Faith plays a significant role in the everyday life of a believer. And with my religious conviction, I cannot avoid to equate God's word in the lives of each OFW families.
As we celebrate PEBA 2010 with its theme, "Strengthening OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation", let’s be reminded of the enormous challenges and social costs of migration in the OFW families. Families who survive the storm are the ones anchored to the Rock of Ages for Christ is in the center of their familial relationship.
And to Christian families who plan to follow the path of our nations' Modern Heroes, here's my advice:
1. Migration should be considered as the last option for the family as an economic solution and make sure it is God's will.
2. Couples should make a joint decision considering the enormous emotional cost brought by the separation of their family.
3. Make sure you are entering your host country with legal travel documents, proper working papers, and valid credentials.
4. Work hard, be frugal and budget your money wisely.
5. OFW families in the Philippines who receive the hard earned monthly remittances must learn to save and invest wisely for their future.
6. Communication is the major key in shortening the distance between the OFWs and the family left behind and a tool in strengthening the family relationship.
7. Join OFW social organizations, association and Christian groups for social, professional and religious affiliation.
8. Find the nearest church in your host country and you'll be surprised to discover that OFWs fill the pews of the churches abroad.
In my two decades as an OFW, it impresses me to see global Filipinos in the midst of their arduous journey. They never fail to believe and trust God even in the most godless of situations. With God they find strength, hope and peace. Because our life is supposed to be a migratory journey on God's road.
► Read The Pope's previous articles here.
As we celebrate PEBA 2010 with its theme, "Strengthening OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation", let’s be reminded of the enormous challenges and social costs of migration in the OFW families. Families who survive the storm are the ones anchored to the Rock of Ages for Christ is in the center of their familial relationship.
And to Christian families who plan to follow the path of our nations' Modern Heroes, here's my advice:
1. Migration should be considered as the last option for the family as an economic solution and make sure it is God's will.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1)
"The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (1 Corinthians 7:1)
3. Make sure you are entering your host country with legal travel documents, proper working papers, and valid credentials.
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1)
4. Work hard, be frugal and budget your money wisely.
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
5. OFW families in the Philippines who receive the hard earned monthly remittances must learn to save and invest wisely for their future.
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." (Proverbs 31:16)
6. Communication is the major key in shortening the distance between the OFWs and the family left behind and a tool in strengthening the family relationship.
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." (Proverbs 25:25)
"And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought; for by their occupation they were tentmakers." (Acts 18:3)
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24)
In my two decades as an OFW, it impresses me to see global Filipinos in the midst of their arduous journey. They never fail to believe and trust God even in the most godless of situations. With God they find strength, hope and peace. Because our life is supposed to be a migratory journey on God's road.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105)"
► Read The Pope's previous articles here.
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