Events

CHRISTMAS MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED

Seeing the smiles of these ordinary people is really fulfilling. We couldn’t find the exact words to describe how lovely it is to make somebody happy even for a simple gift. This was the most memorable experience we had when I and my youth team trekked the long and winding road to Lison Valley, a far flung village of Pagadian City. Approximately 60 kilometers from the city point; we were brave enough to travel the distant land just to spend a little but precious time with our indigenous peoples. It’s a different kind of feeling to have this gift-giving mission aimed in manifesting the real essence of Christmas. We left our comfort zones and break through the obstacles just for one noble cause- to show the love of Jesus Christ.

Packed up with loads of gifts and presents, we traveled for three hours with unexpected impediments on the road. Humps, rocks, and ravines-we all conquered these critical barriers along the way motivating ourselves with faith and trust that we will arrive at the area safe and sound. Our purpose is to put joy in the hearts of our tribal people even for a single night in this whole yuletide season. We were thrilled and excited to meet them, fellowship with them and familiarize their customs and traditions. Actually, I have been in this far flung area way back years ago and I can’t still forget the natural picture of the agricultural haven.  It’s such a wonderful thing to come across this their ordinary yet dignified kind of living, knowing that you don’t see them in modernized and industrialized cities. The distinction between an urban and rural area is comparatively interesting. You won’t find natural fresh air, green foliage, clean water and a sense of tranquility in the city- only in the mountains.

We arrived on that place around lunch time. The children on the roads caught our attention. People go on working in the fields and you can see clearly in their eyes the curiosity to discover urban folks riding a luxurious vehicle. But more than what they might think of us, we were more surprised to get through their innocent faces and sincere countenance. Some of my friends really can’t get enough of taking pictures with the kids that curiously watched us. I hardly see such an awesome place. Even though they belong to the minorities, you can really feel their earnestness and just by talking to them, compassion came from within. It’s a kind of humane and inspiring encounter.

The night came and the village court started to be filled with people-children, men, women, young and old. While we were playing the instruments and sing songs, the village folks began to gather at the central area and seriously stuck their eyes on us. We understood that it’s not a common thing for them to witness a festive program every day. Or on the other side, it may not be a usual thing for them to see faces of people from the metro. In fact, my colleagues jested out that we were like celebrities on a mall tour. But, the notion changed upon reaching the place, the self-centered assertion was replaced with real humility.

We were teary-eyed as we witness the eagerness of every child to get their share of toys and candies while falling in lines. We seized every moment of laughter and fun with the various games prepared for both adults and children. Hundreds of households were blessed with gifts and presents on that night which definitely overwhelmed us. We pray for the sick and encouraged them with the word of God, and instill in their minds that the real meaning of Christmas is the love of Jesus. Raised hands, comforted faces, joyful smiles, sincere desire-these things really melt our hearts. We just can’t really explain the mixed emotions within us. We ended the activity with so much joy as if it’s uncontainable. We left the village with great testimonies and stories to tell. Thank God for the victory and for making the mission accomplished. Ultimately, we all found ourselves in the middle of an inspiring situation. That truly impacted our spiritual life!

Christmas is all about love- the love of Christ. For so many years that we celebrated this joyous season, let us be reminded that it’s more of what we give than we receive matters. It is the spirit of loving and sharing that completes the entire occasion. Apart from the blessings and bounties we enjoy each year, there’s more important thing to highlight this season.  Let’s bring back Christ in Christmas, and make it more meaningful.