21 Kaibigan Couples Tie the Knot

Photo by Walt Davis

The mass wedding on November 18, 2011 was a dream come true in more ways than one for 21 Kaibigan couples.  The sky was clear and bright over the  new CCT Retreat Center in Tagaytay which served as a fitting venue for the day’s romantic celebration. (Kaibigan is the Filipino word for friend. At the Center for Community Transformation, the word is also used to refer to current or former street dwellers.)

More than a few tears were shed as the brides, in their Filipiniana attire, walked down the aisle while being serenaded with Ikaw and as they pledged their love and loyalty to one another in front of God and their many ninongs and ninangs .

Officiating minister Pastor Saludo charged the couples  to love and  stay faithful to each other.  Visitors from all over the world (USA,  South Africa, Kenya, Australia, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, among others) who were in the country for a series of meetings witnessed this wonderful commitment of lives and marriages  to the Lord.

The couples range in age from their mid 20s to early 50s and have been living together for an average of five years.  They are being ministered to by CCT's Kaibigan Ministry which reaches out to Metro Manila's street dwellers through programs that include feeding, evangelism, discipleship and reintegration into mainstream society.  

Noted makeup artist Madge Landrito and her amazing team, Jason Magbanua (celebrity videographer), and Dino Lara (internationally awarded wedding photographer) donated their time and services as a way of sharing their blessings.  What a wonderful gift for the  couples!

The  couples shared a sumptuous dinner buffet with the people closest and dearest to their hearts. Music, laughter, dancing, and a lot of love filled the rest of the evening then the couples left for a nearby hotel for their honeymoon.

Some of the buildings at the retreat center were built by many of these Kaibigans themselves.   Read the heartwarming story of one changed life here:  http://cctsikhay.blogspot.com/2012/04/weve-been-blessed-say-former-street.html

For Tagaytay Retreat and Training Center rates and booking information, please contact Eva Lope, CCT partners development officer / CCT servant at evaranlope@yahoo.com.ph, evamlope@gmail.com, 09192933157, 09232497605, 806-6912, and 234-1301. For more information on CCT'  programs and target beneficiaries, please visit www.cct.org.ph/new/.

 Story by Chie Gatchalian, Photos by Jill Hall and Chie Gatchalian

John Rollon's Testimony

John Rollon lived on the streets of Manila for 25 years before coming to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. In this video he shares how God has transformed his life. Today he is one of the staff at the Kaibigan Center in Pasay.

Kaibigan Villages Receive Portable Solar Home Lighting Systems

CCT President Ruth Callanta receives a solar powered lantern from Philippe Saubier (center)
and Jim Ayala of the Solar Energy Foundation.

The Kaibigan Villages in Kalikid, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija received portable solar home lighting systems during the first community stop of Ride for Light 2011, a 6,600-kilometer motorcycle adventure ride across the entire Philippine archipelago.

Philippe Saubier, Ibba Rasul Bernardo, and Antonio Villanueva of the Solar Energy Foundation brought a donation of 20 portable solar home lighting systems, some of which now light up the homes of former street dwellers who have been resettled in five Kaibigan villages in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

The three riders kicked off their adventure at the Rizal Park in Manila early April 16 and arrived at the Kaibigan Village 1 by mid morning, followed by their backup team. 

Ride for Light 2011 riders on  powerful BMW motorcycles arrive at Kaibigan Village 1.

 CCT President Ruth Callanta and the Kaibigan Ministry staff from Manila were in Nueva Ecija to meet the team. A brief program was held, followed by lunch. Attending the program aside from the SEF riders were Jim Ayala, chairman of SEF-Philippines, his wife, SEF staff, Kalikid barangay officials, and Kaibigan villagers.

Jim Ayala is greeted by Kalikid barangay officials.

Ruth Callanta and guests sing, "How Great Thou Art".

Naida Ilao gives the welcome remarks.

Ruth Callanta shares how she met Jim Ayala and learned of his advocacy

for the use of solar energy.

Visions of Hope Foundation and Kaibigan Ministry staff sing, "He Lives!"

Jim Ayala speaks earnestly about using solar power to
light up villages currently excluded
from the electricity grid.

Frenchman Philippe Saubier, Ride For Light head rider,
demonstrates how to use a solar lamp to light a home...

.... as a flashlight....

... as a cell phone charger...

...and how to recharge a solar lamp using a solar panel.

The lanterns double as flashlights and cell phone chargers.  They are recharged using solar panels. Jim explains that about 20 million Filipinos live in areas without electricity. Lighting up their homes with solar lamps will allow productive activity for business and studying after sunset.

Ruth Callanta prays for the 'Light Riders'.

The 'Light Riders' will travel to 39 other communities in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao to raise funds and awareness for the foundation’s advocacy of electrifying remote villages with solar energy.They will also visit the B’laan community assisted by CCT in Malungon, Sarangani province in Mindanao as part of their19-day tour.

Welcome!

Dear Ministry Partner,

Welcome to CCT's online reporting system.

This blog is dedicated to keeping you up-to-date on how God is moving in the Kaibigan Ministry of the Center for Community Transformation. This blog will be regularly updated with photos, videos and written reports.

We hope you enjoy this new reporting format and that it satisfies your reporting needs. Please feel free to contact us if have any questions or requests.

Thank very much for your support of CCT.

Warm regards,

The CCT team