Presbyterian Mission Agency A letter from Cobbie and Dessa Palm, mission co-workers serving in the Philippines Fall 2024

A letter from Cobbie and Dessa Palm, mission co-workers serving in the Philippines

Fall 2024

Write to Cobbie Palm
Write to Dessa Palm

Individuals: Give online to E132192 in honor of Cobbie and Dessa Palm’s ministry

Congregations: Give to D500115 in honor of Cobbie and Dessa Palm’s ministry

Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery)

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A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34–35

Dear friends,

It is the time of the year when Silliman University gathers its expanding community of students, faculty, staff and alumni to mark its 123^rd Founders Day Anniversary celebrated every 28^th of August. Amidst vibrant reunions, bustling booths, and colorful parades, church workers of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines from all over the country gather as well at the Silliman campus for its annual church workers convocation. It is a time for continuing theological education and heartwarming reunions. This year’s theme centered on “Discipleship in a fragmented world: a challenge to global theological education.”

Months before this gathering Dessa often sits down with several Silliman University Divinity School faculty and community members to discuss and plan for a theater production that will breathe life into the theme through drama. Much of the discussion revolved around the concept of discipleship, and what are some of the issues that confront the church today. These discussions led to a fundamental question that many people ask, “What does it mean to be a good person today, especially in light of the rise of violence and normalization of wrongdoing?”

The poster of the play “A Tribute to Mother.” Photo credit: SUDS Banikanhong Magdudula.

The siblings gather to discuss their mother’s tribute. Photo credit: Christopher Daomar

A coffee shop owner protects two activists who were pursued by the police. Photo credit: Christopher Daomar.

A crisis brings the family together. Photo credit: Gloria Gem Lumayag.

The diversity of voices in discipleship is recognized. Photo credit: Christopher Daomar.

“Amidst darkness, let us bring light,” a line from the final song. Photo credit: Christopher Daomar.

This question and subsequent conversations led to the writing of Parangal kay Nanay (A Tribute to Mother). The play revolves around the life of Pastor Rita, a church and development worker who was gunned down mysteriously. Six years after the killing, her four children gather on the occasion of a planned awarding ceremony, the Gawad Bayani ng Katauhan (People’s Hero Award) to be conferred to their mother. The four children have conflicting opinions about what should be the family’s response to the award. The eldest daughter Mercy, who became more evangelical, is clearly at odds with the youngest son Jude, who has turned more radical politically and away from organized church. John, the second child, and a seminary student, tries to integrate both evangelical and prophetic voices, but will later be confronted by his own ghosts as he deals with his sexual orientation and gender identity. The third child Ruth, who grew up very sickly, works out her health issues as she tries to bring peace and harmony among her siblings. As family and community surface stories and memories of Pastor Rita, a tapestry is formed about the pastor’s wholistic discipleship even as conflicts among the siblings intensify. A crisis brings the family together at the end and reflections open paths to reconciliation.

One Divinity School student and a pastor’s kid, Gloria Gem Lumayag, shares her reflection on the play:

“Watching this play drove me to tears, as it was one of the most heart-wrenching experiences I have had in the theater. After watching this play, I have reflected deeply on what it truly means to strive for goodness, despite my flaws. ‘Parangal Kay Nanay’ made me realize that being a good person is not about achieving perfection or being free from mistakes. It is about the willingness to grow, to face our inner demons, and to keep trying to do better, even when it is difficult.

The play beautifully portrayed the idea that even in our brokenness, there is always a chance for redemption and healing. It reminded me that the path to becoming a better person is paved with struggle, self-awareness, and a relentless pursuit of love and kindness.”

We are sharing some photos from the performance.

Dessa and Cobbie Palm
Mission co-workers in the Philippines

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Tags: Philippines