While all talks surrounding Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao are on his upcoming fight with rival Floyd Mayweather on May, news about his current church project came as a refreshing change and the boxing phenomenon has decided to name it "The Word for Everyone."
Pacquiao, 36 will be building his first church, school and community centre in his hometown in General Santos City, Philippines. It will be 5.7 acres big, replete with a two-storey church building with a Bible school annex, pastor's lounge, and even commercial offices. He is set to complete his $6.7 million project 18 months from now, Philboxing.com revealed.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held this February, Pacquiao said that he named the new church The Word for Everyone because he wants everybody to be influenced the same way God influenced his life.
"The Word of God strengthens my faith and protects me from evil," he said. "That's why I always read the Bible."
With all the success and fame he has obtained - be it in sports, politics, and even show business -Pacquiao said that it would be nothing without God and that is why he is dedicating a legacy of faith for his Saviour.
"I owe everything to God. I have to give it back to Him. The amount is nothing compared to what God has done to my life," Pacquiao said. "I want to leave behind a legacy of faith and a House of God. This is more self-fulfilling than my achievements in boxing and politics."
Pacquiao hopes that The Word for Everyone will be able to help transform the lives of his countrymen. He hopes that the brand new community centre will serve as a safe haven for all Christians, and hopefully address the city's poverty issues by feeding the poor. Through it, Pacquiao also hopes to teach and inspire Filipino children about God's love.
