By Nestle G. Taala, OIC
Day 4 – Rev. Jalando-on in Hong Kong praying and cheering for the CPU Table Tennis Teams as they play in the Regional PRISAA.
Goal, a driving force that makes a person, if not relentless, unstoppable. What is it in everyday that you wake up for? Simply put, in the words of Nescafe, “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” The list of answers to this question goes on naturally because humans find inspiration even in the smallest hint of life. As they say, be constantly fascinated with little things and you’ll find beauty as well as a will to live in everything.
CPU Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on is a dreamer, determined to pursue great things in life. From Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City, he grabbed the opportunity to expand his horizon in a new world, well technically a new city, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Recently, he was accepted to participate in the Global Summer Institute of Theological and Intercultural Studies (GSITIS) 2023 at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Among the few selected participants for this program which was open to doctoral students from member schools of the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), Rev. Jalando-on shared, “This is a pilot program that provides a unique opportunity for me to enhance my theological and intercultural knowledge and skills.”
The Seeds of Faith author said that he will be taking two “exciting courses” namely THEO5965 Special Topics on Christianity and Society II: Study Tour in Hong Kong: Christianity in the Global City, and THEO5951 Special Topics on Biblical Studies II: Ancient Goddesses or THEO5925 Chinese Christianities. “I am confident that these courses will enrich my knowledge and understanding of Christianity and its role in contemporary society, as well as deepen my appreciation for intercultural studies. It will also help me in reaching out to the increasing number of Chinese students at CPU.”
In the pursuit of this journey, Rev. Jalando-on will be away from home for almost a month and a half – the study period is from May 18, 2023 to June 30, 2023. But goals and dreams do require sacrifices, do they not?
In the end, he is “grateful to the Divinity School of Chung Chi College for awarding me a scholarship and allowance to cover my expenses during the program” and to CPU, his home for decades, appreciating the continued support she has given.
Some dreams may be looked at as big; some as small. But it doesn’t matter how other people perceive these things. At the end of the day, it is the heart that longs for more – more service to give, more goals to achieve, and more love to offer – that serves as the engine and fuel to aspire. Just like Rev. Jalando-on, let us not be afraid to navigate into a new world and pursue more in life. Personally, I believe that is excellence.
But above all these, when we set a goal or dream dreams, may we never forget Psalm 37:4 which says “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”