I belong to Couples for Christ, a lay organization recognized by the Vatican. I used to be a "Sunday Catholic" meaning I attend Mass every sunday without really understanding and appreciating it, after the 1hr mass I go back to my sinful life. I do not know my catholic faith, just its traditions(being raised in a catholic family.. better yet in a catholic country). All this changed when I joined CFC, the changes in me can be summarized in three:

1. RENEWAL I became closer to God, struggled with my bondages of sin, I called sin a sin, I am filled with a burning desire to know more about Him and my catholic faith. 2. EVANGELIZATION being now closer to God and witnessing His goodness, its only natural that I feel the need to share our faith to others, specially to those who do not know Him and to those who were "sunday catholics" like I once was. It will be tantamount to selfishness if I do not share Christ with others. it was time to leave my comfort zones and follow the teachings of Jesus. 3. HUMAN LIBERATION as we all know faith without works is dead so I firmly support our "impossible"(impossible to man but not to our God) work with the poor, which is why I am writing this. I humbly request for your support in the battle against poverty, one lay organization cannot do it alone, one nation cannot do it alone, please help us by prayers, by financial support(the amount doesnt matter, only commitment in practicing our faith), and by telling everyone you know about this work for the poor so that they too may be touched and help the poor.

Are we basing this work on liberation theology? judge for yourselves. please visit the website http://www.gawadkalinga.org/ dont forget to read the testimonials and heroes http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_heroes/gk_hero.htm http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news_archive.htm#feat http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news.htm

I am sorry if I used this forum to advertise this work, I just want to tell you about this to provide you another way in helping the least of our brothers.

thank you and God Bless!

PS. If you want to know more about our lay organization please visit our website http://www.cfcglobal.org.ph/home.htm but I think you'll have a better insight if you read our newsletters http://www.cfcglobal.org.ph/ugnayan/ugnayan.htm (start with the Nov-Dec 2001 issue)

-- janeiro (janeiro_a@rocketmail.com), March 25, 2004

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-- The Bumper! (Bump@bumpitybump.bump), March 28, 2004.

I have read about the testimonials of heroes...Peopel with so much less but were able to give so much more not only of their talents but more of them selves... Their sharings and testimonials are very uplifting. I aslo read about the interview of Fr. Mario Villarasa the first Filipino Parish Priest fo OUR Lady of Goood Counsel in Surrey, BC. He said he missed the Philippines. He can not believe how the Philippines degenerated . It is useless to point an accusing finger. It is the whole antion's responsibility to soul search tot he problem and mature as a nation. It is a reminder that we amy lose everything... we have someone to go to... God. I believe the work at Gawad Kalinga is anointed by God...an answer to faithful people. Let's us all be part of this. For those who are not Filipinos please see it for your selves and see how miracles unfold before your eyes. Be part of it. Let us be a part of it.

-- Gerardo S. Fernando (Gerardosf@aol.com), May 09, 2004.