Taps: Signing Off for 2016

Devotional: …………………………. “Lesson From A Mustard Seed” ……..……… Lillian Javellana, BSN’81 Editor’s Thoughts: …………………………………… “Taps” …………..…. Ardys Joy Caballero-Gadia, BSN’91

Featured Items: MVC Alumni Reunion Banquet & Social Night …....…….…… Raylene Rodrigo Baumgart, BSN’78

The President’s Five Year Report ……………………………….……. Ardys Joy Caballero-Gadia, BSN’91

SULADS Corner ………………………………….…. “Looking For A Job?” ………………………. Sulad Junarey A. Duarte Patch of Weeds: ……………………………….……………………………………………………….…..…………………….…….. Jesse Colegado

LIFE of a Missionary: ……….….. “The First Countries to Greet The New Year” ……..………….. Romy Halasan

CLOSING: Announcements |From The Mail Bag| Prayer Requests | Acknowledgements Meet The Editors |Closing Thoughts | Miscellaneous

Lesson From A Mustard Seed By Lillian C Javellana, BSN’81

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain,

Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Matthew 17:20

enjoy green leafy vegetables as part of my diet. From the camote tops which I started growing in my backyard to the chard, kale, collard greens, beetroot greens to mustard greens - just to mention some. So this fall (taking Joy's advice) I decided to plant some collard seeds, chard

seeds and mustard seeds to add to the kale and chard already thriving in my garden and supplying my kitchen with fresh organic leaves at least once a week. It is exciting and very therapeutic working in the garden, waiting and watching for those tiny little seeds to wake up and shoot out of the ground. It is amazing how those tiny little seeds could produce such tasty and powerful green vegetables loaded with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Each little seed encapsulated so much potential nutrients within them. But the mustard seed really drew my attention. Why would Jesus use the example of the mustard seed to compare with the size of our faith, or the kingdom of heaven and not just any other seed? I asked myself as I studied the mustard seeds in the palm of my hand. They are tiny, just the size of a dot made by a medium point pen. I believe it is not God's plan for us to have faith the size of a mustard seed just so we could relocate mountains and trees to where we want them to be. Instead, I believe that God wants us to know the power of faith that size. He is not asking for much from us but He teaches that a faith the size of a mustard seed is more than enough to move mountains, trees, … and more than enough to move hearts. But come to think of it, isn’t it sad to realize that none has ever has had faith even

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just the size of a mustard seed, small that might be? Not a single tree or mountain has ever been moved to the middle of the sea. Yet, even though if our faith is smaller than the mustard seed God is still willing to use that faith and make it grow to give Him glory and honor. I know that it is not just the size of our faith that matters, but in WHOM our faith is grounded upon. And that is Jesus Christ, our Lord. Meanwhile, the mustard seed in the palm of my hand will not prove anything unless I plant it in the ground and allow it to grow. Just like our faith: if we do not put it into action it will not prove anything. It will not grow. Jesus can only make our faith grow if we bury ourselves in Him and allow His Holy Spirit to water our faith and make it grow. It needs total surrender. Jesus also taught us another lesson from a mustard seed. In Matthew 13:18 & 19 KJV, Jesus said, "Unto what is the Kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it." Once again a mustard seed teaches us about growth; the growing process of which only comes from being planted. I do not know about you or how you feel when you see or pass by Valencia Sanitarium and Hospital. But for me, Valencia Sanitarium and Hospital reminds me of the mustard seed. From the humble beginning of the Casuga Medical-Surgical clinic to what it is today. I remembered the humble beginning of my nursing career. I was privileged to work with Dr. and Mrs. Casuga in their new Medical-Surgical clinic in the early 1980's where I have some unforgettable clinical experiences. I am very grateful for the privilege they have given me. Now I see that clinic as it has grown to be. It has grown because of the faith of many; faith that were even smaller than the mustard seeds. It has grown just like the mustard seed, and many precious souls just like the fowls of the air have come, have lodged and have taken shelter, have found and received comfort and care under its branches and services. Isn't it amazing what God can do with our smaller than the mustard seed faith? Yet, let us continue to strive to grow in our faith so that God can give us the size of faith as BIG as the mustard seed. This winter season enjoy the blessings of the mustard greens which God has infused with rich vitamins, minerals and and anti-oxidants and reap its benefits, but most of all have a generous serving of the spiritual nourishments it provides. "And the Lord said, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." Luke 17:6 KJV.

Lillian C. Javellana

Editor’s Thoughts: “Taps” By Ardys Joy Caballero-adia, BSN’91

once lived about a mile outside a military training base. I became accustomed to hearing bugle sound the Taps played at exactly 10:00PM each day signaling the end of the day and the Reville bright and early each morning signaling the start of a new day but by then many

groups of military personnel had already jogged past our home because the Reville did not mean wake up; it meant it was time to start working. I get mixed feelings when I hear the Taps. As a night owl, I get jubilant when I hear it because it means the whole world will now go to sleep and I can finally start doing my various projects without interruptions! But the Taps also makes me sad sometimes when I am suddenly reminded of loved ones who were KIA (military, peacekeeping or law enforcement personnel who were killed in action). This issue of CyberFlashes is the last one for year 2016 and to signal that, we are sound* the Taps figuratively speaking by looking back to the many blessings God has showered on us, the many answered prayers, the many trials -- opportunities for our faith to grow to the size of a mustard seed – the many reasons to be thankful and the many reasons for hope, love and joy. As our hearts overflow with thankfulness for God’s many blessings and mercies, we bring to you Part II of the report from the MVC Alumni Reunion. Instead of doing an entire issue of CyberFlashes featuring the Reunion, we decided to stagger the report…. Fanny Cosby once penned the following words to which Alan Sanky added music to. In 1907 a copywrite was filed for the song. My family loves to sing this song especially on New Year. It starts this way:

A year of precious blessings

And glorious victories won,

Of earnest work progressing,

Its onward course has run;

To Thee, O God, our Refuge,

Whose goodness crowns our days,

Within Thy earthly temple,

We lift our souls in praise;

Within Thy earthly temple,

We lift our souls in praise.

Joy Caballero-Gadia

Editor’s Note: According to history, taps was originally used to signal soldiers that the day of battle is done (for now), it’s ok to sleep, you are safe, others are standing guard at the walls, etc. Today, taps are sounded at the end of the day … or at military funerals. Because taps is so emotionally sacred to soldiers and their families, the term “play the taps” does not exist. Instead, the correct term used is “sound the taps”. Now you know!

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MVC Alumni Reunion Banquet & Social Night By Raylene Rodrigo Baumgart, BSN’78

aturday evening was one unforgettable affair. It was the perfect time to reminisce with old

friends and meet new and younger ones and to share all the memories as MVC alumni.

After so many pre-reunion inquiries, I knew the banquet demands a formal wear and an

ugly outfit for the famous crazy “ugly-sweater’ socials. Since I hate the thought of bringing two

required outfits and changing twice, I influenced my High School buddies to attend the formal

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banquet with a formal gown and then put on a shawl or wrap adorned with Christmas tinsels plus wear elaborate Christmas headdresses. And that’s exactly what we came up with. A short trip to Michael’s and an hour or two of stringing and sewing Christmas ornaments, ribbons and bows – and we were ready to impress. The food was “yummylicious.” The company was enjoyable. Screams and shrieks of “You are here”, “Oh my gosh – it’s you”, or “Is that you?” was heard everywhere. Truly the most valuable antiques are old friends. When one psychologist say, Friends Help You Live Longer, he was not kidding. Seeing old friends can bring us so much joy and makes any evening colorful and fun.

Pliny’s magic Show was followed by the famous Vegetarian dance and some line dancing. I made an effort to say hello to friends I haven’t seen for ages and get acquainted with some I met only through Facebook. As the festivities went on through that one beautiful Saturday night, I could not help but quietly hum in my corner the lyrics of Barbara Streisand’s famous song, “The Way We Were”

Memories light the corner of my mind. Misty water-colored memories, of the way we were…

Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind, Smiles we gave to one another, for the way we were.

Can it be that it was all so simple then, or has time rewritten every line If we had to do it all again, tell me, would we? Could we?

Memories may be beautiful and yet, what’s too painful to remember

We simply choose to forget. So, it’s the laughter We will remember, whenever we remember

The way we were.

The President’s Five Year Report By Joy Caballero-Gadia, BSN’91

t the reunion our hearts were warmed by the glowing reports provided by the alumni speakers, all of whom flew to the United States specifically to join us at the reunion:

Dr. Jose Dial spoke at Friday evening’s vespers worship. He and his wife Becky flew in

from Pakistan where he currently serves as Executive Secretary for the Pakistan Union. MVC’s Chairman of the Board and President of the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC)

Pastor Edwin Gulfan spoke during the Hour of Worship service. President of Mountain View

College Dr. Gladden Flores & his wife Pinky both addressed the alumni during the weekend while

he presented MVC’s Five Year Report on Sabbath afternoon. The less-than-a-year-old SULADS USA which is under the leadership of Asher Himbing provided a report on the SULADS’ work

with the Native Americans. Dr. Flores, Mrs. Flores and Pastor Gulfan publicly thanked Dr. and Mrs. Michael Oliverio, Sr. for funding their round trip travel from the Philippines. Below are some of the highlights mentioned by Dr. Gladden Flore on his MVC Five Year Report.

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YEAR 2011

MVC Graduates topped the Nursing Licensure Exam 2011

1st place: Jerald Pelayo. 9th place: Jierell Mae V. Saguinhon

MVC completed the construction of the

International Dormitory for Men

Developed and completed the MVC Resort and Swimming Pools

YEAR 2012

MVC got accredited by the Department of Tourism as a Tourist Destination for the Province of Bukidnon

Restored DxCR back after 8 years of being off the air

Completed International Dorm for Women

Founded the Nebo-Green Corporation

that will develop MVC’s hydroelectricity

Started the Medical Technology Course

YEAR 2013

Celebrated 60th Anniversary & Grand Alumni Homecoming

Established the MVC Prayer Garden

Constructed: the Jonathan Mabao Hall

Constructed additional Guest Rooms at Alumni Church

Organized the Hilltop Health Foods Corporation

Started the Masters in Management Program

In the year 2013, MVC Faculty Members and leaders of the MVC Center of Research Dr. Apolinar T. Paulican, Ph.D. and Dr. Veneracion G. Cabana, Ph.D., F.A.H.A. were

recognized by their peers in the international scientific community for their cutting edge work. During the Asian Conference in Multidisciplinary Research in Higher Education

Dr. Paulican was awarded the Outstanding Researcher of the Philippines 2013 Award Dr. Cabana was awarded the Outstanding World Researcher 2013 Award

YEAR 2014

MVC was awarded by the Provincial Tourism Office:

“Best Tourism Destination in Bukidnon”

The SULAD Program, which started as the MVC Student Missionary Program,

received the Philippine Presidential Award “Most Outstanding Literacy Program in the Philippines”

Started the Masters of Arts in English Program

Constructed eight (8) new faculty houses

Completed the School of Nursing Buildilng

YEAR 2015

MVC assisted missions and church schools in

institutional loan programs Received Level-3 accreditation

Renovated MVC’s iconic Florence Kern Auditorium

(thank you, Dr. & Mrs. Agripino Segovia)

Begun paving (cementing) roads on campus (thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Oliverio)

Constructed Gazebos (thank you Texas Alumni Chapter)

Completed seven (7) apartments

for married students with school age children

Planted over 500 hectares of rubber trees

Approved a 20-year

comprehensive campus-development plan

riginally, Mountain View College was built in the turn of the century to meet the basic

need for Christian education amongst the Adventist youth in Mindanao. It was a time

when a high school or college education was one of the loftiest goals a young person

could set eyes on.

But things have changed. We all have grown. The need for advanced studies is currently the norm

expected in every professional field. Even the Philippine government, like most of the

governments around the world, expect it and encourage it.

Today the church, the college and alumni members recognize that the need for advanced studies

among Adventist youth has grown more pronounced. Blatant. It has become far harder to ignore

as our youth head either head to non-Adventist schools to pursue their advanced studies or stay

home resigned that no school nearby offers the advance studies they seek. They recognize that

Adventist youth within Mindanao and around the world are looking for a good Christian university

that offers the same hands-on, Bible-based spiritual and leadership training that Mountain View

College currently offers and has offered for more than 60 years, the very same training that many

of today’s leaders in the field had received at MVC when they were students.

Yes, it is a very tall order. Perhaps it is as tall an order as it was when church leaders thought to

build an Adventist college in Mindanao. Sacrifices and lots of hard work had to be done back then;

the same will be true today.

As Mountain View Colleges prepares itself to become a university in the near future, MVC

President Dr. Gladden Flores shared the following information at the reunion last weekend in

Rancho Mirage, California. (Numbers are from the slide presentation he provided).

Enrollment Trends: Academic Years 2012-2016

YEAR TOTAL

2012-2013 1,830

2013-2014 1,710

2014-2015 1,682

2015-2016 1,820

2016-2017 1,520

Elementary Students - 92

High School (K7-11) - 217

Faculty Statistics: Academic Year 2016-2017, First Semester

Qualification Full Time Part Time Male Female Total Upgrading

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1. Doctorate 8 8 5 11 16 23

2. Masters 53 16 31 40 71 20

3. Bachelors 15 12 11 18 29 0

TOTAL 76 36 47 69 116 43

Dr. Flores mentioned that many of faculty are currently upgrading with the financial assistance of

the Philippine Department of Education and Culture. That is how interested the country is in

seeing MVC rise to meet the educational needs of our youth. If the nation is interested, shouldn’t

we alumni members be also interested? We should be more than interested!

Evangelistic Programs/Activities: Academic Year 2012-2016

Enrollment Statistics: Academic Year 2016-2017, First Semester

School Male Female SDA Non-SDA Total

1. Agriculture 38 9 46 1 47

2. Arts/Sciences 105 196 286 15 301

3. Business & Accountancy 165 195 430 20 350

4. Computer Science 35 9 40 4 44

5. Education 166 174 336 4 340

6. Nursing 35 94 122 7 129

7. Theology 259 2 261 - 261

8. Automotive 44 - 43 1 44

9. Masters in Management 3 11 - - 14

TOTAL 850 690 1,488 52 1,540

Priority Projects for 2016-2021

Total Number of Baptisms: From In-reach/Outreach 924 From Field School 1,257 From Voice of Youth 1,226 TOTAL 3,407

Examples of Campus In-reach and Outreach Endeavors:

1. “Crossroads” – led by Pastor Jimmy Adil

2. “Beyond Healthy Lifestyle”

3. “The Living Insights” – led by Pastor Silverio A. Reyno, Jr

4. Out-campus – led by Dr. Gladden Flores and Pastor Teddy Asok

Total Number of Activities: Student Ministries (small groups) 85 Voice of Youth Evangelism 170 Revival Meetings 63

1. Completion of Music Building

2. Construction of the Theology Building

3. Construction of the Agriculture Building

4. Construction of Covered Courts/Gymnasium

5. Paving of roads on campus

6. 20 Million Endowment Fund for the support/cost of educating working students /scholars.

I sat pondering this thought: When the Adventist work in the Philippines began, I am sure there were many seemingly gigantic hurdles that stood in the way of the pioneers. When the church leaders began discussing a college in Mindanao, I can imagine how nay-sayers objected at the cost and effort it would take on the meager resources of the church. Why not just send everyone to Philippine Union College in Baesa? Who cares - Mindanao is too far anyway! But the visionaries believed that God wanted them to push through and open a college in Mindanao so that His children can have an opportunity to get the best education ever. And that is how Mountain View College was born. Today, I can imagine modern day nay-sayers saying why not just be content with a generic college degree. Why be too ambitious and aim to be a university? Would it be worth the toil? But like the days of old, there will be visionaries who will pray asking for God to show them His will and the way. The only difference is today, YOU AND I have the option to be either a). part of the solution, or b). be a disinterested bystander, or c). be a hindrance. What would God want us to do for MVC as we occupy till He comes? Will He catch us asleep without oil in our lamps, in a deep coma, or working in His vineyard? Will He call us faithful or slothful? The choice is ours. What a beautiful gift to have the power of choice! Choose well! Question: What are you able and willing to do for God’s work in 2017? Whether it be MVC, the SULADS or your any missionary outreach endeavor of your choice – let’s move! Just do it!

Looking for a Job? By Sulad Junarey A. Duarte. Tawi-Tawi

went to Manila to find a stable job. I applied for a job as a dairy farm worker, tried my luck as a crew at hotels and casinos and even reached as far as Bulacan to try out as a call center agent. I participated in job fairs and hiked up and down the city streets in search of a job.

Unfortunately, I received no calls of acceptance from any of the jobs I applied for. One night, as I lay on my cot frustrated at my incompetence, I cried out to the Lord, "Lord, please help me find a job! Lord, I will accept any job You will give me. I will accept the first offer that will be given to me and take it as Your will." I waited anxiously for my phone to ring. I nervously checked on my phone every now and then, worried that I might have missed a call or that a company might have sent a text message instead. I willed it to ring, to have someone call me. Yet, there was none. After two days of panicky checking and rechecking my phone, it finally rang! My spirits sprang to life as I scrambled to answer the call from an unregistered number. "Hello! Who is this?" I excitedly responded. "Hi Sir Jo, this is Sir Jiffrey. Where are you now?" the caller replied. Oh hello, Sir Jiffrey.” I was happy to hear the familiar voice of an old acquaintance but my heart sank as the call turned out to be a social call. “I'm here in Bulacan right now. Why do you ask?" I inquired, embarrassingly trying to cover up my dismay of receiving a call from a friend rather than from a hiring company. "We are in need of SULADS Missionaries in Liaburan, Tawi-tawi. Are you willing to volunteer?" Sir Jiffrey answered. I was taken aback. Was this truly not just a simple social call? Was this God’s answer to my prayer? It certainly was not the kind of answer I was expecting. Unsure and unsettled, I asked for Sir Jiffrey to call me back in an hour. Thankfully, he considerately gave me all the time I needed to settle my doubts. Surely, the Lord knows where I fit. After my mind was set on accepting God’s call, I promptly informed my family. My parents supported my decision but my relatives strongly opposed it. I patiently explained to them the real nature of my work that even though it's quite dangerous, the God of heaven who sends me will surely help me. God helped me make them understand and He even moved their hearts that those who were opposed to my decision became willing instruments who financed my fare to Bongao. Even though my relatives are not religious, they became God’s instruments in sending me out to serve others. Sometimes we forget to pray to God. We often pray only when we are in need. But my God in heaven is merciful. In times of our abundance we forget to praise Him, but He does not leave us. He leads us to the right path.

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© SULADS International, Inc. If you would like to support this mission program dedicated to taking the Gospel to the people of Mindanao, please write a check to Gospel Outreach. Mark it for the SULADS and send it to: Gospel Outreach P.O. Box 8 College Place, WA 99324 You may also donate to the SULADS using your credit card by logging on to Gospel Outreach's donation site (http://www.goaim.org/) and follow the directions. Again, mark it for SULADS. If you would prefer, you may write your check to the General Conference of SDA and mark the donation for SULADS and send it to: General Conference of SDA Donations 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Thank you for your support of this very important project. If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, Unsubscribe To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit this link Forward a Message to Someone this

A NEW YEAR PRAYER FOR THE ELDERLY

od, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,

The good fortune to run into the ones that I do,

And the eyesight to tell the difference.

(from Mikey's Funnies)

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN KEEP

re you sick of making the same resolutions year after year that you never keep? Why not promise

to do something you can ACTUALLY accomplish? Here are some resolutions that you can use as

a starting point:

~ Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.

~ Stop exercising. Waste of time.

~ Read less. Makes you think.

~ Watch more TV. I've been missing some good stuff.

~ Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.

~ Spend more time at work, surfing the web.

~ Take a vacation to someplace important, like to see the world's largest ball of twine.

~ Don't jump off a cliff just because everyone else did.

~ Stop bringing lunch from home--eat out more.

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~ Don't have eight children at once.

~ Get in a whole NEW rut!

~ Start being superstitious.

~ Personal goal: Don't bring back disco.

~ Speak in a monotone voice and only use monosyllabic words.

~ Only wear jeans that are 2 sizes too small and use a chain or rope for a belt.

~ Spend my summer vacation in cyberspace.

~ Create loose ends.

~ Get more toys.

~ Get further in debt.

~ Don't believe politicians.

~ Break at least one traffic law.

~ Don't drive a motorized vehicle across thin ice.

~ Don't swim with piranhas or sharks.

~ Spread out priorities beyond the ability to keep track of them.

~ Wait for opportunity to knock.

~ Focus on the faults of others.

~ Mope about faults.

~ Never make New Year's resolutions again.

(from Mikey's Funnies)

New Year’s Resolutions

2013: I will get my weight down below 180 pounds.

2014: I will follow my new diet religiously until I get below 200 pounds.

2015: I will develop a realistic attitude about my weight.

2016: I will work out 3 days a week.

2017: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week. (from Mikey's Funnies)

Recipe for a Prosperous, Peaceful Year

ake twelve, fine, full-grown months, see that these are free from all old memories of bitterness,

rancor, hate and jealousy; cleanse them completely from every clinging spite: pick off all specks of

pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed as much as possible from the past.

Cut these months into 29, 30 or 31 equal parts. This batch will keep for just one year. Do not attempt to

make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare one day

at a time, as follows:

Into each day put

twelve parts of faith,

eleven of patience,

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ten of courage,

nine of work,

eight of hope,

seven of fidelity,

six of liberality,

five of kindness,

four of rest,

three of prayer,

two of meditation,

and one well selected resolution.

If you have no conscientious scruples, put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a

pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

Pour into the whole love ad libitum and mix with a vim. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish

with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and

a Happy New Year is certain.

(from Mikey's Funnies)

New Year’s Quotes

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Old age is when you're forced to. –

by Bill Vaughn

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a

better man. - by Benjamin Franklin

I'm a little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little bit rounder, but still none the wiser. - by Robert Paul

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. - by John

Burroughs

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. - by Albert Einstein

New Year’s Eve

New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. My New Year's resolution is 1080p.

My New Year's resolution is to stop hanging out with people who ask me about my New Year's resolutions. I have only one resolution: to rediscover the difference between wants and needs. May I have all I need and want all I have. Happy New Year! This New Year's I resolve to be less awesome since that is really the only thing I do in excess. I'll remember 2016 like it was yesterday. Dear Luck, can we be friends in 2017, please?

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May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions. I wanna kiss you on December 31st from 11:59 pm to 12:01 am, so I can have an amazing ending to 2016 and a beautiful beginning into 2017. Every year I make a resolution to change myself -- this year I'm making a resolution to be myself! I'm planning on finding new and interesting things to hate about my job in 2017. My New Year's resolution is to break my New Year's Resolutions -- that way I succeed at something! New Year's is just a holiday created by calendar companies who don't want you reusing last year's calendar. I'm actually feeling pretty okay about not accomplishing anything this year. My 2017 resolution is for everyone else to gain the 50 pounds I refuse to lose. Tonight the mayor is dropping the ball in New York while Congress is dropping the ball in Washington.

Live Long and Prosper

hile none of us know what will happen in this New Year, here are some rules that, if you follow, will

help ensure you'll make it through in one piece.

- Don't throw a brick straight up.

- Walk around toxic waste dumps, not through them.

- Your body has the correct number of holes in it. Don't make any more.

- Don't microwave yourself too often.

- Don't stick body parts into electrical outlets.

- If you're on a ball field and someone shouts "Heads up!" don't actually raise your head up. Cover it with

your arms and duck.

- No matter how tempting it is to be one with nature, stay on the outside of all fences at the zoo.

- When sticking thumb tacks into bulletin boards, press on the flat end.

- Don't take long naps while driving.

Difficult-to-Keep New Year’s Resolutions

When I hear a funny joke I will not reply, "LOL, LMAO, or ROTFLMAO!"

Start using Facebook for something other than Farmville and stupid quizzes.

I will try to figure out why I "really" need five Facebook accounts.

I resolve to work with neglected children... my own.

Lose 20 pounds by going to the gym!

I will stop using, "So, what's your URL?" as a pickup line.

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I will spend less than five hours a day on the Internet.

I will read the manual... just as soon as I can find it.

Spend less than $1000 for coffee at Starbucks this year.

Lose weight by inventing an anti-gravity machine.

Stop repeating myself again, and again, and again.

I will stop tagging pictures of myself in pictures even when I'm not in them.

I will think of a password other than "password."

(from GCFL)

New Year Quotes

The first week of January, gyms and yoga classes everywhere are packed with people who made new

year’s resolutions to tone up. It’s like sardines in there. Big sardines. But they’re all gone by February.

- Anonymous

My new year’s resolution is not to shovel snow. Since I'm gonna be in Florida, I feel pretty good about it.

- Greg Tamblyn

Deer readers, my gnu years resolution is to tell you a gazelleon times how much I caribou you! Sorry.

Bad puns. Alpaca bag and leave.

- Greg Tamblyn

Wait a second, there's ANOTHER year? I have to do it all over again???

- Jake Vig

(from Mikey's Funnies)

The First Countries to Greet the New Year

s we end the New Year this weekend, I would like to feature these countries under my area that are the first to greet the New Year 2017.

The first countries to witness the New Year are Samoa with its capital Apia, Tonga with its capital Nuku Alufa and Kiribati particularly Kiritimati or in English Christmas island, whose capital is Tarawa.

The True Rising Sun When the sun sets on the evening of December 31 this year and the world awaits the arrival of the New Year, a tiny island country on the extreme east will already have begun celebrations. Located just to the west of the International Date Line, the Republic of Kiribati is one of the first places on earth to see the first rays of the rising sun. The farthest forward time zone in the world, their time is 14 hours ahead of the UTC (Universal Time Coordinated –the time standard commonly used across the world.) The International Date Line, located at 180 degrees longitude and on the exact opposite side of the earth of the prime meridian, denotes the passage of a calendar date from the day before. The countries west of the line move into a new day first, and other countries.

Area of the World we are looking at

Kiritimati or “Christmas Island”

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Japanese guns in Karawa, Kiribati

SDA Church in Kiribati. Notice no chairs

Fishing in Kiritimati

Beach at Kiribati

Another beach at Kiribati

Kirikitimati or “Christmas Island” This raised coral atoll in the northern Line Island in the Pacific Ocean, is part of the Republic of Kiribati. The name "Kiritimati" is a rather straightforward respelling of the English word "Christmas" in the Kiribati language, in which the combination ti is pronounced s, and the name is thus pronounced kəˈrɪsməs. Although most non-Kiribati people still correctly say the island's name as Christmas or Christmas Island, the change in spelling sometimes results in those not "in the know" to mispronounce it as the letter combination "Kiritimati" would be pronounced in English.

The island has the greatest land area of any coral atoll in the world, about 388 square kilometers (150 square miles) its lagoon is roughly the same size. The atoll is about 150 km (93 mi) in perimeter, while the lagoon shoreline extends for over 48 km (30 mi). Kiritimati comprises over 70% of the total land area of Kiribati, a country encompassing 33 Pacific atolls and islands. It lies 232 km (144 mi) north of the Equator, 2,160 km (1,340 mi) south of Honolulu, and 5,360 km (3,330 mi) from San Francisco. Kiritimati Island is in the world's farthest forward time zone, UTC+14, and is one of the first inhabited places on Earth to experience the New Year. Despite being 2,460 km (1,530 mi) east of the 180 meridian, a 1995 realignment of the International Dateline by the Republic of Kiribati moved Kiritimati to west of the dateline. The Republic of Kiribati consists of 33 atolls and low coral islands in the central Pacific Ocean dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometers of water. The nation comprises of three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands, and Line Islands, the last of which are located as far as 30° east of the 180° longitude line. Geographically, Line Islands lie directly to the south of the U.S. islands of Hawaii, and should logically be in the same time zone. But this is not the case, because the International Date Line is not a straight line but zigzags around quite a bit and over the years has been shoved and shifted for various political and economic reasons. The Island of Kiribati is one of the few inhabited islands to experience the arrival of the New Year before anybody else. Prior to 1995, Kiribati straddled the International Date Line with the eastern and western islands groups having a time difference of 24 hours. This was viewed as an annoying economic nuisance, as there were only four days in each week when both sides experienced weekdays simultaneously, and these were the only days when government offices on opposite sides of the line could conduct business. To put an end to this situation, the president of Kiribati at that time announced that on 1 January 1995 the International Date Line would henceforth move eastwards to go around this country. In doing so, Kiribati became the first nation to greet the rays of the rising sun at the beginning of the third millennium. To celebrate the occasion, they even renamed Caroline Island to Millennium Island in the year 2000. The bending of the International Date Line also created a new time zone UTC+14 that didn’t exist until then. The new development meant that some places were pushed as far as 26 hours behind, or more than a day. Hawaii is among the last to celebrate the New Year.

Tonga Taking a cue from Kiribati, another island territory, Tonga, advanced their standard times to UTC+14 and therefore celebrates New Year at the same time as the Line Islands in Kiribati. Changes to the date line occurred as recently as 29 December 2011 when yet another island – Samoa moved the International Date Line to the other side of the country and advanced the country from UTC−11 to UTC+13. Following Samoa’s decision, Tokelau also advanced its standard time from UTC−11 to UTC+13.

Although a nation is authorized to modify their respective time zones, many countries and organizations do not recognize the change. The International Date Line is established by international agreement and there are no treaties or formal agreements associated with the line. Countries are free to choose whatever time zone they wish to observe. This has caused many date line disputes among a handful of island nations each claiming to be the first to celebrate a new year. Then there is the question of whether uninhabited islands count, or whether or not locations within the same time zone but slightly more eastern than the others actually can claim to celebrate the holiday first.

Samoa According to the current accepted time zones, the first place to welcome the New Year is Kiribati, followed by Tonga. Western Samoa or in short Samoa, and Tokelau, follows an hour late. The first major city is Auckland, New Zealand, and the last place to celebrate the arrival of the New Year is the uninhabited Baker Island and Howland Island, both belonging to the United States. It is already January 2 in Kiribati but Baker Island has still to celebrate New Year. The Adventist church has a strong presence in these islands. In Kiribati we have Kiribati Adventist Mission and Kauma Adventist School. What I enjoy in Kiribati is fishing. It is one area in the world where there is abundance of fish.

children selling parrot fish in Avia, Samoa

In Savai Island, Samoa

How Samoans celebrate the New Year New Years in Samoa is all about family, and it is one time of year when Samoans who have immigrated elsewhere return to the islands. Homes are decorated with flowers and colored papers. The party goes on for days and includes traditional dance, special New Years’ foods, and giving each other inexpensive gifts. Samoa used to be one of the last places to greet the New Year, but a year ago they redrew the International Date Line, making it now one of the first places to see the New Year. While Samoa wanted to be on the same date as New Zealand, American Samoa wanted to stay on the same date as the United States. So the date line now goes between the two island groups, meaning that with the aid of a boat to take you the 100 miles between them, you could celebrate New Years twice on two successive days. A few months ago, I flew to American Samoa on a small plane from Samoa. Flight time is only 18 minutes but I gain one day because the International Date Line passes between these islands. In Western Samoa or Samoa in short, we have Samoa Adventist Mission, Samoa Adventist College and also ADRA. In Tonga, we have Tonga Adventist Mission and Beulah Adventist College and some schools. As we welcome another New Year, I would like to thank God for his goodness and most of all for His protection. Travelling to these areas can pose some difficulties. Oftentimes it takes 2 days for me to reach these territories from my base in Bandung, Indonesia. The flight to Kiribati involves taking 4 different airplanes over a vast expanse of water. What is unique in these countries (Kiritimati, Tonga and Samoa) is that Saturday is still 6th day of the week. As explained by me previously, the SDA churches in these areas worship on the 7th day, which happens to be Sunday in these areas. I would like to greet our readers, Happy New Year. Hope you enjoy reading my stories. I will leave you with my pictures in these countries.

Romy Halasan,

Davao Philippines

Our Deepest Condolences

Info from Jesse Colegado: Nanette Chio (MVC BSC Accounting 81) died of cardiac arrest that was triggered by an asthma attack. Her remains lie in state at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Home in Iligan City. Interment will be tomorrow, December 31, at Initao, Misamis Oriental. Please remember the bereaved family of Nanette Chio in your prayers.

Info from Jun Israel: I just lost a very close cousin who is like a brother to me. I will miss you Wayne M. Chavit. Rest in the lord and we will see you again. [Editor’s Note: Per Dr. Israel, no details are available yet]

Meet The Editors

This week’s issue of Cyberflashes was by Joy Caballero-Gadia. Next week’s issue will be by her.

Please direct all entries to her or any of the editors.

NAME: EMAIL ADDRESS: Eddie Zamora ezamora594 at aol dot com Evelyn Porteza-Tabingo etabingo at gmail dot com Jessie Colegado Cyberflashes at gmail dot com Joy Caballero-Gadia watermankids at yahoo dot com Lily EscaraLare Lily_lare at yahoo dot com dot ph Melodie Mae Karaan-Inapan melodieinapan at yahoo dot com Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart raylene.baumgart at gmail dot com Romulo ‘Romy’ Halasan romsnake at gmail dot com

If you wish to subscribe to Cyberflashes, to unsubscribe, or if you changed your email address and want Cyberflashes to be sent to your new address, please send your request via email to any of the editors. We spell out the @ and dot signs in the email addresses to prevent worms, viruses, and robots from harvesting them. If you would like to correspond, simply substitute the correct symbols.

Ackowledgement

I wish to thank the following for their contributions this week: Lillian Javellana for the timely devotional & Raylene Rodrigo Baumgart for the alumni reunion report. To Jessie Colegado for the chuckles in “Jessie’s Patch of Weeds”; Romy Halasan for the first-hand mission stories in “Life of A Missionary”; The SULADS and Gospel Outreach for their weekly updates in “SULADS’ Corner”; Evelyn Porteza Tabingo and Ed Zamora for their help in editing

Prayer Request

Today’s special prayer request is for each MVC alumni member out there. Claiming God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10 that He will always be with us, we need not fear.

He is our God: He will strengthen us, help us and uphold us. Claiming this promise especially for those who are in need right now.

Closing Remarks

Taps. As we sound the taps to mark the close of year 2016, we rejoice that we are one year closer to Christ’s Jesus’ return. Soon, we are going home.

Day is done! Gone the sun! From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

As the notes slowly fade away and the sound of silence starts to be heard – Let us take one last roll call for 2016 to remember those who have fallen asleep in Jesus this year. Let us remember the impact they had on our lives and rejoice that we have the Blessed Hope that if we are faithful in following Christ, we shall see these loved ones again.

1. Agtuca, Chamberlain 2. Alsaybar, Pura Nanez 3. Asoy, Leonardo 4. Batiller, Sergio 5. Bermudez, Rudy Sr. 6. Boniales, Rolly 7. Cabatic, Napoleon 8. Cagatan, Wilbert 9. Carbajal, Ulysses 10. Cartagina, Anecita 11. Cena, Melou Jean 12. Chavit, Wayne 13. Chio, Nanette 14. Colegado, Susante 15. Correces, Carmelita

Arit

16. Flores, Chita Penola 17. Guarino, Geronimo 18. Gulfan, Albert 19. Halasan, Lolita 20. Israel, Salvardor Sr. 21. Jacosalem, Panfilo Sr. 22. Jimenez, Crisville 23. Jornada, Elmore 24. Mabao, Eliezer C. 25. Maglinte, Guillermo 26. Mejia, Elizabeth 27. Mendez, Celia 28. Moralde, Alex 29. Mostrales, Larina

Nomus 30. Navales, Jonathan

31. Niere, Judy Tecson 32. Pasco, Lisa Ramos 33. Pasco, Venus Alicante 34. Pedrena, Estrelita 35. Porteza, Eugenio 36. Romanes, Alvin 37. Rosendo, Joaquin Sr. 38. Ruado, Anecito 39. Sacala, Rachel 40. Sanes, Gladys 41. Segovia, Agripino 42. Serenatas, Jonathan 43. Testa, Clarita Nebres 44. Tortal, Kerry 45. Zamora, Malachi

(CLICK HERE to see/hear a video of taps and to hear the story about its history)