GOVPH

13 December 2013 - Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez invited people of various faiths to a day of fasting and prayer for those affected by the super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on November 29.

The prayer gathering was attended by nearly a hundred people at “Ang Bahay” (Philippine Embassy Residence). The Philippine Embassy’s Atty. Levy Strang welcomed the participants and the programme started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by the Worship Team composed of Arla Fontamillas and Dinna O’Meara with the participation of the Wellington Filipino Community Choir (WFCC).

In her message, Ambassador Benavidez highlighted the severity and magnitude of the deadly wrath and dreadful fury unleashed by typhoon Haiyan in Central Philippines, the deeply harrowing images and heart breaking reports of total devastation, terrible anguish and sufferings and tragic losses of lives which affected over 10 million people or 10% of the country’s population as well as humanity’s great outpouring of local, national and global solidarity, care and compassion, giving and generosity. These continue to give hope and strength to recover and rebuild what nature’s wrath has laid to waste. She also shared heart-warming stories and inspiring testimonies from back home in the Philippines where Filipinos from all walks of life continued to demonstrate our time tested and proven spirit of “bayanihan” (volunteerism, coming together to help), working tirelessly, selflessly and sacrificially to alleviate the pain and sufferings in disaster stricken areas and to help in whatever way they can those affected by this colossal catastrophe.  Filipinos banded together to be part of the on-going massive relief, recovery and rebuilding of lives and infrastructure. The Filipino’s unshakeable faith in GOD, remarkable resiliency and steadfast hope amidst the rubble and the ruins proved far stronger than the biggest storm ever recorded and one of the worst tragedies that the world has ever seen. “We see a country and a people deeply grateful to New Zealand, our other partner countries and governments, Filipino communities here and in other countries, multilateral institutions and donors, non-government organizations, individuals and friends all over the world who saw and felt the need and helped swiftly with generosity, empathy and kindness. In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, the eyes of the world were on my country and the world continues to be one with us all the way. Local and international sympathy and support, prayers and messages are gems from the wreckage that continue to bring great comfort and consolation and help all those affected by the typhoon and the entire Filipino people cope during these extremely difficult and painful times. In a global family, when friends call, friends help,” Ambassador Benavidez stated. She gave tribute to the Filipino community in New Zealand who like their fellow “Kababayans” throughout the world keep the true spirit of “Bayanihan” alive in words and in deeds, especially in times of great need. “Home is where your heart is and even if majority of you have made New Zealand your second home, you still hold a special place in your hearts for your Motherland. You continue to endear yourselves with the people of New Zealand and this has contributed immensely to the outpouring of empathy, generosity and kindness springing forth among New Zealanders. Sa puso at sa gawa, tuloy tuloy po nating ipakita, ipamalas and iparamdam ang ating pagkakaisa sa pagtulong, pagbangon, pagmamahal, pag-asa at higit sa lahat, panalangin,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.

All the prayer leaders were requested to light a candle before each prayer as candle reminds us to “put our trust in the light so that we may become sons of light (John 12:36)”, having a candle burning while we pray might serve to focus our prayers and thoughts on Jesus as the Light of the world.  Ptr. Rasik Ranchord offered the opening prayer, followed by the worship and praise songs “Jesus Messiah”, “Made Me Glad” and “How Can I Keep from Singing” led by the Worship Team to praise GOD and put the atmosphere into our Almighty’s presence.

The community prayers started with Children’s prayer led by Angelo R. Cabauatan, Leo Bert Timothy D. Fajardo and Paolo Rafael M. Obach ; Comfort and Strength for those Affected and their Families, those Injured and Perished, Missing and Displaced led by Ptr. Vic Espejo, Senior  Pastor of Filipino Harvest Ministry for Christ; Love, Support and Continuing Efforts of Filipinos Abroad and in the Philippines to Lessen the Suffering of those affected and their Families led by Mr. Mar Esparas, Chairman of Kasagip Charitable Trusts; Resilience, Strength and the Continuing Demonstration of Bayanihan Spirit by Filipinos led by Mr.Teodoro “Papa Doy” Helbano of the Young Once Group; Overwhelming Humanitarian Aid and Assistance of the International Community led by Pastor Jake Ormsby, Senior Pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist; Protection of the Environment from Climate Change led by Ms. Flora Muriel-Nogoy, Chairperson of Bulwagan Trust Foundation who also read the prayer from Fr. Elmer Ibarra, SVD, Parish Priest, St Patrick’s Church, Wainuimata;  Unity of All Religious Groups and Sectors in Praying for the Spiritual and Overall Healing and Strong Faith for Everyone Especially for those Affected led by  Ms. Deb Boyd of Christ Enabled Communities and General Manager of Southern Cross Hospital; Protection of our Beloved Country Philippines Against Natural Disasters, Calamities, Epidemics and other Diseases and Disputes led by Atty. Edgardo P. Atienza Jr. of The New Maori Trustee; Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Rebuilding in the Disaster Stricken Areas led by  Mr. Emmanuel Calvelo of Spring of Life Fellowship; Accountability and Transparency of the Philippine Government, Organizations and Agencies on the Financial Contributions and Donations led by Bro. Ariel E. Manota, Tawa New Life; Strength and fortitude to the President, Officials and All Those Undertaking the Necessary Rescue and Recovery Efforts and Addressing the Urgent Needs of the Communities led by Mr. Rey Non, Leader of Filipino Group of Abundant Life Centre ; Hope, Peace and Unity for All led by Fr. Bruce England, Parish Priest of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish; and Blessings for Survivors and the Philippines led by Bro.Uziel Bongares  of  Iglesia ni Cristo.

Special and inspirational song numbers entitled “People Need the Lord” by Ms. Melody Pagalilawan and “Blessings” by Ms. Arla Fontamillas were presented. Rev. Bernard Espiritu, Director of MissioNZ led the closing prayer.

A lively dinner fellowship followed where the participants, guests and their families enjoyed a special Filipino fusion cuisine of Miso soup, Chicken with Honey and Pineapple, Beef with Mushrooms, Chicken Potato Salad and Fish Fingers with Picanta Salsa and Yogurt Dip, Taufu with Vegetables and Mushrooms, Sans Rival cake and Grass Jelly with Longan prepared by the “Ang Bahay” staff. END