Sometimes, it could be tempting to believe that the world centers around us and our needs. And considering all the perfect goals we need to tick off our bucket list, taking the initiative to volunteer for a worthwhile cause and to give our time, resources, and strength for others is an opportunity that, unfortunately, many tend to neglect.
But this is not the case for Creslyn Jane Abunda, 24, a social worker and a graduate of Missionary Training Program of Asian Center for Missions. For Creslyn, caring for others begins with a brave initiative to help even if it means forsaking her own welfare in order to uphold others’ needs first.
“After the Typhoon Rai (Odette) hit, our team roamed around the communities in Bohol to assess the people’s condition and needs. As a matter of fact, even before this rehabilitation program took place, our team already coordinated with other agencies to help the families who were affected by the onslaught of the typhoon,” Creslyn shared.
When Creslyn heard about Asian Center for Missions’ partnership with Operation Blessing for the turnover of housing materials in Ubay, Bohol last March 8-9, 2022, she did not hesitate to join the team. And true enough, Creslyn saw how God honored her desire to volunteer.
“I will liken this volunteering experience to a miracle because despite of the short preparation time, I saw how God intervened by instilling a united passion in the hearts of Operation Blessing Team, ACM, and other partners to help our kababayans in Bohol,” Creslyn narrated. “We all came from different organizations but look at what we were able to accomplish just because we care for this people group,” she added.
Creslyn mentioned that this volunteering experience helped her see that caring for others is not a wasted effort at all. “I realized that this is more than just a rebuilding of their houses; it’s more of rebuilding their lives,” she confessed.
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Like Creslyn, you, too, can care for someone by taking an initiative to volunteer. Go to www.operationblessing.ph/volunteer. For inquiries, contact 09399215543 or 09189067753.