Anawim 26 year of joyful service
Last June 10, 2021, Anawim Lay Missions Foundation, celebrated its 26th Anniversary. 2020 was indeed a very challenging year but, with God’s grace, Anawim continues to survive.
Shellie Follero, Anawim’s Fundraising representative; and Erika Ventura, HR servant of Anawim were the hosts of this online event.
To start off our celebration, one of Anawim’s elderly residents, Lola Violi, led the opening prayer. “Ama naming nasa langit, kami po ay
lubos na nagpapasalamat sa buhay na ipinagkaloob ninyo. Pagpalain nawa po ang lahat ng ministry ni Bro. Bo. Lahat po ng workers, caregivers, managing staff… ay inyo pong pagpalain… Sa aming pagkakasala, kami po ay inyong patawarin…”
Next, Anawim’s Executive Director, Hermie Morelos shared a message with everyone, “…Sana po hindi pa man tayo nagsasalita, sa kilos natin, sa ating ayos, how we relate with people especially on how we take care of our lolos and lolas, our caregivers, ay mababakas nila, makikita nila ang ating Panginoong Hesu Kristo. Because that is our calling… to be Jesus to others. Mga lolo’t lola, maraming salamat po dahil habang kami’y nagsisilbi, tumutulong sa inyo, ay ginagawa din namin iyon sa Panginoon.”
After this, Ms. Ruby Albino, Anawim’s Marketing Representative, shared on Anawim’s mission updates, giving
witness of how God has always been the Great Provider, through the people who continuously send help to Anawim.
Anawim’s anniversary was also a time to celebrate the continuous stream of blessings, even in the midst of the pandemic. Anawim Farm continues to thrive and provide food for Anawim, helping the lolos and lolas have a sustainable source of food every day, and in due time, provide a sustainable source of livelihood.
Last January 2021, donors responded to Anawim’s appeal for hospital beds, to comply with DSWD’s policy (using hospital beds for the safety, health, and proper care for elderly in shelters). The Lord provided many generous hearts who gave the 90 beds that Anawim needed. A few months later, while the summer heat was burning, the Jaime Ongpin Foundation donated
25 orbit fans. This was a blessing, helping the ventilation needs of the shelter and providing comfort to our lolos and lolas.
There were many other groups that extended help in the midst of the pandemic crisis, St. Charles Borromeo Philippine Medical Mission Ford Philippines, the American Chamber of the Philippines, Megaworld Foundation, and many other companies also extended so much help, both in cash and in-kind donations, to Anawim.
Anawim continues to provide regular monthly checkup for our lolos and lolas to ensure that proper medical attention is given to them.
And not to be forgotten, Anawim continues to have weekly online teaching sessions, providing avenues for our lolo’s and lola’s spiritual formation.
