by Roderick Valones, LWR's Program Manager in the Philippines
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
In gratitude to what God has done for me through Jesus Christ, I am God’s slave. In a practical sense this means walking the Christian faith inside and outside our physical church, as well as my work at LWR.
I am grateful for LWR’s trust in me. I was hired this past March to manage the emergency programming of LWR in the Philippines for a fixed term of one year. After two months, I was offered a position managing the development programming as well when the Program Manager resigned.
This position fills me with gratitude. First, I am so grateful to God, for I see God’s hand at work in my ability to engage with LWR-Philippines on a long term basis. Second, I am grateful to LWR for this opportunity and will reciprocate it with faithfulness and a grateful heart through everything I do in my work. Each new day with LWR is a blessing. I learn so much from my helpful colleagues — one of the many blessings I receive from God every day. I see LWR as an instrument of God’s faithfulness in my life. My gratitude and praises to Him!
I am grateful for being able to work with LWR in the Philippines. Meeting and working with LWR employees is a blessing of learning. It’s also an opportunity to witness God’s love for humankind. In my seven months of work with LWR, I have experienced how gracious God is. LWR has enough finances, capable employees and appropriate programming in the Philippines. I have been able to learn many new ways to relate with people at all levels.
I am grateful to be able to work with LWR partners. The opportunity to work with partner organizations and community members enables me to see the need for transformative and constructive support. I am grateful for this opportunity because I know this support will enable people to help themselves and have lasting, positive change in their lives. I feel the appreciation of our partners for the support that LWR is providing them. I feel even more gratitude from the participants who experience the impacts of our work. I see our partners’ commitment to serving economically poor and vulnerable families, even if it takes working long hours. I witness them doing tiring and draining work, yet feeling happy and fulfilled.
I thank God for His love and guidance in allowing me to relate to and accompany people through my position, the work of LWR and our partners.