NOV 2004

In Due Time
by Grace Mila

JVP Kumustahan-Kwentuhan

Saturday, September 25, 2004 was a memorable evening for JVPFI-Cagayan de Oro local community because nine (out of 14 expected) alumni from the single-digit batches gathered for the first time to reconnect and reminisce JVP spirit/bonding/experiences through KUMUSTAHAN-KWENTUHAN (the JVP way) and songs. It was also the night when JVPFI's 5-point program was presented/explained to them, to encourage them to participate in the Foundation. It ended at 1:30 the following morning, and with much awe and amazement, we discovered that these JVPs have continued to live out the JVP Core values in their lives. They might have been silent (in a way) for a long time, yet they came at the right time - when CDO-LC tried its best to reconnect them to the double-digit batches and to the Foundation.

Rotary Club supports JVP

Members of the Rotary Club of Carmen Valley, West Peter Unabia, Batch 4 (standing 5th from the left), Shy Calo-Santos, Batch 10 standing 5th from the right, to her right are Grace Milar, Batch 8/9, Mitch Suazo, Batch 16, Glo-Ann Culanag, Batch 9/10 and En-En Billena, Batch 22.

This Fiscal year, when CDO Local Community needed much help in order to raise funds to sponsor a volunteer, Peter Unabia (Mindoro, Barch 4) made a comeback. He paved the way for JVP to meet the Rotary Club of Carmen Valley West. On October 28, 2004, five eager and courageous alumni: Glo-Ann Culanag (9/10), Grace Milar (8/9), Mitch Suazo (16), Noelli Billena (22) and Shy Calo-Santos(10) presented and explained JVPFI - its programs and impact to the society for the last 24 years, to the members of the Club and made a special appeal for a possible partnership, or for a sponsorship of a Jesuit Volunteer. That very night, the Rotary Club of Carmen Valley West pledged to JVPFI-CDO Local Community the amount of Php 70,000.00 and planted hope in our hearts that they may continue to support us for the years to come.

We could only afford some doughnuts and coffee to celebrate God's blessing and yet, deep in our hearts, we found HIS overwhelming goodness and love, that everything we desire in HIS name will be granted in due time.

"…Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things, but strive first for the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be granted to you, as well." (Matt. 6:32-33)