The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was.
When the Israelites saw the flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground, they were in total confusion not having any idea what the thing was. It was one of the many provisions of God when they were out in the wilderness. Tough times but great providence.
The sun’s heat was extremely powerful, one could not help but feel it on his skin. People in the city were wearing clothes and sunglasses to protect their skin from the hot spell. When the group reached the outskirts of Sto. Tomas, there was a totally different scenario. The wind that blew on our faces brought an arctic chill, the great white fog covered the roads. People wore thick clothes, not to save them from sunburn, but to save themselves from another wave of goosebumps from the cold breeze. It was cold alright, but the fire burning in each one’s heart was enough to keep us warm – real warm!
We were welcomed with smiles and greetings from the children and their parents. Our first thoughts were like the Israelites’ famous “What is it?”. There were around 300 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and we had the least idea of what was going to happen – why, this was our first time to do this together. We huddled for a short prayer and briefing and then we faced the crowd with much more enthusiasm now than when we entered the gate. The program we designed was a simple one – short and fast-paced enough to meet the distinguished attention span of children.
First things first…
“Point your finger up… and place it on top of your mouth,” said the kuyas.
To start the event, the children were told one simple trick on how to maintain silence and order all throughout the program. Shhhhhh….
Ready…Set…Throw!
Ready…Set…
Throw! Throw! Throw!
Throw more!
One minute and thirty seconds turned to three minutes and eight seconds! The children could not get enough of the throwing of papers. The guidelines were simple: the two groups should maintain their side of the court clean and the group with the least number of paper (crumpled into) balls wins; that only means they should keep on throwing the paper balls on the other side. The two groups were so much enthusiastic, both forgot that the important aspect of the game: it was time bound. In the end, no one won since they were not able to follow the rule. They were given another chance to win when the ates and kuyas decided to give the price to the one who would clean their area first. Poooooof! The whole court was clean in no time!
Love and Obey God
“…and God said to Noah…”
When it was time for the story, the children were also given the chance to participate when they were given a certain character. Each group was tasked to create a sound every time their character as God, Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth was mentioned. At the end of the story, the children were told to exhibit the same love that Noah had for God which resulted into his obedience to Him; in return, Noah and his whole family was rewarded with God’s protection and provisions.
I have two hands – the left and the right!
…hold them up high so clean and bright!
One of the goals of the feeding programs is to also instill practical day-t0-day disciplines that the children could do at home. Hand-washing is deemed to be an essential healthy habit that we hoped the children would bear in mind.
The MANNA (Pack)
“Naimas!”
The program would not be complete without the feeding itself. After washing their hands, the students were asked to line up together with their bowls/plates and spoons. The Manna Packs provided by Operation Blessing were prepared by the brgy. officials early that morning. There were two gigantic cauldrons on the stage area when it was ready… wow! Then a line of another “What is it?” formed, this time not on our faces but on the faces of the children. After a few seconds of wondering…Open cauldrons (with a thunder-like sound)! There appeared a mouth-watering meal! The aroma was really enticing and the children in line could not keep still. Our volunteers helped organize the children (alongside with keeping them entertained while waiting in line), distributed the meal together with the brgy.officials, taught the children to say Thank You, and bonded with the children and their families while they ate. Juices were also given to the children as sponsored by Universal Robina.There were children who came back to the line to have more and some of the family members who were there together with the children were also blessed with the meal.
“Thank you!”
The program ended with a few announcements of the coming activities for the month of July. Small desserts like jelly ace and gummy candies were distributed as they headed home. Everyone was still in high spirits when they left. As for the group, we were elated even after the last child left the place. The beauty of God’s love and provision reaching these little ones was a wonderful sight. The smiles and hugs that were thrown toward each other were altogether a very good portrait of a community abounding in care and sincerity.
We would like to thank all the brgy.officials who were very cooperative and accommodating of course the volunteers who dedicated their time to create an impact to the lives of these children – a jeepney filled with vibrant and energetic young people was just irreplaceable!
ates and kuyas
The Manna from heaven we experienced that day was not only the food itself but the many simple blessings and provisions – tangible and intangible – that blanketed the whole area and all of our hearts. What was it? One of the many miracles that God is pouring out on this ministry! Thank you Lord for the Manna.
Feed Hope 