In photo: Winifredo Alfelor of Filipino American Christian Church & Lehnie Estacio of Gawad Kalinga GA
Invocation – Friday 4 December 09
by Lehnie Estacio, Coordinator for Gawad Kalinga-Georgia
"Good evening, thank you all for coming. Let’s start this beautiful evening with a loving conversation with God." invites L. Estacio
"Our dear Father in heaven, we come before Your presence tonight with hearts overflowing with gratitude; gratitude for Your unconditional and infinite love for each of us; for Your faithfulness, for your super-abundant, never-ending kindness and mercy, dear Lord God. We are so grateful for Your constant loving guidance and directing our paths day to day, for each moment that we enjoy your world, for every breath we take. We thank You unceasingly and give You praise for the blessings upon blessings you pour out on each of us everyday – everything we have is from you Lord. We thank you in everything and in all circumstances. Thank You for the gift of life, gift of family, gift of friends, gift of community.
Tonight, especially, we are a community, Lord . . . a community connected by a common thread (thread of compassion) with a common goal to make a difference, particularly in the lives of indigent children in the Philippines through Galing Foundation. May our humble work be an offering to you, dear Lord God. We know You are always with us as You yourself said - giving us hope in darkness, strength in our weakness, stirring us when we get complacent, and the fervor to carry on with the mission that you charged us to do . . . but not for our glory, Lord, but for your glory.
Lord, please give us the grace to follow what you require of us, that is, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with You as one Body, as brothers and sisters. We ask these in the mighty name of our sweet Jesus who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen"
About Eleanor "Lehnie" Estacio:
Eleanor or Lehnie for short, is an active member of the Couples for Christ, a global community of family evangelizers committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelizing people through a life of love and service. She is a representative of Gawad Kalinga (which means to Give Care), an organization whose mission is to eradicate slums in the Philippines. It transforms slums into clean, beautiful, peaceful communities and transforms the poor into productive and self-sufficient citizens. It has grown to be a movement of nation building and rapidly transforming the physical, social and cultural landscape of the Philippines
She also volunteers as a teacher in Religion for 4th Graders at St. Brigid Catholic Church as well as a lector and Captain of Welcome Ministry at St. Brigid Catholic Church. She is a former officer of Fil-am of Greater Atlanta and a member of PAWAG (Philippine American Women's Assoc. in GA)
She is married to Alex, with 2 wonderful children namely Henry and Melissa.
