HERO SERIES: MUELMAR MAGALLANES

THE HERO SERIES
MUELMAR MAGALLANES
1991-2009

Muelmar and his siblings grew up in the Philippines in a very poor family. His family migrated to Manila to pursue a better life where his father worked as a carpenter to support his family. Because of the need for income, Muelmar was forced to quit school and work under his father as an apprentice. In spite of their tough circumstances, he was a fun-loving boy who enjoyed teasing his sister and playing with his nieces and nephews.

On September 26, 2009, a tropical storm named Ondoy hit the Philippines bringing the worst rains seen in 40 years. As the waters quickly rose and flooded the city, panic stricken citizens called for help, desperate to be rescued from rooftops and other structures. One of the heroes that came to the rescue was an 18 year old, shy carpenter named Muelmar. 

Muelmar, an excellent swimmer, went to work evacuating his family from the torrential waters. Back and forth he navigated the waters until they were all brought to safety. Then, he began rescuing trapped neighbors – 30 in all – bringing them all to higher ground. Finally, he swam back to rescue a mother and baby who were stranded. Just when the mother thought things were hopeless, Muelmar grabbed her and her baby and brought them to safety on a crudely constructed raft. Then, utterly fatigued from his efforts, Muelmar disappeared into the raging waters. 

His lifeless body was later found and many came to his funeral to pay their respects and thank this young hero for his sacrifice.  His valiant story went worldwide and Time Magazine included him in their list of Top Ten Heroes in 2009. In his short 18 years, this young carpenter from a poor family made an unforgettable difference in the lives he touched.

What makes a man like Muelmar sacrifice his life so that others may live? He loves. He really loves.  He doesn’t only love those who love him back or those that are able to pay him back in some way. A man like Muelmar doesn’t only love when it is convenient or when things are going well. He loves always. He loves fully. He loves sacrificially. A love like his resembles the way Christ loves the Church. 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

JOHN 15:13

When a man has Christlike love, he loves fully and unconditionally without regard to safety or expectation of repayment. His love for others supersedes his need for comfort. While it’s true he would die for his family, it also means that he practices the less glamorous, day-to-day sacrifice. He puts his family’s needs before his own. Their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing are his priority. He intentionally makes their home a place where they feel safe and wanted. 

Muelmar is an excellent example of what a hero who loves looks like. When a man loves his family and others around him this way, he will make a difference in their lives the way Meulmar did in those he touched. 

CHALLENGE

Do you find it hard to give up your plans, opportunities, or even a daily routine for others? Sacrificing our comfort is one of the best ways to show our love for those around us. Be on the lookout for your next opportunity to sacrifice for someone you love.

SCRIPTURES

Romans 5:7-8
John 15:13