My name is Pedro, which I got from my father, who was Pedro, Senior. Of course, Pedro is the Spanish (also Filipino) for the English Peter, the Latin Petrus, the Italian Pietro, the French Pierre, and the Russian Pitr or Petr. In more cases than one, I have vivid memories of incidences early and later in my 80+-some years of life where I experienced some divine intervention like what happened to Jesus Christ’s chief apostle Simon Peter, as recorded in Matthew 14:22-33 (NKJV, throughout):
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitude away. And when He had sent the multitude away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.
Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea [Lake of Galilee or Gennesaret], tossed by the waves, for the wind was contraryNow in the fourth watch of the night [about 10:00 pm] Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
So He said, “Come!” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the sea to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him,
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
The impulsive Peter was gung-ho about walking on water as Jesus miraculously did. But his faith faded as soon as he observed the boisterous wind [and the tempestuous waves too]. Then he began to sink, and cried out to Jesus to help. Instantly Jesus saved him, but not without a loving rebuke.
My own Peter-like experience happened when I was about 5 or 6 years old. No, I didn’t walk on water! Rather, this is what happened.
Growing up in a Protestant family, I enjoyed not only the fellowship and Sunday school of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Cagayan de Oro City (CdO) on the southern island of Mindanao. I had lived there since 1946 up till I graduated from college. I have since lived around far-away Metro Manila, on the country’s largest northern island Luzon.
So then, it was a church outing, where I went along with my family and many church friends. The place chosen was a seaside beach in a barangay or barrio called Baloy. As I was to find out, the beach there was very much unlike that of a barrio closer from home, Lapasan, where the sandy beach extended to over 50 meters from the shore, and we kids could merrily wade and romp in water from leg-deep to waist-deep. On the other hand, Baloy beach was what Visayans would call “cantilado” – cantilevered. From the shore or bank the seawater suddenly dropped off to a depth anywhere from chest-deep to well above the head.
I don’t know why our church leaders had chosen Baloy over other beaches. They should have known the peril its beach presented to young children and non-swimmers, like I was then. They, apparently, had not considered it and did not post lifeguards in case anyone came into trouble with the sea.
So, there I was, a no-swimmer – like the proverbial Clementine’s lover – daring to go it alone into the Baloy waters. My family members and others were seemingly too engrossed in their own activities to notice me. Totally clueless about the nature of Baloy beach being unlike that of Lapasan, which I frequented as a kid, I jumped into the water. Alas, to my great shock, my feet did not land on sand! Instead, I sank deep until the water was well above my head! I panicked and was flailing, and I swallowed quite a bit of seawater! I felt like I was going to drown and die. Immediately I thought a loud cry (no voice, with water in my mouth), “God, save me!”
I am sure God heard my unvoiced cry for help [what an awesome God we have!], and He quickly sent a strong wave! It pushed me close to shore, and I clambered up and out to safety.
Such a child’s prayer of faith was to be exercised shortly later. I was still in elementary grade when, for the first time, I heard the alarming news that a fire was raging in the heart of the then town. Though our rented home was quite some distance, it was close enough for us to see the threatening flame and billowing smoke. I suddenly tugged at my younger sister and brother, and told them, “Let’s pray!” We went down on our knees and, with a child’s true faith, I prayed to God to save us from the fire.
After a few minutes, we saw that the fire had been put out, thanks to the Municipal Fire Department’s quick response. And, of course, thanks to God’s response to our simple prayer!
I guess, the moral here is for government officials or private owners to be careful to post signs or notices about possible dangers in places like Baloy beach. And they should provide lifeguards on the watch for possible accidents, and trained first-aiders and emergency facilities. And parents, too – keep a watchful eye on your kids! And to kids, and even older children, consider going with a swimming buddy who can help you in case of trouble in the water (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
But, in any case, let’s never forget to call the best “911 rescue center” – the heavens, where the living and Almighty God and Savior is ever ready, willing and able to send timely help to those who cry out earnestly and humbly to Him! Hallelujah, Amen!
Pedro R. Meléndez, Jr.
19062025/02082025