The Joy Of Giving 2008

By The Rock Of My Salvation

Christmas is not just a time of giving material gifts to people, it’s a time to celebrate the birth of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST and commemorate the amazing love of God through His birth. Giving gifts is just the outward action of the overflowing love of JESUS inside our hearts, which is the greatest gift He had given us.

This Christmas season, TROMS & Saving Grace Project-through the help of friends and partners of the ministry, shared the gift of love to our brothers and sisters in Christ at the Correctional Institute and Bilibid Prison. Last December 12, 2008, TROMS went to CIW to celebrate Christmas with the group of women whose lives had changed when they met JESUS inside the institution.

WARM WELCOME

The joy and excitement filled the air as TROMS entered the gate. Smiling hearts are reflected through the smile on the face of each inmate. A warm welcome was given.

On the door of the hall where the service was conducted, three women played the lyre to welcome Pastor Emerita as she walked down to the venue.

The service started with a prayer, led by Sis Gem. Then followed by praise and worship to invite and welcome the presence of God.

Voices were lifted, hands were raised, hearts have cried out praises to the Risen King! Life surrendered, and the Holy Spirit was given full authority and control to lead the service.

The message delivered by Pastor Emerita was the revelation of GOD on His Word in Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

After the enlightening and encouraging message, selected students of the Values Education class performed by forming a choir and offered songs of gratefulness to the Lord.

A short message and a token of appreciation was given to Pastor Emerita, Sis Gem and Janice.

GIFT-GIVING

The desire to extend the gift giving to the families of the inmates was granted by God, big boxes with clothes, gift items, toiletries and groceries were also brought in for them.

All gifts wrapped in love and labor by TROMS, Oil of Joy Women’s Club, and Partners were brought in by hands by each servant of God present in the event.

Right after the gift-giving, snacks were distributed to everybody. During snacks, fellowship amongst every present individual began.

And before the event ended, a group picture-taking took place in remembrance of the goodness of God that day.

And as we said goodbye to everybody, it deeply touched our hearts to hear most of the inmates saying, “Wag kayo makakalimot at magsasawa ha..” It was like JESUS telling us, ” Always remember me. Hold on and don’t let go. Do not give up in doing good. For in due time, you will harvest what you have sown in the hearts and lives of the people.”

BILIBID PRISON

A week after that (December 18, 2008) , the Men’s Ministry of TROMS, headed by Pastor Dan, went to Bilibid Prison for the distribution of gifts to our brothers who were set free when they received JESUS in their hearts.

Though we were not allowed to bring cameras inside to capture the event, we were able to give the gifts we have brought for them.

Originally, TROMS planned to give away phone cards which they can use for communicating to their loved ones outside particularly this Christmas season. But the inmates requested to have food and clothes which they can use in their everyday life inside. So gift- packs with clothes and grocery items were given. Snacks were also distributed during the event. A Special Message was delivered by Pastor Dan to each inmate who joined the event.

Though the initial plan did not happen, God, who is our Great Engineer, had turned it around for the best and counted it all joy to everyone! Phone cards, food and clothes will not last, but we strongly believe that the love and the Word of God shared to them and received by them will last up until eternity.

The joy is overflowing and the smile on each face is shining. For the inmates, it was JESUS who visited them. For us, it was JESUS whom we visited. And in all this, we would like to give all the glory and big thanks to God alone who gave us the strength, wisdom, resources, and people to make this project possible and doable.

THANK YOU FRIENDS AND PARTNERS!

We would like to give our gratitude to all the people who were touched by God to support us. We may not be able to remember all of you and mention each of your name, but the support you extended – be it through money, clothes, food, canned goods, or in a form of prayer- each and every gift went a long way this holiday season. We know so well that your obedience to God for this project are all recorded in heaven. Our words of thanks are limited but we assure you that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Thank YOU so much. May our good Lord bless you and your loved ones.
Merry Christmas and Have a Blessed New Year!

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