Taytay, Rizal, Philippines: The day after Christmas, an incredible gift came to a Barangay (neighborhood) in Taytay, a suburb of Manila, Philippines.
Each Saturday throughout the year, Taytay First Church of the Nazarene, strives to have a special lunch in their neighborhood for children who might otherwise go without. This Christmas they decided to take their special lunch program to a new height. They set a goal of feeding and ministering to 1,000 children.
Over the several weeks before Christmas, members of the church were challenged to become involved through giving and volunteering in preparation for this monumental day. What an incredible day it was!
The children just began pouring in. Soon the ball court was filled to maximum capacity!
“When we first arrived at the designated covered ball court in the middle of the barangay, there weren’t very many people there,” shared Connie Aebischer, Regional Nazarene Missions International Coordinator. “Over a short period of time, the children began pouring in accompanied by their parents.”
Generation Congregation Youth from Taytay First Church along with many church members, APNTS Students, barangay government officials and the local Jollibee Restaurants, gathered together to help facilitate the events of the day. Just organizing and seating the many excited children was a real task.
The children’s version of the JESUS Film was shown in the Tagalog Language.
As the children were seated, the Children’s version of the JESUS Film was shown in the local language.
“I have been participating in showing of the JESUS Film for many years,” said Todd Aebischer, Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Coordinator. “I am always moved by the incredible impact that this story has on the children. It is a story that never becomes old. It is a story of the greatest gift that anyone could ever receive at Christmas.”
Eyes were riveted on the screen.
Eyes were riveted on the screen and emotions were real as the story of our Lord and Savior, his ministry, and death for our sins was portrayed.
While nearly 1,000 children were fed physical food on this very special day, they were fed something so much greater, the story of the love of Christ, available to anyone who is willing to receive this gift.
Continue to pray for those who were ministered to and for those whose hearts were touched by the message of the Gospel.
Thank you to the Taytay First Church of the Nazarene, Students, Gen Con, local barangay officials and Jollibee for making this Feeding of the 1,000 such an incredible success. Please continue to pray for those whose hearts were touched and for the follow up of the Taytay Church of the Nazarene as they continue to minister in their local barangay.
