Franklin Graham

Like his father, Franklin Graham’s message of salvation everywhere is Jesus Christ. At a breakfast reception at the Westin Philippine Plaza the other day, he spoke of conflict areas in the world today: global terrorism; globalization whose cultural forms see the control of the mind of the young, like the movies, television, and music video channels; the war against HIV/AIDS, and the battle for the souls of men. He said that in all these, there is need to share the good news that "our hope is in Jesus Christ."

Dr. Graham was speaking before Christian groups of bishops, ministers and laypersons organized by the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (headed by Bishop Efren Tendero). He said it was difficult as a young person to grow up in the shadow of his father, world renowned evangelist Billy Graham. It was only at age 22 that he accepted Christ into his life. Since 1989 he has preached to 3.0 million people around the world. His belief is that one day, every person will accept Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Franklin is president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, and of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, founded in 1950 by his father. A project of Samaritan’s Purse is the Operation Christmas Child, which gives gifts contained in shoe boxes to children victims of war, natural disaster, poverty, illness or neglect. People throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe collect toys. School supplies and other items to go into the boxes.

But more than the children’s thrill at receiving the boxes, the project is one way by which Christ is introduced to the kids and their families.

Seated at the presidential table were committed Catholic legislators, Sen. Dick Gordon, former DILG Secretary Joey Lina, newly-elected Sen. Alfredo Lim, and Representative Benny Abante of the 6th District of Manila (the only bishop in Congress), and Paranaque Mayor Roilo Golez.

Mr. Lina was asked to say a few words, and he said quite a lot: "Especially at this time, we need to hear more and more the word of God – especially people in government so that they will be guided on how to conduct themselves correctly." He said, too, that while he has resigned from government service, he will continue to be in public service.

Senator Gordon said his guiding principle as a public servant had been taught him by his parents, who said Dick must aim high, meaning look up to God for guidance. The time for politics to change has come, our politics having always been transactional, meaning the practice is that of political candidates asking for voters’ vote in exchange for promised jobs.

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The Search for Dove Bukod Tanging Filipina 2004 has just been launched. If you know outstanding young women aged 18 to 30 years of age who are engaged in the pursuit of excellence in the fields of music, dance, visual arts, literature, business and entrepreneurship, and science and technology, send their names to Bridges@Com, Inc. Office, 6/F Mondragon House, 342 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

These women should not just be talented in their chosen field. They are supposed to "extend their passion for their craft to members of their circles, devising ways of converting talent into useful endeavors which benefit otherwise unproductive communities."

Deadline of submission of nomination forms is 12 noon, August 21, 2004. The entry forms must include Dove Proof of Purchase of any one of the following: Dove Cream Br, Three Facial Foam 10 m. Sachets, Facial Foam tube 50 ml cap, Facial Foam tube 100 ml cap, Body Wash 100 ml cap and Body Wash 250 ml cap.

Ten finalists will be announced in September, and each will be awarded P20,000, a trophy and Dove products. The 10 finalists will be presented in GMA-7’s Sunday morning lifestyle show, "All About You." The public can pick their choice of top three Bukod Tanging Filipina by sending their vote plus a Dove proof of purchase and drop them in designated drop boxes. The votes will be tallied, and the three winners with the most number of votes will win an additional prize of all-expenses paid trip to an Asian destination. If your nominees get the highest number of votes, you may also win an all-expenses paid trip to an Asian destination.

By the way, the top three Bukod Tanging Filipina will choose a beneficiary organization whose cause shall be supported by Dove through a P1 per vote donation or a minimum of P50,000 cash.

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