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.
An Option to Live
An Option to Live
It was a mid-afternoon; Abel was playing along with his friends. They were so happy and glad for it had been awhile that they were told not to play around because of the presence of the military. Since the condition was tolerable enough, they managed to enjoy what children ought to enjoy and have fun. Suddenly, they were interrupted; the childish playful sounds turned into silence and all were unable to move by the remarked made by the drunk military personnel, “Maayo pa nga pamatyon nalang mo karon kay kung modaku mo, mamahimo gihapon kamong rebelde.” (It is better for all of you to be dead now because sooner when you grow up you will all become rebel). Abel was just four years old and he already experienced being harassed by the military together with other young children in Kibungkog.
Babes and Abel are children of Nina and Jimmy Arion. It has been three weeks, they have been moving from one place to another along with their parents hoping to save their lives from the death threat made by a military officer.
Why received a death threat from the military? What really happened?
Jimmy Arion was a former barangay captain of Kibungkog, two years ago he exposed a military cover-up on the extra judicial killings in the Philippines. The military would like to redeem themselves by pointing out that it was the communist party in the Philippines that made these executions. They found Kibungkog as the place where they made a mass grave and Jimmy as the executioner.
FACES OF KIBUNGKOG
Jimmy was force to sign an affidavit stating that he was a former rebel executioner. He refused the scam and was able to expose the military disillusion by the helped of the church and some civil concern groups.
Two years latter, this same man able to raise a valid issues on establishing military detachment in a tribal community and was asking the legality of enforcing tribal people to render military services. These concerns are legally right for the law for indigenous community entails the right of the community to refuse military services and to refuse any detachment being establish in their community. These questions made the military mad against him for it was the second time where they were put to shame by this lumad person. In the Philippines, majority treat lumad people as second class people. Receiving such a slap on one’s face, the military could not but made a life threatening remark to Jimmy and his family. Since then the family left the community along with the other 4 families who were been harassed by the military.
The Others
Aside from barangay Kibungkog, there are other two barangays that have been in military control. Barangay Dao and Barangay Palacpacan. It was in barangay dao where the children were commanded to line up by the military and begun to slap their faces. The military personnel were just having fun with these children so they told the people. What kind of fun was this? Barangay Captain Bacliran reported to us, that the military brought 60 men including 9 minors to a Military camp in Maramag (100km) to be in training. In the Philippines, it is illegal to recruit minors or children in the military. This is a form of child trafficking.
Last two weeks ago, we had a Dialogue with Gov. Zubiri our provincial governor, 1st Luet. Dulawan, people of Dao and the UCCP BAC. We agreed on that dialogue such concerns; One, that the Lumad community will not be involved in any military activities such as rendering voluntary service or being in CAFGU. Secondly, the military should move out their detachment for it will endanger the community. Lastly, we agree that the community will have the right to run their own community without any pressure from the military for it has been notice that every meeting of the community, the military personnel are always present. Seemingly such dialogue just came to pass and the agreements made were disrespected by the military.
Living in the Edge
For years the communities have been living peacefully on their own not until the military decided to establish a military bases on these areas. The military justified the reason that they want to establish a camp to finally stop the rebel group but the most obvious real reason is that Kibungkog and Dao have been the best mining ground. The interest of the national government of protecting its people against the rebel group came only when some of the National Officials who engaged in mining business identify Dao and Kibungkog as gold mining haven in Mindanao.
Dao and Kibungkog communities have been against mining. For years, the people of both communities had been successful in stopping multi-national Mining Corporation to engage mining in their areas. But seemingly because of the constant militarization the firm unity of the community may be at stake.
To live in Kibungkog and Dao is living in a red thin line. You have the military in one side and the rebel group in the other side. In these areas there is used to two options that one might choose either to take side of the Military by becoming an asset or military personnel or to take side to the Rebel. Both choices lead only to one’s death.
Roger Limbo is a Lay Preacher of the UCCP Kibungkog and at the same time an official of the barangay. Last October 4, he received a call from the rebel group stating that there were complaints against him and that a lot of reports were made that he is an asset of the military thus, the time is now ripe for him to be taken. This is the way how the rebel group operates.
In the situation where people are caught up with two forces, people will do anything to survive. The basic rule in this situation is the survival of the fittest. People will give false information or do something wrong just to survive. Here also, people live in paranoia. They themselves suspected each other.
Roger the nephew of Jimmy Arion, suspected his uncle as the one who reported all these false information to the NPA. On the other hand Jimmy also suspected that Roger reported to the Military that Jimmy is a rebel. Thus because of this suspicious intend, the relationship was broken and estranged the church and the community.
Starting From Within
Peace in Kibungkog will only be attained if there will be peace within. We called then for a dialogue for Jimmy and Roger, both by the way are leaders of the UCCP Kibungkog. We met in BAC Office last Monday, Oct 6 at 11:00 A.M. At first both could not met an eye to eye contact. The best friends before and at the same time relatives at that moment seems to be strangers to each other. One received a death threat by the military and the other from the NPA. Both were blaming the each other for that.
God worked in great wonder that time. God helped us discerned the truth of the situation. Together we all found out that both had deep concern for each other, both had been victims of false reports, and both still have a lot to do to save each other’s life. We all agree that we need to make some actions to save the lives of
That night we made a contact with the NPA group asking for sparing the life of Roger. We discussed also that the reports that being made were false accusation and were not justifiable enough to take Roger’s life. God in a way able to touch the heart of the commander thus allowing Roger to live as long as he will do what he ought to do and that is to stay away from the military so that he will no longer be subject for suspicion. We relayed the information to Roger and he was joyfully relieved by the threat. Praise be to God!
Our Works Continues
Roger’s life as for now had been saved but the life of Jimmy needs to be saved next. We made plans for another round of dialogue with the military for the sake of given the military a chance to do what they suppose to do. Eventually the governor doesn’t want it for he wants a drastic action and that is to bring all the people in the province hall where they could televise the issue and bring it nationally. This for us in the church could risk the life of the community. Well, we do believe that God will make another way to end this.
We planed also to get the children from the military training. We are now taking ways for us to proceed on saving the children from involving them to war.
Truly the journey continues so as well as the work of God to God’s people. UCCP Kibungkog in spite and despite of the on going challenges, the church still pursuing on;
1. Building a small cogon church of its outreach church in Nangka. Nena Arion was the one who donated her inherited lot for our church.
2. We continue to teach 48 kindergarten children as our children ministry for the tribal people.
3. We continue to work in the demo farm even though this had been an intrigue made by the military labeling the UCCP as communist because we have a communal farm.
4. We continue to give hope for those who have lost their hope for the situation.
5. We continue to give the Option of life. There is more than taking side of the NPA or Military and that is taking side of life. It is a life of being free and to live in peace with each other.
Truly we never took this journey alone, God is with us and so with all the people who are in one way or another supported all of us in prayer (reiki) and in love. We all know that this is not a one time solution, this journey may be long, painful, and even takes one’s but all are sure that God will always with us leading this journey.
Thank you for journeying with us and we do pray that God will continue to bless you more and use your mightily to be an instrument of giving option to all life’s situation.
Salamat.
Maopya ta Manama!
It was a mid-afternoon; Abel was playing along with his friends. They were so happy and glad for it had been awhile that they were told not to play around because of the presence of the military. Since the condition was tolerable enough, they managed to enjoy what children ought to enjoy and have fun. Suddenly, they were interrupted; the childish playful sounds turned into silence and all were unable to move by the remarked made by the drunk military personnel, “Maayo pa nga pamatyon nalang mo karon kay kung modaku mo, mamahimo gihapon kamong rebelde.” (It is better for all of you to be dead now because sooner when you grow up you will all become rebel). Abel was just four years old and he already experienced being harassed by the military together with other young children in Kibungkog.
Babes and Abel are children of Nina and Jimmy Arion. It has been three weeks, they have been moving from one place to another along with their parents hoping to save their lives from the death threat made by a military officer.
Why received a death threat from the military? What really happened?
Jimmy Arion was a former barangay captain of Kibungkog, two years ago he exposed a military cover-up on the extra judicial killings in the Philippines. The military would like to redeem themselves by pointing out that it was the communist party in the Philippines that made these executions. They found Kibungkog as the place where they made a mass grave and Jimmy as the executioner.
FACES OF KIBUNGKOG
Jimmy was force to sign an affidavit stating that he was a former rebel executioner. He refused the scam and was able to expose the military disillusion by the helped of the church and some civil concern groups.
Two years latter, this same man able to raise a valid issues on establishing military detachment in a tribal community and was asking the legality of enforcing tribal people to render military services. These concerns are legally right for the law for indigenous community entails the right of the community to refuse military services and to refuse any detachment being establish in their community. These questions made the military mad against him for it was the second time where they were put to shame by this lumad person. In the Philippines, majority treat lumad people as second class people. Receiving such a slap on one’s face, the military could not but made a life threatening remark to Jimmy and his family. Since then the family left the community along with the other 4 families who were been harassed by the military.
The Others
Aside from barangay Kibungkog, there are other two barangays that have been in military control. Barangay Dao and Barangay Palacpacan. It was in barangay dao where the children were commanded to line up by the military and begun to slap their faces. The military personnel were just having fun with these children so they told the people. What kind of fun was this? Barangay Captain Bacliran reported to us, that the military brought 60 men including 9 minors to a Military camp in Maramag (100km) to be in training. In the Philippines, it is illegal to recruit minors or children in the military. This is a form of child trafficking.
Last two weeks ago, we had a Dialogue with Gov. Zubiri our provincial governor, 1st Luet. Dulawan, people of Dao and the UCCP BAC. We agreed on that dialogue such concerns; One, that the Lumad community will not be involved in any military activities such as rendering voluntary service or being in CAFGU. Secondly, the military should move out their detachment for it will endanger the community. Lastly, we agree that the community will have the right to run their own community without any pressure from the military for it has been notice that every meeting of the community, the military personnel are always present. Seemingly such dialogue just came to pass and the agreements made were disrespected by the military.
Living in the Edge
For years the communities have been living peacefully on their own not until the military decided to establish a military bases on these areas. The military justified the reason that they want to establish a camp to finally stop the rebel group but the most obvious real reason is that Kibungkog and Dao have been the best mining ground. The interest of the national government of protecting its people against the rebel group came only when some of the National Officials who engaged in mining business identify Dao and Kibungkog as gold mining haven in Mindanao.
Dao and Kibungkog communities have been against mining. For years, the people of both communities had been successful in stopping multi-national Mining Corporation to engage mining in their areas. But seemingly because of the constant militarization the firm unity of the community may be at stake.
To live in Kibungkog and Dao is living in a red thin line. You have the military in one side and the rebel group in the other side. In these areas there is used to two options that one might choose either to take side of the Military by becoming an asset or military personnel or to take side to the Rebel. Both choices lead only to one’s death.
Roger Limbo is a Lay Preacher of the UCCP Kibungkog and at the same time an official of the barangay. Last October 4, he received a call from the rebel group stating that there were complaints against him and that a lot of reports were made that he is an asset of the military thus, the time is now ripe for him to be taken. This is the way how the rebel group operates.
In the situation where people are caught up with two forces, people will do anything to survive. The basic rule in this situation is the survival of the fittest. People will give false information or do something wrong just to survive. Here also, people live in paranoia. They themselves suspected each other.
Roger the nephew of Jimmy Arion, suspected his uncle as the one who reported all these false information to the NPA. On the other hand Jimmy also suspected that Roger reported to the Military that Jimmy is a rebel. Thus because of this suspicious intend, the relationship was broken and estranged the church and the community.
Starting From Within
Peace in Kibungkog will only be attained if there will be peace within. We called then for a dialogue for Jimmy and Roger, both by the way are leaders of the UCCP Kibungkog. We met in BAC Office last Monday, Oct 6 at 11:00 A.M. At first both could not met an eye to eye contact. The best friends before and at the same time relatives at that moment seems to be strangers to each other. One received a death threat by the military and the other from the NPA. Both were blaming the each other for that.
God worked in great wonder that time. God helped us discerned the truth of the situation. Together we all found out that both had deep concern for each other, both had been victims of false reports, and both still have a lot to do to save each other’s life. We all agree that we need to make some actions to save the lives of
That night we made a contact with the NPA group asking for sparing the life of Roger. We discussed also that the reports that being made were false accusation and were not justifiable enough to take Roger’s life. God in a way able to touch the heart of the commander thus allowing Roger to live as long as he will do what he ought to do and that is to stay away from the military so that he will no longer be subject for suspicion. We relayed the information to Roger and he was joyfully relieved by the threat. Praise be to God!
Our Works Continues
Roger’s life as for now had been saved but the life of Jimmy needs to be saved next. We made plans for another round of dialogue with the military for the sake of given the military a chance to do what they suppose to do. Eventually the governor doesn’t want it for he wants a drastic action and that is to bring all the people in the province hall where they could televise the issue and bring it nationally. This for us in the church could risk the life of the community. Well, we do believe that God will make another way to end this.
We planed also to get the children from the military training. We are now taking ways for us to proceed on saving the children from involving them to war.
Truly the journey continues so as well as the work of God to God’s people. UCCP Kibungkog in spite and despite of the on going challenges, the church still pursuing on;
1. Building a small cogon church of its outreach church in Nangka. Nena Arion was the one who donated her inherited lot for our church.
2. We continue to teach 48 kindergarten children as our children ministry for the tribal people.
3. We continue to work in the demo farm even though this had been an intrigue made by the military labeling the UCCP as communist because we have a communal farm.
4. We continue to give hope for those who have lost their hope for the situation.
5. We continue to give the Option of life. There is more than taking side of the NPA or Military and that is taking side of life. It is a life of being free and to live in peace with each other.
Truly we never took this journey alone, God is with us and so with all the people who are in one way or another supported all of us in prayer (reiki) and in love. We all know that this is not a one time solution, this journey may be long, painful, and even takes one’s but all are sure that God will always with us leading this journey.
Thank you for journeying with us and we do pray that God will continue to bless you more and use your mightily to be an instrument of giving option to all life’s situation.
Salamat.
Maopya ta Manama!
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