BUKIDNON AREA CONFERENCE
of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
Ecclesiastical Updates
July to November 2008
CROSS WITH NO HANDLE
When Jesus said pick up the cross and follow me in Matthew 16:24, he never said that it is a cross of convenience, a cross full of decorative jewelry and exotic artwork. It is a cross that is rugged, known to be as criminal symbol, and foremost it is a cross without handle. Yes, the life-work that we have is never a work of convenience or a work of pleasure and gain. It is a work where life is at stake, family is being left, and self is denied so that others may be known.
The journey is quite rugged and crooked one but it is a journey where we travel not on our own but with Jesus himself who experience our pain and truly understand our life situation. We are never alone, we have each other and we have our faith in Christ that continues to move and define our being as we journey toward Shalom.
OUR CONTEXT
Bukidnon is a fast growing agricultural industry in the Philippines. Aside from Del Monte Company, many international companies are spreading like fungi one of which is the Dole International which widens their banana, pineapple and high value crop vegetable plantation in order to cater the international market. These companies will rent the farm land and convert it to humongous industrialized cropping. This conversion leads not only to displace farm workers but also pulled down the basic food farming. Palm oil and ethanol gas are also spreading like wide fire. In fact it became part of other municipalities in their municipal planning to venture in this business.
Aside from that, Bukidnon is now opening itself to the mining industry that shattered around the municipalities of Impasug-og, Sumilao, Cabanglasan, and San Fernando. Since gold is the prime product, many investors which include the governor of the province and other municipal mayors are flocking and making everything to facilitate the approval of mining. The permit is already approved without consultation from the communities. Tag along with mining is the clearing maneuver which involved the military to infiltrate the community. Thus, led to the militarization of the communities where its area is potential for mining. Dao, Kibungkog and Palacpacan are areas that experienced this maneuvering.
With this development come sacrificial lambs to be killed. Families were divided in terms of land disputes, tribal communities were terrorized with both internal and external threats, young people tend to migrate in order areas in order to survive, children were force to work for the survival of the family, and churches are overwhelm with such problems that led them to a catatonic stage.
OUR LIFE WORK
The Bukidnon Area Conference is conscious of the realities around. Being aware of God’s people sentiment and struggles is being creative in one’s approach in bringing the gospel of Christ Jesus to God’s people. The gospel that brings hopes that there is still a chance to make things done; there is still hope to make change.
Anchored to the UCCP Quadrennial Thrusts, BAC was able to facilitate these following life works;
A. Shared understanding of the faith of the Church.
• Basic Church Membership Course. 10 Churches were able to avail on the basic UCCP Ecclesiastical Course.
• Church Officers Training. 4 Local Councils were able to avail in this program.
• UCCP Management System Promotion
• Conference Organizational Consultation
• Community Ministries. Send 6 delegates to the NWMJ Community Ministries Consultation.
• CPE Convention. Send delegate to the 2nd CPE Convention.
B. Strengthened internal human resources particularly the church workers and the enablers that would ensure responsible and effective church leadership for generations to come.
• Lay Formation Program (3 Levels)
• Continuing Theological Education (Purpose Driven Church, EQUIP-Leadership Seminar, Child Trafficking Orientation, FEET-Focusing Evangelism Effectively Today)
• Church Workers Consultation and Meetings (NWMJ-UCWO, NWMJ MSA Quarterly Meetings)
• Human Resource Development
• Ministerial Development (Apprenticeship and Ministerial formation Program)
C. Deepening of the Church's understanding of the state, needs and sentiments of members and of local churches and through an information-based analysis of needs and planning process.
• Ecclesiastical Consultation. Conduct a visitation to all churches of BAC and made a consultation of the ecclesiastical situation.
D. Vibrant and contextualized worship life of congregations, stronger fellowship and warm caring system in our faith communities.
• Liturgical Music Seminar
• Liturgical Renewal
• Ecclesiastical Visitation
• Circuits Fellowship ( 7circuits)
• Community Integration (Public Worship, Religious Education in Public & Private Schools
E. Steadfast prophetic witness of the Church in the communities amidst the wounds afflicting the society.
• Bangsanmoro Juridical Entity-MOAD Consultation. Conducted consultation of the BJE-MOA AD
• Dialogue Consultation Concerning Militarization in Dao, Palacpacan and Kibungkog (Gov. Zubiri, Lt. Dulawan and the Tribal Leaders)
• Dialogue Consultation on the Issue of Minor Recruitment for anti-Insurgency
• Dialogue on the issue of Mining
• Sheltered gave assistance to the 3 families who were victims of militarization (Ewanda, Toto & Areon Family)
• Rice Distribution to the affected area of Militarization (Dao & Kibungkog)
• UCCP Community Ministries. Consultation, Capability Building and Livelihood Program
F. Stronger inter-faith, ecumenical and international relationship and meaningful expression of partnership.
• UCCP BAC Lingap Pangkabataan partnership Projects..
1. Capability Building. Training the leaders to train grass-root community leaders
2. Shelter for the Victims. Provide a place to shelter the victims of CT and able to give basic services to them.
3. Family Life. Provide education for parents concerning parental care and basic life-skill program.
4. Advocacy. Education through multi-media promotion, ecumenical involvement, and inter-sectoral and inter-agency involvement
5. Rescue. Monitor, establish linkages, and coordinate rescue operation for the victims.
6. Legal Assistance Program. Link agencies and organizations that offer legal assistance and services to the victims.
7. Tribal Leaders Development Program. Organize and empower tribal leaders to become co-partners of working against CT.
8. Alternative Learning System Program. Provide access on education for potential victims and victims of CT.
9. Management Meeting (Planning, Implementing, Monitoring and Evaluation). Conduct monthly meeting that will monitor and evaluate the implementation of the program.
10. Life-skills Development. Provide venue of self-awareness and personal development growth.
11. Livelihood Projects. Develop skills to uplift one’s economic condition
12. Educational Drive. The activity engages in equipping and nurturing the leaders and members of the communities. Collective involvement is the aim of this activity
• UCCP BAC –PROK
1. Scholarship Program. There are 30 High School Students, 14 elementary students and 2 college students.
2. Life Farming Project. Trained 8 Lay Workers to enhance their skill in sustainable farming.
3. Livelihood Project. Corn Farming and Livestock Dispersal
• UCCP BAC Holmdel Community UCC-
1. Salary Support for UCCP Kibungkog and Nabangunan
2. Reiki Program
3. Livestock Dispersal
4. Farm Assistance Program
5. Prayer Group
6. Worship and Liturgical Celebration
7. Tribal Community Support (Militarization)
• UCCP BAC –IRC
1. Youth Retreat
2. Children’s Camp
3. Project Jubilee
4. Women’s Program
• UCCP BAC- NSO-BUASO
1. Seminar and Workshop
2. Fellowship
• UCCP BAC Alagad Mindanao
1. Seminar Workshop for AID/HIV Service Provider
2. Monitoring
G. Faithful and fruitful practice of the stewardship of our God-given resources and improved capacity of the Church to support its mission and ministries
• Stewardship Educational Campaign. 90% of the Church Workers attended the consultation and committed to rise their giving.
• BAC Development Project
• Project Proposal Making
OUR REALIZATION
“For I know the pans I have for you, declares the Lord... plans to give you hope and a future… You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11, 13
We truly believe that God’s plan for God’s people in Bukidnon has hope and has a future. Though opposite to its reality today, but we need to work harder and expand our works but letting others know and partake also the work.
In our sharing with the concern with the Kibunkog’s case, many prayed and were able to know the situation here in the Philippines. Sharon from Canada able to share that back then, she was just concerned of herself and do not know what happen around her. But when Debbie Shield shared the problem, she was awaken and able to prayer for the communities who were victims of militarization.
Our work is multi-level, we have to give our ministerial presence to God’s people right there and now and also able to let others know about the situation, our journey. For living in the household of God, our journey is everybody’s journey.
Rev. Mike Oram from UK also shared to me, that the work of ours is not only confounded with the oppressed but also to the oppressors. Our greatest challenge is to make the oppressor be the servant of all and this could be happened through God’s love- this is what we call loving our enemy.
OUR LIFE
Truly, the important thing is not to think much how we can implement the projects and how much we are align with quadrennial thrusts but of how much we love as Christ himself commanded us to do and doing that which best stirs us to love.
May we join together in our journey towards shalom. Padayon sa pag-asdang for we know we are with Jesus whom we can all trust.
Trust Me
Trust Me when dark doubts assaults you,
Trust Me when your strength is small, Trust Me when to simple trust Me
Seems the hardest thing of all
Trust Me, I am ever faithful; Trust Me for My will is best,
Trust Me, for My Heart of Mercy is the only place to rest.
Trust Me, then, through doubts and sunshine; All your cares upon Me cast,
Till the storm of life is over and your trusting days are past.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Monday, October 20, 2008
Family of God
Family of God (GBB 11-7-07)
We come together as one,
We are family in the household of God
Praising God to whom we belong
The source of everyone’s life
Chorus
In the love that we give, in the faith that we live
Bringing us to a place we called home.
In the care that we show every joy we bestow
Joining us in the family of God
We live together as one,
Sisters brothers in the household of God
Knowing God the head of our home
We live in community (Chorus)
We serve together as one
We’re partners in the household of God
Bringing love, justice and peace
We serve with humility (Chorus)
We hope together as one
We are heirs in the household of God
Seeing vision of newness of life
We hope for new reality (Chorus)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Rescuing God's Children
Fighting the Giant
By Rev. Goel B. Bagundol-UCCP BAC
Human trafficking has been one of the major problems in the Philippines mainly caused by extreme poverty. Sadly to say that children are the prime victims in this crime. Though the Philippine government works hard to resolve this problem but still the lack of sufficient coordination happen especially to down line processing and facilitating to the different government agencies like DSWD & Bantay Bata. Truly enough that there are lot of non-government organizations sprouting out like mushrooms who confidently claiming that they have the right connections and of course enormous funding abroad like the NGO “No to Trafficking” which is funded by USAID, they all keep you waiting and hanging with their highly technical vocabulary of promises. Yes, we did our best but in reality our best is far from enough! Our children have been enslave, literally slaves in this so called modern age.
“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
(Matthew 18:5-7) Christ Jesus was indeed deadly serious about the welfare of these little ones, he never let any room for compromising or any delays. Jesus took immediate action and love for God’s children.
The Case
2006, 3 minors namely Lilian Aglian (16 y.o.), Elizabeth Manayab (17y.o.) and Delfin Manayag (17y.0) were recruited by Paulo Vinansing at Iglugsad, San Fernando Bukidnon promising them to get a job as helpers in one of the stores in Cagayan de Oro City. Surprisingly, they were brought in barangay Patani, Marawi City. The children were sold to Ms. Nermin Malawani and Khadyamin Malawani as house helpers for P 8,000. Months later Danny, escaped and was able to retell their story to their parents.
Mrs. Lydia Mancilla the guardian parent of Lilian together with Elizabeth’s parents went to see their Children in Marawi City last year 2007. Both were denied of their request for Ms. Nermin told them, “Gipalit na namo sila sa kantidad nga P 8,000. Kung gusto nimong kwaon sila, bayran sa nimo ko.”(I already bought them for the amount of P8,000, if you wanted to get them, you have to pay me back the money) She added, “Well, you can get your children after one year. “ A year later last January 7, 2008, they went back to the couple but the same happened. They failed to get their children. With this Lydia Mancilla could not but sought help to different government agencies but with them and their complaints alone were not sufficient. Thus seeking help to our Church was the very last resort she did in rescuing their children.
The Ordeal
Ms. Lydia retold her conversation with Ms. Eusebia Q. Piscos the Municipal Social Welfare Officer of San Fernando, that she was told, “Kamo gayod mga lumad problema gud mo ug kami dayon inyong perwesyohon!” (You tribal people are trouble makers; you always bragged us with your troubles.) I thought that Ms. Lydia was just exaggerating but when I personally called Ms. Eusebia to ask her recommendation and assistance to the problem, she answered with straight forward remarked, “ I will not accompany them going to Marawi City, I can only make recommendation. For the last time I went there my life was almost endangered- I was being pointed with a gun by a Maranao. Never would I go there again.” I was grateful to her commitment of making the recommendation but I know for a fact that this is supposed to be their very job and danger is just a part of their job description.
I went to Iligan city together with Lydia to give the endorsed letter to BANTAY BATA. I visited first Rev. Carlos Iglupas the conference minister of Lanao District Conference to ask assistance to the whereabouts of the government agencies that will facilitate to solve the problem. We together with Rev. Utor and Rev. Danny Tubias went first to DSWD but were not entertained instead they advised us to go to Bantay Bata. But when we went there, we were like children listening to an old teacher’s scolding. Ms. Juanita Alviola said, “We do not rescue here, we just only provide shelter for the children! We are not the right agency.” Getting her point we insisted to have our letter received and we went on. Our last resource was to see PSSUPT Virgilio T. Ranes he Regional Director of PNP.
That following day we were able to met PSSUPT Ranes and was graciously accommodated our concern. With an immediate response, he called the PNP Marawi City division to facilitate their coming to rescue the children. Here was an immediate response to a certain problem of Trafficking. SSUPT Ranes never mentioned that it was not his jurisdiction nor said any words that delayed the rescue. He immediately acted to solve the problem.
The Rescue
“The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him”. Psalm 37:40
With the ordeal that we experienced, God had never forsaken us. God showed perfect helped and perfect timing of rescuing the children. January 17, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. we went for operation under the command of SPO3 Esrafil Rangaig together with PO2 Lynn Quioyo, PO3 Rodelio Diez, PO2 Ricky Anduade, PO2 Jenyfel Monsubre, SPO1 Gregorio Nahuman and PO1 Harvey Orbe and the two brave UCCP LDC ministers, Rev. Iglu[as and Rev. Tubias. We went first to the PNP Headquarter of Marawi City and were immediately assisted going to the location of the rescue.
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you; to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deuteronomy 20:4
We went to Barangay Patani and met 2 barangay officials who happened to be relatives of the couple who bought the children. Definitely, Maranaos live closely with their relatives and they have one faith and one family principle and this is to protect each other no matter the cause. We continue to go to the house and were able to approach the family with calmness. God was indeed working in our dealings with the couple’s relative. We never noticed how the crowd grew in numbers. They are all relatives and to offend one will result into trouble. The couple met us with firing words that they were not the bad people here, they only bought the children out of pity and treated them as their own family. During discussion they added that they are good Muslim who takes care of Allah’s people. I told them that we appreciate your kindness to these children, but still under the law of our land, children cannot be sold nor can be bought. The P 8,000 that you spend is not our responsibility to pay, we came here to rescue the children and we will take them with us. Though hesitant, they gave the children.
It should be noted here that under Islam, slavery is strictly prohibited. Slavery is part of the Maranao culture not an Islam teaching. Thus, such kind of system Waiting for the Couple is engraved in their culture and tradition. Their victims of their slavery are those who are not Muslim and they slave in the process will converted to Muslim.
Child Waiting to Be Rescued
After the successful rescue, we went to Barangay Banga to see the recruiter Paulo. When we get there Paulo was able to notice us thus made his way to escape. Barangay Banga is located in the remote place and was known to be a no man’s land- literary even Maranao Police do not want to come with us. Eventually we went and God was so kind in protecting us and giving us another mission.
Pena Indagnay was 9 years old when Langag Anggawa illegally brought her to Marawi City last three years ago. Basically she was sold and was bought for P 1,000. Being both means, there is no monthly salary or even allowance. You work in order to survive. When we saw her standing in the crowd, Lydia said, “that child needs our help. Please help her CM Goel.” I immediately ask her in front of the person who bought her, “do you want to go with us?’ Though fearful but she said in a small voice saying, “Yes”. I repeated the question twice and she answered the same yes.
We immediately took here with us. She brought nothing but her own self, no clothing nor things. She was shaky and so cold when we grabbed her from that place. Truly God included her to be rescued. We went immediately noticing that m0st men begun to act suspiciously.
Fighting the Giant
Human trafficking is a giant problem and God is calling us to fight against this problem like David had fought goliath and defeated him in God’s name. Right now we have to pick up small stones that will put this modern goliath into one’s death.
1. Stone of Prevention- The best thing to fight against Human Trafficking is to prevent it by happening. Though recruitment is inevitable nowadays but by facilitating right information and education one can be guided what is illegal and what is not. All agencies- the GO’s, Pos’ and Church People should work double time in educating the people.
2. Stone of Sourcing Resources and Connections. Clarity of the processes in rescuing the Trafficked Children is essential. In this experience, the complainants were toast back and fort, from one agency to another. There should no partiality in entertaining the client whether they are lumad or well-known personalities.
Mission Accomplished!
What matter most are the children. I am thankful for Lingap Pangkabataan who sponsored our expenses, so with the UCCP constituents –both individual and groups who gave themselves to be part of God’s work.
3. Stone of Responsibility. Not our jurisdiction! This is the common phrase you will hear in an agency. Human trafficking is our responsibility. All have to take such responsibility and will really act how cans one able to contribute in solving the problem, not contributing another problem.
4. Stone of Bravery. Danger is inevitable in solving this problem. It is by God’s protection that we will live and it is in God’s hands that our lives are depending upon. If you will not act then who will? If not now. When? Bravery is confident in God who calls us to save God’s little one.
5. Stone of Prayer and Reiki. The Camp Farthest Out International, Arrow Prayers International, UCC families and Debbie & her family helped us prayed. Through their intercession, God’s mighty works able us to save not two but three children. Thank you so much.
Conclusion
To love God is to give our very selves to God without restriction and without innovation, for God’s works here on earth are works that need our priority, our commitment, out time and our all. Fighting Goliath is God’s mission for us to work, a mission that will test how well we live together in God’s household.
Together we fight, sling the five stones to defeat Goliath.
By Rev. Goel B. Bagundol-UCCP BAC
Human trafficking has been one of the major problems in the Philippines mainly caused by extreme poverty. Sadly to say that children are the prime victims in this crime. Though the Philippine government works hard to resolve this problem but still the lack of sufficient coordination happen especially to down line processing and facilitating to the different government agencies like DSWD & Bantay Bata. Truly enough that there are lot of non-government organizations sprouting out like mushrooms who confidently claiming that they have the right connections and of course enormous funding abroad like the NGO “No to Trafficking” which is funded by USAID, they all keep you waiting and hanging with their highly technical vocabulary of promises. Yes, we did our best but in reality our best is far from enough! Our children have been enslave, literally slaves in this so called modern age.
“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
(Matthew 18:5-7) Christ Jesus was indeed deadly serious about the welfare of these little ones, he never let any room for compromising or any delays. Jesus took immediate action and love for God’s children.
The Case
2006, 3 minors namely Lilian Aglian (16 y.o.), Elizabeth Manayab (17y.o.) and Delfin Manayag (17y.0) were recruited by Paulo Vinansing at Iglugsad, San Fernando Bukidnon promising them to get a job as helpers in one of the stores in Cagayan de Oro City. Surprisingly, they were brought in barangay Patani, Marawi City. The children were sold to Ms. Nermin Malawani and Khadyamin Malawani as house helpers for P 8,000. Months later Danny, escaped and was able to retell their story to their parents.
Mrs. Lydia Mancilla the guardian parent of Lilian together with Elizabeth’s parents went to see their Children in Marawi City last year 2007. Both were denied of their request for Ms. Nermin told them, “Gipalit na namo sila sa kantidad nga P 8,000. Kung gusto nimong kwaon sila, bayran sa nimo ko.”(I already bought them for the amount of P8,000, if you wanted to get them, you have to pay me back the money) She added, “Well, you can get your children after one year. “ A year later last January 7, 2008, they went back to the couple but the same happened. They failed to get their children. With this Lydia Mancilla could not but sought help to different government agencies but with them and their complaints alone were not sufficient. Thus seeking help to our Church was the very last resort she did in rescuing their children.
The Ordeal
Ms. Lydia retold her conversation with Ms. Eusebia Q. Piscos the Municipal Social Welfare Officer of San Fernando, that she was told, “Kamo gayod mga lumad problema gud mo ug kami dayon inyong perwesyohon!” (You tribal people are trouble makers; you always bragged us with your troubles.) I thought that Ms. Lydia was just exaggerating but when I personally called Ms. Eusebia to ask her recommendation and assistance to the problem, she answered with straight forward remarked, “ I will not accompany them going to Marawi City, I can only make recommendation. For the last time I went there my life was almost endangered- I was being pointed with a gun by a Maranao. Never would I go there again.” I was grateful to her commitment of making the recommendation but I know for a fact that this is supposed to be their very job and danger is just a part of their job description.
I went to Iligan city together with Lydia to give the endorsed letter to BANTAY BATA. I visited first Rev. Carlos Iglupas the conference minister of Lanao District Conference to ask assistance to the whereabouts of the government agencies that will facilitate to solve the problem. We together with Rev. Utor and Rev. Danny Tubias went first to DSWD but were not entertained instead they advised us to go to Bantay Bata. But when we went there, we were like children listening to an old teacher’s scolding. Ms. Juanita Alviola said, “We do not rescue here, we just only provide shelter for the children! We are not the right agency.” Getting her point we insisted to have our letter received and we went on. Our last resource was to see PSSUPT Virgilio T. Ranes he Regional Director of PNP.
That following day we were able to met PSSUPT Ranes and was graciously accommodated our concern. With an immediate response, he called the PNP Marawi City division to facilitate their coming to rescue the children. Here was an immediate response to a certain problem of Trafficking. SSUPT Ranes never mentioned that it was not his jurisdiction nor said any words that delayed the rescue. He immediately acted to solve the problem.
The Rescue
“The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him”. Psalm 37:40
With the ordeal that we experienced, God had never forsaken us. God showed perfect helped and perfect timing of rescuing the children. January 17, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. we went for operation under the command of SPO3 Esrafil Rangaig together with PO2 Lynn Quioyo, PO3 Rodelio Diez, PO2 Ricky Anduade, PO2 Jenyfel Monsubre, SPO1 Gregorio Nahuman and PO1 Harvey Orbe and the two brave UCCP LDC ministers, Rev. Iglu[as and Rev. Tubias. We went first to the PNP Headquarter of Marawi City and were immediately assisted going to the location of the rescue.
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you; to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deuteronomy 20:4
We went to Barangay Patani and met 2 barangay officials who happened to be relatives of the couple who bought the children. Definitely, Maranaos live closely with their relatives and they have one faith and one family principle and this is to protect each other no matter the cause. We continue to go to the house and were able to approach the family with calmness. God was indeed working in our dealings with the couple’s relative. We never noticed how the crowd grew in numbers. They are all relatives and to offend one will result into trouble. The couple met us with firing words that they were not the bad people here, they only bought the children out of pity and treated them as their own family. During discussion they added that they are good Muslim who takes care of Allah’s people. I told them that we appreciate your kindness to these children, but still under the law of our land, children cannot be sold nor can be bought. The P 8,000 that you spend is not our responsibility to pay, we came here to rescue the children and we will take them with us. Though hesitant, they gave the children.
It should be noted here that under Islam, slavery is strictly prohibited. Slavery is part of the Maranao culture not an Islam teaching. Thus, such kind of system Waiting for the Couple is engraved in their culture and tradition. Their victims of their slavery are those who are not Muslim and they slave in the process will converted to Muslim.
Child Waiting to Be Rescued
After the successful rescue, we went to Barangay Banga to see the recruiter Paulo. When we get there Paulo was able to notice us thus made his way to escape. Barangay Banga is located in the remote place and was known to be a no man’s land- literary even Maranao Police do not want to come with us. Eventually we went and God was so kind in protecting us and giving us another mission.
Pena Indagnay was 9 years old when Langag Anggawa illegally brought her to Marawi City last three years ago. Basically she was sold and was bought for P 1,000. Being both means, there is no monthly salary or even allowance. You work in order to survive. When we saw her standing in the crowd, Lydia said, “that child needs our help. Please help her CM Goel.” I immediately ask her in front of the person who bought her, “do you want to go with us?’ Though fearful but she said in a small voice saying, “Yes”. I repeated the question twice and she answered the same yes.
We immediately took here with us. She brought nothing but her own self, no clothing nor things. She was shaky and so cold when we grabbed her from that place. Truly God included her to be rescued. We went immediately noticing that m0st men begun to act suspiciously.
Fighting the Giant
Human trafficking is a giant problem and God is calling us to fight against this problem like David had fought goliath and defeated him in God’s name. Right now we have to pick up small stones that will put this modern goliath into one’s death.
1. Stone of Prevention- The best thing to fight against Human Trafficking is to prevent it by happening. Though recruitment is inevitable nowadays but by facilitating right information and education one can be guided what is illegal and what is not. All agencies- the GO’s, Pos’ and Church People should work double time in educating the people.
2. Stone of Sourcing Resources and Connections. Clarity of the processes in rescuing the Trafficked Children is essential. In this experience, the complainants were toast back and fort, from one agency to another. There should no partiality in entertaining the client whether they are lumad or well-known personalities.
Mission Accomplished!
What matter most are the children. I am thankful for Lingap Pangkabataan who sponsored our expenses, so with the UCCP constituents –both individual and groups who gave themselves to be part of God’s work.
3. Stone of Responsibility. Not our jurisdiction! This is the common phrase you will hear in an agency. Human trafficking is our responsibility. All have to take such responsibility and will really act how cans one able to contribute in solving the problem, not contributing another problem.
4. Stone of Bravery. Danger is inevitable in solving this problem. It is by God’s protection that we will live and it is in God’s hands that our lives are depending upon. If you will not act then who will? If not now. When? Bravery is confident in God who calls us to save God’s little one.
5. Stone of Prayer and Reiki. The Camp Farthest Out International, Arrow Prayers International, UCC families and Debbie & her family helped us prayed. Through their intercession, God’s mighty works able us to save not two but three children. Thank you so much.
Conclusion
To love God is to give our very selves to God without restriction and without innovation, for God’s works here on earth are works that need our priority, our commitment, out time and our all. Fighting Goliath is God’s mission for us to work, a mission that will test how well we live together in God’s household.
Together we fight, sling the five stones to defeat Goliath.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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Saturday, October 11, 2008
Grace Songs for Meal Time
Grace Songs that you can sing Before Meal Time with your Family
GRACE SONGS
Monday
Kaamulan Grace –gbb
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer of all lives, we are grateful for the new day.
Thank you God for your blessings and for your loving care. May our lives be blessings to all...
GBB Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures of God’s world.
(Praise God Hallelujah 2x)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
We Are Grateful
We are grateful O God for the food we’ll partake, for the fellowship of your love. May you grant us good health as we rest for tonight and renew our strength for next day.
Chorus
Thank you God our Creator giver of love and all lives. Thank you for mercy and caring leading us all in your way.
Tuesday
God Our Parent (Tune: Father We Thank You)
God our Parent we thank you for the restful night you gave. For the freshness of the day and for the bounteous food we will eat.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below Praise God above you heavenly host Creator, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Thank God (Thank God for the Sunshine)
Thank God for the long day, for ever so near. Thank God for the blessings and for the food we all eat.
Wednesday
Baliling Grace
For the morning light, Lord we thank you. For the new life today, we thank you. For our friends and families so dear to us. For the grace we’ll partake, Lord we thank you.
People’s Grace (Magtanim Di Biro)
For the farmers, fisherfolks, laborers and business folks all together contributed bringing food to one and all
We are grateful O God for the people you have used, keeping us well and good. Lord we thank you for this food.
Wellness Grace (Ili-ili Tulog Anay)
O gracious God we thank you for day of blessings and of peace. As we now dine in grace abound Lord grant us wellness of our health.
Thursday
Superman Grace
Thank you God for giving us food. Thank you God for giving us friends. Thanks for food. Thanks for friends. Thank you God Amen.
Tango Grace
O Lord our God we thank you. For life and love- we thank you. For joy and peace- we thank you. Dear Lord we thank you for our food. Amen.
Shananana Grace
Thank you Jesus for the food for the love and for your grace. Strengthen us as we do eat, replenish us our thirsty needs. Thank you Jesus for your love. Thank you Jesus for you grace. Thank you Jesus for new Life. Thank you Jesus. Amen. Amen.
Friday
Our Thanks
(Tune: We Wish You)
Refrain:
For this meal we sure are grateful 3x
Unto you our great God
Our Thanks now we bring to you our great God, Our thanks for this meal time Now let us sing.
Let Us Thank (Row 3x Your Boat)
Let us thank the Lord for the food we eat for the vegetables and rice for the drinks and fish.
Lord We Thank You (Twinkle 2x Little Stars)
Lord we thank you for the night, for the day you’d been with us, for the blessings we received. Lord we all thank you indeed. As we share this bounteous food, may you strengthen us for good.
Saturday
Blessed Assurance Grace
Blessed assurance God’s word is true. God spreads a table for me and for you. We have a feast now. Before our eyes. Let us now thank God. Let us now rise.
Easter Grace (Christ the Lord is Risen)
God’s provided all we eat. Alleluia!
All things pungent, all things sweet. Alleluia!
This grace truth we can’t ignore. Alleluia!
God has fed us from his store. Alleluia!
Stand Up Grace (Stand Up for Jesus)
Eat up, eat up with joy now God has provided food The cook has well-prepared it and we pronounce it good. We eat with keen awareness. That God does not us owe. The blessings of this table nor strength to come and go
Sunday
Amazing Grace
We are aware that you are God. Your hands our needs supply All gifts we have do come from you. Without you we would die
With thankfulness we eat this meal. Your gracious hand did give we do indeed rely upon you. For only then we live.
Ages Grace (O God our Help in Ages Past)
Our God is great, our God is good. We thank you God for this food. We look on all that God has given. And we pronounce it good.
Joyful Grace (Joyful 2x We Adore You)
Rice, kamote, fruits and veggies all things come from God above. Creatures living, soil giving demonstrations of God’s love. Every item on this table came to us, not by our hand but by God’s full, gracious giving God of field and fertile land.
GRACE SONGS
Monday
Kaamulan Grace –gbb
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer of all lives, we are grateful for the new day.
Thank you God for your blessings and for your loving care. May our lives be blessings to all...
GBB Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures of God’s world.
(Praise God Hallelujah 2x)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
We Are Grateful
We are grateful O God for the food we’ll partake, for the fellowship of your love. May you grant us good health as we rest for tonight and renew our strength for next day.
Chorus
Thank you God our Creator giver of love and all lives. Thank you for mercy and caring leading us all in your way.
Tuesday
God Our Parent (Tune: Father We Thank You)
God our Parent we thank you for the restful night you gave. For the freshness of the day and for the bounteous food we will eat.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below Praise God above you heavenly host Creator, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Thank God (Thank God for the Sunshine)
Thank God for the long day, for ever so near. Thank God for the blessings and for the food we all eat.
Wednesday
Baliling Grace
For the morning light, Lord we thank you. For the new life today, we thank you. For our friends and families so dear to us. For the grace we’ll partake, Lord we thank you.
People’s Grace (Magtanim Di Biro)
For the farmers, fisherfolks, laborers and business folks all together contributed bringing food to one and all
We are grateful O God for the people you have used, keeping us well and good. Lord we thank you for this food.
Wellness Grace (Ili-ili Tulog Anay)
O gracious God we thank you for day of blessings and of peace. As we now dine in grace abound Lord grant us wellness of our health.
Thursday
Superman Grace
Thank you God for giving us food. Thank you God for giving us friends. Thanks for food. Thanks for friends. Thank you God Amen.
Tango Grace
O Lord our God we thank you. For life and love- we thank you. For joy and peace- we thank you. Dear Lord we thank you for our food. Amen.
Shananana Grace
Thank you Jesus for the food for the love and for your grace. Strengthen us as we do eat, replenish us our thirsty needs. Thank you Jesus for your love. Thank you Jesus for you grace. Thank you Jesus for new Life. Thank you Jesus. Amen. Amen.
Friday
Our Thanks
(Tune: We Wish You)
Refrain:
For this meal we sure are grateful 3x
Unto you our great God
Our Thanks now we bring to you our great God, Our thanks for this meal time Now let us sing.
Let Us Thank (Row 3x Your Boat)
Let us thank the Lord for the food we eat for the vegetables and rice for the drinks and fish.
Lord We Thank You (Twinkle 2x Little Stars)
Lord we thank you for the night, for the day you’d been with us, for the blessings we received. Lord we all thank you indeed. As we share this bounteous food, may you strengthen us for good.
Saturday
Blessed Assurance Grace
Blessed assurance God’s word is true. God spreads a table for me and for you. We have a feast now. Before our eyes. Let us now thank God. Let us now rise.
Easter Grace (Christ the Lord is Risen)
God’s provided all we eat. Alleluia!
All things pungent, all things sweet. Alleluia!
This grace truth we can’t ignore. Alleluia!
God has fed us from his store. Alleluia!
Stand Up Grace (Stand Up for Jesus)
Eat up, eat up with joy now God has provided food The cook has well-prepared it and we pronounce it good. We eat with keen awareness. That God does not us owe. The blessings of this table nor strength to come and go
Sunday
Amazing Grace
We are aware that you are God. Your hands our needs supply All gifts we have do come from you. Without you we would die
With thankfulness we eat this meal. Your gracious hand did give we do indeed rely upon you. For only then we live.
Ages Grace (O God our Help in Ages Past)
Our God is great, our God is good. We thank you God for this food. We look on all that God has given. And we pronounce it good.
Joyful Grace (Joyful 2x We Adore You)
Rice, kamote, fruits and veggies all things come from God above. Creatures living, soil giving demonstrations of God’s love. Every item on this table came to us, not by our hand but by God’s full, gracious giving God of field and fertile land.
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