From First Meet to Family in 48 Hours

It was a short weekend. Blink, and it passed. But it’s the kind that lingers long after the goodbyes.

A group of friends, some of them strangers to us just days ago, flew in from Cebu for a quick visit. Some of them were first-timers in Singapore. You’d think they’d spend their first day exploring the sights. But no. Their first stop? A quiet hospital room, visiting one of our own who had been confined. They didn’t know him personally, but it didn’t matter. Somehow, in a room filled with strangers, it felt like family. Love has a way of cutting across introductions.

That moment struck me. When people share a common heart for something bigger than themselves, it doesn’t take long for connection to happen. It’s like skipping the small talk and jumping straight to the part where you feel safe, seen, and supported.

Throughout the weekend, stories flowed about joys, struggles, and the small victories of everyday life. Each outreach, each little pocket of people from different cities, has its own share of challenges. But in the sharing, there was learning. In the listening, strength. What one group is strong at becomes a light for the other. What one is weak in becomes a shared prayer. And just like that, each calling, each community, gets a little more fortified.

And then there’s the men from the Cebu team. What a surprise they were. Loud, fun, full of life, and full of love. They teased one another, hugged without hesitation, and ended their conversations with “I love you.” I watched, quietly amused, then deeply moved. It’s rare to see that kind of brotherhood. Rare, and beautiful. It made me wonder: if more men loved this openly, how different would our families be? our communities be? our world be?

So yes, it was a short weekend. But it packed something big. It reminded me that people don’t have to journey together long to matter to one another. Sometimes, all it takes is a shared purpose, a little vulnerability, and the courage to say, “I’m here for you,” even if we just met.

And maybe, just maybe, say “I love you” while we’re at it.

Because at the end of the day, what binds us is love … GENUINE, UNSELFISH, and ENDURING.

As the Scripture reminds us:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:35