This is exactly what I mean when you do work that matters—it doesn’t stop at serving your family’s needs, it goes further into helping communities and building lives for God’s glory.
When I met Jam Pangilinan (Founder and Director of the Share Movement) early this year, I was surprised to see someone so young who cares enough about, not just her own dreams, but also the dreams of the young children in the country’s urban poor communities.
I was immediately on board Share Movement’s mission, and this is why.
I wish you all have met my Dad :)
You see, my Dad (Pastor Bob or Kuya Bob to others) lived his life with so much passion for the urban poor community. He took street kids in, placing them in a shelter inside our small church in Manila. I remember times when he would take me and my brothers to walk around the University Belt, scouting for street children! When we came across some, he would share the gospel to them, invite them to our church’s feeding program and then later on, allow these children to stay in if they want.
We would start referring to them as “shelter kids“, no longer “street kids” as they once were. Our church would raise funds for the daily needs and the education of these kids. When funds were scarce and circumstances were challenging, our church did its best to keep them. Some of these children stayed for the long haul, completed their education and reconciled with their families. A few even became pastors! I literally grew up with these kids. They were our playmates and friends. They were our extended family.
My Dad got our whole church on board this ministry, which I find rather selfless and heroic. I mean, it’s a beautiful thing to have the heart for missions, another entirely huge thing to inspire and encourage others to take part and to experience the joy themselves.
He wasn’t only asking for help from our church community, he was also mostly sharing the fulfillment, the eternal joy, and the blessing that comes with extending your life and resources to bless others. Continue reading “Share Movement’s Mission, and an Invitation”
