KuyaKevin.com

I’ve decided to take a little time this afternoon and reflect on 2009—I want to think about God’s amazing, undeserved goodness to me. I’ve kind of been putting this off because I’m not sure I’ll adequately express everything I’m thinking. But there are under twelve hours left in 2009, so it’s now or never.

More than anything I’m thankful for getting to do what I do for a living. Nothing compares to the joy of meeting so many new students every week and being allowed to minister to them. I’m able to follow up with some of these for Bible study and discipleship. Regardless of the end result, I’m thankful for every opportunity God gives me.

So every day has the potential to be a “highlight” for me.  Heck, God has turned simple taxi rides into opportunities to share the gospel.  Having said that, I’ll point out some memorable moments from this past year.

Basta LoveLife’s Second Printing (February): I ordered a batch of books and was told they were the last of the first print. This was quite an emotional moment for me—the book had reached its second print in under a year.


Preaching@Iloilo City: I had an incredible time preaching for the Christ emphasis week at Central University of the Philippines. The Lord really moved that week and I was so blessed to be a part of it. It was my first time to do something like this, but hopefully not my last.


The Radio Show Expands: Erwin and I started the radio show with little more than a desire to give biblical advice to young people. We had no sponsors, no budget, and could barely afford the airtime in Baguio. But God blessed it—the Edge Radio has picked it up, and now it is playing in three major cities (Lucena and Davao in addition to Baguio).

The Second Book: Learning The Hard Way. I finally committed to turning Learning the Hard Way into a book. To be honest, it has been a very draining process—reading and editing these stories was heart wrenching at times. But I believe it’s something God wanted me to do, and I trust Him to use it. I believe the voices of the broken-hearted will speak a warning to this generation. CSM is working very hard to get it published by early 2010.


What has God taught me this year?

First and foremost, God has taught me to step outside of my comfort zone and take risks.  It's something I was starting to learn more about in 2008: Righteous Risks.

God is also teaching me the importance of perseverance. Here’s one of the most valuable quotes I ran across this year:

“Most people overestimate what they can do in their first year, and greatly underestimate what they can do in five years.” -Jim Rohn

This is so true. We (yours truly included) often expect instant result and give up too quickly.


Well, that’s all I can think of right now.   I’ll leave you with a little secret (but don’t tell anyone).

New Year's--our last episode of 2009!

Topics Inlude:
*Should women make the first move?
*Jealousy.
*Why we're excited about 2010. 


Just go to the podcast page (kuyakevin.lybsyn.com) to download or look up Basta LoveLife in iTunes.  This podcast is 100% free.

Attention, Davao! 
The Basta LoveLife Radio Show is on The Edge Davao (FM 104.3).  Just tune in Wednesday nights at 9:00 pm.  

A few years ago I wrote/preached a message on 7 Questions for the New Year (the actual title was Seven Questions for 2007).  I'll be going through these on this week's radio show.  Maybe they will help you do some self-evaluation for the New Year. 

You may be interested in checking out Ministrywatch.com.  They've compiled a list of the best and worst of 2009. 

Hey guys,

My globe phone was snatched (pick pocketed) on the LRT yesterday (yes, Christmas Day). 

It was kind of the "perfect storm" for a thief:  the LRT was very crowded (which surprised me) and I had a handful of books.  I just couldn't guard all of my pockets, hold my books, and keep my balance all at the same time. 

It really isn't a big deal--I lost one a couple of years ago in a bar.  It's why I stick with inexpensive cell phones.

Anyway, my old globe number is out of commission as of about noon yesterday.  Sorry for those of you who sent Christmas greetings and didn't get a reply from me. 

It's the Basta LoveLife Christmas episode:  lots of Christmas music!

Just go to the podcast page (kuyakevin.lybsyn.com) to download or look up Basta LoveLife in iTunes.  This podcast is 100% free.

Faith Hill sings Little Drummer Boy.

Third Day's "remix" of a Christmas Classic. Enjoy!

I originally wrote this during the Christmas season a few years back. I figured it is an appropriate time to post it here at KuyaKevin.com:

This year I will be here in Manila for Christmas. With that in mind, I’ve decided to get into the Christmas spirit and decorate my apartment. I started decorating by putting up a couple of strings of Christmas lights along the wall.

Something surprised me when I plugged the lights in. I discovered that my Christmas lights do more than decorate—they illuminate! They gently light my living room and dining room without the help of the other fixtures. The soft, warm lighting puts me in a good mood every time I plug them in.

I decided to do a little experiment to see just how bright my Christmas lights are. I left them plugged in one night before going to the mall across the street. Upon exiting the mall I looked to see if I could find my apartment. I could clearly see my lights along the living room wall even though my apartment was one hundred yards away and six floors up.

This has caused me to think about Jesus’ words:

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 
-Matthew 5:14-16

A Community of Light

Jesus began the sentence with a plural “you,” immediately followed by the illustration of a “city on a hill.” Even in ancient times, the cumulative effect of lighting must have been striking. A hundred rooms lighted with only lamps or candles would have stood out on a dark horizon.

One reason my Christmas lights work so well is that there are so many of them. You may look at your life and not think you have much influence. As you live your faith alongside other believers, however, you bring desperately needed spiritual “light” into this dark world.

Light Prevails

Jesus also noted that a single light source can give “light to everyone in the house.” Such is the nature of light. Even a small amount or source of it will completely dispel darkness. We should never be intimidated by the spiritual darkness that surrounds us on a daily basis. Christ’s life “shining” through us is more powerful than whatever forces we face.


Light Changes Lives

What will the end result be? People will see our lives and it will ultimately lead them to worship God. Lives will change! Sometimes we talk about “changing the world,” but Jesus spoke about changing lives.

There are some things my Christmas lights cannot change. If the dining room table is messy, it is still a mess when the lights come on. It is the same apartment, but the presence or absence of light makes an unmistakable difference. Such is the presence of believers in the world.

Final Thoughts

There are times when I wonder if I’m making much impact. The task of reaching thousands of students is daunting. Jesus’ simple analogy gives me great encouragement.

I am one of His lights in a dark world, and you are too. Jesus has given us this promise and responsibility whether we chose to believe and accept it or not. You and I are the light of the world, reflecting the One true light (John 8:12). We will see lives change if we simply obey God.


I may not change the world, but I surely want to light it up while I’m here!

I'd like to ask your help with something.

As most of you know, I created a fitness website about a year ago:

http://strongandfit.net

It's been a lot of fun because this is something I'm passionate about--I want people to be good stewards of their health.  It even helps with my own motivation to stay in the gym and to eat a healthier diet--I have to stay in good shape to keep up with teenage students.

But strongandfit.net also has the potential to supplement my income--without interfering with my ministry schedule.  It helps when donations are down or when I want to give more to a ministry project.

So here's how you can help support me financially without spending any money:

Re-post an article from Strongandfit.net to your Facebook, Twitter, or Multiply account.  It's easy, just use the share button located under the body of the article.  It looks like this:
You can also post a link to strongandfit.net in your friendster bulletin.





That's it--it will only take a few seconds of your time.  Thanks!!

Today I had the honor of celebrating the 33rd year of Pildera II Baptist Church.  One of my student contacts invited me to join them for the anniversary service. 

We were able to hear from a Filipino missionary doing work in the southern region of the Philippines (I will not mention his name just in case there are some security issues).  Others also shared testimonies of what God has been doing through their ministry--inspiring stuff.

They also feed me some incredible chicken adobo for lunch.  I was blessed spiritually and physically--the perfect Sunday! 

Do you have a Christmas tree or Christmas decorations you can donate?

Check out the Edge Radio's First Day of Christmas project.  They are using donated decorations to brighten up things at orphanages, children's hospitals, etc.  Deadline for donations is December 15th.

I'll admit, I'm biased--but I think Basta LoveLife would make a wonderful Christmas present for a student, young adult, or any single person.

You can find Basta LoveLife at National Book Stores, Philippine Christian Book Stores, etc.  You can click this post for a longer list of retailers. 

I also sell it personally at a 25% discount (vs retail).  Just contact me for details (kuyakevin at gmail).

OK, it's been ages since I've given away a book--sorry.  I've just been super-busy. 

The latest winner is Prudy, author of The Workplace.  He's also the pastor of Grace Place, a church in Makati.  Stop by his blog and congratulate him. 

Who is my next book winner?   Click here to learn how you can win a free copy of Basta LoveLife. 

OK, so your first boyfriend had fangs, then your second boyfriend has . . . fur?  This has the most bizarre love triangle ever.

Edward Cullen is 109 years old and can quote Shakespeare verbatim . . . but he hasn't managed to graduate high school.

Shall I go on?

Needless to say, I didn't enjoy this movie at all.

Why did I even bother watching New Moon?  Because I knew the vast majority of my students did (especially the girls).  I decided I could endure two hours of misery to keep in touch with my students.

I also watched it in order to address it from a Christian/pastoral perspective. 

Please keep something in mind: I'm not saying New Moon is "bad."   It's fine with me if you enjoyed watching it.  You can go watch it twice if you want, though I think there are better uses of your money. 

What I want to do is make sure we are critically thinking about some of the movie's major events and themes.  Here are three "talking points" I'd like to share with you--things I would point out to a young, impressionable mind:

*Boys in the Bedroom

Isabella (the main female character) always ends up having boys visit her bedroom.  Fortunately, there are no sex scenes--Jacob and Edward are perfect gentlemen.  But this is an unrealistic depiction of what happens in such tempting situations (see also: Hotel Rooms and Hand Grenades). 

*I'd Rather Die than Live Without You

Edward's departure puts Isabella into a deep depression--she basically gives up on life.  Edward attempts suicide because he believes Isabella has died.  This, of course, ads to the whole Romeo and Juliet aspect of the story.  This is fine for the movies, but not real life--we are supposed to build our lives on Jesus, not a romantic relationship (see also: Dumped--Overcoming a Breakup). 

*Bad Boys

Jacob and Edward are both dangerous, albeit for different reasons--the whole "bad boy" thing.  Edward has overcome his own urge to drink blood, but unwittingly exposes Isabella to those who would harm her.  Jacob's werewolf temper is the problem--his "pack leader" even attacked is own wife in a moment of beastly rage.  All this ads dramatic effect and tension to the movie.  But bad boys are usually just bad news in real life (see also:  Three Stupid Words Women Say and The Two Types of Men). 

I hope this humble post will help those of you who work with youth--movies like this are an opportunity to help them think critically. 

Do you want to know how to experience God's work in your life?  Join us at Friday Night Youth Gig!  We are currently studying the Experiencing God series, discussing biblical principles of seeing God at work and joining Him. 

Time: Friday nights, 6:00 p.m. (late comers are always welcome). 

Location: University Baptist Church
818 N. Reyes st. Sampaloc, Manila:  in front of FEU and beside Mcdonald's Morayta.

Join us for a time of games, worship, small group discussions, and a message from God's word.