Once
a distant dream has now become a reality! Not only 50
families but close to 60 have a bright future ahead with homes
they can call their own! Thanks to Kerygma magazine and
generous benefactors, the village is growing!
One
sunny afternoon, I was able to join their regular Thursday morning
prayer sessions. We were met by the warm welcoming tugs
of little children with infectious smiles. They were a
playful, curious bunch (with a penchant for having their pictures
taken!).
My
father, sisters and I also got to meet He Cares'
newest volunteer from the US, Tim Gotte.
Like
the many kind-hearted souls we've met who've left jobs, families
and loved ones to spend some time with these beloved ones of
He Cares, Tim was no exception in amazing us, traveling all
this way to help in whatever way he can for the mission.
Single,
32-year old Tim has left a flourishing IT career to follow what
he's heard from the Lord in prayer - to live a simple life and
serve His poor. He says he wants to look into staying
in the country for long term despite his initial commitment
to stay only for 6 months.
Looking
at the little stores, busy housewives and cheery faces around,
you could forget that many of them were in dire need of livelihood.
A junk shop sign on one of the homes was indication enough of
what options they had. Collecting trash would get them
through another day.
Kuya
(Brother) Joe Dean starts off today's meeting with singing "Lahat
ay aking ibibigay, ibibigay pati aking buhay upang purihin Siya"
(All I will give, give even my life to praise Him). Everyone's
voices ring loud and clear during this favorite tune, specially
the little children's.
The meeting takes place in front of the homes as the chapel
was unavailable. This doesn't bother anyone. Everyone
is comfortable where they are and everyone closes their eyes
as Kuya Joe Dean exhorts all to reflect on what they need to
offer the Lord during this Lenten season. Many eyes overflow
with tears. I sensed the deep sincerity with which these
prayers were quietly made.
Kuya
Joe Dean also asked impromptu sharings from us about how God
has worked in our lives. Surprisingly, once we were called,
we were able to think of something to share. (In the meantime,
Kuya Joe Dean counseled a young man in the office.) No
time at all was wasted!
Everyone,
including all of us guests, were uplifted by the prayers, stories
and songs! Truly the Lord was in this place! May
more and more of the blessings that God wants to give them flow
unhindered into their lives and be multiplied to even more who
are in greater need.
I
hope to see the smiling faces again soon, with even bigger smiles,
not only believing in the occasional magic tricks Kuya Joe Dean
would perform for them, but to believe in God's power of transforming
lives for the better!
by
Christina Alejandro, volunteer
*If
you would like to visit the He Cares village, simply contact
us for directions and/or schedules of trips.
newest volunteer from the US, Tim Gotte.
Looking
at the little stores, busy housewives and cheery faces around,
you could forget that many of them were in dire need of livelihood.
A junk shop sign on one of the homes was indication enough of
what options they had. Collecting trash would get them
through another day.
