Sunday, February 22, 2004

Leila Baque, my inaanak, invited me on their Evangel Baptist Church's 31st Anniversary today. It's a small group of born-again faithfuls who gather together every Saturdays and Sundays, along with their family members and loved ones to praise God, know His words, and to interact and communicate with fellow members (fellowship).

The last time the veteran pastors had seen me was in November 1988, almost 16 years ago, when I attended Leila's wedding. I was one of the sponsors or Ninang.

The children in the gathering outnumbered adults, who both performed their numbers in praising God. There were times we were asked to stand up and sing praises to God and they set up a game that no one is allowed to say "yes" or "no", "oo" or "hindi", "okay" and nodding head. Those who answered the forbidden words were asked to sign on a heart-shaped cartolina with their names on it and someone who gathered 33 signatures on a heart won a prize which was given later at the end of the celebration. There were "pabitin" and hitting "palayok" for both adults and children after the food was served. I enjoyed watching them having fun and forgot all about my "troubles" for a while. Somehow, I missed my children's presence but, they're grown-ups now and have different interests.

I honestly appreciate Leila's gesture and hospitality, and Happy 31st Anniversary to all Evangel Baptist Church's pastors and members!