Gensan Relief and Community Exchange, Inc.

General Santos City, Philippines

Flying from the United States, I first arrived in General Santos City, from Grapevine, Texas, during February, 2004. During that three month stay and a subsequent trip in early 2005, I came to know over 35 children at St. Gemma’s Orphanage and Halfway Home.

St. Gemma’s was in a state of disrepair. I was there to repair it.

Movinia Ulang, Co-Founder and Vice President of GRACE, and I, created Gensan Relief and Community Exchange, Inc., (GRACE), during the year 2005.

Prior to establishing GRACE, I envisioned a community who is willing to combine their financial assistance, skills and efforts to provide for the least of those among us; the children of Gensan. From that vision GRACE was created.

GRACE provides the management of funds and services provided by the people of General Santos City and the world community for the well-being of Gensan’s children. We encourage the participation of the local community in lieu of waiting for government assistance. Doing so, allows those who participate to know, it is only they who hold control over their own well-being and that of their community.

Biblical verse, Luke 9:48, states, “Then He said to them, whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the one who sent Me. For he who is least among you all–he is the greatest.”

From that verse, might you ask of yourself, “To me, is the tear of a child….only water?

Gensan Relief and Community Exchange, Inc. (GRACE), exists as an instrument to carry out the supported hopes and prayers of those who believe as we do.

George D. Mertz

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