The Negotiator

It was his blind obedience that brought him out of the Catholic Church.  Father Morris, a catholic priest for more than 18 years is speaking before the youth group of the Apostolic Ministries International - Sharjah, last Thursday.  His passion and dedication to serve Christ does not stop him from leaving the four corners of the Roman Catholic. He went to the streets and preach the gospel and reach to the unreached and touch the lives of thousands families. His testimonies is a life changing and encouraging statements that will strenghten the relationship that we have with God. The trials and persecutions he surpassed was amazing and only by God’s grace he was able to stand firm on his faith.

It was his passion to be a servant of God, at the age of 13 he dedicated himself and wants to enter the priesthood.  At the age of 18, he was accepted at the Junior Seminary and later on pursue his degree in theology thereby becoming a priest.  His prayer since his young age is quite simple yet big; he wants to do God’s will and follow Him. 

It seems that following Jesus was never an easy task.  Leaving a luxurious and comfortable life in the convent, as Head of several Catholic Agencies in India was not as easy as ABC for Pastor Morris.  His encounter with Mother Theresa was a life changing experience that open his eyes of understanding of how the Living God works when we follow Him blindly.  It is not following the dictates of men, it is following our God who created the man.

I may not be able to cover his entire story, as he sum it up, he says: "I believe in Christ when I was in the Catholic Church but now I am experiencing Christ"

Dubai Desert Safari is truly an exciting and a breath taking experience. My sister Fe, Myla and Me went for an off road Arabian Adventure in the heart of the golden sand dune  desert of Dubai.  Early morning of November 3 the three of us are all excited for the adventure.  We had our brunch and prepare for the trip.

After traveling for about 45 minuites, we reach the destination - Dune Bashing, carried by 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser we had the Arabian roller coaster ride.  We took several photographs as the sun descends, a fading background of the desert dunes.

On the way to the campsite, we had an opportunity to ride the camel.  A welcome drink of traditional coffee and dates sweet was offered upon our arrival on the site.  While waiting for the dinner, prepared on the sides of the stage for the Belly dancing-the main attraction, we manage to do several activities such as hubbly bubly water pipes - Seesha, Henna tattoo (only FFe & Myla) and of course wearing the traditional costume.  A cultural activity such as this is  really a good tool for better understanding.  Since it was on a holiday, mix of different cultures was there, people from Asia, Europe and America.  Life in the East is really amazing and unique… tell you more next time….. (Special thanks to our guide and minor sponsor Emirates Tourism)

We were just discussing about spending her holidays in Dubai in the occasion of "Dubai Shopping Festival" DSF come February 2006 and yet she booked and she’s here in the City with us to spend the Eid Holidays.

Myla is my friend and fellow JPIAn way back in college. She’s now base in Manama Bahrain and is working as Executive Director for a Business Consulting Firm.

Upon arrival in Dubai, we went out for a dinner with my sister and savor the sumptuous Arabic food offered by the Beirut Resto in Al Riqqa in Muraqabat area of Deira.  The serving was really good and the food was filling.  We had a long chat, reminiscing the college days as well the memories of JPIA family.  How we wish that all of our fellow JPIAns were here to share with us the fun and the adventure… (by the way, Dette will be coming tomorrow from Abu Dhabi).

Every day is a day of opportunity….to learn, to love, to share……… Few days back we had a long meeting and discussed the reorganization and restructuring of the company. 

A new responsibility has been laid upon my shoulder, I was in charge of the Company’s policy and procedures and most importantly….ISO.  I have to assist and oversee the ISO Certification for 3 subsidiaries of the company (construction related businesses). The company President gave me the responsibility because he believes that I can do it since he has trained me for the past years…. As a consultant, I have to assume the responsibility and move forward with confidence.

I know that "I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me".  Me myself cannot do it alone.  But I have a faith that He will provide for all the things necessary to accomplish this task.  My GOD is a great BIG GOD and He holds everyting into His hands…….