We are delighted to have received more than 90 submissions to the LittWorld writing contest as of last Friday’s deadline. Thank you to all who participated and to all who encouraged the writers. Judges will review the submissions, and winners will be announced here on August 1. We will continue to post compelling submissions we have already received. Not all submissions will be posted here.
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Jose Paolo Cheeseman Calcetas of the Philippines responded to the writing prompt: “If Jesus were to write a letter to the Church in your country, what would He say?”
It has been a habit of faith for Filipino Christians to write their prayers, with fervent hope that the Lord will hear and grant their requests. But what if the tables turned, and Jesus had control of the pen? What would He tell the Filipino people? Perhaps, His letter would be like this.
Dear Philippines,
Since you have been discovered in 1571, I have always been overwhelmed with how you have worshipped Me. I know that you have gone through the worst of times. But I know that your faith in me remains steadfast because amidst all the trials you have experienced, you never fail to smile and appreciate even the simplest joys unfolding before your very eyes.
The bountiful always shares his blessings to the less fortunate. The homeless sleeps on
the streets and wake up grateful for being safe the whole night. The victims of natural calamities still thank Me for keeping them safe. Whenever you pass by a church, you always do a sign of the cross. In good and bad times, you never forget to mumble simple prayers which always warm My heart. You even named some of your towns and streets after biblical characters. You also hold the longest and biggest celebration of my birthday in the entire planet.
The Philippines will always have a big space in My heart. I am with you everyday, walking with you on the streets, talking to you on the cab, shedding tears in your grief and celebrating in your achievements.
As long as you maintain your faith, I assure you that no trial will be powerful enough to tumble your indomitable faith. Your country may have big problems, but you have a bigger GOD, which makes it more fun in the Philippines!
Love,
Jesus
Photo above courtesy stock.xchng
Wow, can’t wait to meet with the Philippians in heaven! It sounds like a lot of fun there truly!
Ma’am/Sir, the Filipino people are waiting for your visit! When you get to visit our churches, you will feel why we are so blessed despite so many problems. Thank you.
Both interesting and moving.
Thank you for your heart-warming comment. God bless!
I love this post. No wonder you won an international essay writing award. Congrats!
Thank you very much ma’am. If not for the Lord I wouldn’t have made it. Others may have bigger talents, but as I wrote in this piece, “I have a bigger G.O.D.”
This were a very heart-warming letter. I have been in the Philippines for a vacation and Filipinos are really religious. They always go to church every Sunday and pray before any activity like eating, programs, and even meetings! Nice one!
Thank you sir for your wonderful comment. We really hold our faith as the foundation of our culture.
Great article! As a Chinese born in the Philippines, I was raised with a strong Christian background. Prayer is our weapon and good times and bad. Now I leave in Beijing, I still never forget to pray everyday. This blog entry made me cry. The writer perfectly described the faith of Filipinos. Great job!
Praise the Lord. God’s grace transcends cultural and economic barriers. Xieh xieh peng you!
simple, yet touching and direct. i wouldn’t have it any other way. he used the appropriate words, and the perfect mood to express the love of God to humanity – especially with the case of the Philippines. super thumbs up!
Thank you so much dear. Glad your discriminative taste for writing stuff was somehow satisfied.
This made me cry so much because many Philippine people are poor and tragic but still they do not forget to pray. Many nation are prosperity but forget to call Jesus. I greet the writer for his work that is very inspirational.and warming the heart.
Yes sir. Ours are a people of Christians. Unshakeable. Faithful. Filipino
I always had a negative perspective with Philippine people. But all of my perceptions were changed with this simple yet powerful letter. As a writer myself, I was magnetized by the words of the Cheeseman Calcetas. I started reading and I couldn’t stop. It was such a nice writing. I was reading some entries but I can’t help but say that this is really the simplest, the most powerful, and the most best. Congratulations!
Thank you so much. I give back to you the power and grace that is Jesus Christ.
GO PHILIPPINES! This is the best entry! It’s more fun in the Philippines!
Mabuhay!
Of all the entries, this is simplest but the most best. I am entertain and learn a lesson- my strong faith. Congratulate to Jose. Very great job. This win if I judged.
Thank you so much. godbless!
This article made me proud to be a Filipino. Despite our hardships, this is true. We never forget to thank God. Mr. Calcetas, I have been hearing so many things about you from several writers’ circles here in our country. This article made you shine as a writer. Good luck and congratulations in advance.
Thank you so much. God bless you always. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Bravo! I fancy this one. No frills and straight to the point. Easy to understand.
God’s love is also simple but it gives us the most impact. god bless!
Very nice writing. This is the winner for me
Thank you very much!
If I judge, this is 1st, 2nd is Mama Kanisa Story, 3rd is Nigerian Church Story
Yes I agree, but the two stories are definitely better than mine
I agree. This is on top of my list, followed by Mama Kanisa story.
Mama Kanisa’s story is definitely more well-written
the best among the rest!!!
gudluck!!
Thank you so much!
congratulations!!! very nice article.
Thank you so much! God bless us!
Great job! This is the most touching article I have read in my entire life.
I am very happy you liked it
This is very true. I study in the Philippines and they are very prayerful. I vote for this one. Very funny too and not serious.
Your experiences are enough for you to say how authentic our culture and faith is. god bless!
Excellence.
kansahamnida chinggu
bien escrito. felicitaciones.
gracias senyor
God bless Philippines! The winning piece was posted…
May God hear your affirmation. Thanks!
very well-written. i like it.
thank you so much. god bless!
wow! great writer! the easiest to understand in all entries
Good luck to the writer, more stories to come.
I hope to write stories and write until my Creator calls me back home
Simple, meaningful & realistic. This is a reality, Filipinos can survived whatever problem there was. GOD is our “SHIELD”. Prayers not only inside the church. FAITH in one’s heart. Go, go, go! Hurray for this piece.
Such a powerful and inspiring comment as well. Thank you and god bless!
I read all the articles posted here. I have to say that this is the best article in all that is posted here. It is written in a light manner, but there is an impact to the reader. Jose did not do frills and complicated thoughts. It became more understandable and reader-friendly.
Thank you very much. god bless!
So passionate and so inspiring. This entry shows that the simple joys are the best joys. I vote for this one.
Very well said.
Come on. This is obviously the best and most well-written among all the participants. I am now studying in the Philippines and this is exactly what happens here. This is a runaway winner.
Thank you very much for your inspiring comment
Wow! It’s really a nice article. Entertaining but meaningful. I wanna fly to the Philippines. It looks so fun there. If Aussies are as prayerful…
you are very much welcome in our country
Congratulations to Littworld for this religious contest. This helps Christian writers all over the world connect and write for a good reason. May I just comment on this work? I saw all works posted here and they have a better topic, but this article has magic. How can an essay be simple and entertaining at the same time? It is easy to understand and doesn’t make me think so much. I also appreciate the faith of the Philippinians but I still did not go to Philippines yet. I want this to win.
I am truly moved and inspired with this comment
My mom’s half Filipino. I have to say that what is written here is true. While I was reading this, I can’t help but cry because I remember how my mom always taught me how to pray and attend mass every Sunday. She passed away almost a year ago, and me and my wife left the Philippines to begin a new life here in New York. Life was harder in the Philippines but it was easier to get by because of their faith. I have to admit that life is easier here in New York but it seems harder to get by everyday. I miss the Philippines, and because of this, I was crying so hard. This article struck my heart. Bravo! My winner here.
I believe that there is only Filipino, no halfs or fourths. You should be grateful for being one
I felt both happy and sad while reading this. I felt sad because Filipinos are kind people but they have many worries in life but they can smiled. This is my choice article.
Thank you very much and please keep on praying for our people
My winner.
Thank you so much
I just love this so much. Beautiful writing.
Thank you so much. God bless you!
This is a very nice article. Best among the rest. Hope to meet the writer someday
Thank you so much. May the Lord bless you!
It is the most awesome entry and very simple yet heart-melting letter Jesus would write to Filipinos. Two thumbs up!
Congrats for this wonderful entry.
Thank you so much and I am glad you liked it
Our maid is a Filipina. She is always praying. Despite her hard day’s work and life’s tests, she always says a prayer. She can relate to this. I was touched by this. Congratulations to the writer.
Please extend my regards to your househelp.
Such a positive outlook despite your nation’s trials. Based on my humble judgment, this I think is the winner because compared to all the entries, this felt so real. The writer wrote in a realistic manner and told the truth that his country is not perfect. This made the idea of piousness shine. It did not exaggerate just to give the piece an element of drama. For this I think it deserves to be a winner.
Positivity and faith can really keep us running until the very end.
like it….
Good luck JP… God Bless
Truly, its so heartwarming to read an article that lifts up Filipinos’ spirits of positivity in any circumstance they may be in. Filipinos abroad including the United States couldn’t wait to return to the Philippines to feel the warmth and love their country is giving them.
I personally feel that this article points out a distinctive feature of resiliency and positivity that Filipinos could share the world especially during these rough times.
I wish the author more blessings as i am one of those blessed by this letter and made me realize that I am a Full blooded Filipino, sturdy yet softhearted and God fearing..
I do hope that Filipinos in the rest of the world will be touched and moved like you. God bless us all!
I felt teary-eyed while reading this article because here in Seoul, there are people who are rich but lonely. If they can read this wonderful work, I am sure that they will learn to appreciate life. I really felt so touched. This is good write up.
I hope I will be able to fly to seoul this year
Glory to God in the highest and peace among all his people on earth. I am a professional counselor for children in a private school and I would like to ask the permission of the writer if I can use this in one of my sessions in Grade 7. I am sure that this will help open their eyes to the fact of how lucky they are eventhough they do not have a very strong relationship with God today. I love the Philippines for their faith.
By all means Sir, please do so. Thank you for your appreciation.
Actually, the phrase “More Fun in the Philippines” is a catch phrase for tourism. But Mr. Jose was able to put a brand new meaning of it. With this letter, fun referred to the relationship between God and Filipinos. Our country keeps on weathering the storms because we have a strong faith. Even if I were not a Filipino myself, I will still vote for this as the winner.
having god in our lives is fun and amazing. thank you
It simply made me more proud to be a Filipino. Thank you Mr. Jose for making me more proud of my roots as I work in Dubai. My faith will always lead me home to the Philippines. Great job.
Thank you so much.
I just came from the Philippines last week and it was so much fun. Their churches are very palace-like. Their people are really warm and religious. This article gave me so many memories to remember.
Our churches are pristine and grand. Please visit us again
Wow! Simple but very moving article. I was in tears and felt guilt for not praying often as I should. This entry was written with emotion. Jose you have to thank Spaniards because we made Filipinos become christians.
Yes sir. Thank you for introducing Christianity to our country
What sets this apart from other entries is that it has emotions. Each letter, period, and dot was given life by the writer that is why I can feel it whenever I read it. I read it over and over again and I don’t get bored. Best Christian article.
Thank you for feeling my gratitude to God
Fantastic. I take time to read the articles and this is the best.
Thank you so much for liking my article
I like this article. So true. 100% best
yes mam. Thank you so much
I love this article because I attended mass in the Philippines every Sunday because of my friends there. Now I am back in Korea and I still try to go to church but not that often anymore. Jesus write to me. >_<
Thank you very much. god bless you!
I don’t understand Philippine people before but now I do because I read this.
I am glad that my simple article had this impact for you
I LOVE HOW MR CALCETAS writes from the heart…his choice of words, his imagination reflects the dreamer, truly he can be considered a passionate journalists….kudos to his plight to share his thoughts and love for the beauty of things around…more power to him .
Thank you very much. I am glad that I got my message across
it opened my eyes to many things. i love this one.
Thank you very much and god bless you always
Powerful article. I was so touched by this. It made me feel so guilty for complaining too much about the things I donot have in my life. Beautiful. My choice article.
I am very flattered. thank you
The best article! From beginning to end, it made me feel mesmerized and proud to be a Filipino.
God bless…Thank you so much
The beauty that is Philippines and the glory that is Christ. Mr. Jose, you have inspired through this piece a Vietnamese worshipper of the Lord.
Glory be to God. thank you so much
Nice piece of writing. I am from Cebu and I can attest to this. We are truly a nation of Christ. So full of raw emotions. The best!
Thank you for making this your choice
Just got home from the sandy shores of Boracay in the Philippines and it was truly more fun there. But when I read this, I got a whole new perspective of the phrase “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”. Most inspiring. Me and my wife think that this is the best in all the articles posted in this blessed website.
Hope you enjoyed
powerful thoughts! i also read some of the contestants and I can’t say that this is the best, but this is definitely the most entertaining, so I will go for this one.
I am glad you are entertained. god bless
The passion of the writer for his country has translated into this simple but most deep impact entry. I love this.
Yes. Long live my country
I was very touched by this. Hope this wins.
Xieh xieh
Awww…. beautiful writing. Obviously the best piece.
Xieh xieh ni
inspiring story. me study in the philippines next year and hope its more fun there.
More than the experience, may you bring with you the memories that will last for a lifetime
Great piece. Inspiring, simple, provocative, and perfect command of language.
such big compliments. thank you so much
a very concise articulation of Filipinos’ unshakeable faith to the Big Guy above.
thank you for your wonderful compliment
This article is simply describing the strong relationship of the Filipinos to our Lord, and also the love of God to humanity. Filipinos are very lucky to have Mr. JP Calcetas because God made him an instrument to express His love not just to the people in the Philippines but to all of us living in this world. thumbs up!
I am truly touched by your comment. thank you so much
I love how this article was written. It made a bitter reality into a very entertaining manner.
yes sir. i just wrote this freely
Miss Dawn, you have described the word that fits this entry- compelling.
很好的文章。嘉韵到编写器。我希望这获胜
xieh xieh ni men
the most interesting. as a chinese-filipino now working overseas, I feel truly blessed to read this. hope this brings home the bacon. i miss the philippines.
thank you so much and may the lord bless you always
I love this article. It is so inspiring. I wanna visit the Philippines again someday.
Thank you so much and please visit us again
This article touched me. It gave me hope.
thank you
We read this stuff in the office this morning during our opening prayer. We prayed to the Lord to make New Jersey a christ-centered place like Philippines. This is a very moving piece.
i am truly honored with your kind gestures. thank you
What a very touching piece. I took time reading other entries and this essay got me because it shows what Christian faith should be- you don’t need to undergo tests and trials in life just to hold on to God. Filipinos rain or shine are really faithful.
I love how your comment depicts my feelings. thank you so much
I love how the piece is universal and no complications. Winner for me.
thank you for bringing me inspiration
There are many things I don’t understand about Filipinos but I can say that this piece made me realize their strong faith. Powerful writing.
very true. thank you
Well written. Easy to understand. Everybody can relate.
thank you so much…
I am in no way a Filipino but I was able to connect in this article above all the entries.
i am truly honored. thank you
This piece is the bomb! Hope the writer can tour us in his country when we go there next year.
we will be waiting for you
I almost cried when I read this because I remembered when we lost our home during typhoon Ondoy. We held on to our faith. I can’t help but say that this article has moved my spirit.
you survived that ordeal thanks to the lord
I don’t know why but of all the articles, this made me feel guilty the most. It made me realize I was not praying enough.
change is spawning upon you. god bless
It made me feel good to be a Christian and a Filipino!
I am glad you feel that way
Either this or the Mama Kaniza story is gonna win for sure.
Mama Kaniza is a truly powerful story
I cried here.
thank you so much ma’am
Nicest piece of writing in this website.
wow. thank you
Viva Filipinas!
Viva
I read this all over again and still I am most amazed.
i feel you. thank you
The best in all the entries.
i am very grateful
What a nice article. It made my day.
Thank you and may god continue blessing you
Hi Sir Jose. I read your winning essay on the internet about your dad and it was superb. If you win again here with this piece, I will no longer be surprised.
I am very glad you appreciate my writing
I feel that Philippines has been truly blessed by God. The letter was really heartwarming and so reassuring that God will always be with us no matter what.
your comment has also warmed my heart
This perked up my day. This has so much positivity. All the entries show the struggle and needs of their countries but this one stands out because it shows that problems are intertwined with faith. I love this.
it indeed is. thank you
Very nice. Very heartwarming.
This is such a wonderful piece of writing.
Wow!!!!! Simple but meaningful….. inspiring GODSPEED
Beautiful article!
Wow! God bless the Philippines! This is super great entry
How amazing it is to be Filipino and live in the happiest place on earth.
An amazing demonstration of faith.
Beautiful writing. Strikes the heart.
上帝保佑你先生 Mr. JP
I love how the writer was able to show his country’s strong faith in a light manner.
It is truly a wonderful experience to read this stuff. Among all the contestants, I was most delighted with this article.
Thank you for this beautiful piece of writing. God bless your country and God bless you Mr. Jose. May you win.
I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you so much
I was greatly touched and moved by this piece of writing. I hope that we will be able to learn from this.
A short but simple piece that can never be forgotten by my heart.
Inspiring and sacred but simply amazing
What a beautiful story from a beautiful country
Nice and reasonably honest
What a beautiful work from a beautiful country
Its more fun in the Philippines suddenly had a new definition
This work is rocking my soul.
I felt blessed when I read this. It made me realize that I may not be rich, but I am a Filipino and a Christian. And I already should be grateful to the Lord.
Greetings from Ireland. I liked this piece most among all the competitors.
simple, clear, direct, interesting,….you will really feel God is speaking to your heart through this heart warming message…i’m bless JP…thank you…God Bless!!!
Amazing writing. Nice and entertaining
I was moved and touched.
This writing proves that the best things in life are the simplest things.
super nice and touching. I learned a beautiful lesson
the article was very well-written and chilling
hurray for Philippine and jesus
I was searching for anything about the death of Dolphy tonight and this suddenly appeared in my search engine. I realized that life is beautiful in the Philippines and that no matter how we find our differences, there is always something to smile and be thankful for.
Oh? Dolphy is dead? what a sad news.He made the Philippines more fun. No pun intended, Mr. Jose! You have a very nice article.
What a beautiful representation of a country grieving in the loss of its comedy king
This article is not just a fable it is fact. Filipinos become stronger and courageous in spite of all the trials and problems in their life, because we have a very great God and a very loving God. He first shows His love to us when His Son Jesus died on the cross. We can’t pay Him back, but our strong faith to Him, makes Him to listen and appreciate even the smallest thing we did for Him out of faith.
Your article JP, is really a great piece from one the masterpiece of God. To God be the Glory!
beautiful words for a beautiful nation
I’m not a roman catholic but a christian Jehovah’s witness. After having read this letter, I was so touched by its content. It’s really inspiring not only for Filipinos but also to other nations. Keep on writing great articles like this. GREAT job!
Blessed be the Lord God Almighty, who listens and answers all our prayers…It is very an inspiring message from our creator…and I’m so bless and strengthen reading this article. God Bless JP!!!
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