Philippine Children’s Ministries Network

A Reflection: What About My Own Response?

For the whole time on September 26 except for about an hour in the morning when I braved the heavy rains to buy some fresh vegetables in the nearby market, I stayed indoor with nothing much to do. It’s a Saturday which is a rest day after another busy work week. My place, a modest apartment in Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati seemed like a cocoon where I was safely ensconced while outside heavy rains continued without let-up. I am fortunate to live in an area that does not get flooded because of higher elevation.

I didn’t realize that the situation was worsening in other parts of Metro Manila until I switched on the TV set in a local 24-hour news channel at mid-afternoon. They were showing footages of rampaging waters on some streets in Quezon City, low-level houses starting to get submerged and vehicles stalled on the streets. The program anchor was receiving phone calls on air. They were frantic calls for appeal to be rescued because water was rising fast while a few were calls for family members out somewhere to get in touch so they would know that they are safe. One could sense the heightening tension watching footages and listening to exchanges. And so it went.

The following morning I went to my church in Mandaluyong and along certain sections of Shaw Blvd. were piles of debris, mostly garbage strewn by the sidewalks. In the church which was only partly open was our pastor with about 12 adults and children together. He said that water rose inside and reached up to the level of the 2nd steps of the stair to the mezzanine. Our number doubled in the next 30 minutes. Those who were not able to come live in areas that were still flooded. Instead of the normal Sunday service, we sat around facing each other and listened to our pastor’s reflection on Noah’s experience of the great flood. We spent time in small group prayer and sharing.

As more images of people in many heart-rending situations and reports were broadcasted over the next couple of days, we started to have a good idea of the extent of the devastation brought about by the very heavy rainfall. Hundreds of thousands of people are in different situations of great need. True to my calling as network coordinator, I sent out a “How are you?” note to members and partners wanting to know their situation, how they were affected, etc. Responses started trickling in, most saying they were okay although there were several who mentioned that they or some colleagues were badly affected. While waiting to hear from the others, I put together a letter of appeal for more prayers and concrete help so needs could be met. This I sent mostly to friends and supporters overseas.

I woke up this morning expectant that I will hear from friends. However while having my Quiet Time, a thought came to mind that was like a quiet rebuke from the Lord. It went this way: “Hey, you are so busy getting others to respond, but how about you? All that you are doing has to do with what is expected of the work you do. What about your personal response?” I paused and pondered then sheepishly whispered to the Lord that I’m sorry for expecting others to act while I have not done anything as a personal response. Totally chastised, I started taking out t-shirts, shorts, sleeping things and a few other useful stuff from my closet that are still in good shape to share to someone in need. I also decided that I will put together a family package consist of basic cooking and eating utensils, toiletries, a couple of mats, blankets, basin, bucket/pail and supply of rice and some canned goods that should last for 3 days for a family of 6 members (parents and 4 children).

I have shared this with my family, cousins, the board members and the coordination team of PCMN, hoping to challenge them to do something similar. If they find the cost more than what they can afford at this time, they can always get one or two more friends to pool their resources for a package. For the distribution, we can connect with pastors who ministers among the poor in a greatly affected areas where there is very little help coming so it could be given to those who lost everything. I pray that the Lord will bless the plan and bring in ‘converts’ to the idea among those who will get hold of this sharing.

Written by Pine Gutierrez on September 30 evening in-between Skype conversation with friends who are potential donors.
Pine Gutierrez is the National Coordinator of the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network.