Developing Friendships of Trust

Baking to build bridges

Injustice, war, and distrust have created a chasm between Christians and ethnic minorities in the Philippines. This has created huge obstacles to presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is essential that this friendship gap be bridged with authentic love through greater community involvement; only then can trust be built and genuine Christ-like love can be exemplified.

Ramelan and Lastri work to rebuild these bridges. Among the activities that Ramelan and his team run are badminton clubs for adults and children. And Lastri has women and girls coming to her house to learn how to cook, and a number of other skills.

Lastri has a baking class for girls in her house. One of the mothers came to pick up her daughter. The mother was very proud to see her daughter learning to bake. She said to Lastri, ‘Ma’am, I’m so glad you’re teaching my daughter how to bake.’ While she was talking, Lastri gave her some cookies which were ready to eat. Suddenly, the mother shouted, ‘Wooo, delicious, oh, my daughter can bake!!’ All of the students burst into laughter to see this mother’s reaction. She then said to her daughter, ‘Please don’t be lazy, and never be absent. This is very useful and you can help our life and also the lives of our friends.’