Bringing Hope to Young Cancer Warriors
From my point of view
by Honey Manzalay, GD Volunteer
It was August 15, 2022, a Friday when we planned to visit the Everlasting Hope Foundation, a place in Cebu City that cares for children with cancer. The weather played parallel with how we felt—cheery, bright and hopeful. I believe it was for two reasons: one, because we were about to share God’s love and hope with those whom He loves; and second, we were about to share this ministry with the man whom God used to lead us all to GraceDrive (GD)—Sir Ernest Mark Gapulan, or as we fondly called him, Sir En.
Prior to the date of the visit, I asked the Central & Eastern Visayas (CEV) HeCares360 coordinator, Pstr. Mike Manzalay, why he chose this foundation to do the GD operation. The answer was quite personal: God led him to this place when a prior visit showed him the situation of the children in need. It was also around the time when his closest cousin passed due to cancer. So, when an opportunity for an operation was available, he already had the shelter in mind as he prepared the proposal. I was nowhere in the picture in this decision-making, but being a child of a parent who passed due to cancer, I knew these kids needed to feel the love of Christ.
Sir En arrived with the usual energy high–ready to minister. Without the need for words, it was evident that he was excited to be with us in this operation. We first dined to check on one another, to lift each other’s spirits, and to commit the ministry to God. It was Sir En’s way to ready us for the ministry ahead. The team was composed of the Executive Director, Sir En and GraceDrive CEV Team: Ptr. Cedie Espero, Ptr. Christian James Montaos, Ptr. Paul Mar Paduhilao, Ptr. Mike Manzalay, Ms. Hope Madelane Tabing, and me.
We arrived at Everlasting Hope ready for whatever ministry was available to us. In the initial plan, we were to serve food for the kids, pray for them, check on them and bring them some provisions (in the form of one sack of rice) for the pantry that can somehow aid them for a longer term. We were introduced to the kids- some too young to probably understand the pain cancer has brought them and some too oblivious of the reality of this crippling illness.
The team then talked to them, knew them in as much as we were allowed to know them and basically, just touch-based. The team mostly made up of young pastors, brought vigor and energy to encourage and lift the moods of the children. After some exchange, food was then served – Jollibee, to be exact – a Filipino child’s typical joyous food. We kind of felt the surge of excitement, a young energy that the team tried to sustain while they were eating. Toys were part of the meal so while they were enjoying their lunch, the “kuyas” and “ates” helped them in assembling their toys. Stickers were stamped and packages were torn, and for a little while, we knew they were having fun.
The smiles were small, the bites were faint, but by God’s grace, we tried to make them feel loved and cared for. These children sitting across our table are the very children that came from various provinces, unable to fight cancer just by themselves. They stayed in the shelter to access free accommodation, some greatly thankful when donations flow into the pantry as it somehow alleviates their day-to-day financial burden. The foundation was a physical shelter, but I know that God’s sustenance for their daily needs was shelter in itself. We know God cares for these children, so He used the team to visit, albeit for a short while, to serve His purpose.
After lunch, the kids were given shirts with “Jesus loves me” printed on them- which they delightedly received and immediately wore. What happened after, I guess, was between Sir En and God. He then decided that we sing the theme song of Grace Drive: “Favored by God, Driven by Grace.” The team, all up for whatever was set before us, sang in front of the kids. No practice, no preparations, pure surrender. I cannot say that it was an exceptionally great singing performance, but I believe it was what the people in that shelter needed–the message and comfort of God’s Word. The best thing about it is that God accepts this kind of worship–it was an audience of one.
We closed the visit with a prayer and all of us seeped through the joy God has allowed us to experience through this specific HeCares360 ministry.
We ended that GraceDrive operation with peace knowing that God has accomplished in us, what he meant to accomplish through us. His work was multi-purposeful–it gave hope to the children, knowing that there is someone who loves them. And, it gave us hope that this ministry we took part in is indeed creating an impact for those who are in need. Every little thing does matter- the people who committed to help, to provide, and to support from different parts of the world, have now touched the life of another in this little place called Everlasting Hope. You, people, have brought this shelter – some shelter.
More work is to be done, and as we are favored by God, we know that God will make it happen.
And because we are driven by grace, the work never stops.
Your work never stops.