Generosity Attracts Giving
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)
It is hard to comprehend and to some this is not acceptable but I believe that giving attracts generosity. This is not to run in contrary to another virtue that says, “Give and expect nothing in return” because the gifts would still come anyway even if with all candor and purity you are not expecting something in return.
You see, this is law of attraction at work, especially in gifts and giving.
First and foremost, the prevailing spirit here is generosity and not greed.
The Work Student Study Program is CPU's legacy of generosity since her foundation in 1905...click on the photo to watch a video
Generosity is the honest expression of giving favors in the form of talents, availability and financial help to others without looking forward to anything in return.
It is giving at its best because it is spontaneous and not coerced. It is freely and heartily given.
In this period of global financial crisis the most common phrase that we hear from many people, leaders of corporations, religious and humanitarian organizations, is “We don’t have money”.
May I ask, is the phrase “we don’t have money” borne out of honest evaluation of the real financial status? Or is it being used as a safety measure, a phrase that will dissuade spending despite the availability of money?
If this is the case, is this not dishonesty? And when you are not honest with your real financial situation how can you expect generosity to thrive in your areas of influence?
Where generosity is stunted, gifts are scarce, and it is likely that greed will breed and soon take over. It is my prayer that the current “no money”, “no budget” mantra that has been popular at the biggest university in Iloilo City would not attract poverty and greed.
Sowing the seeds of generosity begins with your genuine concern for your fellow person. When you do something to realize your concern through giving, then this act and substance of your giving becomes the gift to the person of your concern. Your deed of kindness, which has become a habit will attract gifts to come your way.
There are quality academic institutions that have cultivated excellently the culture of generosity. They nurture generosity among their students by giving scholarships, grant-in-aids, and support for extra-curricular activities.
Believing in the principle that giving attracts gifts, there are school leaders who commit sincerely to offer the best facilities, equipment, and services for their students. Beyond graduation, there are Iloilo City universities that continue to really be their students’ Alma Mater (nurturing mother) because they have built that true “mother-son” caring relationship.
Would you believe that there are churches and non-profit institutions who take pride in harboring large sum of money in the bank? They would declare that they are progressing because their “savings” have grown through the years.
Are churches and non-profit institutions not supposed to spend all their so-called “riches” for the poor and needy as Jesus Christ has commanded?
Quite contrary, the most progressive and fast growing churches and non-profit institutions are those that are sincerely all out in harnessing and using their resources to do for their worthy vision and mission.
Their members and alumni are giving cheerfully because they can see life and vitality in their total institutional existence. They won’t hesitate to give sacrificial to support a very worthwhile ministry projects for they see that their donations are used extensively and the results are tremendous.
Well, it is not yet too late to start giving generously. And when you see how your act of benevolence had lifted somebody’s spirit, giving a brighter day to him or her, you have just attracted the priceless gift of love.
The Work Student Study Program of Central Philippine University is one great bastion of generosity that must be protected . Know why by watching this short video documentary on God’s GRACE…
Achieving Success in the US – A Successful Juan Story
Getting the opportunity to study abroad
Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, Berkeley, California
In 1961, Juan became the Director for Mission and Evangelism of the Convention Baptists. Through the help of Rev. Jesus Vaflor, CPBC General Secretary (1954 – 1964), Juan got the chance to study Master of Divinity in Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, Berkeley, California.
When he went to Divinity School, he found out that his studies wasn’t a full scholarship. He had to work for his board and lodging. The work he experienced in the US school was worse than in CPU for he had to wash plenty of dishes, big stew pots, toilets and scrub floors. Receiving nothing from the Philippines, he found extra income by working in a Dog and Cat Hospital.
In 1964, Juan got a job in a Methodist church. This paved way for the United Methodist denomination to call him to pastor a church in 1965. While working as pastor, Juan did extra job as a house parent. He needed income to finance his wife’s travel to the states.
Venturing into real estate
In 1973, their neighbor’s house was up for sale at a low price. Having the amount, the Anchetas bought the property. Then prices of real estate properties went up because of inflation in the US. It provided the Anchetas the opportunity to resell the property at a much higher price. Thus, began the real estate business of Juan and Nellie Ancheta.
Luzon Kasapulanan pastor participants to the 2008 Celis-Ancheta Seminar that was held in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. Seated at front row are Dr. Val Gonzales (resource person) and his family members
The business did not deter them from God’s work. Juan remained as a full time pastor while Nelly busied herself with the church’s women organization and US-wide ministry involvement. Their faithfulness to God and the Christian ministry provided more business opportunities for them.
The apartment business grew and it provided Juan and Nellie the means to extend the blessings that God endowed them through financial donations. CPU has been the recipient of the generosity of the Anchetas.
The annual Celis-Ancheta Seminar for pastors of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches is one of the continuing education programs that the Ancheta family is supporting through their endowment fund donations at Central Philippine University.
Further educational advancement
Juan finished his Doctor of Ministry at the American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, California in 1984. A humanist by heart, he translated every opportunity to serve his fellowmen as his spiritual fulfillment.
His passion for service is given life both in the Philippines and the United States. As pastor, he zealously devoted himself to evangelism work with the Convention of the Philippine Baptist Churches. Proving himself to be a genuine servant of God, he was given the honor as Pastor Emeritus of Melrose Methodist Church, Oakland, California.
CPU Alumni Involvements
Imbued with true Central Spirit, Rev. Dr. Ancheta has kept the high ideals of CPU by tendering selfless service, invaluable assistance, and financial help to further the religious, educational, and humanitarian causes of the University. Indeed, his unconditional generosity, social consciousness, humanitarian concerns are Christian acts worth remembering and emulating.
Dr. Juan 'Johnny' Ancheta
He is active in the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California, which he and Nellie were pioneer members. Both Dr. Ancheta and Nellie were among the first five persons who started the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California in 1969. They both had served as either president or treasurer of the CPUNorCal.
When Nellie had a stroke in 1995, he was chosen by the group to take her place and continue to lead the group until 2009 when the Chapter accepted to host the 2010 Global reunion in San Francisco.
When the Chapter finally accepted to host the gathering, Dr. Ancheta asked to be replaced by a younger leader. He found joy in being one of those who started the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California.
Devotion to CPU’s welfare
For his lifetime commitment and Christian achievement as minister of the Gospel and humanitarian leader, Central Philippine University takes pride and pleasure in giving Rev. Dr. Ancheta due recognition and honor.
The Anchetas have been known for their passion for service and generosity in helping church related institutions in the Philippines , and Central Philippine University is a recipient. The Celis-Ancheta Hall for the College of Theology dedicated and inaugurated on June 25, 1997 is concrete evidence.
When Nelly joined her creator in 1998, Juan at 70 years old spend his life fulfilling Nellie’s unfinished dreams of helping those who are in need and developing the work of God both here and abroad. For his benevolent work, Rev. Ancheta received the Honorary Doctorate Degree from Central Philippine University on 3 September 1998.
Juan’s later successes
At age 83, Dr. Johnny Ancheta is still strong and busy in their business and in the work of the Lord. He testifies how the Lord is gracious to him and the members of his family. When Nellie passed away, Junell quit his teaching job and his graduate studies to take care of their business. He is blessed with three grand daughters.
On January 25, 1999, Juan married Aurora Carnaje, a US-based nurse and graduate of CPU.
Johnny and Aurora met Dr. Bernabe Pagara, the Dean of the College of Theology during their November 2010 visit at CPU.
His son, Jorge is working in the Alameda County and living alone.
His eldest, Junell and his wife, Ritsuko have three children, namely: Joan, 13; Jane, 10; and Ellena, 8.
In November 2010, Dr. Johnny Ancheta and wife, Aurora Carnaje Ancheta visited their Alma Mater, especially the College of Theology
Juan Ancheta’s story remains as one example of a man’s successful search for better life, which he achieved through hard work, determination, and most of all, his faith in God.
Indeed, the “greener pasture” is always waiting for those who are willing to commit their lives to diligently work for it, not only for personal welfare but for the greater purpose of helping humanity.
Photo credits: Engr. Pio Go, College of Theology, and Link
A Successful Juan Story
This is not the typical “Juan tamad” story we might have heard from our parents or yayas. The common Juan story relates to the Filipino’s laziness and usually ends in tragedy or humiliation of poor Juan.
The story of Juan F. Ancheta typifies the industrious and diligent Filipino who is hard working, God fearing and successful.
Juan F. Ancheta grew up in San Andres, a remote coastal town in Tablas Island, Romblon. Born on May 19, 1928 to a very poor family of eleven siblings, Juan struggled to live a hard life in their barrio.
Traditional farming and fishing were the town’s livelihood because machines were still unavailable and a luxury during those times. The way of life in the barrio raised him to develop a strong body structure and determined spirit.
He was graduating high school when he passed the test to be one of their town’s sanitary inspector. However, his conversion to Christ through an evangelization team from CPU changed everything. His commitment to follow Christ was so intense that after his baptism on April 2, 1950 he decided to go to CPU in May and took up the Theology course.
Work student days at CPU
During his beginning months at Central Philippine University, Juan recalled being rough in ways, clumsy and his physique gave the CPU community the impression of a rural boy. He had the feeling that he is not fit to work in a city church. However, his unorthodox qualities proved to be an asset because it helped him survived and overcome the difficulties of college life.
He was about to quit school after two to three months for lack of financial support. Determined to finish his schooling, he approached Dr. Joseph Howard, the dean of the seminary. He begged for any kind of work.
Juan’s first job was to varnish the newly acquired chairs in Johnson Hall. Next he was assigned the janitorial jobs in the elementary building, which was then made of lumber.
As a work student, he polished the floor, cleaned the toilets and mowed the lawn. In order to mow the lawn of Elementary School, he had to borrow the lawn mower of Rev. Ralph George, who lived in one of the mission houses. He did not mind being seen by the throng of students as he pushed the lawn mower. A town mate of his recalled that many times he heard Juan singing while scrubbing the floor. That town mate remembered sharing pandesal with Juan for some short respite.
Weekend pastoral work at Ito Baptist Church
After two months in school, he was given a weekend assignment in Ito Baptist Church, Cabatuan as part of seminary training. The place was a Huk area. (Huk is the short term for HukBaLaHap which stands for Hukbo ng Bayan laban sa mga Hapon, a guerilla group which fought the Japanese army but its ultra nationalist stand after the Liberation made it an anti-government group similar to the NPA of today.) The Huk was so strong in Ito but he managed to establish the presence of Christian ministry in that area.
Juan was assigned as weekend pastor but was not intimidated by rich people because he strongly believes that he is a minister of God. Juan shares, “I may be clumsy but it is the work of God and not mine. Why should I be ashamed?” Apprehensive of his safety, CPU decided to pull Juan out of the area. Shortly after, the Huk rebels overran Ito.
Finding a partner in life
He believes that to avoid any idea of misconduct you have to woe somebody outside of your parish. He was looking for a person who can help in the ministry, one who loves serving God and has a strong Christian character.
He found these qualities with Nellie a dedicated person, honest and very independent. She got the qualities that would enhance the ministry. Nellie also studied Theology. Juan and Nellie’s calling into the ministry runs parallel. Both of them were faced with good opportunities when they decided to enter the seminary.
Juan and Nellie got married on May 23, 1958 in a simple wedding at the Johnson Chapel. He was so poor that after the wedding, he could only afford ice cream for his guests.
He intended to bring his wife to his boarding house after the wedding but a fellow pastor secretly gave him P10.00 to spend for a night in a downtown hotel. At that time, a night’s lodge was only six pesos.
Juan and Nelly are blest with two son’s, Junell and Jorge.
Know how Dr. Johnny Ancheta achieved success…next post!
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