy during our High school days. The pages are still intact but the book cover is old and torn up. I thought, maybe I could still re-use it. So I’m planning to fix this Bible and have it bookbind. Im excited as to what or how I would like it to look like. At last, my very own personal NAB. How about you? Do you already have one?

The Batch 2 of Imagine Nation’s Apprentices…

Before we formally ended our PDL sessions every Tuesday, Imagine Nation’s 2nd batch of apprentices had a group picture taking. We were all surprised that we were complete that time so we really had to take this opportunity to have the shoot at the studio with Erron as the photographer.

Those 7 weeks of PDL sessions enriched me spiritually and gave me a push to give myself a fresh start. Though at times, I still fall, I now have the strength to stand up without pitying myself so much over these matters. Everyone in the group was so blessed, each one plans to conduct a session on their own. In fact, Jet already ordered books for his target people.

Now that we’re finished with our PDL sessions, our group was already split into two. Some will be attending the Wednesday meetings at the Studio and others will be attending the Thursday group at CCF. I belong to the former. My heart is still pounding thinking about the results and the split-up.

Meanwhile, Sir Jong and Monique are already conducting their 3rd PDL session and this time with the Wedding Suppliers. They meet at Josiah’s every Tuesday. Now that’s what we call “Working for the Lord”.

Anyway, just to show you guys who I’m with every Tuesday, here’s a picture of our batch.

Top: Jet, Mike, Sir Jong, Me, Derrick, Richard, and Eric

Below: Micah, Heidi, Monique, Gracielle, and Arianne