Bridge of Life

Gremar Rada was born in the Philippine island of Mindanao. He was raised by his grandmother, served relatives, worked odd jobs, studied as a working student - doing anything to finish grade school, and then high school.

He then received a scholarship for college in Mandaue City (Cebu Province) and earned his Bachelor of Theology degree. As an ordained pastor, he is now serving a community in Talisay, also in Cebu Province. Looking back, he says he could not have finished his studies without the help of other people.

When he came across a group of children playing in a seaside community, his first thought was, “These kids should be in school. Why aren’t they?” He asked them, asked their parents, and learned about their lack of resources. He resolved to look for ways to help the children.

With assistance from his friend Ernesto Bareño, they set up “Tulay sa Kinabuhi” (Bridge of Life), an organization that provides children with school supplies. Today the organization is supported by donors and sponsors, some of whom are Japanese.

Today Bridge of Life has helped a good number of pupils through elementary and high school, and about 18 students through college - so far. And all of these through the generosity and kindness of other people.

Two things stand out for me when reflecting on this story. The first is Bridge of Life’s dependence on donors. If the sponsors send funds, the organization uses them for the children. If funding decreases, Bridge of Life volunteers do whatever they can with limited resources. Bridge of Life has not sought government support or assistance from corporations or corporate foundations. It relies purely on divine grace, manifested through support from donors.

The second point is how Pastor Rada’s personal experience - his struggles since childhood to get an education - has led him to this particular way of seeking the good of others.

It reminds me of how Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, praised God “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  Pastor Rada is paying it forward. The goodness that he received from his benefactors, he is now sharing with other children.

Which leads me to think about past pains - how do these help us to seek the good of others who are going through the same challenges now?

Tulay sa Kinabuhi can be found on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tulaysakinabuhi