Compassion Ministry Redux

In 2002, the CORPS Movement started a weekly Hospital Ministry to reach out to the PNP personnel who are in dire need of care and blessing in their most longing state. Most members of the CORPS Movement who were hospitalized due to different injuries recalls how vulnerability could shed off the macho culture of a policemen and how it could soften hearts of even those who are hardened by the service could.

For a couple of months, the ministry thrived. Hundreds of injured police from the PNP General Hospital and Camp Panopio were ministered and some even got Bibles from the CORPS Movement. But since volunteers were also stretched in their capacities and time the initiative was not sustained.

Eight years later, the opportunity to minister to the sick and dying became a reality when PSUPT Bernie Banac was named the Comptroller for the PNP- Health Service.

Having a heart to share the Gospel as well as discerning God’s movement, Col. Banac opened his office for pastors to pray and be a blessing to the sick and the wounded of the PNP General Hospital.  

On a weekly basis, BOC volunteers (who were trained in Medical Counseling) would make rounds to the different wards of the Hospital to share the gospel. They would also provide counsel to those who are frustrated, lonely and depressed. They would even follow-up papers of patients who are not physically able to transact with their offices during their stay. The hospital has been a good training ground for pastors to have a heart for policemen.

“ We are happy that we are serving them in the moment of dire needs” Ptr. Noel Cortez, BOC Volunteer added.

It also opened the way for the CORPS Movement to have a prayer meeting among Christian Believers in the Hospital namely PSSUPT Renee Balagot, Head of the PNP Gen. Hospital; PSSUPT Loida Bustamante, Head of Nursing for the PNP Hospital and newly inducted PSINSP Gus Ferrer who serves as an ER Doctor at the PNP Hospital (see related article).

Col. Banac even gave an extra mile for the ministry, when he, PSUPT Eric Noble and the Cavaliers Class of 1992 contacted their US-Based Mistah, to give relief goods to the needy and indigent patient. Seeing Col. Banac’s sincerity in ministering to the sick, his Mistahs pledged to support him with Balikbayan boxes on a monthly basis. The initial donations were given during the opening of the Heroes Ward last February 17, 2011.

He also was instrumental in giving the CORPS Movement an opportunity to conduct two-day team building seminar to the members of the Quezon City Police District-Health Service last February 19, 2011. The seminar gave insight on leadership and team dynamics to PSUPT Jez Medina and her men as they rally towards being united in serving the men and women of the QCPD. It also served an opportunity to share the Gospel and the ministry of the CORPS Movement to the doctors, dentists and nurses of QCPD. In its success, the PNP General Hospital under PSSUPT Renee Balagot  followed  with its own team-building seminar wherein all 52 Doctors of the PNP- General Hospital attended. Upcoming are the nurses of the Health Service under PSSUPT Loida Bustamante. (see related story)

He now plans a monthly concert/ singing contest to the men and women of QCPD wherein he also wants this opportunity for the CORPS Movement volunteers to minister through songs. (see update story)

Surely, the appointment of Col. Banac to this particular post has not only brought an opportunity to revive a ministry but also an opportunity to save souls.