WHILE news and pictures of merciless wars around the world and in our own backyard bombard us on a daily basis, I would like to focus on a more positive war waged against poverty by a tireless couple, the Bishops.
Simon and Maria, third-generation missionaries hailing from different continents—North America and Europe, respectively—moved to Asia in their youth with their parents. They met and married in Thailand, where they both worked with their families in a more structured missionary context.
Having been raised in this manner, they breathed and lived their calling, but yearned to strike out on their own to serve God in a more independent manner, and soon they found their opportunity.
They came to the Philippines in 2001 right after 9/11; having ministered to Filipino seamen both in Thailand and Canada, they decided to make it their new mission home, as they grew very fond of them as a people.
Their current work can be challenging and rewarding at the same time, since they have to earn their keep, support their large brood and raise enough money to bring their various projects to fruition. They plan, organize and fully manage their mission work depending where God leads them or where they find a large vacuum, and the Philippines offer great and continuous opportunities to do so.
Their choice of being independent sets their apostolate apart since they do not receive a monthly salary as others may in a more institutionalized setting; therefore, it requires great management skills on their part. Their children are homeschooled, a favorable arrangement considering their situation, and they join them in their many mission activities. Difficulties arise when their children get older, as colleges here are quite beyond their reach.
They do have four older children who have been sent to England for their higher education and placement in the job market. Maria’s relatives there have been instrumental in helping them get started and affording a suitable solution.
Caring for women and children is a core thrust for the Bishops who have recently selected building a school as their next project, in order to plant a seed in their small corner that will contribute to change people’s lives for the better, putting into practice God’s message of love.
They are now in the initial stages of building it and trust that they will find like-minded individuals who care to bring real change in the lives of the underprivileged in a far more lasting way.
My sincerest wish is for them to find the means and the support to complete their worthwhile contribution in this endless war to stamp out poverty in our midst.
For people who are interested in helping them in their mission, the Bishops can be reached at mirka_bishop@yahoo.com and helping_all@yahoo.com.