On March 31, we opened the Every Nation Building in Taguig as temporary housing for frontline healthcare workers from Rizal Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center. Through the help of the management team of both hospitals, we were able to serve a total of 63 doctors and nurses for over six weeks.

Aside from providing food and shelter, we also did our part to encourage our front liners, knowing that they face tough battles in the hospital every day. We gave them opportunities to talk with our team of licensed counselors through Zoom. We also organized weekly huddles where they played games, listened to inspiring messages from our pastors, and prayed for each other.

During Mother’s Day, we tried to make the mothers feel special by putting up a booth where they can celebrate with their families through video calls. We did what we could to serve them during this difficult time, even as they serve many others. And we were so encouraged by their responses and the smiles on their faces.

Today, we are officially closing the temporary housing to prepare the Every Nation Building to resume offices, once government directives allow for this. During the last huddle with our guests on May 14, we were moved after hearing them narrate their journey. Here is one of the heartfelt messages from Joanne, a nurse from St. Luke’s:

“Natirahan ko na lahat ng rooms at floors na pwede doon [sa ospital] bago kami pumunta dito. Ito ang pinakablessing sa amin. Pagdating namin dito, very overwhelming lahat. Yung tipong wala ka nang gagawin talaga. Hihiga ka na lang. Tapos magtatrabaho ka at stressed ka, pero pagbalik mo dito, at home na at home ka. We’re very thankful po. Yung mga kasama ko sa hospital, pati po sa ibang unit, nagkita kami dito. Para kaming magkakapatid at magkakapamilya tapos meron pang extended family—meron from RMC at taga-Every Nation pa—so very thankful po kami. Ayaw namin umalis pero lahat ng bagay may end. Pero we look forward to seeing you again, everyone. Maraming, maraming salamat po.”

(I had slept in all the available rooms and floors [in the hospital] before we came here. This was really a blessing for us. We were overwhelmed when we got here. We didn’t need to do anything else but sleep. We were working and sometimes getting stressed, but when we would return here, we would feel at home. We are very thankful. I met people from my hospital, including those in other units. We’re like a family here, and we even have an extended family from RMC and Every Nation, so we’re very thankful. We don’t want to leave, but all things have an end. We look forward to seeing you again. Thank you very much.)

On behalf of these front liners, thank you for giving to and praying for this initiative. They are truly grateful for the help we were able to extend to them. As a church, we will continue to support them through other ways as they faithfully serve our nation. May God alone be honored in all this, and let’s continue to be salt and light to others!