Balikatan best

The reverse carolling this year was organized by the Balikatan Ministry who went to new areas in Montalban to suss out who were the "poorest of the poor" families that were open to listening to some carols and to prayer on 13th and 14th December.

Joscellan led my group while Vir was our untiring musician who almost lost his bike. Together with others members of the Balikatan Ministry, they awed me with their faith and their compassion in reaching out to the families we visited.

I thank them all for showing me that with God all things are possible.

Shoulder to shoulder we stand
As brothers and sisters in Christ
United in our shared suffering.
We help one another
Forge a community of love
For the light of Christ is with us
A light that warms our hearts
and brings us joy, even in the midst of misery.
We know that life is hard
But together we can overcome
New troubles that tomorrow may bring,
For He has already shown us
How much He loves us
Let us show you how much He loves you.

Balikatan means shoulder to shoulder in Tagalog and this ministry was initiated by Institute for World Evangelisation ICPE Mission Philippines to empower the poor in Montalban by walking with them and encouraging them on their faith journey. To read more about the Balikatan Ministry, go to:

http://icpephilippines.blogspot.com/search/label/balikatan%20ministry