‘God’s plan’: Former street kid turned missionary aims high

MANILA, Philippines –  For Florante “Paulo” Talampas, God saved him from a hard life on the streets for a purpose he has yet to figure out. 

Paulo was a former street child from Cagayan de Oro City who never knew or met his biological parents. “I was between homes and rescue centers, and spent 10 years of my childhood life in the streets,” he said.

“The other street children will do drugs after we get some money from scavenging. I, on the other, hand would spend my money in the Internet café, reading, and playing games,” Paulo added.

His life took a sharp turn when he met Pastor Jun Managantan and other missionaries at the evacuation center in the aftermath of typhoon Sendong (International name: Washi). 

Today, Paulo is a missionary and a model for other street kids who want to escape the violent cycle of poverty. 

In 2012, Paulo joined the summer youth camp with the Teens Mission International in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. He later joined the institution as a full-time student taking a diploma in the Bible. 

During the May 9 elections, Paulo even volunteered for National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections. 

He is preparing to travel to Malaysia on June 1 to help facilitate a camp as part of his missionary work. His missionary friends all pitched in to help him cover expenses. 

On July 26, he is aslo set to head to South Korea to join the world gathering for prayer and fasting. He is still, however, raising his funds – an estimate of P95,000 – to be able to shoulder his week-long stay in South Korea. 

Paulo is also currently enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education. After finishing the program, he plans to further his studies and take up theology. 

“God preserved me while I was in the streets, for a purpose only God knows,” said Paulo. – with a report from Bobby Lagsa/Rappler.com