The story of how a pastor got others to share in his vision of a better Philippines
By: Ruth M. Floresca
Pastor Gerard Bejusano of the Universal Evangelical Christian Church (UECC) in Sta. Cruz Laguna was one of 20 participants at the Voters’ Education Program (VEP) held in Bay, Laguna last February 27, 2007. It was heartening to hear his testimonies three months after on how his initial participation enabled him to mobilize others to also work towards a cleaner and more responsible election period.
Learnings
On May 28, 2007, two weeks after the voting polls have closed, the Christian Convergence for Good Governance (CCGG) held a focus group discussion with a number of pastors in Calauan, Laguna to evaluate how effective the VEP was. Pastor Gerard was one of the attendees.
“As a pastor and a voter, I really had no clear guidance before on who to vote for. My experiences were limited to voting for the candidates whom I know,” he begins. “But with VEP, I learned the Biblical basis on good governance.”
He describes how the Input Session on the List of Prohibited and Allowed Acts before and during election helped him a lot because he learned the do’s and don’ts sanctioned by the Commission on Election (COMELEC). “I became more confident to vote because there is now more meaning in my vote. I also realized that I don’t have to be non-partisan and need not be silent about politics and the election,” he emphasizes. “If I know of a qualified candidate who has integrity, is a responsible leader with fear of God and has a good track record, then I should vote for him or her. And if I can even campaign, why not?”
Reverberation
As a result of the VE’s effect on Pastor Gerard’s newfound confidence as a voter, he developed the drive and passion to share and re-echo his learnings to his fellow pastors, other leaders and different churches.
He and two other pastors arranged for more VE programs which were conducted in Lumban and Sta. Cruz, Laguna in March and April respectively. The events were coordinated in partnership with the Laguna Alliance for Good Governance (LAGG), CCGG and the Buklod Biyayang Kristiyano (BBK).
In Lumban, the VE was held at the Menonite Church on March 24 where 44 participants came representing 34 churches. The Sta. Cruz Baptist Church, on the other hand, accommodated 58 people who came from 20 different churches on April 10.
Optimism
Pastor Gerard is glad that not only the pastors but other members of the churches were able to benefit from the VEP. “Now, choosing candidates is more balanced and we are more open to discussions why it is important to know the qualities of each candidate. We now ask first, ‘Why him or her?’”
Indeed, lighting just one candle can spark more candles to give light because the effort of just one person should not be considered as a simple little thing. Pastor Gerard has proven that faith in the Lord coupled with the passion to enforce changes for the better definitely could go a long way.
By: Ruth M. Floresca
Pastor Gerard Bejusano of the Universal Evangelical Christian Church (UECC) in Sta. Cruz Laguna was one of 20 participants at the Voters’ Education Program (VEP) held in Bay, Laguna last February 27, 2007. It was heartening to hear his testimonies three months after on how his initial participation enabled him to mobilize others to also work towards a cleaner and more responsible election period.
Learnings
On May 28, 2007, two weeks after the voting polls have closed, the Christian Convergence for Good Governance (CCGG) held a focus group discussion with a number of pastors in Calauan, Laguna to evaluate how effective the VEP was. Pastor Gerard was one of the attendees.
“As a pastor and a voter, I really had no clear guidance before on who to vote for. My experiences were limited to voting for the candidates whom I know,” he begins. “But with VEP, I learned the Biblical basis on good governance.”
He describes how the Input Session on the List of Prohibited and Allowed Acts before and during election helped him a lot because he learned the do’s and don’ts sanctioned by the Commission on Election (COMELEC). “I became more confident to vote because there is now more meaning in my vote. I also realized that I don’t have to be non-partisan and need not be silent about politics and the election,” he emphasizes. “If I know of a qualified candidate who has integrity, is a responsible leader with fear of God and has a good track record, then I should vote for him or her. And if I can even campaign, why not?”
Reverberation
As a result of the VE’s effect on Pastor Gerard’s newfound confidence as a voter, he developed the drive and passion to share and re-echo his learnings to his fellow pastors, other leaders and different churches.
He and two other pastors arranged for more VE programs which were conducted in Lumban and Sta. Cruz, Laguna in March and April respectively. The events were coordinated in partnership with the Laguna Alliance for Good Governance (LAGG), CCGG and the Buklod Biyayang Kristiyano (BBK).
In Lumban, the VE was held at the Menonite Church on March 24 where 44 participants came representing 34 churches. The Sta. Cruz Baptist Church, on the other hand, accommodated 58 people who came from 20 different churches on April 10.
Optimism
Pastor Gerard is glad that not only the pastors but other members of the churches were able to benefit from the VEP. “Now, choosing candidates is more balanced and we are more open to discussions why it is important to know the qualities of each candidate. We now ask first, ‘Why him or her?’”
Indeed, lighting just one candle can spark more candles to give light because the effort of just one person should not be considered as a simple little thing. Pastor Gerard has proven that faith in the Lord coupled with the passion to enforce changes for the better definitely could go a long way.
No comments:
Post a Comment