The true meaning of community
Today we stepped out of the walls of Cebu City Alliance Church, and into the community of Cebu. The first place we visited was the community at Cubacub, Canduman where we started the day with a worship service at their church. It was very encouraging seeing the members of the church lead us in worship with such passion, and you could tell that for them they weren’t just singing words but they were expressing their real experiences of God. After that our team was split into groups of 2-3 and we were grouped with a few of the church leaders. Before heading out into the community we spent some time learning about each other, where we came from, our backgrounds and what we do. It was surprising to find that half of our group were still teenagers and already leading in ministry.
We were then briefed on how we were going to get to meet the families of the community and given examples of questions to ask in order to gain insight into their lives and hopes for their family. In addition, we were also encouraged to share the gospel with them, which for me was quite a challenge as I was unsure of what was the right thing to say. While I was apprehensive to interview the families, I found that they were quite willing to share their stories and was quite blessed by their strength and reliance on God. When our group asked them about their hopes and dreams for their family, the main responses we got seemed to be quite simple. All they asked was for good health and education for their kids, so that they may have a better future.
We then took to the streets and met the children of Casili. The first thing I noticed was the enthusiasm of the children at the sight of the GL team as they engaged them in songs, games & drawing. Not only that, but the parents and families of these children were just as eager to watch this youth-filled spectacle.
After the GL team prayed for the children, we then had the privilege of handing out food packages, slippers and Christmas packs comprised of sweet treats prepared by CCAC. This is when it struck me - what we who are blessed to live in first world countries take for granted as basic necessities, children in poorer nations literally receive as ‘gifts’. While Australians are tipped to spend over $25billion on Christmas presents this year, these street children displayed the same if not more joy from a small gift that cost less than $1.
Afterwards we visited more families, and it was here that I was confronted by the reality of everyday life for people in this community. Walking through uneven dirt/muddy ground in order to reach your house partway down the hill (many of which were largely built from bamboo), having no relief from the humidity/rain or insects of the tropical Philippine climate due to thin walls and no insulation/doors, and being forced to fit a family of 5 into a space no larger than a typical Australian bathroom – this was what life looked like for many of the families in Casili. Yet despite their horrid living conditions, their struggle to find constant financial income, and the presence of family problems or absent family members; the mothers who I encountered spoke with joy that somehow they survive and an unwavering hope that they will not only continue to survive, but that their kids will have a better life.
The most significant joy these families expressed was relationship with their neighbours and the feeling of community that existed in Casili. Households did merely exist next to each other, but they lived together – being a source of support and strength for one another despite their daily struggles. This was something that was easily observed, as people of the community dropped into each other’s houses freely and knew one another’s story.
This is where I believe under-developed countries like the Philippines are far more advanced than first world countries like Australia. They may be lacking in ‘things’ the western world deem as important, but I think they have their priorities in order. They value family, relationships and community over profit, wealth and material possessions.
How many of us know the stories of our neighbours?
How many of us care to ask?
{J9 & S-G}
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