Frontlines Asia Volume 14, Issue 2

Stories Inside: Flor’s Double Miracles, Blessed in Return, Beyond Greener Pastures,
Young Thais Now Live For Christ, Dream Come True, My God is Big!
God’s Heart for
The Global Filipino
by John Tan, Executive Vice President
& Chief Operating Officer
F
ilipinos have a special role in God’s
plan for the redemption of mankind.
Our role then in CBN Asia is to encourage
them to live for God and His purpose,
wherever they may be in the world.
Today The 700 Club Asia broadcasts
daily not just to millions in our country but
also to multitudes of Filipinos abroad via
GMA Life TV and Trinity Broadcasting
Network. Every day tens of thousands
of overseas Filipino workers are inspired
through our show, and seek prayers and
guidance from our 24/7 Counseling Center.
We also reach out to our
kababayans overseas with the weekly
webcast on www.cbnasia.org, where
we give them an opportunity to watch
The 700 Club Asia live, as well as
interact and pray with our hosts and
counselors in real time. Also, the show’s
Facebook community continues to grow
rapidly. Here, OFWs can watch featured
testimonies and post their prayer requests.
We pray that God will open more
avenues for our TV ministry to penetrate
more countries. Right now we are
strengthening our online efforts to tap
OFWs who go increasingly online.
Hopefully we can visit them personally
through seminars and events, like what we
did recently in Hong Kong. We are looking
into holding these activities in Australia this
September for the Pinoy community there.
Because the Global Filipino is in
God’s heart, it is CBN Asia’s heart to bless
them with the immense love of our Father,
and your partnership
with the Family of
Ministries makes
this possible.
W
alk the streets of “Asia’s World City”
and you can always hear Tagalog or
meet the warm smile of a kababayan amidst
the motley of nationalities and cultures.
Around 140,000 overseas Filipino
workers have found their greener pasture in
Hong Kong, but this promise of a better life
abroad leaves much to be desired for
many OFWs.
We’ve all heard stories of ill-treated
domestic helpers and OFWs with broken
families back home. Even the more
fortunate ones are not exempt from bouts
of homesickness. But today, more and more
of them are uplifted with good news from
home brought by The 700 Club Asia.
CBN Asia’s flagship TV program in the
Philippines broadcasts inspiration and hope
to thousands of Filipinos in Hong Kong and
millions more around the world via GMA
Life TV and Trinity Broadcasting Network.
These overseas viewers find comfort in
The 700 Club Counseling Center in Manila,
where calls, texts, emails, and chat messages
are received daily from OFWs in need of
prayer. Counselors then lead them to God’s
Word as their guide, and to Jesus Christ as
their Savior.
Recently, CBN Asia brought to Hong
Kong its other ministries, Operation
Blessing and Asian Center for Missions,
to visit our fellow Pinoys and give them
blessings from home.
Higher Purpose for the Global Filipino
Rev. Nathaniel Ramos of Asian Center for
Missions believes in God’s great plan for
the global Filipino. His vision of OFWs as
a new breed of missionaries fuels ACM’s
new initiative called Global Bayanihan, a
campaign launched as a strategic response to
cross-cultural missions.
Global Bayanihan made its mark in
Hong Kong last May through a series of
relevant seminars that transformed the hearts
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and minds of our kababayans.
In one seminar entitled “Abroad
Para Kanino?” Rev. Ramos challenged
churchgoers at Word for the World Hong
Kong to emulate Abraham of the Bible, and
how he fulfilled God’s plan even while in a
foreign land.
Belinda, one of the seminar
participants, went back to the family she
serves as a domestic helper imbued with
a new purpose. “I want to influence my
employers, and not the other way around. I
will pray that they get to know Jesus,”
she said.
Global Bayanihan also held seminars at
the International Christian Assembly, one of
the largest Filipino churches in Hong Kong,
where Rev. Ramos stressed the crucial role of
emotions and finances in OFW families.
In “Malayo Man, Malapit Din,”
hundreds of OFWs in attendance, mostly
mothers separated from their families back
home, learned how to strengthen their
emotional bonds even from miles away.
They were also taught on the changing
responsibilities of family members in
managing finances in “Pera at Pamilya.”
As Filipinos go increasingly global, their
purpose and their families must be kept in
check, says Rev. Ramos.
“If you won’t give OFWs a higher
purpose, they will get lost in their success
or end up frustrated in their pains and
failures. The result is broken families,”
says the ACM Philippine Director. “We
want to give them meaning as to why
they’re working abroad: they are blessed to
become a blessing.”
Healing For Our Bagong Bayani
As the whole Filipino community in Hong
Kong celebrated Independence Day last
June, Operation Blessing was also there to
bring its service with compassion for our
untiring OFWs.
conducted with help from volunteers.
The medical advice from the OB team
means a lot for these OFWs, who still prefer
the caring hands and warm attention of
Filipino doctors, explains Consul General
Claro Cristobal.
True enough, the team gave comfort
to some domestic helpers with afflictions
that go beyond their physical bodies. These
bagong bayani feel like weary heroes with
wounded spirits. And so besides giving
medical advice, the doctors also prayed for
them to receive total healing from God.
You’re a Blessing to OFWs
There are millions of OFWs toiling
hard and enduring odds a world away
from home just so they can bless their
families and our nation. It’s time to bless
these unsung heroes in return, and your
partnership with CBN Asia makes
For two days, a team of family
physicians, an ob-gyn, and a cardiologist
gave free consultations to over 400
Filipinos present at the festivities in
Victoria Park. Health seminars, reflexology,
and blood pressure checkups were also
HEALING
this possible.
Because you chose to support our
different ministries in television, prayer
counseling, humanitarian outreaches, and
cross-cultural missions, Filipinos can hear
the transforming Good News of Jesus
Christ, wherever they may be in the world.
Flor’s Double Miracles
An OFW proves that The 700 Club Asia also works wonders for viewers abroad.
F
lor Lumbab experienced a lot as a
domestic helper in Hong Kong for more
than two decades. But it was her miraculous
healing—not just
once but twice—that
continues to amaze her.
In 2008, a couple
of cysts were seen in
Flor’s ovary, and these
brought her intolerable
pain. Watching
The 700 Club Asia
daily on TBN has been
her source of strength
during that ordeal.
“I held on to God
even more because of
the testimonies I hear
on the show,” Flor said.
One night she exercised
her faith as she claimed the prayer on the
show for someone with an excruciating
abdominal pain.
Weeks later, the doctor was stunned to
see not even a trace of ovarian cyst on Flor’s
cervical ultrasound.
But God has more in store for Flor.
While watching the show last October
2009, she heard a prayer for a woman
with a long-standing back
problem. That night, Flor
was complaining of her
painful large cyst she had
on her back for years.
“I can’t believe this is for
me again!” she exclaimed.
She knelt down and started
praising God. Indeed, a
few days later the large cyst
ruptured suddenly and
painlessly. God relieved Flor
from the nagging burden on
her back.
“It’s only because of faith
that I’ve been healed,” she
says. “The Lord really used
The 700 Club Asia here in Hong Kong as
His instrument of healing.”
Healing Is Now A Phone Call Away. Ask
prayers from The 700 Club Counseling
Center at 810-7717 or 810-7176.
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CBN Asia Reaches Out
to More Filipinos
in Hong Kong
MINISTERING TO MINISTERS
IN HONG KONG
CBN Asia brought its Ministering to
Ministers seminar to Hong Kong, where
Filipino pastors, church workers, and
their spouses felt energized in their
responsibilities in their ministries and
families after listening to engaging
husband-and-wife team Peter and
Christine Kairuz.
The event was made possible
with help from Pastors Oral Guevara
and Alfredo Felisilda of the Filipino
congregation of International Christian
Assembly (ICA).
PETER KAIRUZ SPEAKS AT ICA
The 700 Club Asia host became a blessing
to a thousand OFWs attending the
Filipino church of ICA.
For two consecutive worship
services, the 500-seater ICA church—
one of the biggest Filipino Christian
congregations in Hong Kong—was filled
with OFWs eager to listen to Kairuz,
who challenged everyone with his Sunday
message about the Biblical principle of
sowing and reaping.
OPERATION BLESSING
HOLDS HEALTH TALK FOR OFWS
Dr. Kim April Pascual, EVP and COO
of Operation Blessing Foundation
Philippines (OB), conducted a small
informal talk on women’s health, healing,
and caring for the sick for OFWs at ICA.
Dr. Pascual shared her medical
expertise—as well as her poignant testimony
as a cancer survivor—to a room packed
with Filipinas working in Hong Kong.
GIVING HEARTS
Blessed in Return
Peter Kairuz meets and blesses a generous OFW couple in Hong Kong.
R
osciel has work on a Sunday. But she took people they’ve helped, not just materially but
the day off so she and her husband Randy also spiritually,” Rosciel adds.
can meet The 700 Club Asia host Peter Kairuz. The 700 Club Asia also inspires Rosciel
Rosciel and Randy enjoy watching
to hold on to her deepest longing: “It gives
The 700 Club
us hope that we
Asia in Hong
will finally have our
Kong, helping
first baby in
them grow
God’s time.”
closer to God
When Peter met
and to each
the couple after
other. The
his preaching at a
young couple
Filipino church, he
uses marriage
personally prayed
topics from
for them and spoke
the show as
a blessing of a
pointers for
wonderful family
strengthening
life ahead.
their bond.
“Now I can feel
Rosciel
an answered prayer
Peter Kairuz spoke a special blessing for OFWs Rosciel and Randy.
says, “The
finally coming,”
program also showed us the great poverty
Rosciel says with a smile.
of some Filipinos, and how CBN Asia is
reaching out to them.” This prompted the
The 700 Club Asia Goes Global! Go
couple to support CBN Asia financially.
to www.cbnasia.org to check our show
“We’ve seen the sincerity of CBN Asia.
schedules abroad.
We ourselves were moved by the joy of those
OVERSEAS FILIPINO WITNESS
Beyond Greener Pastures
Helen finds a partner in bringing more lives to Jesus.
N
ot all stories of domestic helpers are
about mistreated and lonely Filipinas.
There are many like Helen Tabayan who
found a greater purpose to working abroad.
Helen came to
know Jesus in Hong
Kong 19 years ago, and
her life has changed
since then. God has
given her the heart to
witness for Christ in a
foreign land.
Little by little, she
is sowing God’s Word
in the home where she
works. She continually
prays for her employers
and the children she
takes care of. She also
boldly preaches in the
streets of Hong Kong
as an outreach volunteer of her church.
“If only these people would know how
much they need God, and not material
things that easily fade,” she says.
In 2008, Helen discovered
The 700 Club Asia on the Trinity
Broadcasting Network. Finally, she found
a Filipino program that inspires and
encourages forlorn OFWs.
Immensely moved by the
stories in the show, Helen
began partnering with CBN
Asia financially.
“I’ve seen how CBN Asia
ministers to Filipinos back
at home, and through this,
many souls will be reached
out for Christ,” says Helen,
“and with my pledge, I can
be part of it even when I’m
here in Hong Kong. We
cannot do everything, but at
least we can do something.”
Where There’s a
Filipino, There’s
The 700 Club Asia
Watch The 700 Club Asia abroad! Catch
us from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan,
Guam, Australia, New Zealand, Middle
East, Italy, United Kingdom, United
States, Canada—and many more!—via
GMA Life TV or Trinity Broadcasting
Network. Check broadcast schedules at
www.gmapinoytv.com or www.cbnasia.org.
“Your program helped me grow closer to
God. Kahit anong pagsubok nakaya ko.”
— Concepcion, Saudi Arabia
“I thought nobody listens to me, even
God. But with your help, lalong lumalim
ang faith ko kay God.” — Caroline, Japan
“What a great show! Para akong nasa
Pilipinas.” — Pauleen, India
Catch us live on the web!
The 700 Club Asia airs live every
Wednesday, 11 a.m. Manila time on
www.cbnasia.org, where you can interact
with our prayer counselors as well. Just
click the “Live Webcast” button.
Join us on Facebook! Watch select
videos on The 700 Club Asia’s Facebook
page, and post your prayer request while
you’re at it.
Our counselors are here for you, no
matter what time zone you’re in! They’re
available 24/7 on Yahoo! Messenger [tsca.
cbnasia] and Skype [tscacbnasia] if you
need comfort and prayers.
Be Part of the Club!
If you’re abroad, email [email protected]
to learn how you can be a member of
The 700 Club.
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THAILAND
CAMBODIA
Young Thais Now Live
For Christ
An ACM-trained missionary couple tells
us of changed lives in Chiang Mai.
C
hai and Nut, both 19, are new believers
and were baptized last March. They
came to know the Lord through the youth
ministry of Dawn of Life Christian Church.
Chai shared his amusing story of how
faith, even as little as a mustard seed, works
wonders. When his chicken fell gravely ill,
he prayed that if God really exists, He will
make his chicken well. The next day, he was
amazed to see his chicken walking on its feet
again. This miracle from the Lord, though
performed on an animal, made Chai believe
that there is indeed a God!
Nut was initially concerned of possible
persecution from his Buddhist family.
But still he decided to obey the Lord and
underwent water baptism.
As he turns 20, Buddhist tradition
expects him to earn merit for his family by
being a monk for two days, a week, or even
longer. He is hesitant to do this now that
he is a Christian. Please pray that when the
time comes, the Lord will give Nut strength
and wisdom to make the right decision.
See More Missionaries At Work. Visit the
Asian Center for Missions Facebook page
www.acmnet.org for more field updates
For more inquiries, call us at
(632) 810-5381 or (632) 840-2104
You can also visit us at Room 604,
ACCM Building, 102 Valero Street,
Salcedo Village, Makati City
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Dream Come True
One missionary sows seeds of aspiration among young Cambodians.
“A
man is poor not because he has
no money, but because he has
no dreams for himself.” Srouch realized
this to be true in
his life.
When he
first came to a
youth center run
by a Filipino
missionary, he
never thought
about going to
college. To him it
was an impossible
dream. He
thought working
in the farm is
more important
than education.
He never expected
that one day his
life would drastically change.
During a worship service, Srouch
decided to give his life to Jesus. The
missionary, a graduate of Asian Center
for Missions, guided him and taught him
to dream dreams.
Srouch decided to study hard and aim
for the best. His perseverance paid off when
he was admitted at the
Royal University of Law and
Economics in Phnom Penh.
He received a sponsorship
and is now studying law.
He once said: “The
first time I set foot on the
university, I was so scared that
my knees were trembling.
That was the first time I saw a
very huge school.”
Today, Srouch is doing
well in class. He is also
very active in church and
is reaching out to his
schoolmates with
the Gospel.
You Can Change the World one missionary
at a time. Call the Asian Center for Missions
at (02) 810-5381 to learn how you can help
train more workers in God’s harvest field.
GIVING HEART
My God is Big!
Even in a difficult time, Chi chose to give with faith and obedience.
C
hi Medalla feels devastated whenever
she hears her son Jeremiah cry in
anguish. He has osteosarcoma, a rare bone
cancer. Chi saw how the
small tumor on his left
knee swelled profusely
in a few months, causing
terrible pain.
They were even
more devastated when
Jeremiah’s leg had to be
amputated, or else the
cancer would spread. The
doctor advised him to
undergo chemotherapy
before his surgery, but
Chi hesitated since it will
be very expensive.
One day, as Chi was watching
The 700 Club Asia, God impressed in
her heart to give. She is a faithful donor
partner of CBN Asia, but the thought of
Jeremiah’s surgery bothered her. Where
will they get the money?
“God’s words were clear: trust and
obey,” Chi says. “I gave my monthly pledge
as part of my commitment to God, even if I
couldn’t see how things are going to work out.”
Chi finally agreed to the
chemotherapy worth P1.2
million. They don’t have
such big amount, but they
have a big God. Amazingly,
the oncologist relented and
offered to do the therapy for
only a tenth of the price!
“We knew it was God
who touched the heart of
the oncologist. Because we
obeyed God’s voice, He was
faithful to keep His promises
to us,” says Chi. She proved
that God is indeed their Provider and Healer.
In their time of great need, they learned all
the more to obey God and just give.
Transform Lives With Your Gift and
experience God’s goodness when you choose
to give. Partner with us by sending your
filled-out pledge form today!
OPERATION BLESSING
Miriam Quiambao Bonds With Payatas Kids
What better way to start a beautiful school year than to meet and have lunch with a beauty queen!
T
his year’s new batch of 50 Bless-a-Child
beneficiaries had a great time with
Miriam Quiambao, who paid them a special
visit in Payatas last June.
The kids listened eagerly to Miriam
as she read to them the touching children’s
book “Sandosenang Sapatos.” Afterwards,
Miriam sat with the children as they enjoyed
their nutritious lunch.
“I can see their energy, their smiles, the
light in their eyes,” said Miriam. “It makes
you feel young as well.”
The host and actress even helped
Princess finish her meal. Princess and her
fellow beneficiaries are all underweight and
undernourished. Bless-a-Child hopes to correct
that by serving them free nutritious lunches
for the whole school year. Not only that—all
of them are provided with free preschool
education and regular medical checkups.
Bless-a-Child is a component
of Operation Blessing’s community
transformation program. It aims to uplift
not just malnourished children in Payatas
but their impoverished families as well.
“Being with OB is an expression of love
for the people. Operation Blessing is really
a worthy cause,” Miriam said. She rallies
everyone to pitch in for Operation Blessing
so more underserved children will gain a
better chance in life.
“If you have extra time or extra funds,
the arms of OB are open to whatever you can
share. It’s an amazing experience how God is
working through OB to share His love.”
Bless-a-Child beneficiary Princess had a great time with OB
friend Miriam Quiambao.
Will You Heed Miriam’s Call? Contact
Operation Blessing at (02) 812-0592 to
know how you can support our various
humanitarian programs.
HOLY WEEK SPECIAL
CBN Asia Reaches Largest Audience Yet With ‘Tanikala’
TV special brings freedom from darkness to millions of viewers.
T
anikala: Ang Ikalawang Libro, CBN Asia’s
supernatural thriller, was the mostwatched program in its afternoon time slot
during its Holy Week broadcast on GMA.
Overnight data from AGB Nielsen
showed “Bulong,” the Maundy Thursday
episode featuring Mike Tan, had an
estimated audience of 3,070,365. “Dilim,”
the Good Friday episode starring Sheena
Halili, reached 3,207,330 viewers—the largest
audience yet for any CBN Asia program!
Tanikala, a co-production of
CBN Asia and The Light Cinema, featured
real accounts of women who fought for their
lives against demonic oppression. Many
viewers described the TV special as nothing
less than powerful.
A viewer from Cebu, who admits her
family suffers from “generational curses and
oppression,” found inspiration in the show.
“Inner healing and deliverance are very
interesting topics for me,” she said.
Charmaine, a Facebook fan, praises
Tanikala: “The Lord is good for making a
program like this that can set people free
from the works of darkness.”
More than 800 Tanikala viewers called
and texted the Counseling Center and said
they prayed with host Peter Kairuz to receive
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Jesus Christ in their hearts for the first time.
Tanikala, written and directed by Paolo
Tesico, was made possible through the
support of PLDT, San Miguel Corporation,
Smart Communications, OMF Literature,
and our faithful partners like you.
Be a Bringer of Good News! Help us
broadcast the life-changing power of God’s
Word to every home. Sign up for The 700
Club Membership Program today!