Written By Astrid Raisa Subingsubing, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
The air was cool when we stepped out of the van. It was the perfect weather for a Holiday of Hope and Cheer (HOHC) activity at the beautiful Camp Capinpin that morning. We were welcomed by Capt. Eduardo Meclat, Jr. of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, who told us a little about the picturesque grounds we were in. After the short orientation, we then headed to the grandstand where we would hold the HOHC program.
The program began with a prayer. The kids were then asked for a song number, to which two boys gamely obliged. Soon after, the kids got a special visit from Jollibee, who was received with much excitement, giving high fives all around. He did a dance number and posed for pictures with the children as well as the volunteers. Several of the kids also actively participated in a game of Hep Hep Hooray!
Next, the kids were treated to a screening of Superbook’s The First Christmas episode. Earlier in the program, when they were asked who among them watched Superbook on Saturdays, almost all of them raised their hands. So it was no surprise when many kids sang along to the Salvation Poem after the episode. After the screening, the Gospel was shared to the kids as well as their parents from the military who accompanied them.
The program ended with the distribution of lunch meals as well as teddy bears and gift bags containing toys, puzzles and coloring books.
The kids expressed their gratitude for this event. “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga sponsor. Nag-enjoy rin ako sa pagtuturo samin, (I thank the sponsors. I also enjoyed how they taught us,)” said Nicole Villanueva, 10. “Thank you po sa lahat ng shinare nila, (Thank you for everything they shared,)” added Francesca Fiona Reyes, 10.
“Thank you po sa lahat ng shinare nila, (Thank you for everything they shared,)” added Francesca Fiona Reyes, 10.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga sponsor. Nag-enjoy rin ako sa pagtuturo samin, (I thank the sponsors. I also enjoyed how they taught us,)” said Nicole Villanueva, 10.
HOHC is just one of Operation Blessing’s (OB) many programs for children. It aims to impart to kids the true meaning of Christmas. There are many other ways you can help out these kids. You can Bless-a-Child (BAC) with nutritious food to nourish their bodies. Or you can help send a child Back-to-School (BTS).
You can partner with us to give them a fun experience of getting to know Jesus by sponsoring a Happy Kids Camp (HKC) or a screening of the Bible-based cartoon Superbook. Whatever you choose, it is sure to be a blessing, where a little goes a long way.
Call us at 477-7802 to 04 for more information on our children’s programs. Together, we can inspire change in the hearts of the young ones.
