This reminder to his students from Rev. Apolinario V. Cunanan, a Christian Education Department faculty member, provided a concrete example that, indeed, some lessons are best learned beyond the four walls of a classroom, especially in the context of Christian Education, an institutional course at Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP).

He shared this with the Public Information Office staff assigned to cover the activity on their way to a Dumagat Community in Dupinga, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, on October 2, 2026,

The community, according to Rev. Cunanan, was chosen as the program’s beneficiary because many of its residents were indigenous people (IP) and were economically disadvantaged.

The community outreach program, which centered on the theme “God’s Endless Love,” was spearheaded by the Christian Education 3 (CE 3) classes, the Chaplaincy Office, and Wesleyan External Systems, Connections, Opportunities and Partnerships (WSECOP), in partnership with Northeast Nueva Ecija District United Methodist Church (NENED UMC).

A total of 200 households were provided with packs of rice and grocery items from the CE 3 students.

At the Kalinga Gym, the outreach program unfolded not simply as a distribution of goods, but as a gathering centered on prayer and worship with Dss. Jacquelin G. Serquiña, Rev. Rodolfo P. Dela Cruz, Rev. Freddie M. Cardenas, Rev. Abraham Natividad, Rev. Charlie M. Dela Cruz, Rev. Marlonito Gonzales, Rev. Cunanan, and the University Chaplain, Rev. Francis V. Fajardo, customary for any WUP activity with partner communities,  Rev. Fajardo delivered a short reflection that shifted the focus from material assistance toward the faith behind it. For the Chaplain, the goods were not merely something to receive, but a reminder of God’s love.

“Itong mga biyayang ating matatanggap ay patunay ng pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin. Huwag po kayo sa amin magpasalamat, sa ating Panginoon po dapat.” Fajardo said.

He encouraged the community to respond through gratitude and worship, reminding them that their thanksgiving should ultimately be directed to God.
Christian Education does not end with knowing the teachings of faith. It asks how those teachings are carried into the world beyond the classroom.
For the students whose contributions become part of outreach, the lesson was given a physical form – goods that could be shared, a community that could be reached, and a reminder that faith can be expressed through service.

In Gabaldon, “God’s Endless Love” was therefore not only a theme pointed out in a program. It became the thread connecting a classroom lesson, a community in need, and people willing to serve.

Article by Emily Agumbay (PIO)
Photos by Emily Agumbay (PIO)