When he can, John Keating of the Servants of the Word joins Charlie and Peggy Lasa of the Ligaya Ng Panginoon North Sector's Jail Ministry on their weekly visits to the QC jail. On a visit, an inmate who was part of the worship team called his attention. John with his fantastic memory recognized the inmate, Frank Llagas. John met Frank on one of his visits to Payatas with Fr. Paul Uwemedimo. Fr Paul with his UK and local contacts put up a center and the Puso Ng Ama Foundation to serve the poor in Payatas. He also helped Frank acquire a house and would at times live with them.
Frank told John he was falsely accused of raping a mentally handicapped girl. At the onset, Frank was told the case would not be pursued if he paid a significant sum. He may have looked like a good extortion target as he was doing quite well repairing appliances. He did not concede and was soon sent to jail. Soon after, a group approached him claiming they could work on his release if he advanced money for legal representation. Believing this to be legitimate, Frank sold his house to raise the funds. The group soon disappeared with his money.
Frank and his family faced untold challenges that may not have happened if he were not in jail. Instead of being crushed, he clung more closely to God. Frank was determined to remain joyful and was a front-liner at the jail worship, always with a smile and cheerful spirit.
John felt more had to be done to help Frank. He took an active interest in Frank's case and attended the court hearings when possible. He was deeply disturbed when there were three successive deferments of the hearing. Witnesses gave distorted testimonies and no one showed up for Frank's defense as his wife had left him for another man. The judge had to declare one last hearing date if Frank could not present a witness. The outlook was very bleak and the possible sentence would have robbed Frank of a good part of his life. Boy Tambule, a freed inmate and whose own jail story is inspiring worked on tracking down a witness who could credibly testify to support the innocence of Frank. This was evidently vital in the court's decision to free Frank early this June.
What if John had not been coming to Payatas, or to the jail? What if Fr. Paul had not reached out to the poor families like Frank's in Payatas? What if Frank turned his back on the Lord and did not want to attend the jail ministry group? What if there was no Boy Tambule to track down witnesses? What if no one wanted to serve in the jail ministry? The Lord's providence was there all along, the power of prayer and His blessing on the work of those who labor in the vineyard cannot be denied. What's important is that Frank knows that it was the Lord who rescued him. Since being freed, Frank and Boy have been joining the jail ministry to share their faith and encourage their ex-fellow inmates.
After losing five years to jail, Frank now needs to rebuild his livelihood. He resumed working on appliance repair and needs our help. He repairs electric fans, washing machines, electric irons, electric stoves, rice cookers, dispensers, oven toasters, hot water pots, slow cookers, blenders etc. If you have have any appliance to donate or are in need of his services please call or text him at 09085546939. Donations of these appliances are particularly welcome since this will help Frank build up some capital and sustain a small appliance repair outlet he put up in the Commonwealth QC area. Referrals will surely help so pass this on to your relatives and friends who may be in need of his services.
Let Frank cheer and inspire you with his story. If you will allow him, he will gladly sing a song of praise to the Lord in a way that will lift up your spirit, and that at times have left many in tears! Call Frank!
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