By: Joan S. Castor

God’s Grace Program recipients.

Every second Sunday of February is allotted for the God’s Grace Program, which is called God’s Grace Sunday. This year, God’s Grace Sunday was held on February 11, 2024. During the Second Worship Service, Mr. Alejo Gemanga, one of the new committee members, gave updates about the God’s Grace Program. He also introduced the current committee members, namely: Mrs. Angeles A. Robles as the committee chair, Ms. Joan S. Castor as secretary, Mrs. Edda Jereza as treasurer, Dr. Jessie Galia, Mr. Alejo T. Gemanga, Mrs. Evaline Gerochi, Mrs. Digna Gonzales, Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Mrs. Nellie B. Obligacion, Mrs. Evangelica Padernilla, and Ms. Elma Solas.

During the service, Ms. Ara Cobarobias, one of the God’s Grace Program recipients and a working student assigned to the University Dining Hall, shares her testimony of how God has been a source of strength and guidance in her life. Despite coming from a financially challenged background, she has excelled academically and pursued her dreams of studying management accounting in college. Through various opportunities and the support of others, she has been able to continue her education and serve as a working student here at Central Philippine University. She emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s goodness and encourages others to seek and be open to experiencing His goodness in their lives.

The worship service speaker was Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa, and the theme was “As I have loved you.” The text for the sermon was taken from the book of John 13:34–35. Pastor Leysa highlighted the importance of loving one another and shared steps on how to love others, such as understanding the person, empathizing with them, asking God to change one’s heart, being forgiving, accepting, and showing love. She also shared the story of Li-Li, a girl from China, which illustrates the power of love and how treating others with kindness can transform relationships. Li-Li’s attitude towards her mother-in-law changed through her acts of love and kindness, leading to a positive transformation in their relationship.

After the worship service, the God’s Grace recipients were treated to a lunch at the Pani Hall, Christian Education building, along with the committee members, University Church Pastors; Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, former CPU university president; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President; founders of the program and some of the donors. The recipients expressed their gratitude to the committee, donors, and everyone who has supported the program.

 A call for fund sustenance for the God’s Grace Program by the Committee

In our community, there are numerous individuals and families facing food insecurity and other challenges. Through the CPU God’s Grace Program, we strive to ensure that their basic needs are met, offering them a glimmer of hope and improving their overall well-being. However, we cannot achieve this without the support of compassionate individuals like you.

Your contribution is crucial to our mission to alleviate hunger and provide assistance to those who need it the most. Whether you choose to give a monetary donation or donate non-perishable food items, every act of kindness counts and makes a tangible impact on the lives of our recipients.

By giving to the CPU God’s Grace Program, you will directly contribute to the sustenance of the funds required to provide meals for those in need. With your help, we can ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. Additionally, your generosity will enable us to expand our initiatives and address other pressing needs, such as providing education, healthcare, and essentials for a dignified life.

We understand that everyone’s situation is different, and we appreciate any level of support you can provide. Any contribution, no matter how small, helps us inch closer to our goal of creating a more equitable and compassionate society.

To donate or learn more about how you can support the CPU God’s Grace Program, please visit the CPU University Church Office.

Your generosity will make a world of difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. Together, let us extend a helping hand and uplift our community through acts of love and compassion.