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Emmeline Casil from Brgy. La Hacienda, Alicia, Bohol recently became a recipient of one of the Maguilkay Men's Ministry's "One-Day-Build or Repair Program."

Sister Casil is a 70-year-old woman living alone in a dilapidated, termite-infested house in Barangay La Hacienda. Despite her home's shabby condition, she welcomes travelers and guests who come to her church for Sabbath services. She cheerfully offers each guest food and hospitality, aside from providing them with her humble abode during their stay.

On Jan. 26, 2024, her kindness was repaid when she became a recipient of the Maguilkay Men's Ministry's "One-Day-Repair Program."

This dedicated group of men and their spouses, led by Riemore Lloyd Nudalo, a hemodialysis nurse at Adventist Hospital-Cebu and church elder at Maguikay Church in Mandaue City, Cebu, willingly devote their time to these projects despite their busy professional lives. Furthermore, their dedication to the ministry, Nudalo's advocacy, and skillful time management are key to their success.

Founded in 2007, this men's ministry, in collaboration with the Maguikay Seventh-day Adventist Church's Adventist Community Services Department and under the guidance of Pastor Donato Barcenas, ACS director for the Central Visayas, has regularly conducted charity programs. These initiatives include distributing rice, goods, and water, particularly during the 2024 El Niño phenomenon.

On top of these is the "One-Day-Build or Repair Program," which includes constructing or fixing houses for selected recipients. Their previous efforts extended beyond Region 7, with one occasion involving Mindanao as well. Other significant initiatives took place in Masbate, various locations in Bohol, and this year's project in Daanbantayan.

In 2024, the beneficiary of this noble initiative was Tessie Gumanit, also from Barangay La Hacienda in Alicia, Bohol. A single mother of three, Gumanit saw her humble dwelling transformed into a concrete home.

In an interview, Casil, deeply moved by the generosity, said, "I never imagined that someone or any group would have the heart to change the walls of my house." She believes that God provided for her through the kindness of the ACS team.

Nudalo and the rest of the team expressed appreciation for the support of the Eastern Bohol District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, led by District Pastor Jacobo Jabutay. These district officers and the ACS of La Hacienda SDA Church played a crucial role in the project's success.

As a token of appreciation for the hospitality and support of the Bohol brethren, Nudalo distributed healthy loaves of cinnamon bread to them.

In a remark, he said, "It is our group's pleasure to see the joy on the faces of those we serve. No matter how busy we are, we make it a priority to contribute not just financially but also physically."

He also shared their plans to expand their services to the less fortunate in Mindanao. With a united purpose of furthering God's mission, they committed once again to continue their ministry until His return.

By G-Entero, Eastern Bohol District

The original version of this article is posted on the official Facebook Page of Eastern Bohol District.