Silverlinings (for other editions, see Silverlinings )
Arenda
(July 27, 2006)
 Pieces of faded colored cardboard and paper peeped up through the dry cracks of the dirt road, seeming to add color to the otherwise drab area. The car maneuvered left then right, balancing precariously over the deep holes appearing unexpectedly along the way. Not knowing the depth of the water and what dangers lied beneath, the car hesitates when it comes to the long span of water across the road. Slowly, the car creeps into the dark and thick, muddy water, and its passengers seem to hold their breath. An audible sigh of relief escapes when dry land is reached without mishap.
Spidery webs of electrical wires weave their way across to the next short pole leaning haphazardly to one side. Much of Lupang Arenda, now with a population of more than 30,000 families, is "standing on garbage and soil dumped into what used to be swampy shoreland. The previous homes built on stilts, and tin and cardboard shacks are being replaced with concrete and brick homes. What once was an area without access to toilets, water supply, and electricity, now has pharmacies, corner stores, cantinas, and more springing up as Arenda grows into a community finding its own identity.
 While there the team assisted in a children's program run by the Taytay church with songs, puppets, games, and a message all followed by the serving of a hot meal. They were astounded to count 300+ kids there plus many of their parents and infant brothers and sisters additional. Sharing love with these had a profound impact on many of the team as they saw these precious children and wondered how many doctors, lawyers, politicians, pastors, and missionaries they seeing in their humble beginnings. A few vowed to assist Taytay church in their ministry in Arenda however they could with the dream of building and establishing the first church in this large community.
One thing is for certain though, God is moving and blessing there. There is still much need and much love to be poured out but this place is special to God as it is special to so many of us. It was to the poorest of the poor that Jesus often spent most of His time and it is among the poor where most of the worlds largest revivals and church planting movements are currently taking place
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Dr. Geneva Silvernail
Asia-Pacific Regional Literature Coordinator
Regional Education Consultant
Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Ortigas Ave. Ext. Kaytikling, Taytay
1920 Rizal Philippines
Email: gsilvernail@apnaz.org
ministry@genevasilvernail.org |
