Duetchland

First and foremost, let me say that I had never in my wildest dreams ever thought that I would be able to travel abroad. But then again, I was content in staying in the Philippines for I love my country so much.

Then, this invitation from the United Evangelical Mission came. It was a time when I was thirsting to serve the Lord, a time when I wanted to be of service to Him and His people again.

I have been sent by the church (UCCP) and by my faith in God to various areas in my community. I have been to the fishing islands, the urban poor communities, and even the mountains of my land to share with the children and the youth God’s message of love and redemption.

The invitation of UEM was a chance to share with my German brothers and sisters in faith about the Filipino people—our beliefs, our aspirations, our struggle… our lives.

And indeed I had felt welcomed in the UEM community. I was able to meet youths who were concerned with the plight of the Filipino people. I was touched by their desire to be of help to us and their willingness to help despite having to endure uneasy circumstances here in the Philippines.

During the day of the presentation, I was surprised and glad to find out that many were interested to learn about my country. They were interested in watching the documentary and playing the game of life that the youths in the UEM had prepared. I was also glad that I was able to answer their queries and enlightened them about the situation in the Philippines.

It was an experience worth remembering for the rest of my life. As I came back here in my country, I was thankful to be able to share my experiences in Germany through the school paper with my friends, with the youth of my church, and most of all with the whole Silliman University.

I hope that the partnership between UCCP and UEM would indeed grow stronger as the years progress. And that the two institutions would further intensify their commitment in serving God’s people and fighting those that violate the basic human rights of all the peoples of the world.