CyberFlashes

Keeping Alumni and Friends in Touch

Shine On Till Jesus Comes!

Eddie Zamora, Editor/Coordinator

September 6, 2013

Editor’s Thoughts

The following story may not have actually happened but it brings to light an important

truth. You may have read this or heard it related by a speaker, but allow me to include it

here. It is about a king and his slave…

A King and his Slave A king who did not believe in the goodness of God, had a slave who, in all circumstances would always say “my king, do not be discouraged, because everything God does is perfect. He makes no mistakes!” One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king. His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty from losing a finger. Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman asked "Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lost my finger." The slave replied: "My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and he knows why these things happened. What God does is perfect. He is

never wrong!" Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave. Later, the King left for another hunt, this time alone. He was captured by savages who engaged in human sacrifices. On the altar and ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages discovered that their victim did not have one of his fingers. According to their laws, only a whole person with all his/her parts intact could be offered to the gods. The King without a finger was deemed an abominable sacrifice for their gods. So they released the King. Upon his return to the palace, the King authorized the release of his slave. He received the slave affectionately. "God was really good to me! I was almost killed by the wild men, but for lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a question: if God is so good, why did he allow me to put you in jail?" The slave answered, "My King, if I had gone with you on this hunt, I would have been sacrificed instead because I have no missing finger. Remember everything God does is perfect. He is never wrong. He made you keep me in jail so I would not be with you on the hunt." Often we complain about life, and negative things that happen to us, forgetting that nothing is random and that everything has a purpose. Every morning, offer your day to God, don't be in a rush. Ask God to inspire your thoughts, guide your actions, and ease your feelings. And do not be afraid. God is never wrong! You know why this message is for you? I do not know, but God knows, because He never makes mistakes....... God is never wrong! Contributed by Zelne Zamora

If we believe that God is never wrong, we have to accept whatever He allows to happen

to us. This would take great strength and faith. May we have whatever it takes to trust

in God.

Eddie Zamora, Riverside, California

Winning Souls in Pampanga

By Linda Pangilinan and Roselle Montebon

Gospel Outreach Evangelists in Pampanga

August, 2013

During the past few months, Linda and Roselle had no evangelistic effort but started new groups of Bible studies in their new areas. They have changed their approach in introducing the gospel to the interests since most of the people now are so prejudiced in things related to religion and are engrossed in the things of this world.

In introducing the family related yet Christ-centered topics to them, it seems that each interested family is easily brought to the study of the Bible. There is big difference from the treatment of the people before and their reaction now. They are more counteractive but welcoming in our study.

In the particular area where Linda works, there was this woman who was a member of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) who welcomed us with a friendly and happy smile. She offered us a bench so we could share with her in a more convenient way. We were amazed by her because in our missionary experiences we have never had an INC member welcome us gracefully as this woman did. Now, we are on our fourth home Bible study topic already. Her son who is a fourth year high school student once was able to join us in the Bible study. He was really glad to understand the truth about Jesus Christ. He asked us for a Bible so we gave him one.

This same thing is done in San Jose, the new entered area of Roselle and also in Calantas. There is a couple who are in their 70's who are having a regular Bible study with Roselle and Linda. Actually, the wife has already been attending the Sabbath worship services

but no actual series of Bible studies. Her husband allowed her to attend church every Sabbath but he personally never attended church even though his wife invited him to attend.

But one day Roselle and Linda approached him and led the conversation to Jesus and how He cares for them. Then in the following visits he joined the Bible study. And now it's been a month that the study with the couple is ongoing and he is always happy to share his comments during and after the study. We praise the Lord for the workings of the Holy Spirit in the heart of this old man.

In both areas mentioned above Roselle and Linda have been working together in advancing the work of saving souls to Jesus.

© SULADS International, Inc.

If you would like to support this mission program dedicated to taking the Gospel to the people of Mindanao, please write a check to Gospel Outreach. Mark it for the SULADS and send it to: Gospel Outreach P.O. Box 8 College Place, WA 99324 You may also donate to the SULADS using your credit card by logging on to Gospel Outreach's donation site (www.goaim.org) and follow the directions. Again, mark it for SULADS. If you would prefer, you may write your check to the General Conference of SDA and mark the donation for SULADS and send it to: General Conference of SDA Donations 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Thank you for your support of this very important project.

Announcements

MVC Alumni Association Western USA—Reunion 2013

November 13 to 17, 2013

Venue: Vallejo, California. Lodging: Marriot Courtyard Vallejo.

For reservations call: (707) 644-1200.

Mention MVCAA-WUSA to avail of the group discount. Please plan to attend!

Don’t miss the fun! Meet old friends & make new ones. Get revived spiritually.

Unwind at the famous Napa Valley.

For more info, message (FB) “Eng Sabilot Sejarp” or Alger Prajes

Tentative Schedule 13. Wed. Arrival. Registration.

14. Thu: Tour.

15. Fri: Organic Olympics. 16. Sab: Sabbath worship, then socials

17. Sun: Return home

Hotel Discount Rates offered to MVC Alumni 2-double queen ($109/night) 1-king with pull-up bed ($109/night)

King suite ($129/night)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfovl-courtyard-vallejo-napa-

valley/

From Elbert Moralde, MMA Alumni Asso. President

Friends Who Have Gone to Rest

Engineer Fortunato B. Aleman

On Friday, August 23, 2013, Engr. Fortunato Bano Aleman, 80, passed away

in Zamboanga City, Philippines, after a lingering illness. His remains

were buried last Monday, September 2, at Forest Lake Parks (Phase 1) of

the same city.

He is survived by his only daughter, Pamela (or Darling to many of us)

and his second wife, the former Jasiel Obedencio. Pamela is married to

Neil Wayne Bayeta, Sr. and they have four children, namely, Sky, Holly,

Button, and Neil Wayne, Jr. Neil, Darling, and Jasiel are all MVC

alumni. Engr. Aleman was predeceased by his first wife, Hellen Bana

Aleman, many years ago.

Sent by Jessie Colegado

Farewell to Darlinda Mullaneda Corneta

Seeing Darlinda Mullaneda Corneta in the resurrection morning is the only hope since her passing on September 1, 2013 in Bayugan City, Philippines. She suffered cancer of the uterus. She had experienced being under knife for about three occasions while admitted in four different hospitals in Mindanao and Manila. Her case was pronounced terminal and expected to live only about six months, but the Lord has been gracious, loving and merciful to have extended her life to another about 3 years. Then she used the remaining years organizing and conducting ladies singing group in Bidcor SDA Church in Bayugan City that staged concerts in some locations. After serving as literature evangelist in Northeastern Mindanao Mission, Darlene took Education and graduated from Mountain View College where she joined singing with the Chordal Streams. After her graduation she had accepted a call for her to teach in church school in Northern Mindanao Mission in early 1980s. When she left teaching, she organized a foundation - the Divine Providence Home, Inc. Darlene after conferring with Daryl Famisaran, was instrumental in inviting the SULADS to open a Literaccy Center in the mountain of Agasan, Hinapuyan, Carmen Surigao del Sur in June 2006. She dreamed to be of service to the indigenous people in the area. In fact she provided free school uniforms for the "Manobo" elementary school pupils.

She used to be a "live wire" in sharing her singing talent in any church she had attended... thus not a surprise to see members of her children's church choir that she organized in Luzon visiting and singing for her while admitted in Adventist Medical Center in Manila. Weak and frail, but she managed to offer to be the one to accompany on a portable organ the kids singing. Her burial was set for September 5 in Salvacion cemetery, Bayugan City. Just saying "goodnight" to Darlene with the hope of seeing her in the resurrection morning. "The end of man's life is not a feast but sorrow, for someday he shall depart." xxx By Manny P. Mullaneda

Let us keep the bereaved familis in our prayers.

Devotional Snippets

Friends, touch someone and bring out their inner beauty! Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. A young couple was visiting a reknown jewelry store in New York City. They browsed through cases of magnificent diamonds with their gleaming yellow light along with many other splendid precious stones. Among those beautiful stones, one in particular caught his wife's eye. It was completely lusterless and didn't seem to be in the right place."That is one terrible looking stone, do you see that?", the she said. The curious husband asked a clerk if they could see the stone. The clerk opened the case, took out the stone and held it in his hand for a few minutes. When he opened it, there was a perfectly flawless stone. There was not a place on it that didn't gleam with the splendor of the rainbow. "How did you do that?", they asked in surprise. "This is an opal", he replied. "It is what we call the sympathetic jewel. It only needs contact with the human hand to bring out its wonderful beauty." Merely a touch brings out this stone's beauty. We live in a world where beauty is hidden under pain, sin and suffering. How many lives only need the warm touch of human sympathy, love and compassion, to make them gleam with a radiant splendor? Reach out and touch someone this weekend for His glory! Share with them the love of God and not only will they receive a glimmer of joy, but you will gleam with His radiance too! When the Lord asked whom shall I send, Isaiah replied "Hineni (here am I)". Friends, let's say "Hineni" today and be used by the Lord to bring out the beauty of those around us!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

Friends, don't settle for a burger! Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. In today's society fast food is making billions. It's slogans are "have it your way" and "have it hot and and have it now". How easy it is for us to fall into this "fast food mentality". It has almost become who we are. But in God's kingdom there's no fast food. We can't always have it our way and now. When we are caught up in this fast food mentality, we lose the true meaning of patience. True patience is the ability to wait on the Lord through trials without complaining and worrying; it is to be tested and persevere through trial. We need to be patiently waiting on the Lord to answer us in a new way! We cannot shortcut the things of God. If we want a deeper anointing of the Spirit in our lives, we need to avoid this fast food mentality. We cannot have a deeper walk with the Lord without spending time in his Word, without spending time in intimate prayer, without walking in repentance and humility, and practicing a life of holiness. Is this a tall order? Yes, but when we are focused on God and patiently waiting on Him to answer -- He will preparing a blessing beyond our imagination! Friends, let's not settle for a hamburger, fries and coke — when the Lord has a delicious, heavenly feast prepared for us! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, Kuya Benny

An Inspirational Story

John Glenn, How Well Do We Know Him?

For half a century, the world has applauded John Glenn as a heart-stirring American hero. He lifted the nation's spirits when, as one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, he was blasted alone into orbit around the Earth; the enduring affection for him is so powerful that even now people find themselves misting up at the sight of his face or the sound of his voice. But for all these years, John Glenn has had a hero of his own, someone who he has seen display endless courage of a different kind. His hero? Annie Glenn.

They have been married for 68 years. He is now 90; she turned 92 on Friday. This weekend there has been news coverage of the 50th anniversary of John Glenn's flight into orbit. We are being reminded that, half a century later, he remains as America's unforgettable hero. He has never really bought that because the heroism he most cherishes is of a sort that is seldom cheered. It belongs to the person whom he has known longer than he has known anyone in the world.

Annie Castor & John Glenn first knew each other when they were still very young children, and literally shared a playpen. In New Concord, Ohio, their parents were friends. When the families got together, their children played. John, the future ace Marine fighter and test pilot and future astronaut was pure gold from the start. He would end up having what it took to rise to the absolute pinnacle of American heroism and high-regard during the space race. Imagine what it meant to be the young John Glenn in the small confines of New Concord, Ohio as the three-sport varsity athlete, the most admired boy in town, the Mr. Everything. Annie Castor, on the other hand, was bright, caring, talented, and generous of spirit. But she could talk only with the most excruciating of difficulty. She a terrible stuttering problem. It haunted her. Her speech problem was so severe that it was categorized as an "85%" disability because for 85% of the time, she could not manage to make words come out fluently and smoothly. In grade school, when she tried to recite a poem in, she was laughed at. She was unable to carry a conversation on the telephone or face-to-face with anyone. But John Glenn loved her. Even as a boy he was wise enough to understand that people who could not see past her stuttering were missing out on knowing a rare and wonderful girl. They got married on April 6, 1943. As a military wife, she found that life could be quite hurtful, as she and John moved about the country. She once wrote: "I can remember some very painful experiences -- especially the ridicule."

In department stores, she wandered around the various aisles to find the right section because she was too embarrassed to ask the store sales clerks for help. When riding a taxi, she wrote the address of the place and showed handed it to the driver because she could not clearly state her destination. In restaurants, she pointed to the items on the menu which she wanted to order. As a fine musician, Annie played the organ in church as a way to make new friends in every community where she and John happened to move to and live. She and John had two children. One time she wrote: "Can you imagine living in the modern world and being afraid to use the telephone? 'Hello' used to be so hard for me to say. I worried that my children would be injured and need a doctor, and I could not find or say the word properly to get the information across over the phone." John Glenn flew 59 combat missions in World War II and 90 during the Korean War. Every time he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same way. His last words to her before leaving would always be: "I'm just going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum." And, with just the two of them, she always replied: "Don't be long." On that February day in 1962 when the world held its breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him toward space, they parted with the same words. And in 1998, when, at age 77, he went back to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them. What if something happened to him and end their life together? She already knew what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle. He did, but this time he gave her a present to hold on to -- a pack of gum. She carried it in a pocket next to her heart until he was safely home. Many times in her life she attempted various treatments to cure her stutter. None worked. But in 1973, she found a speech specialist in Virginia who put her in an intensive program which she and John hoped would finally help her. She enrolled in the program and gave it her best effort. The "miracle cure" she and John had long waited for arrived at last! At age 53, she was finally able to talk fluently and fluidly, and no longer in brief, anxiety-ridden, agonizing bursts.

John said that on the first day he heard her speak to him with clarity and confidence, he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of gratitude. He wrote: "I saw Annie's perseverance and strength through the years and it just made me admire her and love her even more." He has heard roaring ovations in countries around the globe about his own valor, but he reserved his admiration and awe for Annie, and what she accomplished. "I don't know if I would have had the same courage and perseverance!" he once said. Her voice is so clear and steady now that she regularly gives public talks. If you are lucky enough to know the Glenns, and witness for yourself the sight and sound of their bantering and joking with each other and playfully finishing each other's sentences, it is something which would warm your heart and make you thankful just to be in the same room.

Monday will be the anniversary of the Mercury space shot, and once again people will remember and speak of John Glenn, the astronaut, and his heroism and valor. But if you ever are lucky to find yourself in an event or place where the Glenns are among the special guests, and you want to see someone brim with love and pride which cause tears to well up in your own eyes, wait for the moment when Annie Glenn stands up to say a few words to the audience. And as she begins to speak, if you are close enough, look at John Glenn's eyes.

John and Annie Glenn, on the car with

President Lyndon B. Johnson

Article sent by Nestor Zamora

Lighter Stuff

DID YOU KNOW... Those who were born in the 50's 60's ,70's and early 80's are the last generation who played in the street. During our childhood we "walked" over a mile a day when we played & played "hide & seek" outside at night with no worries or fear of anything bad happening to us. We are the first generation who played video games and the last to record songs off the radio onto a cassette tape. We learned how to program a VCR before anyone else, we were the first to play from Atari to Nintendo.We are the generation of Tom & Jerry, Looney Toons, & Captain Kangaroo. We traveled in cars without seat belts or air bags, lived without cell phones and caller ID. We did not have fax machines, flat screens, surround sound, iPods, Facebook, Twitter, computers or the internet, and through it all we had a great time.

HUMOR

A Sunday school teacher told her class of 5- and 6-year-olds the story of the Good Samaritan.

She then asked the class, “If you saw a person bleeding and all wounded lying on the roadside,

what would you do?”

After a long silence, a little girl piped up, “I think I’d throw up.”

Another Sunday school teacher asked her class, "Do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was in

the Ark ?”

"I don't think so. How could he with just two worms,” said a smart little kid.

The preacher’s 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a

moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why.

“Well, Honey,” he began, proud that his daughter was so observant, “I always ask the Lord to help me

preach a good sermon.”

“How come He hasn’t answered your prayers?” she asked.

A little girl when saying her bedtime prayers, always asked God to bless every family member,

every friend, and every animal (current and past) and she always ended her prayer with the

phrase: "Ah girls."

One night, her mother asked, “Why do you always say ‘ah girls’ at the end of your prayer?”

The little girl responded, “Because everybody always end their prayer with ‘Ah men’!”

One day, little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his maternal grandparents'

house. With everyone seated around the table, Grandpa asked each one to pass her/his plate

so that he could dish out the food. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating

right away.

"Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer,” said his mother.

"I don’t need to,” the boy replied.

“Of course, you do,” his mother insisted. “We always say a prayer before eating at our house.”

“That’s at our house,” Johnny explained. “But this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to

cook.”

Sent by Tess Caballero

And here are a few “Ooops!”

Going up or coming down?

He can’t be in the Spelling Bee.

Put the seat down!—

which one?

What does this billboard advertise?

So sorry, the operator fell asleep.

(Selections from pictures sent by Zelne Zamora)

Prayer Requests

Let us pray for:

* The bereaved families of Engr. Fortunato Aleman, Darlinda Mullaneda

Corneta, Ana Faigao, Archie Villagracia Calape Damayo, Jaime “James” Solis

Bacomo and others who lost loved ones recently.

* Our fellow alumni and friends who are ill or receiving treatment:Benny

Banaag, Allan Magie, Gerry Hill, Betsy Costanos-Wooljer, Doug Holstein,

Evelyn Lipay-Florendo, Florence Rivera-Alconcel (daughter of Glenda

Rivera),Minerva Arit-Penaranda, Joy Tecson Niere, Jo Tortal, Nefre Dichoso,

Yve Clyde Nadal (daughter of Edgar Nadal)

*For all the flood victims in the Philippines.

*For the health and safety of all our missionaries and their families all over

the globe.

*For the work of the Sulads and the ministry of the Gospel Outreach.

*For our leaders of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church

* The leaders, faculty, staff, and alumni of MVC as they “Shine On Till Jesus

Comes”.

* For all the different alumni groups that are in the Philippines and other

countries rendering medical services and evangelistic efforts and all other

projects they do for The Master..

* For each other while waiting for the Messiah’s coming.

Acknowledgment

This issue is edited by Eddie Zamora. I thank the following individuals for their

contributions: Dr. Benny Banaag, Tess Caballero, Jess Colegado, Roselle Montebon,

Elbert Moralde, Manny Mullaneda, Linda Pangilinan, Alger and Eng Pajes, Nestor

Zamora, Zelne Zamora, Next week's editor and coordinator will be Lyn Tabingo.

Please direct all entries and contributions to her at her e-mail address. You may

also contact the other editors/coordinators whose e-mail addresses appear below.

basis. We do want to share all your news and activities to our MVC Alumni and

Friends so feel free to send in articles, etc.

Meet the Editors

Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart raylene.baumgart at gmail dot com

Jessie Colegado Cyberflashes at gmail dot com

Joy Caballero-Gadia watermankids at yahoo dot com

Evelyn Porteza-Tabingo etabingo at gmail dot com

Eddie Zamora ezamora594 at aol dot com

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Closing Thoughts

I wish the whole world could see what I see.

Sometimes you have to go up really high to

understand how small you really are.

Felix Baumgartner

Record-setting Austrian Sky-diver

Happy Sabbath, everyone!

Sunset in Sacramento, California