Megan Sioco Faith Narrative

During freshman year, 2nd semester, I became a committee head of Kythe Week
Kythe Flying, a reach-in for children with chronic diseases in my organization, Kythe. At
first, I signed up for Logistics where I would be cooperating with two other members.
However, I ended up not getting in, instead, I was asked to become the Video Editor Head
which only required one person. I was very hesitant at first, for (1) I had little to no
experience in video editing, so there1 was no guarantee that I would do a good job, and (2) I
would be working by myself. Nonetheless, my siblings encouraged me to accept it because it
was a rare opportunity to be offered the position.

When I first met the other heads, I realized that I was the only freshman among a
group of seniors and juniors. I honestly expected them to not acknowledge me or even boss
me around. Over our weekly Zoom meetings, I discovered that they were one of the nicest
people I ever met. They were always willing to aid me with my deliverables and included me
in their conversations. Their kindness and patience really helped me feel like I was a part of
their team, and that I could be myself around them without always having to make a good
impression. When the day of the reach-in came, through numerous games and activities, I got
to make “kwentuhans” and play with 30 children in the heat of Bellarmine Field. In the end,
the children and their parents sent letters raving about how much fun they had and expressed
their gratitude to the Kythers. It made me feel fulfilled that I could be a reason for their
smiles that day.

I would consider my times as a member of Kythe as depth experiences because

although these may seem like everyday occurrences because they involved difficult and
exciting moments,1 I discovered that I cannot judge the outcome until I try out the process
first. Initially, I viewed faith as a familiar yet unfamiliar concept. Whether it was faith to
myself or a sense of spirituality for God watching over me, I knew I should possess this, but
it wasn’t something I truly grasped because I was so distracted by the negative consequences
that haven’t even happened yet. Because of this, I didn’t have the courage to trust the Lord’s
intention. Thinking that my co-workers wouldn't treat me well just because of the age
difference, and those times when I underestimated myself became shackles that prevented me
from moving forward. Indeed, it almost caused me to let go of a chance that allowed me to
rise to the occasion. And through that chance, I realized that I am more capable than I give
myself credit for, not only in video editing but also in my leadership and socializing skills.
Even though the process of becoming a better version of myself is not always a road that
holds straight and true, there are people by my side who will provide support in their own
ways.

Most of all, by immersing myself in the ordinariness of the children's lives in an

ordinary place, by helping prepare an event where the children were able to escape from their

1
Erving Goffman, The presentation of self in everyday life, (NY: Anchor Books, 1959), 50-51.
situation and just have fun for a while, I was able to make them feel extraordinary, similar to
Jesus. He sought the sick and focused not on their weakness but on their strengths.2 An
excerpt in the Bible that I felt mirrored my story is Matthew 9:22-26 NIV when Jesus healed
a dying little girl in the house of the synagogue ruler.3 The children in my experience weren’t
literally dead; however, they were always stuck in the hospital not having a normal life, and
there was no telling how long they had to live. By treating them not as incapable people but
as normal individuals, they not only experienced physical or moral healing, they felt their
own personhood, as regaining trust and confidence, and they could stand and walk again with
hope and courage. I discovered again the value of pagmamamlasakit or compassion.4 When I
was a new member of Kythe, I only heard stories about them so for me, the children seemed
like an abstract idea. They are present somewhere, but I have never found a true connection
with them. Either way, I still understood their suffering. However, knowing that I was going
to interact with them face to face, I was moved, like Jesus,5 to do my best to create a
meaningful experience for them even though I won’t receive anything back. When I got the
opportunity to bond with them, I saw them as the normal makulit kids they are, and I was
with them throughout their joyousness, loneliness, and difficulties.

Looking back on it, I realized that perhaps this was God’s calling for me to give back
to the concept, that I have a new mission and identity to be a servant and bringer of ginhawa
for the sick children.6 He/She, through the concept of analogy, was there through the people
that pushed me. Because I was scared to accept the opportunity of becoming a project head,
God, as my siblings, motivated me to take that leap of faith which allowed me to discover
more about myself. Additionally, in an unfamiliar environment, my fellow Kythers made me
feel comfortable and supported me along the way. This reminded me of the saying, “Nasa
Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa,” 7 The Lord is here for me as a friend and will always
guide me through the obstacles of my everyday life, but it came down to me simply acting on
His/Her abiding presence.

In the end, this depth experience aided me as a person by not only raising my
self-conviction but also assuring me that whenever things move in an unexpected direction,
_________________________
2
Katie Taylor, “6 characteristic traits of Jesus as a leader,” World Vision, Accessed May 10, 2023,
https://www.worldvision.org/christian-faith-news-stories/6-characteristic-traits-jesus-leader
3
“Bible Gateway Passage: Matthew 9:22-26 - New International Version,” Bible Gateway, Accessed May 10, 2023,
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A22-26&version=NIV.
4
Jef Menguin, “Malasakit: The Filipino Culture of Caring for Others,” Business & Leadership with Jef Menguin, Accessed
May 10, 2023, https://jefmenguin.com/malasakit/.
5
‌Randy Willis, “What Happens When Jesus is Moved With Compassion,” Willis Wired, Accessed May 10, 2023,
https://www.williswired.com/2015/03/10/what-happens-when-jesus-is-moved-with-compassion/.
6
Eric Stillman, “The Call of God and Our Identity, Purpose, and Mission,” NewLife Christian Fellowship: Wethersfield, CT,
accessed May 10, 2023,
https://www.newlife-ct.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-07/the-call-of-god-and-our-identity-purpose-and-mission.
7
Ki, “NASA Diyos Ang Awa, NASA Tao Ang Gawa Kahulugan,” Philippine News, Accessed May 10, 2023,
https://philnews.ph/2020/10/14/nasa-diyos-ang-awa-nasa-tao-ang-gawa-kahulugan/.
God always has a plan for me. If I didn’t end up taking the position, I would not have been
able to fulfill my duty of serving the sector. Hence, I should continue manifesting my faith as
confidence: trusting, risking, and relying on God, let Him do His work for He will shape our
lives toward goodness and what is best for us.8 In the end, faith requires courage to have
faith in the face of uncertainty, to overcome trials, and to work through the confusion.9
Moreover, Borg stated that believing in Jesus does not mean believing doctrines but giving
one’s heart to the living Lord.10 With this, I should also manifest my faith as a commitment.
Because I was able to make the less fortunate feel loved, this depth experience allowed me to
change my outlook that it is my role to make the poor, the weak, the powerless, and the
outcasts become the center of my meaning of life just like Jesus. In turn, I am also expected
to alter my practices wherein I would think and act as God would and make the children’s
well-being my priority.

Author Albert Nolan emphasized that with Jesus’ great compassion for the poor and
the oppressed; he brought poor people’s faith back in the Lord and subsequently caused
healing from fears and anxieties.11 Jesus instructed his disciples to let go of their personal
interests that hindered their service to people and use their resources to benefit those who
have less, materially, or in terms of decision-making and participation in society.12 In a
similar manner, I will be upholding the values of discipleship for the reign of God as the
foundation for my plan of action within my organization next year. To start with, through the
kingdom of sharing, I can purchase merchandise from beneficiaries where 50% of the
proceeds go to school supplies for the children or relieving the financial burden of their
families affected by disasters. Second, through the kingdom of empowering, whenever I think
of activities for them to do in the hospital, it will always be something everyone can do even
with their illnesses and disabilities. For example, if I were to plan a dancing competition, I
would make a version for children who cannot move around a lot by having them move their
arms only. God’s companionship holds no room for discrimination and prejudice, rather
everyone should feel included and engaged. Third, through the kingdom of service, I can
offer my time and effort rather than donate my material resources. Jesus said that “the one
who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,”13
_________________________
8
Richard Rogers, “Where’s Your Faith? 5 R’s to Faith & Confidence in God – Life Is a Journey, Part 11 - Faith
Chapel,” Faith Chapel Assembly of God Pleasanton, March 27, 2022, accessed May 10, 2023,
https://agfaithchapel.org/sermons-messages/wheres-your-faith-5-rs-to-faith-confidence-in-god-life-is-a-journey-
part-11.
9
Terrence Tilley, Defining Faith. In Faith: What It Is and What Is Isn’t, (NY: Orbis Books, 2010), 30-31.
10
Marcus Borg, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time. The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary
Faith, (San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1987), 56.

11
Albert Nolan, A Prophet and a Mystic. In Jesus Today: A Spirituality of Radical Freedom, (Quezon City:
Claretian, 2006), 197.

12
Tom Wright, The strange Story of Easter, (NY: Harper One, 2008), 53-76.

13
“Bible Gateway Passage: Matthew 18:1-4- New International Version,” Bible Gateway, Accessed May 10,
2023, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A1-4&version=NIV.
Here, I can sign up to be a committee member again in reach-ins like Kythe Week Kythe
Flying, where I will be able to interact with more kids again and have them feel hope by
showing that God is a God who loves and cares for ordinary people. Lastly, for the kingdom
of solidarity, Jesus broadened the “family” to include those with whom people were not
related by blood, marriage, occupation, or social status.14 With this, I can participate in
Celebrate Life Kamp wherein I can meet the children and their parents online and listen to
their stories. This is a connection not between the privileged and the underprivileged but
amongst individuals. This does not only apply to the sector, I can join more interfaith
communication sessions which are prayer session where I am able to speak about my
experience as a Kyther and relate them to that of fellow Kythers. Sometimes when I feel
unmotivated to serve, co-reflecting with my community in silence and solitude reinforces the
reason on why I joined Kythe in the first place, the belief that I can make a difference for the
sector. This can provide me with new strength and hope towards reaching my goal:
manifesting togetherness with the children.

Back then, I struggled to maintain my faith to take initiative due to my limited

understanding of God’s plan for me. Now, I realized that my faith and spirituality is like
possessing an innate talent. It is there within us, but nurturing it is a slow work in progress. It
is not something I should take for granted, so I have to constantly renew it through
continuous reflection, witness, and acts of service. In the Bible, the poor anticipated the
coming of Jesus who will liberate them from social problems. In my own way, I want to
actualize the Good News for them and freely bring joy as well.15 Hopefully, the Kythe
community will be able to perceive me as an embodiment of Jesus’ spirit and God will be
able to reveal His/Her offer of life and unconditional love through me as well.

_________________________
14
Martin Albi, Essential Guide to Biblical Life and Times, (Winona: Saint Mary’s Press, 2009), 21-22.
15
Jey Kanagaraj, “The Poor in the Gospels and the Good News Proclaimed to Them,” themelios, Accessed May
10, 2023,
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-poor-in-the-gospels-and-the-good-news-proclaimed-to-
them/.
References:

Albi, Martin. 2009. Essential Guide to Biblical Life and Times. Winona: Saint Mary’s Press.

“Bible Gateway Passage: Matthew 9:22-26 - New International Version.” Bible Gateway.
Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A22-26&version=NIV.

“Bible Gateway Passage: Matthew 18:1-4 - New International Version.” Bible Gateway.
Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A1-4&version=NIV.

Borg, Marcus. 1987. Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time. The Historical Jesus and the
Heart of Contemporary Faith. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco.

Goffman, Erving. 1959. The presentation of self in everyday life. NY: Anchor Books

Kanagaraj, Jey. “The Poor in the Gospels and the Good News Proclaimed to Them.”
themelios. Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-poor-in-the-gospels-and-the-good-ne
ws-proclaimed-to-them/.

Ki. “NASA Diyos Ang Awa, NASA Tao Ang Gawa Kahulugan.” Philippine News. Last
modified October 14, 2020. Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://philnews.ph/2020/10/14/nasa-diyos-ang-awa-nasa-tao-ang-gawa-kahulugan/.

Menguin, Jef. “Malasakit: The Filipino Culture of Caring for Others.” Business & Leadership
with Jef Menguin. Last modified April 11, 2023. Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://jefmenguin.com/malasakit/.

Nolan, Albert. 2006. A Prophet and a Mystic. In Jesus Today: A Spirituality of Radical
Freedom. Quezon City: Claretian.

Rogers, Richard. “Where’s Your Faith? 5 R’s to Faith & Confidence in God – Life Is a
Journey, Part 11 - Faith Chapel.” Faith Chapel Assembly of God Pleasanton. March 27, 2022.
Last modified March 27, 2022. Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://agfaithchapel.org/sermons-messages/wheres-your-faith-5-rs-to-faith-confidence-in-go
d-life-is-a-journey-part-11.

Stillman, Eric. “The Call of God and Our Identity, Purpose, and Mission.” NewLife Christian
Fellowship: Wethersfield, CT. Last modified May 7, 2023. Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://www.newlife-ct.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-07/the-call-of-god-and-our-identity-pur
pose-and-mission.
Taylor, Katie. “6 characteristic traits of Jesus as a leader.” World Vision. Last modified May
13, 2020. Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://www.worldvision.org/christian-faith-news-stories/6-characteristic-traits-jesus-leader.

Tilley, Terrence. 2010. Defining Faith. In Faith: What It Is and What Is Isn’t. Maryknoll,
New York: Orbis Books.

‌Willis, Randy. “What Happens When Jesus is Moved With Compassion.” Willis Wired. Last
modified August 4, 2020. Accessed May 10, 2023.
https://www.williswired.com/2015/03/10/what-happens-when-jesus-is-moved-with-compassi
on/.

Wright, Tom. 2008. The strange Story of Easter. NY: Harper One.