One thing that made this Christmas more meaningful for us is our experience during our Reverse Caroling on December 22, 2007. It has blessed not only those families whom we have visited but each one of us who participated in this event.
The entire community, together with the members of our Balikatan Ministry (a ministry reaching out to the marginalized adults in the congested area) and a number of children from our children ministry, we started the day visiting families, bringing the light of Christ symbolized by the candle. We sang Christmas Carols, prayed for the family and gave a hamper of food. Some of the families were nicely surprised, some cried with joy, some were so touched by our prayer and unexpected visitation. One family was so grateful that though their house is in the mountain (very far from the rest), a group of people have shown love by the visitation. One mother said she was pleasantly surprised and blessed that for the first time the Carolers were the ones who gave instead of receive payment. One old lady was filled with joy to see us dancing while singing.
Most of our Balikatan members expressed their great joy that though they are poor themselves, they were able to bless others. They also realized that there are others in worse situations than themselves and that they can make others happy. We were able to visit 69 families that day. Each community member has experienced the deep joy of seeing Jesus in the lives of the poor. One thing that we also enjoyed is our fellowship with our Balikatan and Children Ministry members as we walked through the streets, crossing the river and climbing the mountain together. It was indeed a Blessed Day!
