UMC Pastors Reaching PNP Gerona, Tarlac for Moral Recovery

August 12, 2025 – Partaking with the goals of Gerona Pastors Fellowship (GPF) and fulfilling the mission mandate of our beloved United Methodist Church, Rev. Dante Garibay (Gerona UMC) and Rev. Lorenzo De Leon (Don Basilio and Dapdap UMC) conducted a Moral Recovery Program for police officers of PNP Gerona, Tarlac Station and visited those that are in jail at the same place. This ministry is regularly atteded to ensure the presence and participation of our church to the Body of Christ in Gerona.

The Moral Recovery Program is more than just a seminar—it is a life-shaping encounter that seeks to strengthen moral values, integrity, and a renewed sense of public service among men and women in uniform. Police work is a vocation that demands not only skill and courage, but also a firm moral compass. By grounding officers in Biblical principles and ethical conduct, the program contributes to a healthier relationship between law enforcers and the communities they serve.

Rev. Garibay and Rev. De Leon shared insights from Scripture, highlighting the virtues of honesty, justice, compassion, and humility. They also led times of prayer, reflection, and dialogue—reminding participants that their work is not merely about enforcing laws, but about protecting lives and upholding the dignity of every person.

The United Methodist Church believes that moral recovery is essential in nation-building. When public servants are strengthened in values, their leadership influences the entire community. The jail ministry aspect of the program also reflects Christ’s mandate in Matthew 25:36—”I was in prison and you visited me”—bringing hope and restoration to those behind bars.

This partnership between the church and the PNP is a testament that spiritual transformation can impact even the toughest areas of public life. By sowing seeds of moral and spiritual renewal in our law enforcers, we also plant seeds of peace, justice, and trust in our society.