Workers in the Field

As I entered her car, Agnes Granada excitedly talked about her conversation with Lincoln Tan, a columnist for the New Zealand Herald. She said that Mr Tan had agreed to interview and write an article on the plight of Roderick Catuday, a Filipino migrant who was diagnosed with cancer in January and whose meager resources cannot afford the staggering fees (NZ$150,000) required for medication and treatment. Catuday had gone through the government red tape to seek assistance; but was only met with cold shoulders from rank-and-file personnel up to a minister who all blamed policy restrictions on his work-to-residence migrant status. "I feel totally let down by New Zealand, and really am at a loss," the frustrated father of three children aged between 12 and 15, was quoted as saying in the published news story written by Tan.

Granada had worked tirelessly to bring Catuday’s case to the concerned agencies. Bringing the matter to the media was the final card on her sleeves. Like a child receiving a present from Santa Claus, she was bursting with enthusiasm assured that Catuday’s story would be given light to the public. The published item brought instant response from readers and ignited the ‘bayanihan’ spirit among Filipinos in Auckland. Emelita Catuday, Roderick’s wife, could not help but declare, in the follow up story in NZ Herald: “We feel very blessed, and your readers just don't know how much their kindness means to me and my children."

It is not easy to fathom God’s way – afflicting a family man with growing children in a foreign land – but one religious writer says that “suffering is an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed.” In this situation, how can God’s glory be revealed? The Lord has labourers in the field – doing His work; fulfilling His promises. We are those workers, all children of God, each empowered with gifts to benefit others. “And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with giftsof administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28) We are told: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Granada did her share. “For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, tell them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.” (2 Corinthians 9:2) Let us then allow God to work through us.  For those who have financial resources, fill the wanting cup of the Catuday family; and for others, storm heaven with prayers for the healing of Roderick.

To Roderick and to his family, be assured:  “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7) God tells us: “I will never, never fail nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)  

by Mel Libre