AFP and PNP Host First Joint My Brother’s Keeper Conference by Col. Erwin Luga (Ret)

Christian PMAyers are vulnerable during the first 5 years after graduation from the academy especially when left alone without fellowship.  They are in an environment where they may be swayed and give in to the pressures of the “world”, becomes lukewarm in the faith, and eventually lives a defeated Christian life. 

We desire to see Christian PMAyers stand firm in their faith during the first 5 years after graduation.  Hence, it is necessary for them to have someone who is a matured Christian to watch out and care for them during this critical period in their military career.  They need  “brother’s keeper” (Gen 4:9)

A “brother’s keeper” is someone who accepts responsibility for the secular and spiritual welfare of other believers.  The Hebrew word that is translated as “keeper” (shaw-mar), means literally a custodian, watcher, or caretaker. The statement “am I my brother’s keeper” could even be translated as “am I my brother’s baby-sitter”. So the term “keeper” does not mean guide, helper, or aid, but implies a much higher level of responsibility, such as a caretaker or parent. 

The PMA Christian community establishes a “Brother’sKeeper” (BK) program for the Chrisitian cadets in partnership with Christian organizations ministering to uniformed personnel. 

The intent of the MBK program is to ensure that a Christian PMA graduate will stand firm and grow in his/her faith during the first 5 years after graduation.

The MBK program is a partnership between PMA Christian Community and the Christian organizations (hereon referred to as PCO) ministering to uniformed personnel e.g. Military Ministry, CORP Movement Foundation, Coalition of the Faithful, and others that have burdens for the military. 

The following factors greatly affect the outcome of the program: the existence of a strong bond between the BK and the ward.  This should be established while the wards are still cadets; the cadets are assigned or dispersed all over the country after graduation from PMA and Metro Manila as the transit point of cadets going to and from PMA during their leave, official business, and/or trips.

 For this reason,  there are two categories of BK:  the Metro-Manila Based Keeper (MMBK) and the Provincial Based Keeper (PBK).  The general functions of the MMBK and the PBK are basically the same which is to “baby sit” new graduates (hereon referred to as “ward/s”).  However, they differ in their specific roles: The MMBKs’ specific role is to establish strong relationships with their wards while they are still cadets and connect them with PBKs wherever they are assigned/stationed; they can develop this strong bond when cadets are in Metro Manila or they can visit them in Baguio.  For this reason, it is preferred that MMBKs be Christian PMA alumni assigned in Metro-Manila; they easily relate to fellow PMAayers because of their familiarity of the “language” and PMA subculture. Moreover, they know the struggles and hardships of a cadet and a new graduate and the PBKs specific role is to receive and “baby-sit” new graduates endorsed to them in their area of responsibility (AOR). They could either be PMAyers or non-PMAyers. 

There is a limited number of Christian PMA alumni in Metro Manila who can be tapped as MMBK.  Likewise, they would need help in their functions and specific roles as MMBK.  Hence, we need to tap Christian non-PMAyers in Metro-Manila (military, police, and civilians) to work with them  as their assistants. 

The PMAyer MMBK functions as the “squad leader” while the non-PMAyer MMBK acts as their “assistant squad leaders.”  The non-PMAyer MMBK should preferably come from the same church of the PMAyer MMBK.  The program establishes a BK Coordinating Committee (BKCC) in Metro-Manila composed of representatives from PMA Christian community and participating  PCOs.  It serves as the “Command, Control, and Communication Center” of the program.   

Annually, incoming “yearling” (2nd year) cadets are assigned their MMBKs during the February PMA Alumni Homecoming. The purpose is to give the MMBKs  longer period of time to establish strong bonds before their wards graduate from PMA.

Basic Qualifications of BK (MMBK and PBK):Matured Christian.  A BK has a big responsibility to be able to perform his/her role as a guardian, caretaker, or parent.  Likewise he/she must have the spiritual maturity to be able to disciple and mentor his/her ward; High Level of Committment.  It takes a high level of commitment to “baby-sit”. The performance of a BK’s role involves resources – time and money;

The Functions of BK:  Receive them into the family of God (Ro 15:7).  Properly assimilate them in your church or a local church where they are assigned; Edify them (Ro 14:19).  Encouraging them by your life example, words, attitudes, etc.; Lead and serve them with a loving heart. (Ep 5:21, Ga 5:13); Demonstrate hospitality to them (1Pe 4:8-10).Visit them in their times of need.  Invite them into your home or accepting invitations to their home.; Support them during their time of difficulties or faults (Heb 10:24-25). Be aware of their problems and make an effort to reach out to them when they drift away. Network with Christian friends or churches near their place of assignment to visit them.; Exhort them lest they become hardened by sin (He 3:12-14). Confront them lovingly and with humility; bear their burdens willingly (Ga 6:1-2).  Help them overcome and become stronger.; and, forgive them when they repent (Eph 4:32). Fear of not being forgiven and accepted back into the family may keep some from repenting and returning to the fold.  Communicate a willingness to accept with open arms and offer complete forgiveness.