One Heart

“There was a certain Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (meaning “son of encouragement”)...” Acts 4:36

Joseph, or Barnabas as he was fondly called by the community, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles. He was not the only one who did this. Those who owned property or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sale to the Apostles so they could distribute to those who needed food and water. 

Last night my niece showed me pictures of the Aetas in Floridablanca, Pampanga. They are part of a mission our community is helping. They are an extremely poor but happy people of about 100 families. In the last earthquake, their homes which are very flimsy, were flattened to the ground. Now they are in need of temporary shelter for some of them, with their children, are sleeping in the open air with their pigs. They also need food and water. 

“The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” (Acts 4:32) How wonderful if this was a reality today and we could be generous with our brothers and sisters, the Aetas, and many others we encounter living lives of desperation. Then, others would fondly call us, ‘sons and daughters of encouragement’! 

 If you would like to help, please deposit to Timothy ABELLO, BPI account 824000745 and email me at patsy.paterno at gmail.com, so I can coordinate. ANY AMOUNT welcome. God will multiply!