My family has a yearly Christmas tradition. After a marathon day of holiday baking, we all settle down with warm cups of peppermint hot chocolate and watch the Christmas classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life”. I always find myself cheering for the film’s protagonist, George Bailey—especially when he uses his own money to help save the poorest residents of Bedford Falls from the impact of the stock market crash.
But this year this scene took on new significance—because this year, I had real-life “George Baileys” in mind. In the Philippines, Cross Catholic ministry partner, the Center for Community Transformation (CCT), gives poor, but aspiring entrepreneurs micro-loans, training, and spiritual support to help them build profitable businesses. With Christ at the center of their mission, CCT has helped thousands of impoverished people lift their families out of destitution. One of their Cross Catholic-supported branches in Lipa has given more than 900 ambitious entrepreneurs financial assistance and strengthened their spirits through weekly Bible studies. And there has been a resultant ripple effect that has positively impacted the entire community.
Like George Bailey discovers in the movie—that Bedford Falls would be a much bleaker place without his help—it’s hard to think where the poor in Lipa would be without the existence of CCT. They would still be crippled by their oppressive poverty, unable to receive the loans they desperately needed from the banks. But thankfully, with the support of Cross Catholic and our generous donors, CCT is able to reach the poorest of the poor with life-saving micro-finance and the life-giving Gospel.
God bless all of our supporters who are helping give poor Filipinos the opportunity to live a Christ-filled, successful, and wonderful life!
-Annie W.