A visit to all the centers, the General Membership Meeting held on February 22, 2020, followed by the children’s games, presentation, and the thanksgiving worship service were how we celebrated CMSP’s 31st Anniversary. Thankfully, an earlier visit by our partners from CMD Germany allowed us to celebrate earlier than usual. And that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Little did we know that a pandemic was in our midst and its impact will change the way we celebrate.

As we were then preparing for the March graduations in the different centers, here comes the shocking news: a lockdown was implemented because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The news brought us to our knees, seeking God’s protection and provision, not only for CMSP but also for our respective families and communities, and our partners, here and abroad. As the world faces the coronavirus, CMSP continues to strive to give our children their “normal” lives and hope for a better future.

The present situation now seems a stark contrast to the joy and excitement during the 30 th Anniversary Celebration with the theme: Soaring Higher, Growing Stronger. We were graced with the presence of then German Defense Minister Ursula VonderLeyen (current President of the European Union) and family; Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corporation and Mr. Ruel Maranan of Ayala Foundation; Naic Mayor Jun Dualan; reassuring representatives from partners CMD, Parasaiyo, Plus One, DDT, APCF, Consuelo Foundation; solidarity of CMSP Family-Trustees, alumni, and generous mission friends; made us all praise and thank God for His faithfulness through the years. The children were so inspired welcoming mission friends to the CMSP Family and showing their talents as Thanksgiving and Worship to the Lord! Partners, friends, and family were equally blessed to witness the event and joining in the celebration.

Looking back and knowing Jesus, reminds us all that there is always something to look forward to. With or without a pandemic, we continue to keep the faith because we know that God is in control.