Love's Blessedness

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 11:30 Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 June 2009 11:42 Written by Ephraim Galido

With the noble purpose of helping children who, because of financial constraints, cannot afford to acquire new school bags, and the fact that the school year will soon start, the sabbath school department of Belison Adventist church, Belison , Antique, launches the "BAG" (Bulahanon Ang Gugma) program.  This launching happened last May 16, just before the children will go to school at its opening.  Children accompanied by their parents came to receive school bags for free.

This program came to be initiated by the church through a donor whose generosity led her to think of this program.  The donor, not wanting that she be named here, ever desires that a program like this one be launched through the church to inspire children for school.  And when finally launched, the program gave her satisfaction and joy, seeing that many children happily received new school bags.

This initiation also took place through, sharing the same spirit with the donor, France Villanueva.  A close friend and ally to the Seventh-day Adventists in the place, he participates in the church programs and activities.  Every time the church does a community-based program, he finds time to join the church because for him we have but just one goal--making ourselves as channels of blessing to others.

The launching of Belison church "BAG" program also goes with the provincial government's 10-point agenda.  The province seeks to give priority to education by providing programs for the less privileged. Because of this, the provincial government, through its governor, Hon. Sally Perez, gave an added amount for the "BAG" program.

The parents of the children who received the free new bags expressed their thanks.  They said, "Bulahanon gid ang gugma sang naghatag sini" (There is blessedness in the love of those who gave these [bags]).  The parents feel the worth and value their children have because of the program.

One of the 30 churches in Southern Antique district, Belison Seventh-day Adventist church stands near the town's market, a few meters across the municipal hall.  Because of its leadership's initiation, the church building becomes one of the most improved building, in terms of its facade, in the district.  This church also operates a pre-school in its premises.  Many parents enroll their children their because of the Bible-based Christian values their children receive.