All of us have dreams, but some wish to fulfill what they have at heart not only for themselves but also for others they are called to serve. New City Managing Director Romè Vital recounts how his dream and the dream of others was made possible by an unwavering faith in God’s providence and the transformative power of the Gospel in action.

As I reflect on the Word of Life for January, “Do you believe this?” I cannot help but recall my great desire to work with those who have less in life. Before obtaining my degree in Religious Education in 1988, I dreamt of teaching among the poorest of the poor, and to be immersed in the life they live. But this dream of mine did not come to fruition due to various circumstances.

So I let go of my dream, seeing no chance for it to come true – or so I thought!

Since 2011, I have been working for New City, the publishing arm of the Focolare in the Philippines. During these years, there were times when I raised the question, “Why this task?” It seems as if I were “caged” in an office that limits my “going outward,” and doing something concrete for others. And I confess that I did fall into the temptation of claiming, “I have nothing, so, I do nothing.” But this goes against the revolutionary power of the Christian life that is capable of transforming every aspect of human endeavor.

Since 2010, I have been visiting the Focolare community in Masbate (an island 580 kilometers from Manila), and the Fazenda da Esperança (Farm of Hope), where people ages 18 to 59 undergo a rehabilitation program to be free from drugs, alcohol, and many other types of addiction.

During one of my visits there, I met AJ, a 35-year-old teacher. Knowing that I was in the academe for many years, he asked if he could consult me regarding the thesis he was working on. I cordially said yes. Unfortunately, he fell gravely ill and was not able to continue working on his thesis.

When AJ’s mother informed me that he was in the hospital, I became a frequent visitor and the point person who assisted their family in many of their needs until AJ came back home almost 2 months later. The family could not believe that I, a “stranger” could be available whenever they needed help.

The start of the academic year proved very challenging for AJ. The classroom lacked teaching material and was in a very poor condition. After understanding his predicament, I approached some of my friends for help, and was happy to get positive replies. The classroom was repaired, painted, and equipped with educational material, essential to making teaching and learning more effective. The outpouring of financial assistance made it possible for AJ to acquire a motorbike for his transport, saving his meager salary for medicine and other needs. His family members were amazed at how generous my friends were!

On another visit, AJ asked me If I could meet with the principal and the teachers of his school. I shared with them my adventure as a teacher, and how Jesus has formed and transformed me all these years. During our conversation, that dream of mine from 1988 came to mind, and I told them about it. In the end, I said, “Who knows? Perhaps, Jesus would like to fulfill this dream of mine through your school.” Their reaction? An enthusiastic applause and bright smiles on the faces of everyone!

The state of their classrooms was quite bad. I suggested we pray daily and, “ask Jesus for his help, being certain that he would grant our request.” In very little time, the chairs and tables for both kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils were bought. Since there was lack of reading material, I emailed the Director of Don Bosco Press, requesting books and other reading material. After a couple of hours, I received a reply with a donation of 1,700 books of various genre for elementary and high school students. Then I asked Jesus to show me the right persons that would cover the shipping expenses. In two weeks, everything was taken care of!

When AJ mentioned to me the plan to have a computer laboratory for the school, I thought that this would be difficult to realize and unlikely materialize because of the huge amount of money needed. I emailed a friend about this and he immediately called to tell me that the project was approved. Later, AJ asked me to help them with the school sports equipment for the students. Another generous donor provided for this need as well.

With all this overflowing providence, AJ has come to realize how much Jesus hears our prayers when we ask together in His name, with faith. His happiness was not without tears.

“Do you believe this?” YES! Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and in the same way, he also brought new life and transformed the educational system of this public school.

Romè Vital