A Simple Act of Giving: Fixing Our Chapel Roof with Help from Friends and Community

Hello, friends! I hope you’re all doing good.

It’s just a quite experience from my recent visit back home, where I grew up. It’s also about faith and how simple act of giving can bring a community together.

We have a small chapel here named Sr. Santo Nino Chapel – Sitio Pinetree small place with only 18 households. This is where I was born, grew up and baptized. This is also where my parents have been attending Mass ever since.

This is the look of our chapel – yes, it’s small, but I know it will be more beautiful one day. And now, this is the beginning of that dream.💒 ✨

I went home not just to visit, but to celebrate the birthday of my mother. And instead of throwing a big party, we decided to do something more meaningful, we started the repair of the chapel’s roof, especially the part near the altar. This chapel holds a special place in my heart, and I felt it was time to give back.

Because our place is very small and most families here are also struggling financially, I understand that it would be hard for them to raise enough money. So, I thought of reaching out to my old friends, previous workmates and some business owners I know. I asked for a small solicitation for materials, and thank God, many of them gave their support.

The community helped in every way they could, the fathers and the Chapel officers worked together. In their meeting, no labor cost was discussed. Everyone agreed to volunteer their time and strength just to help fix the chapel. There was no budget for labor and we were also careful that the materials would be enough.

After this, we are planning to repair the Chapel comfort room (CR). Just like the roof, the Cr also needs attention – its already damaged and uncomfortable to use, especially during Mass. We want to make it cleaner, safer and more private for everyone, especially for the elderly and children.

By God’s grace, I was also able to sell some of the ginger that we planted. After paying some debts and financing our sugarcane farm, I still had a little left. I decide to give that as a thanksgiving gift. I used the money to buy 5 kilo packs of rice to give to the people who helped with the chapel project.

I also gave them a little cash gift – just enough so they could buy food for their family when they got home. It was not a big amount, but I saw the smiles on their faces. They were thankful and happy. And for me, that was more than enough.

This experience reminded me how small actions, when done with love, can truly bring joy. The chapel is not yet finished, but this is a good start. I believe that as long as we help each other, the chapel will one day be a beautiful symbol of our faith and unity.

The photo included is mine and edited in Canva. I just want to share it to inspire others. Maybe you also have a small chapel, or a small community project, or a simple way of giving back. Don’t wait for perfect timing start with what you have, where you are.

Thank you for reading my post.
I hope this story reminds you that even small places, small actions and small beginnings can lead to something great, especially when done with faith, courage and a giving heart.❤️