Maryden Learning School: A Decade of Steadfast Stewardship

By Ernie Catanghal

March 24, 2012

Maryden Learning School of San Pablo, Laguna is owned and managed by our friends Reden and Jinky Urmatan. They have started this business in 2002 after Jinky, who was my former colleague in a private school in Manila, resigned and decided to follow God's new direction down south. Jinky's passion for teaching small kids has found a new home in their own hand-built school that specializes on preparatory level. Through those years we have witnessed how the Lord flourished their school ministry and how it has made a strong impact in the community.

During that time I too was already resigned from being part of the administration of our school and was doing full time in pursuing my calling as a pastor/missionary to the tribes. Though we have parted ways our relationship with each other has grown stronger than ever as me and Ahlie has committed supporting their school in prayers and every time they would need us we would come over to aid in any way we can. 

One thing I was doing for them is that I have been their guest speaker in their school's moving-up and graduation ceremonies. Out of ten years I just can't remember enough how many times I have stood in their ceremonies but Jinky's sister, Maricris, just told us this year is the seventh time. Is that right guys?

One of the greatest gift this amazing couple has received from the Lord for their years of faithfulness is their hija de promesa, my beautiful inaanak, Yza. It seems like it was just yesterday when I was speaking for their graduation ceremony and this little girl was lying down in her trolley with an infant feeding bottle in her hand. And now look at her! She's already a part of the moving-up ceremony and was even the fluent scripture reader. Now I know what these gray strands on my head means... oh, how time flies so fast!

The graduation theme was the same as ever which was taken form the school's verse, Proverbs 22:6. It says "Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old he will not depart from it." This time I gave emphasis on the importance of proper training, and the trainers which are the teachers, the parents and the guardians who took the center stage of my message. For an illustration I used the story of Manny Pacquiao and Coach Freddie Roach. Both the children and the adults were captured with so much enthusiasm by the story I shared. Who would be not interested with the story of our "Pambansang Kamao"?

We are always happy to see the achievers, the pride and the living legacy of the school, they are the  former pupils who never forgotten to look back and take part in their school's moving-up ceremonies. This year Sherlyn Mae Estrellado, a part of the first batch of graduates and now graduating in high school lead the ceremony.

There were 24 pupils for this school year. Maryden Learning School is always maintaining this small number of kids every year to maintain their high standard of teaching and provide each kid the best learning experience.

The "Address To The Graduates" was delivered by the very fluent Danna Chrysabel C. David, the Preparatory Level  first honor. One thing the school is proud of is that no pupil have left their school without being able to read and write proficiently.

The ceremony started and ended very orderly just like as ever before. Small crowd, very intimate, very family! Me and my wife, Ahlie, are always honored to have a part in Maryden Learning School be it in the part of praying or speaking on occasions like this. We are forever grateful to you Reden and Jinky for the opportunity to share our lives to your school ministry. May the good Lord bless you more of your hearts' desires!

Sun And Rain For Everyone

Who haven't passed through darkness? We all do, as much as we have enjoyed the light. Life is a journey on a bowl of salad, it's a mixture of everything and it's best eaten together. We cannot choose what we like for life is full of surprises. Sometimes we get what we feel we deserve but sometimes we feel like somebody up there is sleeping and things down here are falling on wrong places. Sometimes we would grumble about on things happening on us while doing what we believe is right, and for seeing others flourish with their iniquities. 

Often times when we are troubled and battered we ask, "Why Lord?" or "Why me?". These questions has brought us doubt, animosity or feeling of injustice which made us lose our grip and start wondering if God is really cares.

"In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike."

Matthew 5:45

For those who walked in the truth and yet are hurting this verse has become a bile to the suffering soul. But this verse written by Apostle Matthew shows the kind of love God has for us. It is not a feeling based on emotion but rather on will, it is Agape. This kind of love is not self-seeking or self-serving, this is a sacrificial kind of love, deliberate and divine. God's love is never selective for He offered and sacrificed His very best for all of us.  

The good news is no matter how we feel God is the same yesterday, today and forever. His Words has been established from the very beginning of time and it has not forgotten any single thought or concern in your life. His love is freely offered to all of us and is merciful, but it does not say His love would be oblivious to justice.

The book of Psalms has clearly showed a picture of how a righteous feel about his sufferings while evil prosper. But it also provides God's truth on the matter, and this truth will be revealed on time and no one can escape it.

The Psalms of Asaph (לְאָסָף) are the twelve psalms numbered 50 and 73 – 83 of the Book of Psalms. The Asaphite priests had a pre-exilic role to provide musically-based or induced prophecy, and a post-exilic role singing praise to God.

PSALM 73

A Psalm Of Asaph.

1 Surely God is good to Israel, 

   to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; 

   I had nearly lost my foothold. 

3 For I envied the arrogant 

   when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggles; 

   their bodies are healthy and strong.[a] 

5 They are free from common human burdens; 

   they are not plagued by human ills. 

6 Therefore pride is their necklace; 

   they clothe themselves with violence. 

7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity[b]; 

   their evil imaginations have no limits. 

8 They scoff, and speak with malice; 

   with arrogance they threaten oppression. 

9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, 

   and their tongues take possession of the earth. 

10 Therefore their people turn to them 

   and drink up waters in abundance.[c] 

11 They say, “How would God know? 

   Does the Most High know anything?”

12 This is what the wicked are like— 

   always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure 

   and have washed my hands in innocence. 

14 All day long I have been afflicted, 

   and every morning brings new punishments.

15 If I had spoken out like that, 

   I would have betrayed your children. 

16 When I tried to understand all this, 

   it troubled me deeply 

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; 

   then I understood their final destiny.

 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; 

   you cast them down to ruin. 

19 How suddenly are they destroyed, 

   completely swept away by terrors! 

20 They are like a dream when one awakes; 

   when you arise, Lord, 

   you will despise them as fantasies.

 21 When my heart was grieved 

   and my spirit embittered, 

22 I was senseless and ignorant; 

   I was a brute beast before you.

 23 Yet I am always with you; 

   you hold me by my right hand. 

24 You guide me with your counsel, 

   and afterward you will take me into glory. 

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? 

   And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, 

   but God is the strength of my heart 

   and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish; 

   you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. 

   I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; 

   I will tell of all your deeds.

Cast all your cares to God, be at peace and rest in Him. He knows well of our tears, heartaches and sufferings. Our name is written on His hands and He takes care of our today and tomorrow. Let's give everything to Him for our God is pure and just.

Bike and Beyond with Friends in the Academe

by Ahlie Catanghal

For what I am now is not because of me and myself alone. I am forever humbled by those "winds beneath my wings" and to them I will always offer what I have been, what I am and what I will become. I am forever grateful first and foremost to my Master Potter for molding me and loving me unconditionally, to you my God will I offer all that I am. God has also favored my life with a very supportive parents who have made nights into day just to send me to school and finish college. I can still hear the echoes of their words of wisdom that has kept me strong and steady through my schooling years. Salamat po itay at inay, my heart will always beat for you.

And to my best friend forever, my mentor, my partner for life, my husband I thank you. You have continued what my parents have started in me. If not for you I will not be in the position where I am right now, for you have helped me become a licensed professional and earn more degrees. I'm amazed for all the love, the sacrifices, all the wisdom and the unwavering support you have given me. 

Through the years of my career I am also embraced by people whom i consider as flowers in God's beautiful garden. They have made my life sweeter and more colorful! For me every encounter is a window to a new horizon, a new opportunity to experience life's beauty and God's wonderful plan. These people are my true friends in church and communities who shared with me the wonder of learning through life while having fun. Also, there are my colleagues and students in the universities I have been with, in the hospitals and communities I have served. Thank you for making the work place better and more meaningful, I owe you all the joy and laughter that kept me strong and steady.

Just a way to cherish our precious moments together please allow me to share this memory lane with you.

More pictures to follow...