Romeo Ancheta is the house father of the Tanay Christian mission orphanage in the Philippines. In May 1976, the terrible typhoon “Didang” swept over the islands causing great damage and loss of life. The mission was isolated and the 80 children faced starvation.
Romeo received a citation and an award from the president for his courage and unswerving devotion to duty on that occasion. The presidential citation read: “Mr. Romeo Ancheta in complete disregard of his personal safety decided to seek the assistance of the national disaster control center. He hiked through the mountains of Tanay, Rizal, with Ignacio Maravella, and swam across three swollen rivers. Unfortunately his companion, in the attempt to cross the third river, lost his life. Finally alone he reached NDCC the night of the 27th of May, 1976. Task Force “Buffalo” immediately responded to his needs, thereby saving the orphanage from starvation, fulfilling his mission of self-sacrifice.”
In a letter telling of his experience, Romeo wrote: “The experience I had in those days reminds me of the word of God in Rom. 8:1818For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18): “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
“Hoping that you will pray for us more as we serve our Lord in this part of the globe.”
Romeo then went on to ask if his subscription of Messages could be increased to 100 copies.
No doubt the Lord was with Romeo as he swam those three swollen rivers to save the children’s lives, and we cannot help but admire his courage and devotion. But there is One who passed through a deeper, more dreadful river, to bring life to you and me-sinners ready to perish, without God and without hope in the world. Our blessed Lord Jesus, in obedience to His Father’s will and in love which many waters could not quench, nor the floods drown, (Song of Sol. 8:77Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. (Song of Solomon 8:7)) passed through death’s raging flood in those dark hours upon the cross. The waves and billows of God’s eternal judgment against sin rolled over His head.
He died that we might live. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).) God raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in heaven, and now gives “the bread of life” to everyone that believes in Him.
If in this world men are counted worthy of honor by their fellowmen, how much more so has God been pleased to honor His beloved Son for having glorified Him here on earth.
ML-04/30/1978