So If You Could Help . . .

I know in my last article I talked about trying to understand the culture of the Philippines.  It's really a challenge having only spent two weeks there -- two weeks does not an expert make.  I've only scratched the surface.  We take for granted so many things here in the US: having transportation to and from work, having a job in the first place, having a choice of food for the dinner table . . . the list goes on.  Now, I know there are some who will say, "but we have poor and needy people right here in America who need help."  And they would be right.  But there are also many organizations already in existence here to help those people.  If the Filipino community only had even half of the social services we have here!  But they don't.

I'd like to throw out a challenge to those who read this:  If you could do something to help a needy person in the Philippines, what would you  be willing to do?  I know my focus has been on helping school-aged children with supplies for school.  But the schools need help also.  The principal of Jose Boja Elementary showed me his five year plan.  On the list are some pieces of equipment that he would dearly love to have . . . a couple of microscopes.  Perhaps someone would like to offer to help with that?  There is the young lady confined to a wheelchair . . . she could benefit from having some vocational training.  Would you be willing to support her financially?  There is the Christian school in Ubay.  They need all sorts of help.  Some financial support would be nice . . . books for the library . . . some good old fashion prayer would be nice also.  I have a friend who is working with a campus ministry program . .  perhaps you could help a college student with some books or materials?  There are churches who need Bibles and Sunday school material.

When you're at the grocery store today, take a look at the purchases that you make.  Realize that every five dollars you spend would support a Filipino elementary student for several months.  The frustrating part about the school situation there is that the cost of fixing the problem is relatively small.  We take for granted that our tax system will provide for our community's educational needs.  We can even afford to go out and spend 2 million dollars on a new high school football stadium.  The Icthus Christian Academy could do miracles with only a tenth of that -- including changing the lives of hundreds of students.

So what are you willing to do to help?  Give it some thought.  Give it some prayer.  I know times are rough, but times here in the US are still amazingly  wonderful compared to life in the Philippines.