TGIS Hiking and Tree Planting Activity (January 25, 2020)

Hiking with a Twist

Last January 25, 2020, at 11 p.m. was the start of the great adventure of the 43 participants of the TGIS (Thank God its Saturday) Hiking and Tree Planting Activity in Mt. Alapaap, Tanay, Rizal. The group travelled from Quezon City all the way to the hiking site.

The activity kicked off through the Holy Eucharist at 2am which was celebrated by Fr. Iwao Ikegami. His homily was about the calling of the first disciples which he associated to the event. He shared that everyone has their own call, that God planted it in everyone. It is the task of the person to make it grow, not just for himself but also for others, and to bear much fruit.

The hiking started at around 4:30 a.m, the participants, each one carrying a plant to be planted later on that day, started their journey to the top.  Each of them has their own stories to tell.  Even though different from one another everyone has the same goal which is to reach the top and appreciate God’s  creation.  God’s love was represented by the picturesque site of the place.

Mylen Samson from Verbum Dei Pansol shared a testimony on the fifth station of the mountain.  She shared about  how her faith grew throughout the years, despite the challenges that she encountered. She shared that being connected to God is a big help in continuing her dream to  share  him to others.

The hiking and tree planting activity concluded with the Awarding of the Certificates of the Participants headed by Jonnalyn Estrada from Verbum Dei Pansol and Fr. Iwao Ikegami who were the main organizers of the event.
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Like the message of Philippians 1:6 which says “He who began a good work in you will carry it to the completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The hiking and tree planting activity served us a reminder to never stop planting good seeds because in due time we will reap the harvest.

Here are some photos of the event:

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With thanks from the WordNews team