Wake up Call!

Calling the attention of Call Center People!

We invite you to join us for our Christmas Celebration with Ms. Germain Santos as our guest speaker. Let's all have fun and morning fellowship, pajamas on! Be there!

Few reminders:
- You may change in your pajama attire at GCF, there will be prizes waiting for with the most creative and unique pajama attire.
- Our exchange gift's theme is something useful in sleeping worth at least P200.00.
- The most number of agents/employees from one company wearing their pajama gets an award.

For further questions contact persons are Rajsh and Jenny (see their numbers above).

Hello there!

We apologize that we have not been able to update our blogsite, but we would like to make you aware that CONNECT still meets every Monday morning for breakfast fellowship and Bible study.

This month of October (6th, 13th and 20th) we will go through a new series on PEACEMAKING with Pastor Raul Caguin as our speaker.

We have already started the study this morning and we had a wonderful time together, but it would be more fun to have you join us! For further inquiries contact Pastor Art Handog at 09209613846 or Rajsh Sabio at 09153140144.

God speed!

What's next in Connect?

Choose Your Cup of Coffee Series:

Coffee Break
STILL WATERS: God Managing Our Stress
When: 7th, 14th and 21st of July 2008
Speaker: Pastor Rico Domingo

Coffee Talk
QUIETING THE STORM: God Meeting Our Financial Needs
When: 4th, 11th, and 18th of August 2008

Brewed Coffee
LIVING WATERS: Making A Life Not Just For Living
When: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd of September 2008

(Last Mondays of the Month will be our Series break, we will be updating you about it in the future. Hoping to see you in our fellowship!)

Our Next Call Center Agents' Day

"Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationship" series ends

Last Monday, May 19, 2008 our series study on "Love, Sex and Lasting Relationship" (God's prescription for enhancing you Love Life by Chip Ingram) with our facilitator Pastor Arnold Perona ends.

We apologized if we we're not able to post the lessons for the past weeks, to give you a bit of things to learn, here are some of the testimonial from the people who were able to complete the series:

“I learned about real love and infatuation; knowing how to differentiate the two, also the three types of love… Eros, Phi Leo, and Agape. I learned the importance of putting God always as the base of every relationship, because would help it grow stronger. What can I say about it? I guess it's really important not only for those who are married, but especially to those who are single. It’s not only informative but a sure life mindset changer. Let’s face it, almost everyone don’t consider sex as sacred anymore. And I think it would be better if these were discussed in school rather than teaching students plainly sex education having God emphasized on the lesson.”
-Marc Espinosa, CSR from Teleperformance


“Instead of worrying who will be your partner for life, like most people do, why not become the right person first? It is better to please God and pray for that person because a woman’s life is made heaven or hell once she becomes a bride.”
-Claire Gozo, Supervisor from Teleperformance

“I learned of the difference between Hollywood relationship and ideal relationship. It list down how the former works compared to the latter. Bottom line is ideal relationship works well!"
-Niel Sumague, Reports Analyst from Sitel

“Before ang alam ko sa Christian love about the opposite sex is ‘do not be equally yoked’ and ‘effort and sacrifice for the other’ but didn’t realize I was looking at a wrong perspective. My focus was the other person, kung ano maganda sa kanya, when in fact I should be looking at myself, that I should remove the plank in my eyes…If I think of ‘being the right person’ instead of looking at the ‘right person’ there is more chance and time to grow spiritually and strengthen my character. And most important is ‘being the right person’ is focused on God. And yeah people are bound to disappoint us in one way or another, we are bound to be affected, to get hurt but if our focus is on God then we’ll readily understand the other person… Mas maraming chance maging Christ like kung palagi ko iisipin be the right person kesa mag-criticize sa ibang tao...

Tinamaan din ako dun sa ‘put your emotions behind God’s leading’ kasi masyado akong emotional to the point na minsan kina-cloud ng emotions ko yung pagiisip ng matino, na nagiging impulsive lang ako tapos jinu-justify ko pa na nagpapakatotoo lang ako sa emotions ko. I know na although it is right to be true to myself it doesn’t mean that I will always follow what I feel lalo na kung nasa heights ng emotions ko. It all leads to focus on God… What would Jesus do… Every emotions should be controlled by reasons. Kala ko pati yung infatuation based on lust lang or yung sobrang babaw na love pero kahit pala di yun pwede pa ring maging infatuation."
-Olivia Perez, Account Manager from Convergys

“To have a lasting relationship we should have a serious commitment. Sex is a gift from God which should be enjoyed by those who are married. World’s standard of love is more on the physical aspect which usually ends up to failure. It is a good opportunity to have a series like L, S, and LR for us to be reminded to always be on guard especially if there’s a temptation. To pursue purity and long for a relationship that involves God.”
-Mich Lopez, CSR from ICT Group

Those were just some words of the people that had the privilege attending the series. We hope that indeed God will be glorified in our lives as we apply what we have learned. Until next series study!

God bless you all!

Are you a PLAYER?

Whether you used to be a player...

or you're a professional player...

or you want to learn how to be a player...

or you just want to watch the players...




YOU ARE INVITED TO COME and JOIN US!

CONNECT'S SERIES BREAK - BADMINTON FELLOWSHIP.

Monday, March 31 at 7am GCF Multipurpose Hall (6th flr). Contact Raya Sabio at 0916-635-8627 for more details.

If you have your own racket then bring it, if you don't have one, don't worry we'll provide for you! Invite your friends and let's all have fun!

God speed.

Spiritual Guidance in the Workplace

A privilege to have once again Pastor Arnold Perona speak to us about "Spiritual Guidance in the Workplace" as we close this month for our series study mentioned.

There were a total of 14 people present with a first time guest Christy, invited by Janet joining the fellowship.

The summary of the message is as follows:

OWNERSHIP and PURPOSE
-Our actions in the workplace depends on how we think "who we are".
-We need to be able to learn from one another.
-Like fish in the ocean let us not be affected of the environment we are in; the ocean is salty but when you cook a fish the taste of of the ocean doesn't affect it, you have to actually add salt into it.
-You have to know who owns you.

The PROBLEM - we have inadequate knowledge and clarity on Biblical principles.

The CRISIS - some has poor understanding who God really is. and we tend to think that it is all about our SELF, no GOD in between.
-We feel we are "Owners".
-We freely accept erroneous teachings; not Biblical.


The SOLUTION-keep in mind that you have been created/raised up wisely and as godly men and women.
-You work because you help the company earn profit.
-God's way of conducting business is different.
- Isaiah 40:8 says "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." meaning we do not put the "culture" (our culture) on top of the Word of God but rather we put the Word of God on top of the culture.

The OBJECTIVE
1. Integrate principles from the scriptures with your daily life, do not neglect your daily devotion and quiet time.

2. Doing business God's way is not a shortcut to more profits and fewer difficulties, from time to time it may cost money. But honest profit earn in an essential way because it glorifies God.
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." - Isaiah 48:17

3. To develop leadership and to grow in christ so that you will be more like Him as a business leader. Even if you think you are not a leader do not forget that "We are leaders in our own ways..."

OWNERSHIP
"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" -Psalm 24:1
-After creating all things He did not transfer the ownership.
-Recognizing God's ownership is the foundation to making Jesus Christ the Lord of our business. He is the owner of EVERY business, large or small, public or private.

CONTROL
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." - 1 Chronicles 29:11
-We get disappointed because we think we are in control while it is clearly stated we are not.
-Instead of expecting, hope and pray to lessen disappointment.
"The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths." - Psalm 135:6
-God allows difficult circumstances to develop our character, He allows difficult circumstances to discipline His children. His plan is "not to harm you but to give you hope."

RESPONSIBILITY
"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2
-A steward is a manager of someone Else's possessions.
-We cannot choose how we die but we can choose how to live.
-A faithful steward is what God is looking for.
-We are in the position to influence others for Christ specially those who would rarely consider attending a church.

PURPOSE
1. Is to glorify God.
-You are placed there to take care of your customer; customer satisfaction first then profit comes next, a win-win relationship.
-Look at the Cross before looking at the crown; His suffering before the glory, His sacrifices before the prize.

2. To make profit
-Monetary or a side kick reward.
-The most important profit is you store up treasures in heaven.

3. To support the work of Christ.
-Consider your work a ministry; work and take on eternal significance.

4. to spiritually impact our sphere of influence.

CONCLUSION- keep it in your mind and in your heart and live it up!
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all." - 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Our group picture with P. Arnold

Next month study series will be about - LOVE, SEX AND LASTING RELATIONSHIP by CHIP INGRAM with P. Arnold Perona facilitating our study for two months. Hope to see you all there!

To God be the glory!

Our Special Day - Call Center Agents' Day!

To God be the glory for a wonderful and successful event -- CALL CENTER AGENTS' DAY yesterday!

We had the privilege hearing an encouraging message from Rev. Lito Villoria. There were 31 Call Center People who joined in for the fellowship of which 5 were first time guest:

Valerie from Genpact
Jones invited by Joy
Jane from Convergys
Morris from JP Morgan Chase Bank
Emil from ICT Group


Here are some of the highlights of the said event:


Few of the Girls present



P. Mau and P. Art




Our Emcees- Rajsh and JV



The Game: Who am I? here we have a Hero.



Here we have a Celebrity



Mira as TOM HANKS and Mommy Bibeth as MAHAL



Some of the Ice Breaker Game Winners- Venus, Janet, Jones



agents singing praise to HIM



The message on "Finding fulfillment in the WORKPLACE"



Collossians 3:23-24



Early bird for the Day- Valerie



Some of the Group picture










Until the next Call Center Agents' Day on JUNE 16, 2008!

A testimony...

Our sister- Mich Lopez shared a very beautiful testimony yesteday during our Call Center Agents' Day...

I've worked as a Call Center Agent almost right after I graduated from College. At first I thought of this job just to help me improve my communication skills. It never occurred into my mind that I'd stay in this job for almost three years now.

Yes, I'm a Christian and as a kid I grew up in Sunday school classes, but with the kind of environment we have in this industry I've been exposed to different kinds of temptation which unfortunately, I'd given in, I developed different vices, got into a wrong relationship and had a poor working habit.

But God didn't let me drown into that pit. Instead he helped me and restored me through the ministry of Gcf-Connect. I didn't have friends in the office who would understand my needs especially in my spiritual growth. I may have friends not those I can relate with when it comes to the topic about "God" because I'm not that confident to share my faith with the kind of life w was living back then.

With Gcf-Connect, I have friends who can pray for me and check on how I am doing with brotherly and sisterly care.

It didn't surprise me that in an instant when I prayed to God that I want to be free from all the vices He took them away because I know without Him I still may be slave of those things which are not pleasing. Only God can do those miraculous things for me. I cannot do it on my own.

The hardest part for me at that time is letting go of the wrong relationship that I've had. I wrestled with Him and even prayed for the wrong reasons just to justify everything. It was one of those topic which I've read on our blogspot about "Decision Making". I decided to break up with the guy and true enough , peace took place in my heart-

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."-Philippians 4:6

And God showed me that it is not just about "affection" but true love is "God's unconditional love". HE is sufficient in those times suffiencient in those times that I felt I'm alone and up to now it makes me enjot serving Him.

It is one of those topics also in Connect that I've learned not to just go to the office an do the usual things. It made me realize that I should give my best in Everything that I do and work as if I'm doing it for God. It made me reap all the good things as a result of hardwork, I was also impatient but God revealed to me that what i need to do is trust Him and He's in control of everything even in the most difficult situation.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,"-Colossians 3:23

Even though I have problems, God is enough. I was able to forgive those who hurt me. God gave me security and He supplies all my needs.

It is my prayer that we could bring more people to Connect for them to learn more about God and experience His goodness.

To God be all the glory!

Finding Fulfillment in the WORKPLACE

To God be all the glory, honor and praise for a successful Call Center Agents' Day. A wonderful message given by our guest speaker-- Rev. Lito Villoria on "Finding Fulfillment in the Workplace".

The summary of the message is as follow:


G- give your best
I- instill discipline
V- value your work
E- excel in everything

Y- yield to authority
O- offer one's apologies
U- understand your responsibility
R- rest regularly

B- balance your time
E- esteem others
S- spend wisely
T- Thank God always

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. -Colossians 3:23-24

Making a Difference in my Workplace

We are so glad and privileged to have Ms. Tess Angeles, GCF General Secretary who spoke to us yesterday about-- "Making a Difference in my Workplace". There were 13 people present in our fellowship who were encouraged in giving our best to the One.

The summary of the message is as follows:

Christianity is a day-by-day, moment by moment walk with the Lord. But How do Christians fit in this world? How should a Christian view his/her work? How should he/she behave there? Should he/she enjoy his/her profession or merely endure it? Should the sincere follower of Christ leave the workplace and enter "full-time Christian work" as a sign of maturity and deep-level commitment? Is a believer justified in allowing his job to interfere with his spiritual growth? Is it ethical for the Christian to view hi/her workplace simply as one more area to evangelize?

Understanding WORK- Genesis 1 paints the first picture of work, God was at work! He created, made, set, increased the numbers, etc. And His work brought Him joy. In Genesis 2, Adam accepted the job without question (this was before he sinned). Genesis 3 was the "curse of the ground..." Work was twisted but it is still God's design.


The Role of Workplace in the Kingdom Agenda

1. YEAST influences the whole- Matthew 13:33
God can start with your own life to influence others. How can you make a difference being a yeast in your workplace? Are you afraid or ashamed of telling the gospel?

2. LIGHT and Good deeds bring glory to God- Matthew 5:14-16
The work of Christ should be displayed in your life. how can you make a difference being a light in your workplace? What examples of "good works" that will make people glorify God when they see you? Things that you do are part of the light that radiates to other people.

3. MUSTARD seed- Matthew 13:31-32
Can you think of a time or a way that something small grew to become very influential part of the Christian work? When and how did it happen?

4. GROWING seed- Mark 4:26-29
Can you think of a time or a way that you have done something in your work by your own? Don't work alone-- work with HIM!

How Do We Make a Difference in our Workplace?

1. WHAT WE DO- make a difference!
a. Proper attitude toward AUTHORITY- Colossians 3:22-25 and 1 Peter 2:18
b. Willingness to show INITIATIVE- Proverbs 6:6-8
c. Commitment to EXCELLENCE- Colossians 3:23-24
d. Good and old-fashioned HONESTY- Ephesians 4:28

2. WHO WE ARE- a loving Christ-like character; kind, gentle, cheerful, with dignity.

3. WHAT WE SAY- the Word of God must be articulated to evoke others to believe. Always be prepared to have an answer when people ask you of the HOPE you have in your life. Share it gently and with clarity.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Next week will be our special day, we will gather for our quarterly event-- CALL CENTER AGENTS' DAY! Invite your friends and colleauges to come. We will have Rev. Lito Villoria as our speaker continuing our series in "FINDING FULFILLMENT IN THE WORKPLACE".

Two Mondays

As we continue with the message on LOVE...

Connect had the privilege to hear P. Euge Geanga last February 11 with 12 people who came in.


And earlier P. Art Handog with 18 people joining the fellowship.

Next week for our break-- we will not meet so we may all enjoy the holiday and just rest at home. We'll resume our fellowship on March 3 with a new series on- "Finding Fulfillment in the Workplace". May God bless us all! See you then.

Characteristics of love

1 Corinthians 13
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Yesterday we had P. Mau Rivera lead us in study about "Characteristics of Love", passage taken from 1 Corinthians 13.

We praise God for the 11 people who came in for the fellowship and for Marc and Claire as our early birds.

Summary of the message is as follows:

I. Love is Essential - 13:2

1. Love is more important than prophecy. The Bible is full of prophecies but combined they are not as great as love. Prophecy covers the whole range of eternity from creation to the end of Revelation. Prophecy is excellent, but it is useless without love.

2. Love is more important than mysteries. This includes the whole range of the unknown: Trinity, Incarnation, Election, etc. A knowledge so great that could understand all these is useless without love.

3. Love is more important that knowledge. This includes the whole range of possible learning: schools, universities, and or college degrees. These are all wonderful if they are accompanied by love, the dynamic of life.

4. Love is more important than faith- the whole range of the inward devotional of man. Faith as a grain of mustard seed would be wonderful, but useless without love. Without love, man is nothing. He is a nonentity, a nobody.

II. Love is Generous (13:3)

Giving without love is useless. To give with a harsh spirit is useless. God manifests His love by giving. The gift of Christ to man was bathed in love. Christmas gift may be without love - just as a matter of courtesy.

1. Utmost possible sacrifices of property are useless if the action is not governed an immersed in love.

2. Utmost possible sacrifices of one's person (martyrdom) is useless without being impregnated with His love, divine love, the love of God.

III. Love is Able to Suffer (13:4a)

Most outstanding quality of love.

True love says, I love you and will go through fire, sorrow and trouble for you. True love is able to endure suffering and yet remain sweet and kind.

The Christian pathway is one of the suffering, yet the Christian learns to love. Through suffering his Christian character matures and deepens.

Love that turns to hate overnight was mere human love or perhaps only infatuation. This is well illustrated in the story of 2 Samuel 13:15.

True love involved a Calvary. God loved us so much that His great love could find expression in nothing less than the suffering of Calvary.

IV. Love is not... (13:4b-6a)

1. Envious "It does not envy." True love does not envy success, gifts, talents, and possessions of others.
2. Boastful "It does not boast." It does not show off. It maintain humility.
3. Conceited "It is not proud." True love always prefers the other one to self.
4. Rude "It is not rude." It is never coarse or offensive. True love is courteous at all times.
5. Selfish "It is not self-seeking." Love sacrifices and gives generously.
6. Irritable "It does not easily angered". True love is not touchy. It absorbs much.
7 Censorious "Does not delight in evil." It is not critical, reproving, carping, nagging suspicious or blaming.
8. Sin loving "rejoice not in iniquity." True love hates and abominates sin.

V. Love is... (13:6b-8a)

1. Truthful "rejoice in the truth." Love delights to tell the truth.
2. Sustaining "beareth all things." True love does not collapse under strain, emotional, mental or physical.
3. Trusting "believeth all things." True love thinks good motives, not suspicious.
4. Hopeful "hopeth all things." True love always expects the best.
5. Enduring "endureth all things." It endures through time, exceptions and even death.
6. Successful "love never fails." This is true because Romans 8:28 is true.

VI. Love is Eternal (13:8b-12)

1. Love will outlive prophecy.
2. Love will outlive tongues.
3. Love will outlive knowledge.

God is love- 1 John 4:16. Love is an attribute of the Almighty. Heaven and earth mat pass away but love will abide. Love is eternal. When manhood comes, verses 9-12, we put away childish things for the adult things. We put away the fleeting things of the youth for the mature knowledge of adulthood.

VII. Love is Supreme

1. Love is greater than faith. Salvation is wrapped up in faith, yet love is far superior. Love was the movie and power under girding salvation.
2. Love is greater than hope. Romans 8:24 "For we are saved by hope..." Heaven is so different from earth for it is controlled by love.

Christ, the One who indwells us desires that daily we should manifest this love. The world is dying for a little bit of love. Let us share His love with others.

Bridge that connects DREAMS to REALITY

12 People gathered for fellowship last Monday, January 21. Small number yet we are so glad to have 3 first time guests:


Eds (Teleperformance- Edsa Central), Joy (invited by Rajsh) and Monica (IBM-Libis).

Joy and Monica were the early birds of the day, praise God for that. And even though most people who missed out the fellowship due to schedule conflict, we praise God for bringing again Pastor George Payocong in sharing to us lesson in Bridging dreams to reality from the book of Nehemiah 2.

As per Next week we will have our series break-- breakfast in R&J Bulalohan in Mandaluyong City. Please contact Rajsh for details. See you and God bless!

Knowing God, my Ultimate Goal

Indeed another wonderful morning spent with God's people having fellowship and enjoying our devotion lead by Teacher Carol Felipe. The passage taken from John 9:1-10, the story of the blind man whom Jesus healed.

20 people came in last Monday. And we praise God for seeing familiar faces who've been gone for quite some time. A warm WELCOME to Marie Cura of JP Morgan Chase Bank, our first time guest. And a big HAND to Vin and Kathleen for being the early bird of the day.

Next week we will have Pastor George Payocong as our speaker. Hope to see you all there!

Happy New Year!

2008-- another year for CONNECT to look forward to.


15 people gathered on Monday, January 17 as Connect resumes for breakfast fellowship. We missed a lot of faces but indeed it was great to have seen each other again (after the two week break).

We welcome our first time guest - Eric Daza from SITEL Care Philippines - Pioneer, and although he has to leave early we enjoyed having fellowship with him.

Hope to see you again Eric!

Kudos to Jenna (ICT- Ortigas) for being the early bird of the day!

And indeed we are privilege to have P. Kevin Alamag speak to us about "Setting Your Priorities Right". A wake up call on how to assess if things important to us our things that is important for us. The sumarry of the message is as follows:

Priorities in the Life of Jesus:1. Being with God and doing his will (Luke 2:41-52)
2. Resisting Temptation (Matthew 4)
3. Passion for the Lost (Luke 19)- reaching out to them; wanting them to know God is looking for them.
4. Not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
5. To lay down his life for others (John 12-:1-26)
6. Being a servant- serving others, even his enemies
7. Glorifying God through his disciples (John 17:1)

Five Things to ask to bring PRIORITIES in line with GOD's:
1. Where do you spend most of your time?
2. Where do you spend most of your resources?
3. What do you dream about the mosty?
4. Whom do you idolize?
5. What do I often talk about?

Essential Qualities
1. Discipline- "chosen suffering"
2. Vision- includes optimism and hope
3. Wisdom- applied knowledge
4. Courage- ability to make bold decisions
5. Decisiveness
6. Humility
7. Integrity/Sincerity
8. Humor
9. Anger
10. Patience- thinking before speaking
11. Friendship
12. Able to inspire others
14. Administrative capbilities
15. Listening skills
16. Ability to Communicate the Vision

As per next week we will have Teacher Carol Felipe speak to us. Please read John 9:1-10 for advance study of the lesson.

See you and God bless!