We lost about 80 percent of our collections of books, learning resources, furniture, records, documents, everything! The Reading Room and Library have to be abandoned, and we are planning to rehabilitate the old location beside the pavilion and start again from there. The storeroom which had the Living Nativity camels, donkeys, etc, was completely demolished. Water was waist-deep in our home; it was chest deep at the Learning Resource Center; and mud and silt covered everything.
After the flood, our garden and grounds were completely covered in six inches of silt. The flood current rampaged through Marietta’s landscaped gardens, and transformed it into a deadly river.
At the last count, nine dead had been fished out of the creek nearby. We were without power and water until the middle of the week, and we have just finished drying, sorting out, and clearing our home. We’ve also managed to wash off the mud and silt at the Learning Resource Center floor, and moved the remaining books and stuff temporarily to our garage.
Although our situation sounds grim, we wish to assure everyone that our faith has never been stronger, and that we celebrate the season with much hope and encouragement.
You see, all that we’ve really lost were material things. Sure, some were souvenirs and reminders of wonderful memories; but they were material just the same. The memories of friendships, relationships, opportunities in service are all preserved, now made more special and meaningful because their physical reminders have been taken away by the flood.
The Lord gives, and He takes away, but only for His reasons; and He Never leaves or forsakes those whom He loves!
And so, as we look back on 2011, there is much to be joyful and thankful for. God is our Protector and Provider: we are all safe, and have been spared from the far greater misfortunes that others have to bear. He sent quick response teams from SUMCFI and SU, which made the burden extremely lighter. We are grateful for your visit, your prayers, and our friendship.
We are also happy that in spite of some delay, the Fellowship Square has been started and is being enjoyed by the Silliman Church worshippers, particularly when the ground is soft and muddy during coffee or fellowship time.
We are also grateful to have worked with the Habitat Youth Leadership Camp last summer. It is so satisfying to see our future community leaders equip themselves for the challenges ahead, and gratifying to have an opportunity to help shape them.
We are also thankful to have worked with the UCCP churches of Sibulan, San Jose, and Amlan to help start up their Sunday School libraries; and to share some books to the outreach children’s ministries of Silliman Church and Sibulan UCCP.
Finally, we are glad to have been part of the Dumaguete Prison Fellowship where we shared books to inmates which they could give as presents to their young children.
The book sharing experience has especially been inspiring, because we had spent the week prior to the flood, sorting and preparing the books for distribution.
By God’s grace, we had segregated and loaded them in the car for delivery on Saturday, so when the flood came, they were spared since the garage is elevated and water did not reach the trunk.
Indeed, how strange and mysterious are God’s ways: He allows a flood which took away almost everything, but He preserved our stewardship by allowing us to go on with our ministry of sharing gifts from others (First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, First Presbyterian Church of Hudson, Ken Wooley, Dale Rott, Bethel College, Federated Church of Minnesota, Chris Ashwood, Jonathan Cortes, Atty. Ebenezer Lim, Fred Dael, Kahului Union Church, Care Corner Singapore, Care Corner USA, SU Early Childhood School, and so many more); gifts which plant the seeds of goodwill, faith and love.
Finally, as we reflect on what has just visited our home, we thank the Lord for the privilege of sharing a bit of His heart that Christmas.
Indeed, how can we truly feel compassion, unless we experience a measure of what others in need may be going through? And how can we truly receive God’s grace until we come to terms with our being in need?
So on this Season of the Savior, we greet you with a prayer that blessings will continue to come your way, and as He makes His face shine upon you, peace will be your companion in all circumstances this 2012.
Riodil & Marietta Utzurrum-Montebon
Sibulan, Negros Oriental
