Healing through prayer from Australia to the AQ communities

A woman weeps as Brian Welsh places his palms over her head. As he speaks in 'tongues', the woman suddenly collapses to the ground. She had been slain---by the Holy Spirit.

This scene was repeated over and over for nine days as the members of the Jesus, Light Of the World (JLOW) prayer community visited Aquinas University partner communities this January to preach the Word of God and provide healing for the locals.

The New South Wales, Australia-based community, led by Filipino couple Nestor and Helen Aldana, have partnered with the University to do services in impoverished communities in Lamba, Tiwi, Manito, and Cagbacong, as well as for AQ students.

Their 2011 visit is the second one after last year.

A home in AQ

At the farewell dinner, Nestor Aldana shared the story of their sojourn to Legazpi City to preach and provide healing.

"At first, we just had a plan to preach in this region, but we were clueless as to where to start", he said, "the Holy Spirit guided us to Aquinas University".

Some of the communities where AQ conduct extension services became their venue for preaching and healing.

Aldana said he once mulled that the services were only good for two years, but after serious thinking he felt that their mission is not yet over.

"We wish to continue our partnership with the University", he said, "because we've found a home in AQ".

Poverty and the need for God

The receptive audience in Legazpi City seems to be in contrast with that in Australia, as members of the community have observed.

"In Australia where most people enjoy a good life, there seems to be no need for God", Brian Welsh relates to the audience, "but it is a life without meaning".

Nestor's wife, Helen, said Filipinos are more open because most people live in poverty.

"They need hope and someone to turn to", she said.

To continue their work in Legazpi City, the Aldanas plan to create a local chapter in one of the communities being served by AQ in the near future.

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Members of the JLOW Mission in Legazpi City are Nestor Aldana, Helen Aldana, Aurora Hall, Ron Maldigri, and Brian Welsh.

Posted on: 01.27.2011