We travel today,
fanning out across this vast
archipelago.
All praying to God
for free and fair elections
in the Philippines.
Filipinos smile,
masking fears of violence,
coercion and fraud.
Hoping for the best,
these strong, determined people
will go to the polls.
Exercise their right
to self-determination,
one person, one vote.
May all their votes count
for a more just Philippines,
a more peaceful world.
Roger is a Peoples’ International Observers Mission Delegate and the pastor of Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, MD. His prayer is reprinted with permission.