It was Saturday.
I woke up early and stayed in my room the whole morning, skipping a proper breakfast.
I just went on checking my social media sites, went looking for a good movie to watch online and played a few word and puzzle games on my gadget. Although I knew I had prior commitments, I just laid back and thought "hmm.. it can wait".
*gif not mine*
At ten thirty, I was suppose to have a chat session with a student from my dream school in the US to discuss about admission and the curriculum that I'm interested in. However, the past week my dad asked me to think things through, 'if it really were necessary for me to study again', 'if it would pay off to sacrifice my current job here just to go abroad.' I was having second-thoughts and a lot of other concerns came to mind, so I ditched the scheduled chat session and decided to take things on a stride.
Having those thoughts, I went on with my day and made myself a brunch and bought some 'Taho' (a filipino delicacy made with silken tofu, dark brown sugar, tapioca pearls, and vanilla extract).
*image not mine*
Anyway, that's not what I mainly wanted to share to you about.
Amidst my day, I remembered I had to attend a feeding program at two in the afternoon in the outskirts. So I opened my messenger to check for messages, and there I found one from my friend Sam (the one who invited me to volunteer for the feeding program), reminding me about the said activity. At first, I was thinking of ditching that as well, knowing I still had a few chores to do at home. However, something prompted me to go and be there.
So, I did.
I went and rushed to prepare, it was still noon but I didn't want to be late. Excitement kicked in and I didn't even know why I felt that way.
As soon as I was all dressed up, I took my bag and went my way. I waited for Sam at the high-way and while I was there, I bought some cookies for the kids from the bakery nearby. After a few minutes he arrived with Sir Matt (the husband of Sam's older sister, the one who started the Feeding Program) and his dad, we all made our way there at Igpit, Opol where the feeding program will take place.
We arrived there on time and some of the kids were already waiting for us by the entrance way. They greeted us with such bright smiles.
Under this Acacia Tree
Every Saturday afternoon, kids come and gather.
Here, they sit and listen to Bible Stories, sing praise and worship songs, play fun and games, and enjoy a good meal prepared by the volunteers of the Highfield Christian Ministries
It's near a pond and there are a few houses around.
Even with the wide area, it can only be accessed through this narrow path way. A few of the steps are a little wobbly and the surrounding area is boggy.
Eager to hear.
Despite all the possible excuses those kids could come up to, just to skip the program and do something else, like playing outdoor games or just simply stay at home. They choose to be there. Active and present.
"Ready to lend their ears to listen to the word of God."
We started with a prayer and a short GTKY (Getting to know you) song.
Sang praise and worship songs and played a few games.
Had a bible story delivered by Sam
And of course enjoyed a simple meal.
The smiles on these kids are indeed precious.
The joy that they bring to the people around them is very heart warming.
And I'm glad that I came.
Glad that I shook-off all the laziness and got myself to say Yes to this wonderful opportunity to serve God through the lives of this little ones.
The people behind.
The reason I posted this blog is to share this ministry and see it go further in touching the lives of these children.
I want to introduce to you the people that had made this Feeding program possible by responding to the call of the Lord to feed His people.
*this is Sir Matthew Adam Bartel and Kezia Talledo Bartel (husband and wife) - photo grabbed from facebook page.*
They started the feeding program last year.
Sir Matt, is a missionary from Canada. He is a part of the Highfield Christian Ministries and Highfield Outreach. He decided to settle here in the Philippines with his wife Ms. KZ and started the feeding program.
*this is Samuel Talledo, a music student at Liceo de Cagayan University, brother of Ms. KZ*
He is one of the most passionate person I met.
So eager to pursue and serve God. With so much zeal, He inspires me to do the same to go the extra mile for the kingdom of God. Loving our God-given life through giving our time and talent back to our Heavenly Father through the works of the ministry.
Sam and I have been friends for about seven years now.
Way back when we were still in high school, we both started a bible study group in our campus and have been sharing the word of God since then. Now, were both handling Bible Study groups on young professionals and are a part of the worship team in our respective churches.
He is the reason why I met these blissful young lives by inviting me to be a volunteer on this weekly Feeding Program
I am inviting you.
To be a part of a life-changing activity.
Start an outreach program or even a small group bible study in your local community and tag me, Or if you have been doing it already for a long time now, please do share your story. I'd love to hear from you :)