Sharing Kindness with the Senior Citizens of Dagami, Leyte, Philippines

We are happy to share the charity work that our friends, Christine and Emman Comon, initiated here in New Zealand for the senior citizens of Dagami, Leyte, Philippines.

When the Comons were living and working in Clandeboye, Temuka, we held Bible study and ministered with them and their friends for three years.

As they had moved farther from Timaru, we communicated online and met occasionally.

A few months ago, Christine shared with me the ministry they started for the elderly in Dagami, Leyte, her mum’s hometown.

Dagami is a municipality in Leyte and depends on agriculture such as coconut, rice and corn farming. Its total land area of 161.5 square kilometres, equivalent to 16,165 hectares. More than half of its plains on the eastern side are cultivated for rice and corn farming, while the western side is planted with coconut trees. Coconut production is a significant source of income. (Wikipedia).

Christine shares:

• My mu, Purisima Libut led this group in Dagami, Leyte for almost 2yrs. She temporarily offered a portion of her property to accommodate and conduct group meetings, activities and events for the group.
  
  
• This is a non-government organisation involving elders 60 years old who are non-recipients of government assistance/benefits. It aims to support the wellness of members holistically.
  
  
• Since they are not receiving benefits or assistance from the government due to ineligibility (political reasons), the group members rely on their pockets to support and help others.

Their goals and stories touched me. With utmost prayer and God’s provision, I organised a donation drive from personal earnings and some friends’ help last April. We gave out 100 packs (Ensure, Fortisip, nut bars, oatmeals and rice crackers). The overwhelming response was unmeasurable.

Christine Comon

Christine plans to raise money to purchase canes and wheelchairs. She will continue the donation drive for next year’s gift packs.

Indeed, the 100 gift packs brought relief and joy to the recipients because the pandemic lockdowns brought many hardships and miseries to the elderly.

In a country where rest homes are not established compared with New Zealand, this ministry for the elderly is impactful.