About The Author
During my frequent business trips to Manila in the early nineties Jordan 12 playoffs, “El Shaddai” stickers on cars and taxis intrigued me. A taxi driver explained, “This sticker was placed by the taxi’s owner. This may be a Middle East organization.” That was my first encounter with the group.
Months later, while channel surfing in my hotel room’s television, I came across a religious rally. The style and atmosphere projected the image of a Protestant evangelist’s meeting. The dynamism of the speaker, his frequent biblical quotes, the impromptu prayers, and the spontaneous responses of the audience seemed to be unmistakable signs of a Protestant group.
Normally, I would immediately switch channels but I didn’t. There was something different with the crowd. It was not dressed in its Sunday best and there were many old folks among the predominant “bakya” crowd (the lower economic strata). I was totally confused about this group’s religious affiliation.
Setting aside more serious business, I pestered my local colleagues and friends to find out more about “El Shaddai.” A lady at our office confirmed that it is a Catholic charismatic group led by Brother Mike Velarde. Her answer whetted my curiosity and being an impatient and inquisitive fellow, I wanted to know more about it.
That night, I accidentally tuned in to a television play called “The Golden Teaching of El Shaddai.” Although the play’s production was crude and below par, the sincerity of the players brought home the message. Ordinary folks got into difficulties and, in different manners, encountered the El Shaddai movement. Through prayers and patience, their problems were subsequently solved: getting a job as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, kicking a drug or alcoholic habit, or asking for a cure for cancer and other sickness. Another mid-week televised meeting showed Brother Mike answering questions on mostly simple problems regarding “live-in” partners, faith, and oppression from the rich and powerful. Brother Mike’s answers were equally simple and straightforward.
What struck me most in his program was the hope and faith of the masses who followed their “servant-leader,” as Brother Mike called himself. They confidently believed that God would grant their prayer-requests. Unashamedly, they shouted “Alleluia” and “Amen” acknowledging God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Like the multitude on the mount, they were not afraid of the sun nor rain and the ridicule of unbelievers or other “better-fed lambs.”
During my subsequent business trips, my own problems with meeting the budget, doubling my bonus, and staying at the top of my profession seemed less important. My worries and anxieties paled in comparison to those who attend
|
