Mem’ries… Editor’s Musings: ............“Mem’ries - A Product of Growing Old” ................................. Eddie Zamora
Featured Items: Senior Moments ............................................................................................................ from Facebook Remembering Mr. Burton A. Pontynen, ........................................................................... The Editor Life Stages as Depicted by One Model ..................................................................... from The Internet Memoirs from the 2018 MVCSN Alumni Association Reunion .................. Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart Comments About the MVCSNNAA Reunion ................................................ MVCSN Alumni Members When Is the Next MVCSN Reunion? ................................................................................ The Editors
SULADS’ Corner: ……. “2018 Most Outstanding Literacy Program in the Philippines” … Joy Caballero-Gadia Patch of Weeds: ……………………………….……………………………………………………….…..…….……………….…….. Jesse Colegado
Life of a Missionary: .................. “Georgetown Penang Street Art” ............................................. Romy Halasan
CLOSING: Announcements |From The Mail Bag| Prayer Requests | Acknowledgements Meet The Editors |Closing Thoughts | Miscellaneous
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first set foot on the campus of MVC way back in the summer of 1954. I really wish I have pictures to remember those days by, but what few pictures we had were lost when my Dad’s home in Manila got flooded during one rainy season and all the photo albums got soaked. Was I real happy when Don Larson, the son of a missionary to MVC then had his Dad’s pictures saved on CDs and he gave me a copy. Here’s a picture of how the campus looked back then. There were no lawns, just open fields. The inyam tree could be seen by the diagonal road towards the old cluster of buildings. The six office and classroom buildings we may remember are near the top center of the picture. The men’s dorm/attic is towards the left out of the picture and the ladies’ dorm is off to the right at the slope facing Kisalom also out of view. Being on the slope near lots of cogon grass, it eventually burned down one Friday afternoon leaving the ladies with nothing, even for the Sabbath services. They were distributed into faculty homes and somehow clothes and other personal items were given to them. The cluster of buildings at the right includes Pioneer Hall (the 2-storey building), the long cafeteria building, and some type of garage for trucks and tractors (the building next to the cafeteria). I was going to start my high school freshman year then. As a young kid I never thought of reaching my age now. I just thought of the present, like doing a lot of things kids did, playing with the other kids, attending classes in rooms with no walls, with only the blackboards separating rooms. Chapel periods were held in Building D together with the college students. Chapel periods started at 7:00 in the morning, and since we lived in
the Freedom Village (renamed Jamandre Village later) we had to hurry, even run, so we wouldn’t be late as checkers would immediately check attendance when the theme song was sung. On Sabbath afternoons we joined the people strolling near the cluster of old buildings. The cafeteria was in that vicinity and people usually congregated there, waited for the rice (or corn) to be ladled out so they could take the crisp layer at the bottom of the giant wok called “dukot,” and have some snack before dinner. Then in the evening socials will be held outdoors in a vacant lot near the Pioneer Hall. March music was provided from an upright piano played by two ladies, either Perlinda Elumir or Martha Savilla, or the Naranjo sisters, Arlie and Flor. It was fun until the rains came and men had to carry the piano indoors and everyone else scampered for shelter. I had many pleasant memories of those early MVC days. I remember my first job as a student. I had to pull weeds from the walk which came from the men’s dorm (near where the store now stands) to the cafeteria. This walk was a gravel path bordered by 2x4 lumber. The gravel made weeding difficult (see picture). In the background is the men’s dorm. Those bushes at the side are roselle. The sour roselle flowers are boiled to make red punch. Sometimes I wondered if this boy in the picture was me, because I only saw this picture when I came to California and it was taken some 30 years earlier. Pictures would have been good reminders of these pleasant memories. Wouldn’t it have been good to have an iPhone then? So basically, all I have are memories and a few pictures. I have stored the pictures in an external drive and I hope they don’t get lost. There was a song made popular by Barbra Streisand which kind of describes Memories. It goes like this: The Way We Were Mem’ries, Light the corners of my mind Misty water-colored memories Of the way we were Scattered pictures, Of the smiles we left behind Smiles we gave to one another For the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time re-written every line? If we had the chance to do it all again Tell me, would we? Could we? Mem’ries, May be beautiful and yet What’s too painful to remember We simply choose to forget So it’s the laughter We will remember Whenever we remember… The way we were… The way we were… A song made popular by Barbra Streisand Song writers: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
Yes, for most of us who have accumulated years to be considered Senior citizens, recalling memories is something we often enjoy, and hopefully they are mainly pleasant ones. Let us continue to make memories and with God’s blessings we hope we don’t forget them.
Eddie Zamora Redlands, California
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ecently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. – Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But then I think, since I’m going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Pepsi I’d been drinking. I’m going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Pepsi aside so that I don’t accidentally knock it over. The Pepsi is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Pepsi, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye–they need water. I put the Pepsi on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I’ve been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I’m going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I’ll be looking for the remote, but I won’t remember that it’s on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I’ll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: The garden isn’t watered the car isn’t washed the bills aren’t paid there is a warm can of Pepsi sitting on the counter the flowers don’t have enough water, there is still only 1 check in my check book, I can’t find the remote, I can’t find my glasses, and I don’t remember what I did with the car keys. Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I’m really baffled because I know I was busy all the d…n day, and I’m really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I’ll try to get some help for it, but first I’ll check my e-mail…. Do me a favor. Forward this message to everyone you know, because I don’t remember who I’ve sent it to. Don’t laugh — if this isn’t you yet, your day is coming!! From Facebook
Remembering Mr. Burton A. Pontynen Eddie Zamora
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urton A. Pontynen, a professor of industrial arts at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, passed away on June 10, 2018. He was 94. (This was taken from the Pacific Recorder, a publication of the Pacific Union Conference)
How is Mr. Pontynen, a man from PUC related to MVC’s past? He made a huge contribution to Mountain View College. He was the consultant in the planning and construction of the first concrete ladies’ dormitory at Mountain View College (Pearl Hall). He was assisted by a Mr. Crane, also from California. Mr. Pontynen and Mr. Crane worked with MVC’s construction supervisors and student workers. They worked at the campus for several months to make sure the dormitory was built according to the specifications. Before construction started, the building permit application was taken to Valencia for approval. A comment was made that the specifications he prepared for the dorm were very sturdy. Of course, what would you expect from a person from California, a state known as earthquake country? Mr. Pontynen’s work, the first concrete dormitory
Pearl Hall is right next to Jubilee Park
Life Stages as Depicted by One Model The Internet
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have heard people often say that age is just a number and we don’t have to be too concerned about it. Age could depend on other factors. Maybe another factor popular in this part of the world is Hollywood, or just plain make-up. Here is an example that I found many years back, when my age number was lower. This model depicts different stages of life using different dresses, makeup and facial expressions.
Life Stages
10 years old
40 years old
20 years old
50 years old
30 years old
60 years old
So, what do you say about ageing? Is it just a number, or does it depend on how a make-up artist thinks it should be? Would the 60-year-old model wish she was 20 again? Well, we do age, with no help from a makeup artist, just the passage of time. Of course, some individuals may try to look younger with the help of the ever-available makeup. Let’s just age gracefully, enjoying each stage we get into, and making the best of what life offers us.
Memoirs from the 2018 MVCSN Alumni Association Reunion held at Orlando Florida Raylene Ann Rodrigo-Baumgart
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fter 13 hours of driving from Yorktown, Virginia to Orlando Florida, the fully-packed rented Dodge SUV finally parked at the North Tower of Park Inn Radisson. The clinking-clanking sounds of the 24-inch tall glass vases against the metal stems of the silk flowers finally stopped. Our aching backs and fatigued legs could finally rest. But I knew all of these physical maladies would soon be forgotten as soon as the happy screams and shrieks of classmates, roommates, clinical instructors would be heard. As expected, this reunion came and went with the most positive results. Although planned for months, a few undesirable "unexpecteds" took place. Yet, the warmth of friendship and camaraderie of MVC friends and family prevailed. Nothing is comparable to the closeness of any college family than what we, MVC School of Nursing alumni, always have. Friday vespers was simply wonderful! As the sound and lyrics of the theme song "Open My Eyes, Lord, I want to See Jesus" was played, the feeling of nostalgia was overwhelming. I was once again transported through imagination to the hilltop, my home away from home since my academy days. Truly, memories of our years in MVC are unforgettable, always remaining vivid in our minds and constantly heartwarming during reunions. Associated Speaker for It Is Written Pastor Eric Flickinger's message of Unveiling Christ in spite of Cultural Diversity was truly uplifting. The Sabbath School Program was colorful. As we were told to dress up in Filipiniana or tribal costumes, the atmosphere was vibrant. MVCSN alumni members who served as sulads came on stage donning their rich and bold striking costumes, while others brilliantly related their experiences as student missionaries to the Lumads. I myself was teary-eyed as I reminisced on my days with the Maranaws in Tamparan. It was amazing to realize that I was part of the pioneers who inspired the MVC Sulads of today to keep on the passion and energetic spirit of being missionaries up in the unreachable mountains. The Hour of Worship was unforgettable! As expected of MVC graduates and their offsprings, the talents are undeniable! Through musical renditions, songs and choruses, the angels in heaven must have been truly entertained themselves. I know I was! Although the program was solemn, we were amused by It Is Written photos and videos shown of missionary work done in the Philippines.
The afternoon program brought us back to our days in the campus and in the School of Nursing especially when Ellen Montebon-Zamora from the 1972 class The Pioneers gave us glimpses of how it was during their pioneering years. Memories are truly one of the best things in life. The Saturday Gala Night was indeed a blast! It started with a parade of all the different classes with their class banners. Clad in their Disney-themed costumes, the vivacious, high-spirited, loud and happy MVCians marched in with proud looks on their faces and it became a night of all nights! The costumes were unbelievably superb! From the funny garbs of Winnie the Pooh or the many Esmeraldas to the Cruella de Villes - it was no competition at all! Each person showed one’s distinct personality! Although there were requested entertainers, classes just came forward volunteering their talents and the there was no dull moment. MVCians are truly talented in every way. In spite of the late ending of the Gala Night, a lot of early risers woke up to join the Sunrise Worship and Marathon. Tired from all the decorating and planning, I had no intention of waking up early to join the worship and marathon. But I was awakened by texts asking of my whereabouts, so as punishment to those who woke me up, I came down dressed up as Minnie Mouse in disguise. MVCian marathon participants and non-MVCian hotel guests came to pose with Minnie Mouse. I laughed at the alumni members’ surprised looks when I took off my mask after sweating inside that paraphernalia. It was a fun morning and a perfect ending of a fun-filled, unforgettable reunion. Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek (known as Mattie Stepanek), a 13 year old poet, peacemaker and philosopher, youngest peace advocate and motivational speaker once said, "Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future." I have been truly blessed at the MVCSNAA Florida Reunion. The memories will last forever and am definitely looking forward to the next one.
~Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart Comments from MVCSN Alumni Members at the Reunion in Orlando Florida
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truly enjoyed the Hour of Worship Program: the presentation and the music. I really appreciated all the talents shared to make this an unforgettable reunion. The Gala Night was of course the highlight of the event. Colorful, loud, fun, amusing and truly entertaining -- I just watched in awe and enjoyed everything.” -
Merrilyn Lang Demiar
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he reunion attendees who came were from all over North America. They didn’t hesitate to invest their resources and time to see classmates, friends and enjoy each other’s company. The speakers were inspiring and brought a different aspect of appreciation for culture and Mountain View College education. Friday: CEUs for nurses by Lissa dela Cruz – Fun-filled learning on Nursing Communications in spite of cultural diversity Sabbath School: Splash of colors from 1 candle in MVC to encircling the globe with Sulads ministry. Sabbath School lesson: Paul's mission suffering with culture differences revealed by Dr. Gladden Flores and Pastor Eric Flickinger. Hour of Worship Service was a solemn but humorous presentation of Unveiling the Love of Christ by It Is Written in the Philippines in pictures too. Sabbath afternoon brought us back to MVCSN yesterday, now and plans for the future. Picturesque, mind-boggling progress of the nursing profession around the world, with the progress and pressing needs of the MVC School of Nursing. Gala banquet!! -- Explosive Disney-themed blast of fun-filled songs and individual and nursing batch group presentations. Awards and appreciation extended to worthy alumni nurses in North America. We ended with a circle of love, wishing each other poignant wishes for good luck, good health and God’s blessings. Sunday’s fun-filled 3K run with Mickey made the Florida sunrise ring with laughter, even if the event drone drained its battery!! Over all, Christ was unveiled on each other’s faces. Our eyes and ears were opened to the importance of reunions!! Hebrews 10:25 declares the importance of reunions as the day of Christ’s coming is getting closer! Thank you lord for MVC School of Nursing in North America Alumni Association (MVCSNAA)!
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-Eddie Eresmas
hat I enjoyed the most about this reunion? 1. The spiritual messages from Friday night to Sunday morning. -- They encouraged me to be bold in sharing God to others. 2. The report from MVC -- It brought good memories of my college days. 3. The real-life stories of the Sulads. -- Inspiring. 4. The socialization from start to finish was priceless. -- I loved every moment of it. There was joy and laughter everywhere. Thank you officers for a fun-filled and spiritually enriching reunion. God bless you all.
-Meriam Cadiz-Fabriga
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very part of the reunion from Vespers to the Walkathon was memorably sweet. But my favorite of all was the Saturday Gala Night. It was so colorful, vibrantly full of life. The best thing about it too was that everybody was engaged in conversation.
Thank you, Raylene, and your daughter Kristina Gabrielle, for centerpieces brought all the way from Virginia. They helped enhance the total atmosphere of the reunion, giving it a truly special look. Although quietly observing and not participating, Kristina contributed to the success of the reunion by helping her mom decorate the gala hall. Thanks, Raylene, for your love to all of us who attended. Cheers to the organizers, officers and advisers.
-Lolita Taroy-Dumpasan
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he Sabbath School program was wonderful. I enjoyed listening to the stories and experiences of the student missionaries, past and the present. The Divine Hour of Worship was solemn, touching and inspirational. The Saturday Gala Night was out of this world. Meeting friends and classmates from yesteryears was truly the best thing. Congratulations to all MVCSNAA Officers.
-Triphosa Bahian-Gadia
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really enjoyed the Divine Hour of Worship and the fun-filled, colorful Saturday Night Gala where we could be just as we are.
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enjoyed the Sabbath School Program presented by Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart, one of the pioneers of the HELP Team (Health Education for Lanao People) and the SULADS alumni members who presented their experiences with their ethnic attire.
-Evangeline Derequito-Santos
The Divine Hour of Worship was wonderful! The venue was filled with the presence of alumni and friends and we were truly impacted by the timely spiritual enrichment by Pastor Eric Flickinger with his message: Unveiling His Presence. He reminded us that we are all ministers. The Saturday Night Gala was fun! Colorful costumes and presentations of different Disney characters was enjoyable. Sunrise Worship and Walkathon - I walked with minimal sweat just busily chatting with friends and classmates I have not seen for years and posing with our very own Minnie Mouse made it more fun and unforgettable! Over all, it was the best MVCSNAA reunion ever!
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Darlene Ruado-Dilag
Here are some photos from the hundreds of pictures taken during the Reunion:
When Is The Next MVC School of Nursing Reunion? For Those Who Are Wondering What: MVCSN 50th Anniversary Reunion Homecoming When: July 15-20, 2019 (next year!) Where: MVC Campus, Valencia Bukidnon Who is coming? All 50 Classes (batches) are coming!
Save the date! Plan on being there yourself! • For more info message Devaney Bayeta or Leonila Reyno in Facebook Messenger • Medical-Dental Missionary Outreach activities during the reunion is slated for Thursday, July 18, 2019. If your class is interested in visiting a SULAD mission school and you need help arranging it, contact Joy Caballero-Gadia in Facebook
Most Outstanding Literacy Program In The Philippines Ardys Joy Caballero-Gadia
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n September 4-6, 2018 the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) held its National Literacy Conference and Awards (NLCA) at the Hotel Supreme Convention Center in Baguio City, Philippines. This year’s theme was “Inclusive Literacy through Integrative and Innovative Partnerships.” Educators from both the private and public sectors graced the occasion. Representing the SULADS Philippines organization at the convention were MVC alumni members Sulad Ranny deVera from Adventist Muslim Relations and SULADS CEO Ephraim Pitogo SULADS with his wife Sulad Nemia Godilano Pitogo. Both Sulad Ranny and Sulad Ephraim were invited to speak about the SULADS work. At the culmination of the convention, SULADS Philippines was awarded the distinguished 2018 Most Outstanding Literacy Program in the Philippines Award. SULADS started 50 years ago in 1969 when Mountain View College sent student missionaries (now called sulads) to the neighboring mountain villages. They were to teach math, reading, writing as well as health and hygiene. Through the lifestyle of the student missionaries, the villagers learned of the God who loves them. Many of the children opted to finish high school and get a college degree. Many are now school teachers. This year, SULADS Philippines has a little bit more than 80 sulad missionaries deployed to various Literacy Centers (previously called mission schools) in Mindanao. Most of these sulads are students of Mountain View College. However, there are a few who have completed their college education and still choose to continue serving as sulads in these remote mission schools. These deployed sulads are volunteers provided with a little stipend for their living allowance. Well, that is if there is funding. The sulad volunteers serve knowing that funding is not always guaranteed and that there will be many hungry days for them. But still they going in faith, leaning confidently on the Savior they trust to provide for all their needs. © 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 (http://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. If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, Unsubscribe To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit this link Forward a Message to Someone this
Memories
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n older couple was lying in bed one night. The husband was almost asleep when his wife started reflecting on all the love they had shared. The old gentleman is about asleep when she nudges him and says, "Honey, do you remember how we used to hug?"
The old gentleman says, "Yes, dear," and rolls over and gives her a big hug. Then he was almost asleep again, when she nudges him and says "Honey do you remember how we used to kiss?" "Yes, dear," and he rolls over and gives her a big kiss. He was almost asleep when she again nudges him again and says, "Honey, do you remember how you used to nibble on my ear?" The old guy throws off the covers, somewhat frustrated, sits up in bed, and gets up. The wife says, "What are you doing?" In an exasperated tone he says, "I'm going to go get my teeth." (from Mikey's Funnies)
Positive Comments
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he elderly pastor's wife was known for her ability to make positive comments about every facet of her husband's Florida ministry. The church choir, however, consisting as it did of seniors in their 70s and 80s, had defied positive but truthful comment.
She finally solved the problem one Sunday morning. As the choir members filed into the choir loft, she leaned over to me and remarked, "Aren't they walking well this morning?" (from Da Mouse Tracks)
Senior Citizen Discount
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5.37." That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount." I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68," he said cheerfully. I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet. A mere child! Senior citizen? I took my burrito and walked out to the truck, wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile. Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler? "Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind. "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!" I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing. That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear-view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear-view mirror. Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard. Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle. Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found. I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits. Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake."
I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized. She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time." All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast. As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blanket. The good news was I had successfully found my way home. --Author Unknown (from GCFL)
Senior Driver
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wo elderly women were out driving in a large car. Both could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along, they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red, but they just went on through. The woman in the passenger seat thought to herself, "I must be losing it.. I could have sworn we just went through a red light." After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection and the light was red again. Again, they went right through. The woman in the passenger seat was almost sure that the light had been red but was really concerned that she was losing it. She was getting nervous. At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was red and they went on through. So, she turned to the other woman and said, "Mildred, did you know that we just ran through three red lights in a row? You could have killed us both!" Mildred turned to her and said, "Oh, am I driving?"
Getting a Passport
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efore she died, an old lady wanted to visit England, the home of her ancestors. She went to the Federal Office and asked for a passport.
"You must take the loyalty oath first," the passport clerk said. "Raise your right hand, please." The senior citizen raised her right hand as the clerk asked, "Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, domestic or foreign?" The sweet old face paled and the voice trembled as she responded, "Well, I guess so, but ... will I have help, or will I have to do it all by myself?"
Yes, Jesus Loves Me
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any years ago, while watching a little TV on Sunday, I watched a church in Atlanta vetting one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time, and I wondered why the church bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself, and then quietly and slowly he began to speak: "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days, and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me ... the only thing that would comfort was this verse from the children's hymn: "Jesus loves me; this I know For the Bible tells me so Little ones to him belong We are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me Yes, Jesus loves me Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so." When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his footsteps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it. (from Weekend Encounter)
No Refills
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distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office.
"Is it true," she wanted to know, "that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?" "Yes, I'm afraid so," the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, "I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition, because this prescription is marked ‘NO REFILLS.'"
Changing Times
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big mouth college student challenged a senior citizen saying it was impossible for their generation to understand his world. "You grew up in a different world," the student said. "Today we have television, jet planes, space travel, nuclear energy, computers, the internet..." Taking advantage of a pause in the student's litany, the senior said, "You're right sonny. We didn't have those things when we were young... so we invented them!" (from ArcaMax Jokes)
Garbage Bags
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y mother-in-law recently moved to a seniors' residence where they ask everyone to double bag their garbage so it doesn't spill or break on the way down the garbage chute. Since she does little shopping herself, she's asked us to bring her our used bags.
Living fifteen miles out of town, however, it isn't always convenient for us to boost her supply. So the next time we took her shopping, I explained the situation to the cashier, who kindly gave us a handful of extra bags. The next day, my mother-in-law called. "Robert, can you please bring over some plastic shopping bags?" "But, Mother," I said, puzzled, "you got 30 extra bags yesterday." "Oh, no, dear," she replied. "I can't use those for garbage. They're brand new!" (from Da Mouse Tracks)
How Many Do You Remember? • • • • • • •
Head lights dimmer switches on the floor. Ignition switches on the dashboard. Heaters mounted on the inside of the fire wall. Real ice boxes. Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards. Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner. Using hand signals for cars without turn signals.
(from the Internet)
Observations on Growing Older
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he older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. (There will be no lines at the reunion, except maybe at the bar!)
Your kids are becoming you...and you don’t like them! But your grandchildren are perfect! Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it! When people say you look “Great”...they add “for your age”! You forget names...but it’s OK because other people forget they even know you! You ask your husband or friend how your outfit looks and they tell you the truth! The last two outfits you wore had spots on them. When you needed the discount you paid full price. Now you get discounts on everything: movies, hotels, flights, etc. The five pounds you wanted to lose is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds. Did you ever notice: The Roman numerals for forty (40) are XL.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks! Before going anywhere you make sure to bring your eyeglasses! "It's funny how friends can come in and out of your life so quickly, yet leave footprints and memories in your heart forever."
Growing Old Jokes
S
omeone asked the other day, "What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?" "We didn't have fast food when I was growing up," I informed him. "All the food was slow."
"C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?" "It was a place called 'at home,'" I explained. "Mom cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it." By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table. But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I figured his system could have handled it: ✓ Some parents NEVER owned their own house, wore Levis, set foot on a golf course, traveled out of the country or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a revolving charge card. The card was good only at Sears Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears & Roebuck. Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore. Maybe he died. ✓ My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we never had heard of soccer. ✓ I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds, and only had one speed: slow. ✓ We didn't have a television in our house until I was 19. It was, of course, black and white, and the station went off the air at midnight, after playing the national anthem and a poem about God; it came back on the air at about 6 AM. And there was usually a locally produced news and farm show on, featuring local people.
✓ I was 21 before I tasted my first pizza; it was called pizza pie. When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had. ✓ I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line. ✓ Pizzas were not delivered to our home. But milk was. ✓ All newspapers were delivered by boys, and all boys delivered newspapers -- my brother delivered a newspaper, six days a week. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which he got to keep 2 cents. He had to get up at 6 AM every morning. On Saturday, he had to collect the 42 cents from his customers. His favorite customers were the ones who gave him 50 cents and told him to keep the change. His least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day. ✓ Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. There were no movie ratings because all movies were responsibly produced for everyone to enjoy viewing, without profanity or violence or most anything offensive. If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing. Growing up isn't what it used to be, is it? (from the Internet)
Not Enough Exercise
M
ost seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking.
Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach, and stretch. Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. So, if you find as you age that you are getting up and down more, remember it's God's will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.
Hugs From God
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veryone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” Proverbs 15:23, NLT.
The music was lively inside the banquet hall as we celebrated my grandmother’s seventy-fifth birthday. We’d found out only recently that she’d never had a birthday party before, having been orphaned at age twelve. “Happy birthday!” we yelled as she arrived. “And many more!” Several times during the evening, I saw my mother hugging her. Later, I approached my mother and asked about the hugs. “Her parents died of tuberculosis,” she explained. “What I hadn’t known was that her last memories of her mother and father were of being kept away from them to keep her healthy. Her parents were contagious. They loved her but they couldn’t touch her. So,” Mom said, then took a deep breath and smiled at me, “along with the party, I wanted to make up for some of the hugs she missed, to help her make do until she meets them again in Heaven.” Love and care for all the members of your family. You never know all they have been through. (as seen in A Cup Of Comfort)
Memories from Grandma’s House My Dad is cleaning out my grandmother's house (she died in December) and he brought me an old Royal Crown Cola bottle. In the bottle top was a stopper with a bunch of holes in it. I knew immediately what it was, but my daughter had no idea. She thought they had tried to make it a salt shaker or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the end of the ironing board to 'sprinkle' clothes with because we didn't have steam irons. Man, I am old. (from the Internet)
Georgetown Penang Street Art
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enang's capital, Georgetown is Malaysia's second largest city and is the most touristvisited destination in Malaysia. It is an exciting mixture of eastern and western influences with its modern city and yet manages to maintain the colonial traditions because of its well-preserved heritage buildings. Although the city is dominated by Chinese storefronts, most in need of a good paint job, there are also many modern shopping complexes and skyscrapers. Georgetown is the most complete surviving historic city center in Asia which has a multi-cultural living heritage originating from the trade routes. The thriving port attracted traders from the neighboring countries like India, China, Middle East and as far as Europe and Britain. It is a living testament to the multi-cultural heritage of Asia and European colonial influences. The myriads of culture from its rich heritage created a unique architecture, character and the urban landscape of Penang. Georgetown was awarded a UNESCO heritage site status in 2008 as a living museum. With the UNESCO award, the city needed signage for this “living museum”. The heritage site could not have simple “name boards” to mark the places; it had to do something unique and creative. The government did this by inviting famous artist to come over to Georgetown to paint scenes that are considered common sights in Penang. An Art Challenge was organized by State Government in 2009 called the “Marking of Georgetown”. A recent addition to the old houses and buildings of the city is the street arts of Georgetown. The streets of the city are named after the trades, people and events that give a unique spin to each street. The multiculturalism and diversity of the inhabitants of Georgetown was enhance by the paintings. This is like an open-air gallery that can be viewed by visitors exploring the heritage site. The Georgetown Festival 2012 commissioned Ernest for the “Mirrors Georgetown” project. It had some innovative exhibits together with several large-scale murals.
The paintings transformed the perception of Georgetown. The old narrow streets were transformed to a lively and engaging area. The paintings brought worldwide interest in the Penang Street Art and Georgetown. They have become favorites. Street Paintings I first came to know the street paintings of Georgetown during one of my trips. I was quite interested to see for myself these famous paintings so last Sunday, Lucy and I purposely went out to Georgetown to find these beautiful paintings. It so happened that many of these paintings are located in Chulia street where our Penang Adventist Hospital was before moving to its present location in Burma Street. The best known paintings are works of Ernest Zacharevi, a Lithuanian-born young artist who was trained in London who was requested by the government to paint some old walls of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The “Little Children on a Bicycle” is the most famous and photographed mural in Georgetown. It depicts a little girl taking her younger brother on a bicycle ride. The joy in their faces echoes down the street, providing a ray of cheer and adding character to Armenian Street. The mural features a 2D art and a 3D real bicycle. It was an awesome effort of Ernest who gave a new life to the old town. Since the Little Children on a Bicycle mural was done, it remains extremely popular with both locals and visitors, that long queues form just to take photos with it. There was one visitor from Europe who said that she just come all this way to see the Little Children on the Bicycle and to see the happiness on the children's faces. Last Sunday, we had to wait in line several minutes before we had the chance to have a picture of this famous painting. Another painting by Ernest is a Boy on a Bike. This is a mural on the wall along Ah Quee Street, in Georgetown, Penang. A Russian artist, Julia Volchkova based in St Petersburg, was invited to paint murals in Penang in 2014. Julia came to paint scenes of the ordinary people that depict the essence of the community. Armenian Street and Chulia Street are favorite streets in Penang's heritage enclave. Opposite the murals, several souvenir vendors sell their wares. Other shops are located there such as: woodcraft shop, museum and restaurant. Mr. Sun Yat Sen Penang base is also located in the street, it has now became the Sun Yat Sen Museum. Along the street you also can find The Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple a religious center of Penang Chinese Hokkiens (Fukian) since the 19th century. As you go down further in the intersection of Lebuh Victoria and Gat Lebuh Armenian and you will reach Ming Xiang Tai Pastry shop. In this intersection another painting called, “I Want Pau” street art mural shows two children stretching their hands from inside a window towards a parked bicycle carrying a stack of dim-sum rattan trays, possibly laden with steamed buns or siopao in
the Philippines (pau). This “I Want Pau” Penang street art mural was painted by WK Setor who named this mural 哥妹俩的童年回忆 or “Childhood” in English. He was invited to do the mural by his friend who run the Ming Xiang Tai pastry shop and apparently, the mural features the two children of the pastry shop's boss! Another painting in Penang is a mural of the famous Mr. Bean character on a bicycle on a wall along the alley to Grand Swiss Hotel in Chulia Street. This art work was done by Yakuzart Creation. It depicts an internationally recognizable personality in the property of an established Hotel Chain. This shows the recognition of Penang Street Art by the business community. Another painting depicts two children on a swing and was painted by a local artist named Louis Gan. This wall mural depicts most likely a brother and a sister having fun on the swing. The road sign “Step by Step Lane” is installed as part of the art work and is not an actual road sign. This art work can be found at Chulia Street Ghaut. Penang Adventist Hospital A history of Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) was featured in last week's “Life as a Missionary.” Three years ago, PAH purchased another hospital/clinic currently known as Adventist Medical Center. It is located just a few steps from the Penang Adventist Hospital premises. Adventist Medical Centre offers a full range of hospital services including 24-hour accident and emergency services. Its medical services include anesthesiology, blood banking, cardiology, ear, nose and throat surgery, ECG, endoscopies, executive health screenings, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, physiotherapy and many others. It also has clinics for outpatient treatments. In addition to the main facility along Burmah Road, Adventist Medical Centre operates the Penang X-Ray Specialist Klinik at 316-H Dato Kramat Road. Yesterday, Lucy was requested by the Vice President of Wellness PAH to speak in the devotional worship for the students and PAH workers. It was a real blessing to share the good news of salvation to this part of the world.
Romy Halasan Changi Airport, Singapore
Photos of Panang Adventist Hospital (PAH)
In Closing … Announcements | From The Mail Bag | Prayer Requests | Acknowledgment Meet The Editors |Closing Thoughts
Our Condolences Our condolences to the family Ellen Mae Anoche (MVC School of Nursing’81; Philos’81) who passed away suddenly in the Philippines last August 22, 2018. She was known to cheerfully nurse friends and family back to health, for her sympathetic listening ear, and as being friendly and very warm. She was also known as a very talented pianist. Everyone is saddened by her sudden passing. From the CyberFlashes family
Alumni Announcements
Alumni Calendar When
What
Where
2018 Dec 14-15 NEW 2018 Dec 28- Jan1 NEW 2019 July 15-20
MVC Alumni Asso. Reunion GYC MVCSN 50th Anniversary Homecoming Reunion Int’l Pathfinder Camporee MVC Alumni Reunion MVCSN Alumni Reunion @ GC
San Deigo, CA Houston, TX MVC Campus
2019 Aug 12-17 2020 TBD 2020 July TBD
Oshkosh, WI MVC Campus Indianapolis
For More Info Elbert Moralde
www.gycweb.org Devaney Bayeta, Pres MVCSN Homebase Chapter www.camporee.org Dr. Gladden Flores
Prayer Requests FOR THE CONTINUED HEALING OF: Felipe Caballero, Asher Himbing, Ching Rivera, Virgie Osita, Oseas Zamora & Remelito Tabingo and for MVC Alumni & Friends who are sick. COMFORT FOR THE BEREAVED FAMILIES OF: Ellen Mae Anoche, Atty. Nick Baguio, Ruth Fabella, Rachel Tabaranza, Gabby Palapar, Honrado Pamintuan , Joe Cortez & his wife Ruth Generato Cortez, Bella Tawatao, Solpen Solilapsi Pierce, Lydia Hilado Ombiga, and other families who recently lost their loved ones. PRAYER REQUESTS FROM SULADS THAILAND: Please pray that God will provide a. Solar panels for the church and parsonage. b. Clean water source for a village in Thailand. c. Supplies for health screening (free clinic) or funds to purchase the supplies. d. Supplies for a 3-day English Camp in Thailand PRAYER REQUESTS FROM SULADS CANADA: Please pray God’s blessings on this endeavor! • First Nations Wellness Coach Training – Part 1 (First of 3 intensive training sessions) 7 Days Intensive Training September 30-October 7, 2018 Camp Hope Lodge. Hope, British Columbia Open to First Nations people and those who are willing to work with First Nation people (Editor’s Note: First Nations is the tribe in Canada that has SULADS working with them) Topics: Spiritual Wellbeing, Natural Medicine and Herbs, Cultural Competency in Ministry, Health and Wellness Coaching, Natural Home Remedies, Basic Business and Marketing Skills, Mental Health and Stress. PRAYER REQUESTS FROM SULADS USA: • PRAYER FOR HEALING for Asher Himbing who will be undergoing a major surgery next week. • PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING for the healing afforded to Jay Salcedo. Both went to MVC last June to attend the SULADS 50th Anniversary Reunion. Both got very sick, their return to the States delayed. Thanking God that they are both Stateside now.
Writers Needed My Most Memorable (Unforgetable) SULAD Experience Events occurred. History happened. You were there. What you saw, heard, felt and know will forever be etched in your memory. Whether you were a sulad or an MVC Student Missionary, whether you were a friend of a sulad, a family member of a sulad, or perhaps a sweetheart of a sulad – please share your story! Deadline: October 25, 2018.
Most Memorable Student Nurse Experience at MVCSN In preparation for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of MVC School of Nursing, CyberFlashes is soliciting stories from those who have been blessed enough to study at MVC for at least a semester or a summer. Things happened: you laughed, you wept, you celebrated and you worked hard on those care plans and those case presentations. You walked some of the strangest places during your CHN rotation, you earnestly prayed that there will be OR cases or births during your hours of duty so that you can get the required credit for assisting in the “major and minor” cases. Yes, much happened. Share your story (or stories!) Deadline: November 1, 2018 Send your SULAD or NURSE stories to Joy Caballero-Gadia. You can send more than 1 story! Email: watermankids at yahoo dot com Facebook Messenger: Joy Caballero-Gadia
MVC Pioneering Stories Were you in MVC in the 1960s-1970s? We are interested in hearing what MVC was like back-inthe-day! The challenges. The answered prayers. The miracles. The fun. The friendships. Email your stories to Evelyn Porteza Tabingo: etabingo at gmail dot com Deadline December 1, 2018
Meet The Editors This week’s issue of Cyberflashes was by Eddie Zamora. Next issue (in two weeks) will be Melodie Mae Karaan Inapan. Please direct all entries to her or to any of the editors. NAME: Eddie Zamora Evelyn Porteza-Tabingo Jessie Colegado Joy Caballero-Gadia Lily EscaraLare Melodie Mae Karaan-Inapan Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart Romulo ‘Romy’ Halasan
EMAIL ADDRESS: ezamora594 at aol dot com etabingo at gmail dot com Cyberflashes at gmail dot com watermankids at yahoo dot com LyLare at Hotmail dot com melodieinapan at yahoo dot com raylene.baumgart at gmail dot com romsnake at gmail dot com
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Acknowledgment A special thank you to the following who helped make this week’s issue of CyberFlashes: • Raylene Baumgart for the report about the 2018 MVCSN Alumni Association Reunion • Merrilyn Lang Demiar, Eddie Eresmas, Meriam Cadiz-Fabriga, Lolita Taroy-Dumpasan, Triphosa Bahian-Gadia, Evangeline Derequito-Santos and Darlene Ruado-Dilag who shared their feedback about what they liked best about the Nurses’ reunion. • Joy Caballero-Gadia for the SULAD Report and for the layout. • Romy Halasan for “LIFE of a Missionary” ; Jessie Colegado for “Jessie’s Patch of Weeds”,
Closing Thoughts: “Precious Memories” J.B.F. Wright Precious memories, unseen angels, Sent from somewhere to my soul. How they linger ever near me, And the sacred past unfolds. Precious memories how they linger, How they ever flood my soul. In the stillness of the midnight. Precious sacred scenes unfold. In the stillness of the midnight, Echoes from the past I hear. Old time singing, gladness ringing, From that lovely land somewhere. Precious memories how they linger, How they ever flood my soul. In the stillness of the midnight. Precious sacred scenes unfold. As I travel on life's pathway, I know not what the years may hold. As I ponder hope grows fonder, Precious memories flood my soul. Precious memories how they linger, How they ever flood my soul. In the stillness of the midnight. Precious sacred scenes unfold.