A Gift That Can't Be Packed Away

Taking down Christmas decorations, re-reading cards from friends, and taking stock of gifts and gift cards we received, I was reminded of how people celebrate throughout the world and how some gifts and letters really impact our lives. And unlike the decorations, cards and gifts being packed away, I couldn’t help but remember the email we’d received from Ami, one of Outreach International’s field staff in the Philippines.

Ami wrote, “Christmas in abundance comes to groups who are united.” This was the theme of this year’s Christmas Party for the 17 groups and representatives from the towns of General Tinio, Zaragoza and General Natividad, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. As they gathered to share and draw inspiration from one another’s triumphs and challenges as a result of Outreach International facilitation, it was clear to see that people were proud of their accomplishments and were united by their fight against poverty.

Group leaders spoke of their history as organizations assisted by Outreach International in battling poverty issues. Leaders from General Tinio narrated how they were once illegal loggers once but have given up bad environmental practices and are working towards gaining better lives. This decision and perseverance brought them to where they are now: owners of the land they till and the lots on which their houses are built. They also own the livestock that they use for transport and whose offspring were sold to send their kids to school.

One touching highlight of the party was the silence, prayers and remembrances offered on behalf of group members and leaders who had passed away during the year. Foremost among them was remembering the president of the Community Based Forest Management group in General Tinio – whose principled stance never wavered, even though he had been taken by the military twice during the community’s struggle towards ownership of their own land.

The town mayor, who witnessed the well-prepared presentations, was so impressed with the groups that he pledged more active support for the coming year. He also sent several boxes of groceries that afternoon to divide among group members, passing on the good he had witnessed.

In their own way, each group showed that abundance comes not only through grand prizes and sumptuous feasts, but that abundance happens by way of showing solidarity with one another. That despite devastating typhoons and a continuous fight against poverty, people with common situations and common histories can come together and celebrate a meaningful Christmas and look forward to a better New Year.

As a staff member and Outreach International supporter, I am happy to add this to the gifts I remember from last Christmas….one that has a lasting impact on people’s lives. 

Posted By (Marsha Penrose, Ami Salazar, Outreach International staff) on Jan 06, 2010 12:00 AM CST
categories: Community  Development  Human Rights  Justice  Poverty  Relationships 

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Our vision is a world without poverty. But to get there, it will take more than what has been done before. It will take a second look at the problem: a redefinition.

When we redefine the problem of poverty, we redefine the solution: Outreach International doesn't throw money at the cause, or give quick-fix handouts. We focus on the poorest of the poor, and the dignity they deserve. We are about lasting change, we are about people, we are about sustainable good. We will redefine poverty, and in the process, redefine our lives.

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