God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaces, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.
[Excerpted from “Exodus to the Future,” Steve Veazey, May/June 2017 Herald]
One December, I traveled to the Philippines for the 50th anniversary of the church there. After a long journey, including an 11-hour ride over a mountain road filled with traffic, we arrived in Simimbaan, Isabela province, where congregations had gathered for a multiday celebration. Inspiring stories from Philippine church history were shared, particularly the story of the “exodus” of a congregation from the village of Dingading, which deeply moved me.
In 1969, under President Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines fell under authoritarian rule, with armed conflict erupting between government forces and resistance groups, including the New People’s Army (NPA). Dingading, located in a war zone, became the setting for immense suffering. The 20 families of the Dingading Congregation faced constant danger. Government soldiers were based in the village, leaving them vulnerable to NPA attacks. The threat of stepping on landmines or being caught in ambushes was ever present. In 1972, the government forcibly relocated the entire population. With no help, families moved what they could, carrying belongings and food for the journey. The soldiers killed the remaining livestock after the people left.
In response, the World Church and local leaders like Dingading Pastor Alfredo De Guzman devised a plan. Land in Simimbaan was available, and the church established CORD (Community One Resources Development), a non-governmental organization. With a $25,000 loan from the World Church, land was purchased for homes and rice plots for the displaced families. This innovative approach helped the refugees start anew in Simimbaan, fostering a cooperative living experiment and creating a new congregation.
Today, Simimbaan is a vibrant hub of church life, ministry, and community transformation. The church there has become a model of holistic mission, combining evangelism, poverty alleviation, and peacebuilding. I was inspired to learn about a project aimed at reforesting land that had been stripped for firewood and building materials.
As I sat in the beautiful Simimbaan church, listening to sacred stories and songs, I reflected on the courage and faith of the Dingading families. Without their vision to move forward and create a better future, things might have turned out very differently.
Prayer Phrase
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10)
Individual Action
Offer mentorship programs for refugees to help them navigate their new environment. Volunteer to teach or assist in language classes for refugees. Help refugees with job applications, resume writing, and interview preparation.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
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