Synode Montreal and Ottawa Conference

Registration Now! May 5-7 at Sandy Saulteaux (Manitoba) is going to be an excellent weekend for learning, sharing and working for mining justice and accountability. Bursaries and travel pool available. https://www.unitedforminingjustice.com/2017-national-gather

Today we are happy and calm as we see that we now have a house that is more beautiful, safe and secure than before.--Barangay Councilor Cherry Llegue, beneficiary of NCCP Humanitarian Response Project

‘I am serving the people in the name of love’ (A reflection of a TABANG volunteer in Panay) The aftermath of supertyphoon Yolanda brought me to numerous relief... and delivery operations with other institutions and non-governmental organizations. As an Aglipayanon or a youth member of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), my participation did not only bring fulfillment as I was able to help thousands of calamity victims but it had changed my view of RELIGION. I voluntarily offered my time to be with those whose hearts have been touched by the devastating aftermath of Yolanda. I felt I am under obligation as a Christian and as an Aglipayanon to help, assist, share, and most of all to manifest my love and concern for my fellow church members. Hundreds of Agliapayanons in north Iloilo were left homeless with livelihoods lost after that November 8, 2013. To be with the group TABANG Sa Ngalan sang Gugma (HELP in the Name of Love) made me identify myself to be a true Aglipayanon. TABANG is composed of various churches and denominations which unite under a common cause of extending help to the victims. Unnoticeably, my bias for my fellow Aglipayanon obscured my intention to help the victims under TABANG. I struggled at first to break the spirit of ‘serving my church first’ before the others who are non-Aglipayanons. I isolated myself for a moment, closed my eyes, and sought enlightenment. ‘What is serving the people? Is it serving only my fellow church members? I heard my fellow volunteer calling my name and as she approached me, she asked, a little bit worried, if I am still okay. I nod my head and with a smile, I said ‘I am ready to serve the people’. I met numerous church leaders and personalities: Fr. Marco, Fr. Franz, Manong Leo they all shared that religion sometimes builds boundaries that it defeats the purpose of being one, of being brothers and sisters. I felt challenged although I was then a bit ashamed of myself and still struggling. When TABANG conducted a DNCA in a barangay, my bias again surfaced. I listed first those members of my church and majority of them actually were on my list. When Fr. Marco reviewed what I did, he warned me with a grin, Do you want to be scolded by the Almighty? Although it was a joke at first to me, it was a piercing reminder. When the relief distribution started, people began to race towards the goods we are about to distribute but we were firm to organize the activity according to its mission: give to those who are most vulnerable and worst hit by the calamity. I heard many of my fellow church members complaining that they weren’t on the list. Someone warned us, You better watch out if we’ll discover you are helping those who are not among the poorest of the poor. The distribution went on smoothly. Many Aglipayanons who were not beneficiaries watched and observed, others were giving snide remarks. The following day, I met some Aglipayanons in the community. I was expecting I will be greeted with complaints, but I was wrong. My church members were so happy to share to me that their neighbors expressed heartfelt thanks to the IFI church for being active in helping those who are in need even if they are not their church members. My heart was pounding with joy, so as my fellow Aglipayanons who were not beneficiaries. That was a real fulfillment of being an Aglipayanon to me and to them also. I was able to converse with Gopal, Rev. Rosemary Lambie, Edward and Romeo all coming from different denominations. My understanding of religion was even strengthened. Fr. Marco and Manong Leo were right. If we will serve beyond religion, we can feel and understand better the essence of Christianity. January 2014. Thousands were already served by TABANG in Panay island. Physically, I also feel tired but the fire on me to serve the people being an Aglipayanon is never waning. Being with TABANG is a blessing to me, an experience which brought me to a broader perspective of being a Christian, of being an Aglipayanon. TABANG knows no religion, politics, nor color. All I know that TABANG is for the victims of the calamity further marginalized by the lousiness of the national government in responding to disasters. Thank you TABANG. Thank you, IFI.

Thank you for the support for the Philippines. This shows the efforts to rebuild life, and the need for on going prayers and whatever financial support that can be given.

Thanks for all the support helping the Philippines... much is still to be done. Please continue to hold these communities in your prayers, and to offer financial support as you are able.