THE DOCTOR IS IN

Today, February 5 is a make or break day for me.  I said so because two months after, I should have presented my dissertation before the panelist.  Once I passed the defense, I would be graduating on April 5 from my Doctors of Ministry class.  Yes, by then, the title Doctor can be attached to my name.  But that is the least of my concern.  Doing my dissertation is what concerns me most.

Barely two months I have to complete my paper.  The idea was so daunting to me.  I don't see myself finishing the task within that short period of time.  And within that period of time, I have to squeeze in my duty as a hands-on father and my schedule as a  full time pastor.  I also have paper works for the coming conferences and am directing a children's camp.  I am busy as a bee.

That is why, my first question to my adviser is, "Can I do it in two months."  She answered me with full of conviction, "Nothing is impossible."

With that encouraging reply, I headed to Wesleyan University Philippines in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija where my adviser heads a research and archives department.

It was almost 2 pm when we met in her office.  We started brainstorming.  Our session together was enlightening.  With all her ideas on how to do about the paper, I am more determined to finish it on time and graduate on time.

I was reassured that indeed, "nothing is impossible."  Everything that she said was believable.

My next concern was equally if not more intimidating.  The expenses. She told me that I would be needing at least three panelist.  I have to pay them.  So is my adviser.  Budget for food, communications, transportation, photocopy, tokens for the respondents and for the clerical work need to be included too.

She asked one of her staff who recently finished his dissertation on how much he spent.  A conservative amount of P50,000 is what I need to produce.

Hearing him said the amount tempted me to forget all about what we had discussed about the dissertation.  Hahahahahaha!  My mouth almost shouted, "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?"

It is not that I am not aware that it would be that expensive.  It is just that I have to produce thousands of pesos in two months time.

Now I know why medical doctors charged too high for a professional fee.  One can be sick and tired spending for studying medical courses.

Now I know why many Asian are studying medicine here in the Philippines.  It is much more expensive to become a doctor in their native land.  Doctors deserved to be rewarded.

But I am not sure that if it can be applied also to a would be Doctor of Ministry like me.  I may have the title but not the bread and butter.  Hahahahahaha!  Nonetheless, we also heal people. It may not be a physical illness but emotional, social and spiritual healing we do.

Anyway, it was clear to me from day one that I need not expect to be paid as a pastor or as a doctor.  People cannot pay me and should not say that they pay me as their pastor because you cannot pay the "life" of a person.  Pastors do not just give their time when they enter the ministy, they give their "very lives."  Life cannot be paid by any amount of money.

I entered the ministry because I would like to serve the people.  I would like to improve on my ministry for the same reason, to serve the people.