By Luis Oquinena Date Posted: December 20, 2007
Our nation is in desperate need of those who can stand in the gap. I read somewhere that if we are not preventing the deterioration of our country; the problem is not with our country. The problem is with us. We can't blame the darkness for acting like darkness. But in the presence of true light, darkness has trouble remaining like it is. "You are the salt of the earth...light of the world." (Matt 5:13,14).
We see so much poverty and suffering, we see hunger and despair, we see pain and violence, we see corruption and greed, and we see a drought of hope around us. This is the darkness that is threatening our present and our future as a people. We have compromised our integrity and honor. We all have to make a choice. Do you want to be the light? Or do you just want to continue blaming the darkness?
Gawad Kalinga is a choice! A choice made by thousands of Filipinos here and abroad to be that ray of hope! To raise the Filipino spirit beyond the slums and beyond the conflict! To demonstrate to the global community that there is goodness and greatness in the Filipino because we are starting to care for the least among us!
A simple decision from the heart to be our brothers' keeper is to stand in the gap...For those who already made this choice, I honor you, keep the faith. For those who are still deciding, think no more, just do it!
Gawad Kalinga is a journey. 2007 has been a wonderful year for GK. While we encountered Goliaths that sent many amongst us down to our knees, we have a faithful God. He gave GK servants and partners hearts like that of David - a shepherd's heart (nobody gets left behind), a warrior's heart (we fight for the poor), a king's heart (our word is our deed). We have a heart after God's own heart. With our love for God, we will overcome.
Let us move with passion and conviction in building 2,000 new GK communities for the coming year, towards GK777. We look back to learn from our choices, we look back to remind ourselves through the victories that this work of Gawad Kalinga is not possible by mere human hands and minds. We have 365 brand new days ahead, full of opportunities to stand in the gap!
I commit myself and my family in building our Filipino dream; a country free from slums, free from hunger and free from violence.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
