SINAG - ARAL

The term “sinag” is a Filipino word translated as ray, ray of the sun means “sinag ng araw.” It can be used to describe a blinding light that is also used to describe the glory of God. “Aral” means to study. Therefore, “sinag-aral” means studying for the glory of God.

Another reason why its is called “Sinag-aral” is when I sat in the Bible class with my wife, whenever it was 3pm in the afternoon the students will re-arrange their seats so they could clearly see the blackboard by avoiding the sun’s rays coming from the window.

I was inspired when I joined in the class. I took some classes in a theological school in Singapore, it was more hi-tech compared to them. But the humbleness of the class moved me because of their enthusiasm and joy. There were about 12 of them in the class ranging from 16 to 70 years old. I felt sad after learning that the extension school may be closed by the following year due to low students’ intake due to financial constraints. Also, my wife was taking energy from the classes and the students to withstand her sickness.

I fueled my inspiration by asking God what can I do for them. Then I realized that I could ask support from my cell group mates in Singapore and help them financially. I approached the school head, Rev. Joel Sanoy about my idea and he was glad and prayed that it will be successful.

It took me some time to gather my courage to approach my cell group mates. Because there was money involved, it was very hard to introduce my idea.

I grew up with my younger sisters handling the budget, my father and mother were in the middle east together. During the Gulf War in 1991, my parents’ financial support were delayed a few month so I had to approach others for financial help and it was a very agonizing experience.

We prayed hard so that God will touch their hearts and to lead me on what I need to say to encourage them to support. But praise God for what He did. All of them responded immediately and I even heard through them the words that I should be telling them. These were some of the phrases I heard:
“Good seed in good soil”
“A chance of being a part of God’s plan”
“Being able to help with the right hand without the left hand knowing it”
“Small token from God’s providence”
“Being a part for the glory of his kingdom”
“A way of having personal outreach ministry”
“I already felt joy in the idea”
“Opportunity to give and make a difference in the kingdom”
“A step of faithfulness”
“Investment in heaven”

After the students found out that someone will help them with their studies, they were overcame with joy and thanksgiving to the Lord. Some claimed it as an act of God to their struggles.


Today, we have witnessed what God has done in so many believers in Christ. New churches were formed and more sponsors joined in, not only in Singapore but in other countries including the Philippines. Most of the early students sponsored by Sinag-aral Foundations are working for the school.

The Sinag-aral group headed by my faithful brother in Christ, Ruel de la Cruz, is still strong and most of the co-founders were blessed in many ways. Some of them no longer work in Singapore. Some were sent by God in other places like the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Israel. By God’s grace Sinag-aral will grow in those places as well.

The intake of the school grows more than twice every year, of students of different Christian denominations. The number of new enrollees has surpassed that of the main school.

The school no longer is an extension school but was promoted as a branch school. A plan is in motion to offer more subjects and diploma courses for theological studies.



God is Able

Even up to now, my wife and I are overwhelmed on what God has done through us and we took it in our heart to continue this purpose that He started.

God has a task for His people individually to do something beyond our understanding and capabilities. He will equip us with the necessary gifts and talents so that we can be productive to complement with others in the kingdom.

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit in you.

To be honest, we didn’t do much, we just hold on and play our part to His plans. We kept our faith and love for the students.
One of the reasons why we are striving to finish this book is for the foundation and the students.


“A small act of favor from a godly heart of one, can be a blessing miracle revealed to some.”




SINAG-ARAL

Signs and miracles will be come useless and in vain
If you will take the glory for your self to gain
Never do that or you will be punished immensely
Allow God to receive and gather all the glory
God will surely bless you beyond expectation

Acknowledge His grace and joy will be set in motion
Reflect His goodness so others will be inspired
All will be blessed, encourage and Spirit on fire
Let living up to His purpose be your only desire