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Tribute to Ptr. Ruding Babiano

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…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – Jesus Christ John 10:10 To be able to stand at the threshold of eternity and celebrate. To look back and have no regrets. A life lived to the fullest. These are what we all want to attain. At the last ebb of our lives, our profoundest longing is: To be able to say “With all that I have, with all that I am, I was able to serve Him, to please Him and to love Him.” He fulfilled this profoundest longing, our Ptr. Ruding Babiano. And this is perhaps the secret behind his legendary freedom, courage and grace in the face of life’s many trials, even in the face of the Big C.  There can be no doubt that he is a testament to an existence that gave glory to the Almighty God – a life definitely well lived. Ptr. Ruding celebrated life. He recently went home to our Creator. For us whom he had left behind, the inevitable pain is there. We miss him. Places, gestures, occasions – we will all ache at these. Yet even in our pain, we are cheered by memories of the time he spent with us, his beloved church. His story with the JIL Church is one that is marked with genuine humility and servanthood: Maintenance Ministry Worker, Jail Outreach Ministry Chairperson, Bible Study Leader, Home Church Pastor/ Community Coordinator, Bible Teacher, Territorial Head, District Pastor, Visiting Pastor, Church Pastor… the list goes on and on and on.  A member of the JIL Church for 33 years, 21 years of which as a pastor; 59 years a beloved son; 26 years as a loving husband to Ate Daisy and a devoted father to Ruth Grace, Elisa Grace and Josiah Redeem. Friend, neighbor, family, pastor, man of God… our Kuya Ruding. From the humblest of church members to the most seasoned pastors, we all have imprints of him.

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Boracay Moment: Thank you Pastors!

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by Karen Santiago Every year, our beloved JIL pastors and staff from all over the Philippines and the world come together to be a part of the celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness to His church. Conferences, strategic planning and evaluation, submission of various reports and meetings are also part of their itinerary. But, let us come to know the fact that they also deserve a treat: a chance to relax, unwind, and mingle with their fellow pastors and workers.I was given a chance to join these people to spend a short vacation in Boracay. I was thrilled because I will be given a chance to get to know them beyond “church hours”. And also, this is a perfect time for me to savour the Lord’s greatness through His creations. The sea, the fine white sand, the skies, the coconut and palm trees—which come together perfectly just through the command of His voice. Truly His power is way beyond measure.First Day – Travelled. Slept. Ate. That Wednesday morning, I went to the airport way earlier than usual. I had the fear of being left behind by the plane. I don’t want to spend extra bucks just for being late. The check in of baggages went smoothly, and I waited at the pre departure area. No stress, though I spent a few minutes looking for a vacant seat because several other pastors checked in early too. It was a pleasure to see the pastors and leaders that I came to know only through Facebook. I looked at the camera I am holding, and I’m not used to it; because I’ve been used to holding my DSLR camera during my trips, but this time I have to let it go for a point-and-shoot camera that I just borrowed from my mom. I had to send the DSLR to the service center for repair.I’ve come to like the service of a budget airline this time because we flew and landed just in time. I was also able to sneak in some sleep to recharge a little bit, but it was not enough (but I’m still thankful anyway). After the short air travel, we took on a loooong two hour bus ride to the port (this time I slept the entire trip). Then a short shuttle ride. Then a fifteen-minute boat ride. Then an estimated five minute shuttle ride to the hotel. I was assigned to stay at the Boracay Regency Hotel, which for me is one of the best hotels in Boracay. Upon checking in, we were welcomed with a refreshing drink and warm smiles from the hotel staff, which made me smile inspite of a tiring travel. After settling our things at the room, we went to the buffet hall for our early dinner.I may be a “threat” to the all-you-can-eat restaurants because of my strong appetite and love for food. But this time, after taking on a diet, I was not able to eat much than before. And no rice. It felt good. I had no plans of taking exercise during my stay in Bora, but my good friend Rencel tagged me along to the gym. I decided to shed off some calories through a 30-minute cardio workout. After that, I dozed off. That was my first day.Second Day – Sea-sighting. Soul searching. The “fun side” of our pastors revealed. I woke up a little bit late and excited. One of the things that I look forward to in a hotel is their breakfast. I hurriedly freshened up and went to Sea Breeze Café. I must admit I ate a lot . I tried almost all of the food except the rice. You know, carbs.After eating I went back to the room to put on some sunblock lotion and change to my comfy swimming clothes. I was planning to just become an ordinary beach bummer, walking on the fine sandy shores, carrying my slippers, taking pictures, and feeling the cool breeze on my skin.

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