Today we bring you news of great joy... the birth of a community

 On 4th March 2012, nine women from Montalban, Rizal Province took an important step in their journey of faith. Together, they said "yes" to the Lord's call of starting a community of people gathered around the Lord, the Balikatan Community.

For some of them, the journey began 6 years ago when we started the Balikatan Ministry in Erap City, Montalban. They came as they wanted to grow in their faith. In this time, they walked shoulder to shoulder, and supported each other through the challenges that faced them and their families ranging. They are women who have faced adversity: struggling to find means to support their families, crying out to God for food, healing for their children, jobs for their husbands. Through it all, they have continued to hold onto faith despite their doubts and allow Jesus to walk with them.

Supportive husbands witnessing their
 wives take this new step

Balikatan prayer group celebrating the birth of the Community

  They have been empowered... from women who lacked confidence to women who know their dignity as beloved daughters of God who have been given a voice and can make a difference in the world today. It has been a gift to have shared the journey with them.

Their commitments

The nine women professing their commitment

On 4 March 2012, before their husbands and children and the Balikatan Prayer Group, Georgina Calanao, Noralyn Gacias, Jocellen Abbang, Reina Galupo, Maricor Cunanan, Janice Abelardo, Sonia Baduria and Susan Ranola signed their commitments as members of the Balikatan Community.

Jitka presenting a statue of the Holy Family, model
 for the Balikatan Community's mission to families

Balikatan Community members withe their fanilies
 and Balikatan Prayer Group

The journey towards community...
As the Balikatan Ministry developed, there were a group of women who were committed and wanted this ministry to develop and bless more people. They had experienced the goodness of the Lord and wanted to share with others. In 2010, they made a commitment in the Balikatan Ministry and in 2011, this was renewed.

In these two years, 8 of them were empowered and served as leaders of small groups in the Balikatan Ministry. The team also coordinated the small group meetings that occurred once a fortnight. During these two years, besides attending the usual  ministry meetings in the morning, they were also receiving training as small group leaders in the afternoons. We saw them coordinating more our activities, and visiting families in the area. For the reverse carolling projects, they visited and found the 300 families that were in need.

At the end of 2011, they were ready for more. It was clear that the Lord was wanting to give them more. From December to February, we had some intensive formation towards community. This climaxed in our weekend in Tagaytay on 11- 12 February.

Community formation weekend in Tagaytay

Community preparation weekend 11- 12 February 2012
Over this weekend, we spent moments together in prayer, community building and planning for the Balikatan community. Jitka gave sessions on the blessings and challenges of community, team building and growing in relationship with each other. Other sessions focussed on the practical aspects of living out community. As it was also the feast of our Barangay and parish, Our Lady of Lourdes, we were invited and shared in the fiesta! Our time ended with nominations for the first leadership team of the Balikatan community. There was much excitement as we prayed for the Balikatan community. It was clear to all that the Lord is giving them a gift of the Balikatan Community and he was assuring them of his presence with them as they respond to his call and invitation. 

Our journey as community begins today

Congratulations to our sisters of the Balikatan Community! May the Lord bless the Balikatan Community, and continue to give our sisters His joy, wisdom and courage to share Jesus in their neighbourhoods and make a difference. May Christ's light shine through them brightly!