Fairview Center, Manila

A story of Ricalyn and her family

Ricalyn is the eldest of four children. Her parents have been living together without the blessing of marriage. No one tells them about the legal and moral implication of their situation. But even if they would like to be married, they have no means to do so. The family is in dire need. The father works as a construction worker where his income received is not even enough to meet their daily needs. Why do they need to be married when everything seems to work well?

The family was included in the Child Development Program(CDP) of Food for the Hungry Int'l(FHI)/Philippine through a neighbor. Ricalyn was in Grade One that time. Her parents recall that they found difficulty enrolling her to school because they didn't have proper documents to present one of which is the parents marriage certificate. With the assistance of some friends, Ricalyn has been enrolled to school.

                                                             Ricalyn's mother

When Ricalyn's mother involved in the CDP activities, the Bible study classes opened door for her to realize her family situation. At first, the mother was the only one who attended Bible study but after she began to understand many good things from the Bible study classes, she invited her husband to attend as well. There was hesitancy to attend because he saw that only few men attend. But with the help of the church pastor and some church members, the father's attended the Bible study regularly. Through counseling and family enrichment seminars, the couple were awaken by the truth that they have been living in sin. That living together without the blessing of marriage is not in accordance to God's will. God unites two person to be one and for them to live in harmony with others.

When the Congressman of the City of Quezon City sponsored a mass wedding, the couple consulted their church pastor for counseling. The pastor encouraged them to avail the rare opportunity, as they will not spend any money. Finally, the couple decided voluntarily to be married.

After the marriage, relationship as husband and wife became much closer. Their quarrel was lessened and they became more understanding with one another. The children noted the big change in their parents relationship to their delight. Their father even gives up his vices of drinking and smoking.

Ricalyn commented "I am very happy that my parents are now legally married. I thank God for FHI because my parents have been involved in studying God's word and they understand that marriage is very important to the family." The mother on the other hand said, "I'm that happiest mother because finally my husband and I were married. The joy and harmony of my family cannot be equated with any material things of this world. Thanks to God and FHI."