Kuya Boyet

L-R: Joel, Kathleen, Amanda, Boyet, Dan, Marijke, Stan
 

 What a blessing it was to meet Kuya Boyet! Over a year and a half ago, we sent out our two friends (with their two young kids) to the Philippines, to start building Peace Church. We always hoped and dreamed of being able to meet some of their members, but never thought it was possible unless we went to the Philippines. Little did we know, that eighteen months after they left, we would meet Kuya Boyet. We had the privilege of hosting him for dinner and dessert at our home on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, he taught Sunday School, gave a greeting of Peace, and shared a potluck lunch with the church.

What a blessing this weekend was. Boyet is humorous, joking that the only food that he doesn't like is small food. (You know, small amounts of food). That is my kind of house guest!
He told us about his two wives. He waits for the stunned silence before explaining that his first wife is asleep, and that he jokes with his second wife to 'keep it down' since his first wife is sleeping.

Aside from the humour, his passion for his work and his people was evident. When asked about the recent typhoon that hit the Philippines, he said a few words and then was silent. As a small group of new friends gathered around the table at our house on Saturday evening, we could tell that his heart was burdened. Holding back emotions and perhaps even a few tears, he explained that he was still processing the situation.

At the end of the evening, we gathered together to pray for one another. Kuya Boyet had us hold hands of the person, not directly next to us, but the person next to that (so every second person was holding hands). He had us hold hands behind our backs. He explained that this was a way to support one another. If a person was not strong enough to hold on, his friends to the right and left, who's hands were held behind him, would hold him up and keep him in the group. It was a beautiful example of community support.

Sunday School was another highlight for me. Kuya Boyet asked a simple question, "How would you like someone to support you when you are in need?"  The answers ranged from giving hugs, to listening, supporting me, holding my hand etc. It made me think that when we are struggling, we really need community to support us. To help us process our grief. To be with us. I can only imagine that the Filipinos who suffered through the typhoon need the same thing. Yes, food and water are also needed. But more than that, they need to process their grief, to feel supported, and to have someone hold their hand and cry with them. Sadly, this is easier done in person. Which is a sad realization that I've had when I ask, "What can I do to help?"

It was a pleasure to meet Kuya Boyet. We hope and pray that he felt supported by the community we have here. We sent Darnell and Christina only eighteen months ago to the Philippines to build Peace Church and we hope and pray that we will continue to support one another in this journey.