JIL calls off 31st anniversary celebration for 'Ondoy' victims

The Jesus is Lord Movement (JIL) announced Friday that it is cancelling its 31st anniversary celebration set for October 4 (Sunday) in respect for the devastation that tropical storm "Ondoy" caused Filipinos last week. Instead, JIL executive director Dory Villanueva said they will donate funds to the victims of Ondoy and hold a simple service in their respective churches to pray for them. "The silent and loud cries of Ondoy’s victims move us all to pray. We are making this great sacrifice because we believe that is the right thing to do. Jesus admonished his followers to care for the downtrodden," she said. JIL founder and presidential aspirant Bro. Eddie Villanueva likewise called on their members to join in a national prayer and mourning for the typhoon victims. "As a pastor, I have been going around the country to minister. But this is the first time that I witnessed such grief paralyzing the human soul," Villanueva said, adding that he saw firsthand the situation of the victims when he led relief operations in Marikina, Pasig, Rizal, Quezon City, Valenzuela, and Bulacan which were hardest hit by Ondoy. He said their funds supposedly allotted for the celebration will be given to these Filipinos. "iCARE, JIL’s compassion ministry headed by Dr. Dory J. Villanueva, will continue with our gift-giving activities in all areas badly affected by the historic flash floods brought by [storm] Ondoy. God has been truly good to the JIL Church in the last 31 years. Sharing His blessings to the most needy is the best way to celebrate this year’s anniversary," said Villanueva. But the JIL said it will still be holding a simple thanksgiving celebration at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where JIL was founded 31 years ago. Villanueva will lead the thanksgiving service at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The JIL Movement claims a membership of 7 million. - Kimberly Tan, GMANews.TV