A poem written by an unknown author made rounds in social media a few months back and perhaps many of you have read it also. I’m sharing excerpts from it now because it reflects the state of the Covid crisis and urges us to look at others with kindness, especially with this opportunity to participate in CCBC’s giving tradition, the “Everybody’s Birthday”.
We Are Not in the Same Boat
I heard that we’re in the same boat. But it’s not like that. We’re in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.
For some, quarantine is optimal: a moment of reflection, of reconnection. For others, this is a desperate crisis.
Some are concerned about the bread for the weekend. Others are looking through trash to survive.
Some have faith in God and expect miracles in 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.
So friends, we’re not in the same boat. We’re going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.
It’s important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, but seeing.
We Are Not in the Same Boat
For our 61st Anniversary’s Everybody’s Birthday Giving, we will be designating 50% of the amount to some CBAP pastors and 50% to missionaries.
Pastor Rey Avante, our CBAP Director relates this story about Pastor Joey who serves in a church in the urban poor area. His wife is sick and needs an operation but because of the quarantine, there has been no church meeting for five months now. They have no bank accounts and so there is no way for members, if they still can, to bring in tithes and offerings. And of course, we know how that affects Pastor Joey’s life. To survive… that is his daily goal now. Many CBAP pastors are in the same sad situation.
CCBC has partner mission organizations and missionaries like Ethnos Asia, CB-Pact, CPMT, Ryan and Diola Galorport, Susan Bagcus and Pastor Laloy Corquera. Missions work is challenging as it is, all the more with this crisis. Let’s help them continue to help others know the love of God during this time.
I know that we also have our own financial concerns, but I pray that you will think of these missionaries and pastors and ask God how you can help. When you ask, He will answer.
For me, since I just celebrated my birthday, I started my thought process this way: I’m 57 so I thought of giving in multiples of my age. I asked, “Lord, should I give P57 or P570 or P1,140 (that’s 57×2), 5700, P57,000?” The Lord answered and yes, I’m going to obey.
Try it for yourselves. Even kids can join. It would be fun also for a toddler to contribute to missions by giving P3 or P30. Whatever the Lord says, let’s trust and obey.
Two ways to give:
- Make a bank deposit and then inform me or anyone at the CCBC office. Bank details are available at our website: www.ccbc.ph/giving
- Personally go to 111 West Avenue and drop your envelopes in our offering box.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 3:27
Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity dear CCBC family. God bless you.
Sincerely Yours,
