ALL YOU NEED IS JESUS

(subtitle: kwentong katol)

I met Tito Lito in Anawim** 11 years ago. My first impression was that he looked younger than the other Anawim residents. Most of them had gray or thinning or even no hair but Tito Lito was unique. He was blessed with black and wavy hair. This made it easy to notice him amidst the crowd. 

I love talking to him every time my family visits the place. Maybe it was the stories he shared. Maybe it was his simple requests like;

-       “can you bring me a ‘katol’ (a scented mosquito repellent in coil form) in your next visit?” OR

-       “please get me a glass of water”

There was something about him that made me comfortable. I treated him as my uncle, my “Tito”. Maybe he considered me as his adopted son.   

HIS OLD LIFE

He was very open about this life. He told me that he used to have a prosperous life. His business was involved in the entertainment industry, specifically movies. He personally knew a lot of celebrities during his time. I did not know most of the actors that he said but I nodded my head at every name. I pretended to know them because I wanted him to continue with his story telling. He was earning well and his family lived a comfortable life. He never thought that his abundant lifestyle would come to an end. 

Then one day it did. 

He became sickly. He suffered a stroke and had to undergo two major operations. His movements became limited. His condition forced him to use a wheelchair.  He was not able to attend to his business. His savings were diminishing as each day passed. The biggest blow happened when his family abandoned him! 

Perhaps his wife could not bear the difficulty of taking care of him. Or maybe they felt that he cannot anymore provide for them. Maybe it was his declining bank account that made them leave. He never knew what was their reason for leaving. He just woke up one day and they were gone. No farewell note. No final message. His life changed from having everything to a life with nothing.  

HIS NEW LIFE

By some twist of faith, he ended up in Anawim. He still has limited movement but it was not an issue. The caretakers brought to him most of his needs. His family did not return but he is surrounded by true friends. They sing, eat, pray and laugh with him everyday. He may not have earthly treasures but he found the true treasure in Jesus. His new life allowed him to appreciate Jesus’ love for him. 

THE LIFE LESSON

I came prepared for our next visit to Anawim. I brought a box of “katol” for Tito Lito. I immediately looked for him in the canteen but he was not there. I went to his room but nobody was there. His wheelchair was neatly folded beside his empty wooden bed. I met a caregiver on the way out and asked about Tito Lito. The caregiver’s reply shocked me -  
“sorry, but he passed away last month”.

How can this happen? Our friendship was barely turning two years. I was looking forward to more of his stories. I was excited to hear more about his showbiz filled tales.

Later on, I took hold of myself and prayed for his soul. I realized that the situation was what’s best for him. I was happy that he found a new family before he left this world. I was joyful that he met Jesus again. I was glad that he had a relationship with Jesus during his last days. Now he is with Jesus every day. I believe that in God’s kingdom he sings, prays and laughs every moment. 

I pray that one day I will meet him again in God’s kingdom. I look forward to that day. I’ll try my best to bring the “katol” he requested.

The story of Tito Lito taught me one important thing. Your health may fail you. Your family may abandon you. Friends may go and leave you. Money will vanish or lose value. You may have nothing left but believe in faith that Jesus will always be with you. As is it written,

“It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

God will never abandon you. Now, what should be our response? Believe and love Him back.

** Anawim - is an outreach project that serves as the home for poor and abandoned elderly people located in Montalban, Rizal, Philippines.