The Legacy of the Mighty Heart

I am his number one fan.

Late last night, as I was working with two volunteers to resolve some issues, I found him yet again.  

That servant heart that beats only for others, never for self.  That resilient heart that refuses to give up, and overcomes every challenge with joy.  That hopeful heart that sees only the good, and brings out what is good and noble in others.  It is that mighty heart of a GK volunteer, and I am just in awe as I realize one thing -

I am privileged to walk with heroes.

For it is this mighty heart that fuels the heroism of thousands of people I have met along the way in my ten year GK journey which started Bagong Silang where, true to its name, I was reborn.

Bagong Silang.  

New life.  New hope.  It was almost heartbreaking to share that message in a place like Bagong Silang, where almost a million families had been literally left behind.  We met families who lived like animals, and saw animals living better than their human owners because taking care of them meant some income. Apparently, human life gave very little return on investment.  I met young people just like me who had seen horror experienced violence and poverty to a degree that seemed unimaginable to me.  Everyday, Bagong Silang seemed like a ghost town to me -- filled with the walking dead because their heart was devoid of hope and it was the only thing you could see in their eyes.

It was in Bagong Silang that the mighty heart was born, fuelled by deep love for God and an overwhelming desire to follow in His footsteps by caring for the people that He loved the most -- the poor.  I first saw him in Tito Tony, Tito Dale and Tito Cesar.  I have distinct memories of them walking the streets of Bagong Silang, waking up the "dead" by sharing their dreams.  It was their dream that attracted young people like me, Maybs, Meng, Pao, Rich and Xavy (as well as the many others who came after us) to spend the best years of our life in Bagong Silang.  It changed our life forever.

That's me and the SIGA, ten years after!

Last Builders Night, we presented just a few of the thousands of young people we worked with in Bagong Silang.  Those former gang members are now professors, serving in the police force, and a good number are now married and are building their families.  

I brought my daughter to the office and her playmate was Anthony Adduru's (one of our original SIGA) daughter.  The legacy of the mighty heart continues in our children.

As the years went by, I saw that heart find its home in thousands of other GK volunteers and workers that I had the privilege of serving with.  I discovered him in the first set of Project Directors and youth volunteers when we launched GK in 2000 - people like Francis Balagtas, Tante Adalla and Judy Bentoy, who continue to serve with us to this day.  

That mighty heart lives in the people of Mindanao that I had the honor of serving alongside with.  Mindanao is home to heroes, and I will never forget the courage and commitment of the first GK workers and volunteers who braved unknown territory and just start the work of GK with zero resources, but 110% vision and heart.  Tito Zosing Pobre, that heroic doctor who gave up a sizable income to travel long and unsafe distances just to attend trainings.  Kuya Noel and Ate Deanna Grino, who continued to serve despite her struggle with cancer.  Our beloved Giget Paglas, who broke every rule in the book just to foster genuine friendship and helped jumpstart our work in ARMM.  Wow, the list will go on and on.  To all these unsung heroes, especially those who have gone ahead of us, your mighty heart will never be forgotten.

The world is now filled with people who carry this mighty heart too.  I see it in the passionate volunteers in the US, some of whom have never seen a GK village in their life but are anchored on the vision and are thus able to influence and inspire others to get involved!  I pray that God will one day allow you to come home and share the hope that you have helped us build on-ground.

Because of your inspiration, that mighty heart has now taken root among the young, and they will honor your legacy by bringing us to 2024.  

Just a few of the young GK leaders during Tam's wedding

I believe a new generation has come yet again.  And we are privileged to see them take their place alongside us as our co-servants in mission.  I took a road trip with some of them a week ago.  I could have taken the plane, but I felt it was important to spend some time with them, get to know them and understand the part of the vision that I am certain God is revealing through them too.  

Many years ago, Tito Tony had the courage to listen to the young and he continues to do that today.  I learn from the best, and that road trip taught me that God really does speak to these young hearts.  And that the mighty heart also lives inside them.  

Camille Meloto, you don't know it yet, but God will use you mightily and in your own way to make a difference.  Felice Caringal, there was a reason why you went to UVA and why you gave up Georgetown to stay fulltime - I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you.  Frank, Karl, Mike, Justine, Coach - you guys give me great hope for the future just by being you.  You are men destined for greatness in the Lord's service if you remain faithful.  Tom and Tam, I know God will use you powerfully to help us with our work in GK Canada.

And to the many other younger (because I'm still young!) leaders that inspire me -- Cheska Mempin, Maymay Balatayo, the Bentoy kids and countless others -- you are the key to 2024, and we are thrilled to see you take your place and write your names in history.

I can hardly believe that it has been ten years.  There have been many challenges.  There have been times when I thought we were at breaking point.  But in all these years, I never ever thought of giving up.  It didn't even cross my mind.  And that's simply because I belong to a family of mighty hearts in Gawad Kalinga.  Walang Iwanan!

And oh what a great joy to see this same heart in thousands of others today.  Thank you Lord for showing me everyday, through my co-servants, what it truly means to have a mighty heart just like You.

He will always go the extra mile quietly, without counting the cost.  No crowds will applaud his efforts, and very few if any will know his act of heroism, but he does it anyway.  Because He does it for no other reason than to follow God's will.

And after the deed is done, he will even thank you for being given the opportunity to serve.  For being given the chance to follow Jesus, all the way to the slums, all the way to the cross.

As a fulltime worker, I am humbled.  And challenged.  

Thank you for the inspiration.  Nothing beats the heart of a volunteer.