“To the stars through difficulties”

Community Outreach. Bernie (in blue shirt) is discussing some matters related to community projects with chieftains (wearing headband).

By way of eventual rites of passage, I later married my lady love, the former Dr. Felina Jerusalem, who had the same vision and mission. My wife and I resettled later in Mindanao and established a church organization called Arise Christian Ministries, Inc. (ACMI) in order to guard and follow up the flock that the Lord has entrusted us. Our Bible study contacts include students, farmers, laborers, professionals, and indigenous tribal people, particularly the Higaonon, Mandaya, Manobo, and Kaolo tribes.

An example of a changed life is Nicanor Jerusalem, Sr., my wife’s father. He used to be a heavy drinker and gambler even though his primary source of income was carpentry. But when he began to understand through the gospel and Bible study that his existence was meant to be for fellowship and for the glory of God, he shifted gear and became sober. After some false starts, he began to manifest a change of heart and mind, which became evident later in his speech, action, and direction in life. Now he is a free man, who spends his time helping others. Second Corinthians 5:17 said it well about his dramatic turn around: “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

Then there was Basilia Nonong, a plain farmer who was considered by her community as a “no read no write” woman. She was already in her late 40’s when she first heard the arresting message of the gospel. After receiving Christ, she thirsted to drink from the spiritual fountain, which is the Bible, in order for her to grow spiritually. She had her daughter read the passages of the Cebuano Bible orally, until she was able to decipher later the letters and words. Through that crude but touching manner, she learned how to read until she was on her own. Amazingly, she distinguished herself later as a Christian who could churn the most number of Biblical verses out of her memory. Her steadfast Christian walk became so infectious that her husband, who was filled with vices before, was convinced to also give his life to God.

There was also Boy Sing-ingan, a Higaonon who used to be a cadre in the revolutionary army. He testified to have killed so many people, and that included his very own brother, who after yanking and snuffing the life out of the poor soul, he proceeded to also eat his brother’s innards. Sure, he believed that power proceeded out of the barrel of the gun. But when he encountered Christ, and heard a compelling message about the latter’s love and forgiveness for him, he was gently touched. He later surrendered to the message of the cross and is now an active minister of God’s Word to his own tribe.

Through the message of the cross, my wife and I noticed not only changed lives, but likewise changed tribes and communities.

To date, the ACMI has established, by God’s grace, local churches in 39 areas in Mindanao. I presently serve as its Senior Pastor and actively tour around to encourage others to keep on keeping on.

Community Outreach: Bernie's ministry is also involved in a Feeding Program of Kids

In tandem with the ACMI, which caters to the spiritual needs of man, we also have set up our own Foundation, officially known as the Arise Foundation, in order to cater to the socio-economic and other physical needs of our people and that of the larger society. We conduct, in partnership with other organizations, free medical, dental, and surgical clinics around Mindanao. We attend to indigent patients by bringing them to hospitals, giving them the needed attention and care, and nourishing them back to normal life. We provide limited scholarship grants. We even distribute goodies to the needy if only to let them feel that there is still hope amidst the gloomy situation they are in. We are doing these things and many more in line with what Christ wants us to do: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25: 35-36.

Admittedly, my calling as Christ’s full-time worker is full of ups and downs, of hardships and sacrifices. Even my involvement with other people’s lives is financially and emotionally draining at some point. There were also times when I almost turn my back in trudging the narrow road. Somehow, by God’s grace, I continued, believing that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion.

Looking back, I would like to believe that my being an active member of the Varrons during my UP days made it easier for me to embrace the life and calling that I have now. In fact, the Varrons’ motto, which is “To the stars through difficulties (Ad Astra per Aspera)”, was often remembered by me at times when I face a seeming insurmountable obstacle or impediment. I say that hardships seem easier to face or bear since then and until this day, and it all began when I started viewing and considering that Star in our Varron’s motto as Christ Himself – my very own Lord and Savior. The Lord Jesus as the “Star of all Stars.”

Up ahead, I am still raring to fight the good fight and to finish the race no matter how hard and rugged the road will be. Realizing that I shall pass this way but once, I therefore hope and strive, with the help of other Good Samaritans, to continue in making a little difference in the lives of other people. I suppose that’s what it takes to be a real Varron.

Thanks and God bless. Kindly visit the ministry’s website for more information.