“ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:35-38 (KJV)

C.R.O.S.S. is a non-profit, tax-exempt Christian organization incorporated in the Philippines in May 2008. It was founded by the Senior Pastor and leaders of Cornerstone Baptist Church (CBC) to serve as an evangelistic arm of CBC. Its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws are duly approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CROSS a year after by Pile Quising

I remember way back in 2007 when Pastor Jed asked me to make a simple presentation during the church’s annual mission’s night on the socio-economic conditions of the Philippines and how it relates to the evangelistic efforts of the Church. Way back then I knew Pastor already had an inclination of creating a social arm of CBC. Come leaders’ meeting, the concept and motivation of establishing a Non-Government Organization (NGO) was presented to the leaders and CROSS was born. In May 2008, it was duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-profit, tax-exempt Christian organization. CROSS or Cornerstone Reaching Out to Souls for the Savior serves as a social arm of CBC to complement and reinforce the Church’s evangelistic activities. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of lost souls being won by the simple kindnesses of the Lord. Yes, miracles brought proof, but simple kindnesses abounded too, teaching us that it is through our caring compassion that lost souls will find Jesus.

I must confess that the progress of CROSS has been rather slow. Constrained primarily by the lack of funds, CROSS in its initial year was only able to conduct a medical mission in Bacong, Ligao, Albay. But this activity proved to be fruitful as many were introduced to the mission work in the barangay and opened their doors to the teaching of God’s word

Now, a year after its incorporation, CROSS plans to take on new and greater paths as it focuses on two areas – health and education. The health program will offer medical assistance, guidance, and encouragement to families with members suffering from serious illnesses. Medical missions in the communities covered by our mission churches will be continued. The education program on the other hand will provide transportation allowances and tuition fees to indigent children through the benevolence of local and foreign benefactors. Alongside with this is a learning program that will reach out to children/adults unable to physically go to schools because of their illnesses. All these are still in the works as we need to conceptualize innovative ways to make these happen given the very limited resources.

Lending a hand to a sister in need

Two weeks ago, Bing asked me to talk to Celeste whose 4-year old daughter KC is diagnosed with biphenotypic leukemia. It has been Bing desire’s for CROSS to assist this dear sister in Christ for the medical needs of her daughter. KC was diagnosed with this kind of disease when she was just a year and 9 months old. Since then, she has been in and out of the hospital receiving various medical treatments at varying frequencies. According to Celeste, KC was given only 6 months to a year to live. Her four other contemporaries (i.e., children diagnosed with a similar condition in the same hospital) already died. “Bonus na sa akin ito ng Diyos na kasama ko pa siya hanggang ngayon,” (This is a bonus from God, allowing her to still be with me up to now) she cheerfully says during our last conversation. And KC’s doctors would often refer to her case to encourage both patients and their relatives to continue the fight to live.

KC has been in the Church’s prayer list ever since she came to Manila for treatment. I remember Pastor saying in the pulpit that they are personally asking God to spare the life of KC so that she will serve as a living testimony of God’s power and mercy. This became our prayer, too. And indeed the goodness of God has brought Celeste closer to the Lord. Celeste was baptized last April 11 when she attended, for the first time, the Church’s annual summer camp. The Lord too has enabled KC to attend quite regularly the children’s Sunday School.

Though still receiving regular treatments, KC is scheduled to “graduate” from her rigid medical treatment come 2010. But this will also entail a huge medical expense as the scheduled radiation therapy that year would cost not lower than P80,000.00. And this is the expense that the family is preparing for this early considering that her treatments are still on-going. Lord willing, CROSS will be able to assist her.

Reaching the children for Christ

Our conversation with Celeste that Sunday did not only focus on her daughter. We talked about her students in the elementary grade and how she used various ways to improve their skill and desire to learn. Though she was oftentimes taunted by her co-teachers for doing extra things to win her students, she remained steadfast in helping these children learn not only her subject but also God’s word. And since she will be teaching Science to grade 6 students this school year, we opened to her the possibility of showing Christian videos on Science (e.g., on Creation) in her class. She gladly acceded to the idea. Now CROSS would have to find suitable videos that could be used as vehicles to lead these children to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Another possible area of intervention for CROSS is the conduct of Bible classes cum academic tutoring to bed-ridden children in the Philippine Children’s Medical Center where KC receives regular medical treatment. The urgency of reaching these children for Christ cannot be dismissed as their time here on earth may be very limited. Lord willing, not only the hearts of the children will be opened through this ministry but also the hearts of their relatives as well.

Though constrained by limited resources, CROSS remains firm to its mission of reaching out to souls for Christ through various socio-economic endeavors. We covet your prayers and support as we seek greater heights for the Savior.