Written by Ricardo I. Gabule Jr
“Christmas is not a date but love in action”
For years, Evangel Children Feeding Ministry in Cebu City has been committed to doing what Jesus would do: Demonstrating God’s love for His children by spreading God’s word and extending a caring hand.
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The 17th day of December 2011 was the big day for the children in our community who had been attending faithfully the Feeding Program Saturdays after Saturdays. A Children Feeding Christmas Program was organized as an expression of love towards the children in our community. Yet again, surprising stuffs delighted everyone in attendance.
It was 9:30 in the morning when a total of 543 children packed up the 4th Floor of Evangel Family Church. Another 81 toddlers were left waiting at the feeding centers due to their young age. “Thrilled!” was the best word to describe the expression of the kids throughout the entire event. The film showing of the birth of Jesus and the presence of the jolly Jollibee Mascot sparked the smiles of the kids, let alone the Jollibee meal. Christmas would surely be different for them with the toys in hand. Hence, the goal of the said event was to ensure that every kid went home with beautiful toys at Christmas.
One could not deny the terrific sense of happiness among the kids and the feeding workers as well. “This is one of the most beautiful toys I’ve ever gotten and I am very happy to have it”, said the 10-year old Elcris Jhun Garcia from McArthur Feeding Center, a recipient of the Cho-Cho train toy. The same sentiment could be felt among the other kids as they were flabbergasted to receive such beautiful toys. Equally happy were the Feeding Center workers and leaders as their labor paid off in seeing the kids shouting for joy. To quote from Rhea Bonita, a Feeding Center Leader for years, “This event was a good way to let them know that despite their pressing situation, someone cares for them. The feeling was indescribable seeing the children going to their respective homes so happy.”
Behind every great event were great people who labored tremendously. Special thanks to Revs. Chuck and Jocelyn Chua for spearheading such endeavor year after year, to the ROBERT & MARION LIM PEACE FOUNDATION, to JECPP and all Evangelites who shared their resources and time, showcasing God’s love in action. Indeed, Christmas is doing something for someone. Our Lord Jesus sets us the best example on the cross of Calvary for you and me.
As the American Cartoonist Charles Schulz said, “Christmas is doing a something extra for someone”
