Several years ago I went on a scouting trip to the campus of the world's largest high school, located less than two kilometers from my church office in Manila. Two things happened as I walked around Rizal High School and interacted with some of the 22,000 teenagers who study on that massive campus.
First, God reminded me of my original call when I first came to the Philippines in 1984--to reach future leaders who study on the high school and university campuses. While on the Rizal campus, I felt like I was standing right in the center of God's destiny for my life. The second thing that happened was that I felt ancient. When did I get so old?
I have not always felt this old. In fact, the first time I was really conscious of my age in relation to ministry was in 1986, when I felt "too young" for the job. When my wife and I first walked the hallowed streets of Manila's University Belt on Recto Avenue in 1984, I was 25 years old and she was 22. Because we were into campus ministry, we were not much older than those we were ministering to. That changed a few years later when the parents of some of our newly saved students began to get saved. By 1986, I was no longer the oldest person in the church; I was no longer the only married person in the church. I also found myself pastoring people older than my parents. During that time, a still, small demonic voice constantly told me, "You're too young for this."
As a struggling young minister, I thought most of my problems would miraculously vanish when I crossed the magical 30-year mark. They didn't, and that voice kept getting louder, "You're too young to do this." (Maybe in a few years, when I turn 50. I'll finally be old enough.)
Many people today are paralyzed by the voice that says, "You're too young. Better wait until you are 30...40...50..." Of course, at some point the voice changes tunes and starts saying, “Now, you are too old."
In 1986, as a 25-year old pastor, I felt too young to lead adults because in my home country all the official American heroes are old guys. Next time you hold a one-dollar bill, just look at all that gray hair on George Washington. They call him the founding father, but Brother George looks more like a founding grandfather. And how about Abe Lincoln? They call him "Honest Abe," but he looks more like "Ancient Abe" on the five-dollar. Had to be pushing 60. And how about that bald head and all those wrinkles on the enlarged version of Ben Franklin on that 100-dollar note? He was close to 80 when he was giving his words of wit and wisdom to the fledgling U.S. Senate. Here's the point: In America, as in most of the world, only old guys can officially be national heroes, therefore, potential nation changers must wait until they are at least 50 before they can make a difference.
The common "You're too young" line might be an acceptable excuse in America and other countries, but not here in the Philippines. If there is one place on the planet that the excuse of youth is non-valid, it is the Philippines. This is a nation birthed and built by its youth.
Think for a moment about Philippine heroes. Let's go back a hundred years to the establishment of the Philippines. Who birthed and shaped this nation? More important, how old were the men who built the foundations of this nation?
Following are just a few of the more well-known examples of young men who made a difference in the Philippines. Every Filipino knows who they were and what they did, but do we realize just how young they were?
Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan, died at the age of 34 in 1897. Thus, he did everything he would do to be a founding father of the Philippines while in his 20s and early 30s.
Antonio Luna, the "Greatest General of the Revolution," was assassinated at the age of 33 in 1899. Before his tragic death, he graduated from Ateneo and University of Barcelona, eventually earning a doctorate in pharmacy, won international literary competitions, founded and edited a newspaper, was arrested and exiled in Spain, studied military science in Belgium, returned to the Philippines, and was appointed as Aguinaldo's director of war and commanding general.
Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the first Philippine Republic. He became mayor of Kawit, Cavite at the age of 26. How many 26-year-old mayors do we have today? Proclaimed Philippine independence and unfurled the Filipino flag in Kawit on June 12, 1898 at the age of 29. At 32, he swore allegiance to the United States in 1901 then lived out his remaining years as a private citizen. Everything Aguinaldo did to become a hero and a history maker, he did during his 20s and early 30s.
Apolinario Mabini, the "Brains of the Revolution." Planned the revolutionary government, acted as prime minister and foreign affairs secretary under Aguinaldo, and was elected chief justice of the Supreme Court. Died of cholera in 1903, three months before his 40th birthday. Again, Mabini accomplished all this while in his 20s and 30s.
Emilio Jacinto, the "Brains of the Katipunan." Dropped out of UST Law School in 1896 to join the Katipunan. Though only 19, he soon became one of the organization's greatest leaders. Close advisor of Bonifacio, editor of Ang Kalayaan, the newspaper of the Katipunan. Mortally wounded in a battle in Laguna in 1899. Died at the age of 24. Jacinto made his mark in Philippine history while in his teens and early 20s.
Gregorio del Pilar, hero of Tirad Pass, youngest general of the revolution. He gave his life in the famous battle at Tirad Pass, enabling Aguinaldo to escape. Final words before his heroic death, "I am surrounded by fearful odds that will overcome me and my gallant men, but I am pleased to die fighting for my beloved country." Died before his 25th birthday.
Jose Rizal, official Philippine national hero. Doctor. Novelist. Poet. Painter. Revolutionary. Martyr. Executed at the age of 35. Accomplished enough in his 20s and 30s to become national hero. Thank God, Rizal didn't wait until he was "old enough" to make a difference!
What are the young men of today willing to live and die for? What great cause have we held out to this generation? What are today's pastors and parents doing to raise another generation of Filipino heroes?
Heroes are not birthed in video arcades and movie theaters, but in godly homes and God-fearing churches. It is the job of parents and pastors to shape the next generation of Filipino heroes.
As we remember the Filipino heroes of 100 years ago we find that this nation was built by people in their 20s and 30s. One hundred years from now Philippine history will look back at the people who shaped the second hundred years of Philippine history. I suspect the history makers will again be the 20-something generation.
Now is the time for spiritual leaders to get serious about the potential that lies untapped in today's youth. Someone will impact this nation for the next hundred years. Why not our youth?
