What We Encountered – Treasures and Troubles

by Dan Malabonga

 

Introduction

We’ve encountered a blend of troubles and treasures, both in the Philippines and in the United States.  This is no surprise, because ours is a fallen world into which the Lord Jesus was incarnated to save us.

In this regard, our venue reminds me of the preface to the book The Dust of Death, by Os Guinness, which begins with the line:  “There were beggars in Berkeley.”  The book goes on to show that various human efforts at social betterment are undermined by the dust of death – the effects of sin.  But the author points out that there is a path to redemption to which the church can bear witness through Christian truth and love: truth that is practiced through constructive Christian radicalism; and love that is practiced with Christian compassion based on true understanding (of the dual nature of human beings as made in the image of God and fallen), outrage and identification (as exemplified by Christ’s incarnation).

In the Philippines

People Power

While we were in the Philippines, I tried to bear Christian witness under the Marcos regime by becoming a human rights lawyer.  That culminated in the EDSA “People Power” revolution, in which Valerie and I participated as newlyweds.  We had our first fight as a married couple over whether I would bring Valerie with me to the People Power gathering.  I told her I was going alone because it was dangerous at EDSA.  She asked:  “What if you get killed?”  I replied:  “Well, that’s exactly why I don’t want to take you with me – we could both get killed.”  Without missing a beat, she answered:  “At least, we’ll be together …”  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the corniness of it all, but we were dead serious then.  And she won the argument; I took her with me to EDSA.

I regretted that decision at one point when we thought the loyalist forces were about to attack as we stood in line in front of Camp Crame, with Valerie to my left and Danny Quita to my right.  Thankfully, there was no attack, as more soldiers defected.  Eventually, Marcos fled.  I view that outcome as miraculous, although the dust of death has also undercut the social reform efforts that followed EDSA 1986.

In the United States

Permanence

I started with one-year “Visiting Attorney” program and I was granted H-1B extensions from year to year for three years; when we thought we had to go back to the Philippines, a law firm sponsored me for a green card; and ultimately, we obtained our American citizenship after 12 years in the U.S.

Provision

I lost job my job at the end of 2003 when Philippine business became more difficult to obtain in the aftermath of the 1998 Asian currency crisis, and then the economic downturn after 9/11.  I was jobless for six months. I found it difficult to obtain a job because more than 9 out 10 employers required graduation from an American law school.  Later got a job when two lawyers for whom I had done most of my incipient work on energy law in my prior law firm unexpectedly left that firm, joined another firm, and recruited me. I am now a partner at another law firm.

Purpose

I was unexpectedly elected to our church’s vestry (this is equivalent to a board of elders) at a time when Bible-based Anglican churches in U.S. were considering whether to disaffiliate from the Episcopal church due to fundamental deviation from the authority of the Bible, resulting in unbiblical teachings on significant matters, including human sexuality.  It turned out that the Virginia diocese of the Episcopal church was represented by the law firm where I lost my job.  I finally understood that God took me out of that firm so I would not be conflicted in serving our church’s vestry with regard to the disaffiliation issue.

Ph.D.

Valerie received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from George Mason University in 1997 on a teaching assistantship.  She did not incur any debt and even received a small salary as a graduate assistant. She started her doctorate by faith in 1992 because we thought I would only stay in the U.S. for a year.

Parenthood

We adopted Julius from the Philippines in 2005, when he was two weeks shy of two years old.  Parenthood is both a joy and jolt. Julius has helped refine our character, by continually teaching us the fruits of the Spirit, especially love, gentleness, patience and self-control. We are adopting a second son that we hope to pick up from the Philippines by the summer of 2012.

IRS Waived Balikatan Tax Penalties

Landy Ancheta – President, Balikatan

Dear Balikatan members and fellow IVCF alumni,

On behalf of the Balikatan Board, I am happy to inform you that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) waived the tax penalties that it previously assessed Balikatan early this year for the fiscal years ended 2002 and 2003. The Balikatan Board informed the Balikatan general membership about this tax matter during the Balikatan Conference in Berkeley, California, in July.

We thank God for His grace and we thank you for your prayers. Balikatan will continue to improve its processes, procedures, and documentation to ensure that it complies with the IRS and other government agencies, as it continues to partner with you in supporting IVCF Philippines.

I would also like to greet our Balikatan constituents in the United States a Happy Thanksgiving. May you find time this coming long weekend to re-connect with families and relatives and to remember and thank God for everything. Foremost, let’s thank God for our justification through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Thank you again for your continuing support of IVCF Philippines and Balikatan.

5% Administrative Fee on Donations

Landy Ancheta – President, Balikatan

The Balikatan Board in its recent monthly meeting decided to deduct 5% of donations to IVCF Philippines, effective July 1, 2012, to augment Balikatan’s annual operating funds.  Any balance remaining in the operating funds at the end of every fiscal year will be remitted to IVCF Philippines.

Your generosity over the past years and your continuing support of IVCF Philippines and Balikatan is sincerely appreciated.  May God continue to bless you abundantly.

IVCF Philippines Alumni Group in Edmonton (Alberta) Organizes

by Jojo Remigio

The IVCF Philippines alumni group in Edmonton (Alberta) met last 15 October  to formally organize themselves. Joel Cavida was elected as their president, Joel Sotocinal as vice president, Leah Marquez-Curtis as secretary and Grace Licardo as treasurer.

The rest of this Alberta–based alumni group are Joie Clerigo, Beth Cavida, Rowena Laranjo, Eli Licardo, Primrose Sotocinal and  Jojo and Eleanor Supan, among others. They are currently drafting their constitution and bylaws with some assistance from the Balikatan Board.

Kindly remember them in prayer as they plan to meet again this coming  27 December 2011 and as they consider to attend Balikatan 2012 in Florida.