Is suffering a virtue?

The Lenten break has given me time to meditate and, of course, as it were, activate my blogs. While reviewing my past Lenten reflections, I came across this article posted exactly 3 years ago.I decided to repost it because of its relevance to the occasion. Coincidentally,  the 86th Commencement Exercises of Central  Philippine University took place last week also.

Much as I wanted to attend the 83rd Graduation Ceremonies of Central Philippine University last week, my health constrained me. But I got a copy of the commencement message of a brilliant young lawyer who is the only son of my mentor at the Department of Social Work. Addressed to graduates and respective families, the last portion of his speech inspires me. Subsequently, this series of Lenten reflections.

Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera associates success with significance. For unless our success leaves any imprint on the lives of others, it remains a personal accomplishment. His contention is that success and significance are not dependent on material factors and the length of stay in this world, respectively. Hence, the challenge to make a difference now. He cited the case of Jesus the Christ, whose earthly life was short but significant. The impact of Jesus life on the world and the lives of people is eternal.

DILG USEC Peter Irving C. Corvera and Prof. Ruth C. Corvera

Emphasizing service, more than excellence or riches, as something that gives significance to life, he shares the story of his mother. This is where his message penetrates my soul. For I know very well Prof. Ruth Ciriaco Corvera. How she spent the best years of life on her passion for service as pastor and social worker. Either in church or community, she consistently espouses her development slogan- empower people to reach their full potential before God. I have been a witness to her irresistible commitment. Nothing can stop her, not even problems, difficulties, illness, pains and sufferings. She has given all with seemingly nothing for her old age. Yet, at the age of 82, she was stricken with cancer. Now on the eighth year, six years of which were in stage-4, she continues to think of ways how she could be useful to others.

Every time I think of the life of Ma'am Corvera and others like her, I feel humiliated. Admittedly my wife and I have been devastated by what happened to me. More so, when in crises, we realized our folly of not saving for our own needs. Obsessed in service, we seem to give all. Worse, because one of the major causes of my suffering was principled voluntary work in community and church, especially for pastors. For a year, I continue to wrestle this issue. Now, I realized my experience pales in comparison to hers. Her condition is even worse than mine. Yet, she still has the time to periodically call me and inspire me to hold on and go on with life and service.

When I reflect on the life of Jesus, the more I am humbled in my sufferings. Despite being the only begotten Son of God, He was not spared from the harsh realities in life. Even if we combine all our pains in life, the product falls short to the sacrifices, persecution, betrayal, humiliation, and disgrace he encounters in the name of service. It is in this context that the lent must be viewed, as well as our sufferings.
___________________

Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera is the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Central Philippine University. Recently, he was appointed as Undersecretary for Public Safety of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Republic of the Philippines.

True Service

Last Friday, I had the privilege of being the speaker of the First Commencement Exercise of the Negros Theology Seminary (NETS). Despite my health condition, the administrators requested for a recorded video message. Most of the administrators and faculty were former students in the Master of Socio Pastoral Ministries.

Let me share the main points to the readers. The scriptural basis for the message, as requested, was Luke 5: 1-11. Using the acronym of the seminary -NETS, I have organized my points in the context of the story, as follows:

Needs

1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.

The first two verses present the needs of people and Jesus, as well as that of the fishermen. Jesus needs a pulpit to satisfy the cravings of the people for God’s words. In finding a boat, Jesus ably meet the needs both of the people and the owner of the resources. For Jesus also knows the needs of Simon and company. He understands that Peter and his coworkers are capable of bringing in a huge catch. But the problem is that they are absolutely convinced nothing is there to catch, having spent the whole night.There’s a need to overcome their pride.

Encounter

3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Such is the encounter of Jesus with the veteran fishermen. After the paradigm shift of using the boat as pulpit, Jesus moves on to the next level of change. In the guise of gratitude for the favor, he encouraged Simon to resume fishing for a compensated catch. With reservation grounded on experience and expertise, Simon dared to risk another attempt. Surprisingly, the cycle has been broken by such paradigm shift. An overwhelming catch rocked their boats.

Transformation

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

Humbled by the encounter, the veteran fisherman bowed to the carpenter’s son. It is safe to presume that Simon might have under estimated Jesus. A transformation takes place in Simon’s heart. But it was just a prelude of the real transformation in the lives of the fishermen. Thereafter they become fishers of men.

Service
11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

This seals off the transformation process. Instead of savoring the gains of their catch, they forsake all and follow Jesus. Rather than advancing their needs and interests, they serve the interests of Christ – advancing the Kingdom of God.

True service is a by- product of transformation, resulting from a personal encounter with the One who knows our needs.

Moving on to the next level of service

With my election to the board of trustees of the Convention of Philippines Baptist Churches (CPBC), pastors were assured of representation. There was a relative unity between the Convention leadership and our association. Synchronization of programs and direction of both bodies produced mutual benefits. Pastors concern and requests were directly addressed while programs of the Convention were easily disseminated and supported by pastors.

Making things more favorable was my appointment to head the Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns (TEMC) Committee. Thereafter, I found the missing link i.e. the CPBC Ten Year Strategic Plan for 2000-2010. Significantly, it incorporated TEMC as one of the major program components of the Convention. Specifically, it aims to empower the local pastors to comprehensively develop their potentials so that they can more relevantly respond to the challenges and needs of the present situations.

While this could have been an answer to the needs of pastors, unfortunately, the program was not well implemented because of the lack of budget. Since its inception, the program was not given much priority due to limited budget and lack of personnel. Unlike other programs with respective directors, the TEMC activities are either carried out as additional function of other personnel, or undertaken by volunteers and TEMC Committee. It was compounded by prevailing misconception that the CPBC caters only to churches. The pastors needs and concerns should be addressed by their association.

This discovery resulted to a deliberate effort to advocate for the pastors cause resulting to some significant changes. Some notable developments were the approval of CPBC UNITES (Unified Theological Education System) which broadened the opportunities for continuing pastoral education; the approval of CBMA Placement Bureau, and other resolutions passed by the assembly and subsequently approved by the Board. Since then, the TEMC program was revisited, promoted and given fresh mandate.

Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors (E) MSPM: An integrated approach

Master of Socio Pastoral Ministries (MSPM) is a combination of Master of Science in Social Work program offered in CPU and pastoral ministry courses. The mission of the MSPM program is to prepare graduate students for leadership roles in church, church-related institutions and community. Specifically, it is geared towards a healthy and balanced pastoral leadership, church administration and social/community services.

Significant changes in the contemporary world present new challenges to development workers in various field of endeavors including pastors/church ministers. Foremost, is the development of interdisciplinary approaches and modes of analysis in the helping professions including pastoral work. Problems brought about by these changes, as well as those caused by natural and man-made disasters pose a challenge to develop integrated interventions towards building of a just, humane and caring society.

On the other hand, our pastors are confronted with harsh realities, challenges and problems in the fields which they do not have reserved knowledge and skills from the seminaries/theological institutions. Some are handling administrative positions and development-related or church-related centers which require them additional learnings.

The program attempts to meet these needs and challenges. It also examine issues relevant to the understanding of spirituality and religion in the context of present realities and the ongoing search for meaning. It uses various theories and research efforts pertinent to the role of spirituality in psychological, sociological and social development. Teaching is done from a variety of perspectives including pastoral ministry, social work, theology, spirituality, and clinical practice areas.

Ministry & Biblical/Theology courses include Foundations of Socio Pastoral Ministry; Church: Ministry & Mission; Hermeneutics; Biblical Theology; and Biblical & Theological Foundations of Discipleship. The Socio-Pastoral Courses are as follows: Socio-Behavioral Theories; Group, Community, Social Institutions and Processes; Family Wellness & Pastoral Counseling; Models of Ministry and Leadership in the Church & Community; Community Organization & Social Welfare and Development Services; Strategies in Church and Community Mobilization; Seminar in Socio Pastoral Ministries; Social Research; Social Jurisprudence & Local Governance; Pastoral Ministry in Conflict Situations; and Administration and Management of Church and related organization/institutions

The following volunteers have served as faculty and resource persons: Pastor Francis Neil Jalando-on, Rev. Jerson Narciso, Dr. Melvin Mangana, Dr. Armando Kole, Rev. Joniel Howard Gico, Dr. Joel Ciriaco, Dr. Lucy Catalogo, Atty. Nicias Alameda, Atty. Tamano Pastor Elizer Geromiano, Prof. DZ Patriarca-Lariza, Prof. Adele Fegarido, Dr. Bernabe Pagara, Pastor Melchor Lariza, Pastor Rosendo Mije and Bro. Andrew Escuban.

Three years after the program was implemented, it has produced 23 pioneering graduates from Panay and Negros. They were conferred their degree on May 1, 2010 at Ajuy Christian Development Academy, Ajuy, Iloilo.

The Joy of Service

The scripture sent by a friend early morning thru text message fits as clincher to the posts on my service in the university:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)

Call it, by any name - the law of giving or universal law of karma, this truth is irreversible. It holds true in our lives whether we expect it or not. As mentioned earlier, my various positions in the University were never planned nor dreamed of but a matter of exigency of service. In the same way, I did not expect any recognition or reward in responding to the needs and challenges beyond the call of duty, other then what was organizationally provided. My pastoral orientation and involvement in the people’s struggle conditioned me to put service above self.


But it came as natural sequence. First, incentive award while still in rank of instructor and later two University professorial chairs when promoted. These are Rosario Salas-Doromal Professorial Chair, and Riego Professorial Chair in SY 2001-2002 and SY 2003-2004, respectively. Our Alumni Association in Social Work honored me with Plaque of Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in 2003 and Outstanding Alumni in Social Administration and NGO-PO Networking in 2005. This put me in the list of awardees in the College of Arts and Sciences during the Centennial Year of the University. My colleagues in the Department and professional organization, cognizant of my contribution, recommended me to the national search for the Ten Outstanding Social Workers of the Philippines and subsequently got it in 2004.


While these were inspiring (and therapeutic in sickness, I realized now), the deeper happiness in work came from students and community people themselves whose lives were touch and developed. The joy in knowing the extent of your influence and how they have succeeded in their respective fields of endeavors is incomparable. The fruits and continuity of your initiatives outweigh the sacrifices done. Indeed, God has designed our human existence to harmonize the pains and gains in life.

Next post: Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors (Part II)

Milestones of Service in the University

Trusts begets trust. With this framework, working with then CPU President Juanito M. Acanto was worthwhile, blessed with significant breakthroughs as far as the trilogy functions of Higher Education Institutions are concerned. Some are mentioned in his Years of Fulfillment, Years of Bliss document. Refreshing my mind with these contributions has been therapeutic.

In the area of instruction, the formulation of Vision-Mission-Goal of the Department and revision of the curriculum during my term have lasting effect. The product is still used by my predecessor with modification in the curriculum to suit the needs and changes in the trends. Revival of the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program comes next. In three -year time, the University produced the first graduate during the Centennial Year in 2005, after more than three decades. Since then it has produced five more graduates including three non- social workers who subsequently hurdled the board exam. The revival was in line with the development of successor generation. Consequently, three young MSSW disciples are now teaching in the department.

Aside from solving the one- year back log of LINK and Kasanag, my research contribution consisted of three books, either authored or co authored. Worth mentioning are research works including my masteral thesis which was adjudged the best thesis of the College of Social Work and Community Development, UP Diliman, in 2001. Subsequently, it garnered the Leonora Serafica de Guzman Memorial Award from National Association for Social Work Education, Inc., and garnered the Leonora de Guzman award of the NASWEI. Of all my advisorship in student publications, the experience in Central Echo and Centralite for five years and one decade, respectively, created impact.

I considered the last of the trilogy i.e outreach more significant of all my contributions, as it has a bearing in the lives of people in community. Two University- based projects were saved from total collapse during my term. Foremost, is the Iloilo House of Refuge (IHR), Crisis Center for Women and Children. Started by an NGO network in 1993, the project experienced scarcity of funds, coupled with internal and organizational problems. It was temporarily closed but revived during my term as Department Head through volunteerism of students and faculty and linkages. Eventually the University directly assisted the project which resulted to the partnership agreement and subsequent turn over of management.

Tapping the government both the city and province, as well as senators and Presidential Management Staff, the project has been sustained. In team work with the University President, we were able to tap the CDF of Ilonggo senators. Through Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago and Sen. Franklin Drilon, additional two- storey edifice was constructed. With the University’s counterpart, it now houses the CPU Birthing Center, Kabalaka Reproductive Center and CPU (Medtech) Clinical Laboratory and the Office of the Presidential Management Staff-Region VI.

The other one is Katin-aran Center which started as social development laboratory of the Department for field exposure of students. Soon, it developed into a national and international model of self-help development. After engaging in a multi-million empowerment projects for 7 consecutive years, the Katin-aran separated from the University. Thereafter, it was bombarded with problems that shook its foundation. The timely intervention of the University has saved its sudden demise, which led back to the roots- the Department of Social Work. After two years of taking over the management of the Foundation, the skeletal staff with the support of the Department and voluntary effort of former staff, the Katin-aran has cleared itself from accountabilities to the funding agencies. Thereafter, a new life sprung out coming from the communities and former Katin-aran Center staff. The organization of the CPU Katin-aran Communities, Inc. ensured its sustainability since the governing board comes from the people themselves.

Worth adding here is the student volunteer network which was organized under my term in the University Outreach Center - the Volunteers for Integrated Public Service (VIPs). It garnered the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) award in 2007.

The Return to my First Love

Admittedly, the comment or criticism (whichever) of a lay leader about my pastoral identity has pierced my soul. But it was enlightening, rather than hurting. It reminded me of my childhood dream and commitment. Flashbacks of the past were refreshing and inspiring. The impact of the exemplary life of our pastor has fixated my mind to follow his footsteps. My only ambition in life since childhood was to be like him- study theology at Central Philippine University to become a model pastor. Failing to make it after graduation in high school, I did not find other alternative. Instead, under the tutorial of my father, I mastered the gambling profession. No, my father was not a gambler. It was his means of livelihood that raised us 5 children.

It took a couple of years and two motorcycle accidents to revive the dream. Forced by misfortunes and threats, I entered a bible school. But another two years and a couple of critical incidents prevented me to catch it. One year suspension for rebelling against the administration and another year of serious heart ailment (the first major attack), a semester before graduation caused the delay.

Then came the opportunity to fulfill the dream in 1977. Working full time in a church, I gave my best in the ministry, as if I had only one year to live. Literally, because that was my bargain to God during my serious illness. After my term, the opportunity to study in CPU came which opened another chapter of life discussed in previous blog. Still, another delay happened. The cause, however, was no longer illness, but a healthy disposition to take up the challenge of times with willingness to offer my life for the cause of the Filipino people.

Returning to my first love was not that easy. Now, a family man, I could not just leave my employment in the University. As a transition, a week-end work in a local church in Iloilo City became an alternative. In the process, I realized I could no longer recover the lost time and opportunities in working with churches. Hence, the decision to focus on pastors, guided by the belief that whatever developments in their lives will trickle down to the churches.

However, my intention was not taken, without question and reservation. I failed to get the confidence of majority in my first attempt, no matter how clear my platform was. Some were honest enough to express their suspicion on my political leanings. My independent and principled stance also did not get the backing of veteran power brokers in the Convention whose candidate was miserably junked by majority of the pastors in a three-cornered fight in 2001. The experience did not dampen my spirit. My second attempt was wholeheartedly welcomed by the pastors. In an unprecedented event, I ran unopposed and served the association for two consecutive terms.


Next post: Gains and Pains in serving the pastors.