Breaking the Pot or Piñata, is a native Filipino game wherein an earthen pot full of goodies is made to hang by a rope or string from the ceiling and the players take turns to hit and break the pot for a prize. The goodies inside the pot that are released as soon as the pot is broken are for everyone around to scramble for and share to everyone’s delight. The game master blindfolds the hitter on deck then gives him a few turns before he is led towards the direction of the pot. The player then slowly advances towards the pot with the rod firmly held up in the position ready to hit the pot, completely relying on the game master and less on his instincts so as to get the prize for hitting the pot. This display of trust in the game master for direction and safety so as not to hit people along the way or stumble unnecessarily always leads to much noise and cheering from the spectators around the path towards the pot. Although this game allows one player at a time, everyone gets involved as cheerers and coaches shouting without inhibition attempts to direct the player towards the pot. The hitter usually is left all the more confused where to go as many voices compete for his attention and most often he ends up hitting the air a far distance from the mark. The player who gets the prize usually is the one who trusts and listens to the voice of the game master and hence makes sure steps towards the prized pot of gold.
During the first EPCALM assembly of patients and staff at the National City United Church (NCUC), an ordinary game turned out to be a powerful message of God’s mission for EPCALM. Chairman Erlyn Demerre explained that the pot represents LEUKEMIA that can imprison or encase the victim and limit and deprive one from the joy of a healthy and productive life. The rod used to hit the pot is EPCALM which is the vehicle or the means by which leukemia can be crushed. The one holding the rod represent the many workers and volunteers drawn into service for EPCALM. The game master is God leading the workers through EPCALM to the goal of hitting the mark. The blindfold represents an act of faith and of the EPCALM workers, reminding us that in the service of God, we should walk by faith not by sight. And we need to listen to the game master intently not allowing the noise of the crowd to drown the still small voice of the Master. Focus and obedience brings EPCALM to victory in breaking the curse of leukemia on the afflicted releasing the beautiful and abundant life that God intends for each one who trusts and obeys. The lives that are broken and spilled out become a testimony of God’s grace, compassion and healing. Spectators now witness and share the good news represented by the goodies that fall of the broken pot.
Gabbie Demerre, eldest child of EPCALM founders Justice and Erlyn Demerre, by listening to her father who acted as the game master, despite the noise of the crowd around her, hit the pot on her second try. This is another message the game has to offer, that victory from the Lord does not come with just one try. We have to trust and obey, keep trying and above all, keep the faith!
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