Happy Easter!

Christians have different ways of celebrating the resurrection of Christ. The common activities during easter are the "salubong"-when Mary meets Jesus at dawn and easter egg hunt where kids look for eggs in exchange of cash prizes. Others wear clothes and accessories like bunnies (long eared animal hehe), while others spend the day at the beaches to celebrate the risen Lord.

Well, whatever activities we do, the most important thing is that we were able to thank the Lord for redeeming all our sins. He died in the cross for us- so in return, we have to be obedient of God's laws. We should be His good followers.

I woke up early this morning to prepare for the Sunday Worship. My enire family is a devoted catholic but I want to search and explore God's church. When I arrived at Cagayan de Oro, I often attend the Sunday service at Northlake Victory Church. The pastor (Bishop then) is an active partner of our unit in uplifting the morals of my comrades-in-arms. From the moment I attended their worship, I felt the difference between their faith with that of Catholic people like my family. However, it was not a problem for me for I believe that whatever denomination we belong for as long as it is only God that we worship, then its okay. I felt that I can talk with God while worship songs are being sanged by the members of the music ministry. My experience with the catholic was different. More often, I could hear the voices of the children, they are crying, yelling and shouting, running inside the chapel and may more which simply connotes-most of the kids lack the discipline. I could hardly concentrate during mass for their actions. You only have the time to concentrate with your prayers prior to the start of the mass while kids are not yet around. In the NLVC, I observed that kids have their own Sunday School. They were taught how to read the bible and become righteous kids. During the second part of the service, here comes the praising and worshiping God. Kids are still there and actively participates the old ones in singing worship songs. They have their own bible (I used to borrow one from them because I often forget to bring mine) and knows where to look for the verses the pastor asked us to open and read. I caould say thay these kids are true Christians. They were raised by their parents in a way that reflects their personality as well.

Although we have the freedom of religion, hopefully our superiors should take note of this. They should not force people to attend mass and/or services that is against the will of the individual because it could be one of the reasons why people commit sin. Respect the religion of others, so others will respect yours.