Two months after supertyphoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Samar and Leyte, survivors are yet to reclaim normalcy in their lives, with hundreds of families still living in refugee centers and tent cities in Manila and other nearby cities.
On Jan. 10, three sisters from Pasay and 2 lay mission partners from Paulines Publishing House (PPH) went to a tent city located at Villamor Airbase to conduct bible animation for typhoon survivors. There are two tent cities in Villamor Airbase, one inside the base, and one outside (which we visited), which is located within the grounds of Villamor Elementary School, under the municipality of Pasay.
Sr. Divinia had organized a bible animation, group sharing and enthronement for the typhoon survivors. She initially thought of having the activity done third week of January in view of the celebration of the National Bible Week from January 20 to 26. But she had to change it to January 10 as the social worker who was her contact in the tent city told her the families were going back to Tacloban on Jan. 11.
So, on January 10, the day before the typhoon survivors’ supposed departure back to Leyte, Sr, Divinia, Sr. Concettina, Sr. Mennen, Sr. Pinky and LMPs Sandy and Raffy went to the tent city with bibles, books and rosaries and other donated items from all the LMPs of Pasay.
Upon arriving in the tent city, the social worker on duty that day, Georgia Erie, told us that the schedule of families to return to Tacloban was postponed for another week due to logistics. She told us that there were still negotiating for additional buses and trucks that would transport the refugees and all their things.
Some 32 families participated in the bible activity themed: “God is with us: ’Jesus the Word Incarnate is with us. ’ ” The participating families were divided into groups of adults for the bible seminar and sharing; teens for group sharing and children for story-telling session.
Sr. Pinky facilitated the group sharing of the young people, while Sr. Mennen led the children into a story-telling session.
The results of the group sharing from both adults and youth showed a common thread: the desire to be together as a family, to be happy, to have a house, to find work, to finish studies and to go back to where they came from and start anew.
With Sr. Concettina and some of the staff of the facility assisting her, Sr. Divinia proceeded with the bible animation. She gave a historical overview of the bible, explained briefly the different books in the Old and New Testament and the importance of the word of God in our life. She encouraged everyone to read the Word of God, while emphasizing the importance of putting one`s faith and trust in God even in the midst of suffering and loss because God is always with us. She also said that the desires each one has voiced out during the sharing may not become a reality at once considering their situation but, that should not hinder them from placing their trust in God who alone knows what is good for each one of us.
While listening to Sr. Divinia`s lecture, I scanned the faces of participants. I could see the flicker of sadness reflected on the eyes of some, but others also show grit and the determination not to allow themselves be overcome by their situation.
Bible Enthronement
After the explanation of the bible, Sr. Divinia led a symbolical enthronement of the bible wherein each participant, as head of the family, promised to read the bible everyday and to enthrone their bible in their homes, as soon as they have one.
We distributed around 29 bibles to the survivors and staff of the facility. During the enthronement of the bible, some 16 families committed to read the Word of God everyday.
Aside from bibles, participants were also given catechetical materials and coloring books for children.
Distribution of gifts
After the bible enthronement, the facility`s staff sorted out the various items we brought for distribution and helped LMPs Raffy and Sandy in distributing the gifts to the families.
The show of solidarity and act of generosity by the LMPs really struck me. The donated items were not sufficient for all. In fact, some of those who fell in line were not able to get anything. But despite shortage, I was really touched by the LMPs’ gesture and willingness to share and give up something they treasure for someone who is more in need than them.
By: Sr Pinky Barrientos, fsp
