SHARPEN THE SWORD

The experience as an asset of the Police and the Military gained knowledge of the Criminal Law, Laws regarding drug abuse, Family Code, Civil Law, and Local Ordinances.

Mechanical Engineering has given him the knowledge of the technology and how to systematize and to modernize things. How to invent and innovate things for law enforcement and intelligence gathering.

A qualified applicant, who passes the Law Aptitude Examination (LAE), must undergo an interview. The UP LAE is usually administered in the 2nd week of February in seven (7) testing centers (UP Diliman, UP Baguio, UP Cebu, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro City, Naga City). Registration starts by November.

Juan reading the application requirements for the University of the Philippines College of Law.

They are transferring to Manila. The General Santos Operations of Goldenfruits Inc. will be left behind the hands of a loyal family of employees and farmers headed by Rose Zabala who just graduated from her Business Administration.

Tony will establish the export office in Manila.

Ruthie will start her College at De la Salle University - Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business.

" I'm happy that I can make a painting gallery and help the artists in Manila. This is a dream made a reality" Paulo said.

These are what they are thinking as they are preparing their baggage for the trip.

The farmhouse was converted and renovated to be a beautiful staff house with a suite room, two guest rooms, and five studio type rooms for Goldenfruits Inc. Staff authorized by Tony.

The Tira Family are staying in the Suite room if they are here on the farm.

"Juan, you will go ahead with Ruthie to Manila. You can process your enrollment ahead and Ruthie's in De La Salle University." Tony is instructing his son.

"OK, Dad. I will just let the motorbike be carried with some of our products in a container van." Juan said as he is reviewing the container declaration documents and waybill.

"Ok, that's good, for five years, your motorcycle Yamaha YZF R3 300 still looks brand new, no, even better than the stock, you had really used your knowledge as a mechanical engineer, I'm proud of you, son," Tony said.

" When are you going, Dad?" Juan asked.

"I and Paulo will be there after a month," Tony said.

Juan went to the improved open Rest house near the pool which was the only nipa but before. He gets his fishing gear given by Ely. He gets some worms and hooks one to fish for the afternoon.

There had been so many improvements on the farm. Ely and Tony have made it a modern farm with the collaboration of the old ways and the modern machines in pest prevention and effective and efficient farming techniques, the farm is a certified producer of organic farming.

They had gained and bought a vast land for Goldenfruits Inc. It tripled with the land under lease and rent and employed well-paid farmers and been given rights to have minor stock shares to have a part in the company's dividends. The happy farmer made the operation and the profit soar high as they think the farm as their own company.

He video called Jacky who is on the train going home from the university.

"Hello Jacky, guess where I am?" Juan asked.

"Hahaha, you are in our dating place! The poolside." Jacky said.

"I miss you here. Jacky, hey! we will be in Manila probably next week, I will try to enroll in the UP College of Law. Ruthie also at De La Salle University." Juan informing her.

"Juan, Is that so? you will be nearer then in Japan haha, hope you can be admitted. I can visit you easily. Just for an hour, I can fly there and another hour back. I miss you also. You know, I remember those days, we sing songs in the school with the guitar I bring." Jacky imagines the days in high school.

Do you remember this song?

Jacky singing:

Sometimes when I am down

And I don't feel like You're around, oh Lord

Feeling so sorry for me

Not knowing that all the while You're working to see

If when I'm put through the fire

I'll come out shining like gold

Oh Lord, please don't ever stop working with me

'Til You see I can be all You want me to be

I am willing, Lord

I am willing, Lord

To be just exactly what You want me to be.

"I know that life's uncertainties are in God's certain hands. I trust God always that even in the difficult times, He can give a beam of hope." Jacky said.

"Well, I hope you can visit us in Manila soon," Juan said.

"I will, for sure!" Jacky said.

The intelligence community, the Mayor, The Agency, the Army and the Police made a simple farewell party for Juan in the City Counselor's session hall. He was awarded a plaque of appreciation signed by the Head of Police, Head of the Army, City Counselors, and the Mayor.

The party was filled with memories of those who sacrificed their lives, the friendship, the trust and the belongingness in a world filled with crime and injustice. It is an emotional party than a wild one.

"I will leave you now, not forever, just a little bit of time to sharpen my sword against crime and injustice. Please take care of yourselves and protect your city, your children, your father and mother from abusive, destructive elements. Thank you and God bless you all." Juan's farewell speech.

They had a buffet as the Goldenfruits sponsored the food.

The next day, Juan visited those friends in prison. Especially, former Chief Inspector Isagani Banot, Police Inspectors Renato Villo who had been imprisoned for drug lord protection and drug business operations.

Previous enemies, previous criminals that Juan had helped in prison to repent and Juan also had been a help that they will know real transformation through Christ.

These criminals really were surprised that the previous cause they were imprisoned which they hated so much that they were caught was here in prison visiting them. Helping them to alleviate their suffering and assisting them spiritually, that the hate we're slowly being converted to admiration, then to real repentance, conversion. They learned to respect this mortal enemy and learned to love him till they get out of prison a real "new person".

The sword of the law, the sword of God, his Holy Scriptures, can be more appreciated when a criminal accepts his sin, repent, that changes his mindset that instead of hurting people, they will see how they are loved as a sinner and given a chance to change and prove their worth as a person.

The sword also can punish the unrepentant and condemn them not only physically but spiritually. It will force them to mend ways or to die suffering.

Most... have seen the truth that what you sow, you reap, that crime does not pay.