July 4th in the Philippines and in Houston

It is Independence Day, a day to pause and remember, “The Spirit of 1776,” a living document which keeps our country united today. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

It is fitting that as I write this, I just heard the 9:00 a.m. Patriotic Service from Chapelwood, (10 p.m. here in the Philippines,) and the words of Jefferson and Monroe still ring so clearly around the world. I am proud to know a new friend in Leobert Don Laforteza, someone you have not met, but if you were at Chapelwood today you heard his voice as he narrated a video produced this week at the Southern Philippines Methodist Colleges. The words are inspiring whether heard in the Chapelwood sanctuary or half a world a way via the internet in Kidipawan. “We live in a much more connected world than at any time throughout history. Despite all the diversity there is in this world, we share so much in common. We together, Spanish, Filipino, American, Russian, African, all of us are the body of Christ in identity, as his beloved, and in our calling to serve wherever we may be today. We are made one by God's Holy Spirit that resides is both you and us.” I’ll admit, the video along with the singing from the Chancel Choir, made me a little homesick.

Here in Kidipawan, our “Forth of July” began with a special event too. We were invited to visit the Branscomb United Methodist Church. A quaint building near where we are serving, sitting on the fringe of a city park that offers picturesque views of a descending stream. Smiles from the many friendly faces greeted us as we enjoyed a two hour worship service complete with the sharing of the Holy Communion.

The mission team helped lead the congregation in song, singing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” and “Father I Adore You.” Gleefully, the church members joined in, and we are especially grateful for the talents of Emelyn Castillo who not only kept us on key, but is the music teacher at the Southern Philippines Methodist Colleges.

One of the highlights of the service was to hear in Tagalog the Lord’s prayer. For me this was especially meaningful as my wife Hazel and I visited the Church of the Pater Noster recently in Israel where it is believed Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. Mosaics in 80 languages adorn the church on the Mount of Olives including one in Tagalog which I had caught on camera. Who would know I would hear the inscribed words said by native Filipinos. Chapelwood staff member Chris Archer added to the moment as he gave a sermon on the Lord’s prayer sharing insights to the individual words, “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be your name.”

All worship service is personal, but today’s service in Kidipawan had deep meaning for team member Ed Lynch. As is custom here, the church celebrates members birthdays for the week ahead by announcing their names from the altar then singing to them. When the team was introduced to the congregation all of us had the chance to something about us, and Ed had the most to say in perhaps the least amount of worlds. He admitted he was moved by the singing of Happy Birthday as back in the states his first born son is celebrating his 53 birthday today, and he wished he could be with him. As I reflect and get ready for bed, I can only think of the words from George M. Cohan, “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy, born on the 4th of July.” Indeed it is a “Dandy Day”, two worship services celebrating July 4th birthdays, one for those who are with us in the flesh, and the other for a spirit which inspired a new country 224 years ago. Each however, connected by the Holy Spirit who calls us to serve both near and far.

Carleton Cole