SULADS STORIES

AMAZING LITTLE ONES

By Ricky Serrato

Katalwawan Mission School

March 2000

CLING!  CLANG! CLING! CLANG!  “It’s worship time,” the children shouted as they ran to assemble in the house of Manguide.  Each one was trying to get a comfortable place to listen to the Bible Story.  It was Friday at 5:30 pm.  Each one was eager to see and participate for this early worship to welcome the Sabbath at sundown.

The house was full.  It was the biggest house in the village and could accommodate almost all the people in the village.  We sang Manobo songs and praises to God as we welcomed the Holy Day.

After some eight songs, I announced, “Let’s start our program now.  I want volunteers to pray.  Anybody?”   

Many hands shot up.  “May I, Sir.”  “May I, Sir,” said another and another, and another.  Almost every child present raised his/her hand.  I needed only two, one for opening and one for closing prayer.  But there were three young little ones that particularly wanted to pray.

“Okay,” I said.  “To solve our problem, I’ll just pick two at random.”  I chose the first one little child who hesitatingly raised his hand.  He seemed innocent enough and led the group in raising their hands.  “Okay, Oto.  Will you please pray?”

He prayed in his own native tongue.  I was amazed at his prayer.  He was so sincere and prayed heartily.  He prayed just like he was talking to his father. He was like a boy pleading boldly and clearly for something he needed.  Everyone was quiet.  I could feel that the prayer was lifted up to heaven.  Surely the Spirit of God is moving in the hearts of these people and little ones.  The host of angels are ever present in every worship time in this village as we praise and worship the creator God.   

Please pray for us and for the safety of the village as we look to the future.  The NPA threaten to come back and the military say they will protect us.  We need your prayers very much right now.  Thank you for praying for us as sincerely as this little one prayed that Friday evenging.