PITCHING IN

Healing sagging Christmas spirits
GLO A. TUAZON

It was a week ago that a merger of Filipino and Singaporean Christians met to do a mission. It was not unusual but then again it does not happen often. It was a medical-dental-gift giving-prayer mission -- the first two to cleanse the body, the third to cheer the innocent spirits and the fourth to renew the soul.

Five doctors and 21 church members of the BEDOK Methodist Church based in Singapore came over and brought their hearts with them together with medicines, toys, shirts and other goodies. Waiting to meet them were pastors and members of the Good News community of Churches in Baguio City who organized the events.

Volunteer doctors and dentists offered their time and services, so did the clinical instructors and graduating nursing students of Pines City College of Nursing. So with the permission and help of the LGUs and barangay officials from the recipient areas, the project pushed through.

Before them were four destinations they chose to be among the recipients areas. Last Dec. 5, the group trooped like an invading army to Tuel in the municipality of Tublay, Benguet. They were met by a large crowd and were able to accommodate more than 300 patients given the limited time.

The next day was given to Happy Hallow and Upper Dagsian Barangays in Baguio. Combined, the two barangays counted to almost the same number as in Tuel also. December 7 being the last day was dedicated to Monterazzas, Tuding in Itogon, spending half a day to serve more than a hundred people.

During their courtesy call to Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., the Singaporean team was warmly welcomed and presented with the symbolic key of Baguio City. Then wholeheartedly thanked for the services they offered to all the recipient areas. The team even promised a donation of ovaltine, milk and art stuffs and crayons for needy children. According to Baguio City Councilor Isabelo "Popo" Cosalan, who happens to be an associate pastor in The Good News Community Church, these items are held at the customs office for some reasons.

And a certificate from DSWD, a clearance from Dep-Ed (for the educational materials) and clearances from BFAD (for the ovaltine and milk) are needed for these items to be released. Cosalan hopes these items be released and distributed to needy recipients before Christmas.
How often do we share our hearts? Or our time to do little services like these? It is almost Christmas though we cannot seem to feel it these days with hard times up ahead. Let it be Christmas everyday, little services, a second of our time, a turning of the heart would greatly warm an aching person.

Note: For comments on this article or any interest to help please contact this author at 09175064115 or email at twilight_glo@yahoo.com.