This is our last day to make a more impact for the Lord. Not all is in bible study and showing the Jesus film. We wanted to give all the construction workers and home workers along with the children and Josie’s Angels a pat on the back and encouragement. It is their hard work and dedication that allows the children to grow up in a Christian atmosphere.
We had a dinner at the children’s home for all. In the morning, we learned how to cook some Filipino food. We were able to thank all our Filipino friends for all they do for us and the care for the children they provide, with Jesus as the reason.
After dinner, we started to say our goodbyes to the very special people that make our efforts easier. Special hugs and prayers were shared for the grace of God to give them strength and loving hearts to keep on giving. We prayed for our safe travel back home and the hope we can communicate all that we experienced to our church family.
It was time to pack and get a few hours sleep before a four o’clock alarm. God gave us so many opportunities to serve His Kingdom.
See you at home,
Dave
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Wed, Oct 31, 2012
Yesterday, we prepared eighty bags of food consisting of rice, sardines and noodles, a staple of the Philippines. Today we brought these bags to the local birthing class where pregnant women of the community come for a bible study, health exam and help in the care of themselves and their new born. An important part of that is good food.
As we returned home, we were met by Rene, a former Children’s Home member. He had the opportunity to go back with family and took it. The outcome was not the ending he was looking for and he wished he was back at the home. Unfortunately, all legal papers were finalized and could not be changed. We pray that Rene will continue with school and keep Jesus in his heart.
We went to say good bye to Laling, a house keeper from previous years who is now semi-home bound. She cried to see we remembered her and prayed that we will return again. We then took a short trip to see the proposed new Josie’s Angels Home. It is large, secure and ideas to allow the girls to find themselves after a life of verbal, physical and sexual abuse.
The ladies of the J Salon were given some business by Brigitte and Nell. The few dollars they earned for a massage and hair styling meant that they now had money to buy food for their families.
While they did that, I went to see Errol again. He thanked me for the prior visit and the encouragement to turn to God for answers for his heart. I gave him my daily devotional book feel confident to call him a friend in Jesus.
We visited a elderly lady’s home to be shown that many do not have electricity or money to pay for it. This particular home was so dark in the middle of the day that you could see very little. We were told about it and started experimenting with different ideas. We were told about one solution that was just perfect for the need. We took liter plastic bottles, filled them water and bleach and put them through a hole in the roof. With sunlight outside, these bottles looked like light bulbs. Now others in the community want them. What a way to teach people about the love of Jesus.
In the afternoon, Carylyn provided an ice cream party for the children’s home and they loved it. That is something they rarely get.
After supper, we went to Faith Academy to watch a volleyball tournament. It was a night before a holiday and this tournament was made up of makeup teams so the quality of play was not quite Olympic quality but all had fun.
It was a busy day but very rewarding. We touched many people and showed them the love of Jesus.
Dave
As we returned home, we were met by Rene, a former Children’s Home member. He had the opportunity to go back with family and took it. The outcome was not the ending he was looking for and he wished he was back at the home. Unfortunately, all legal papers were finalized and could not be changed. We pray that Rene will continue with school and keep Jesus in his heart.
We went to say good bye to Laling, a house keeper from previous years who is now semi-home bound. She cried to see we remembered her and prayed that we will return again. We then took a short trip to see the proposed new Josie’s Angels Home. It is large, secure and ideas to allow the girls to find themselves after a life of verbal, physical and sexual abuse.
The ladies of the J Salon were given some business by Brigitte and Nell. The few dollars they earned for a massage and hair styling meant that they now had money to buy food for their families.
While they did that, I went to see Errol again. He thanked me for the prior visit and the encouragement to turn to God for answers for his heart. I gave him my daily devotional book feel confident to call him a friend in Jesus.
We visited a elderly lady’s home to be shown that many do not have electricity or money to pay for it. This particular home was so dark in the middle of the day that you could see very little. We were told about it and started experimenting with different ideas. We were told about one solution that was just perfect for the need. We took liter plastic bottles, filled them water and bleach and put them through a hole in the roof. With sunlight outside, these bottles looked like light bulbs. Now others in the community want them. What a way to teach people about the love of Jesus.
In the afternoon, Carylyn provided an ice cream party for the children’s home and they loved it. That is something they rarely get.
After supper, we went to Faith Academy to watch a volleyball tournament. It was a night before a holiday and this tournament was made up of makeup teams so the quality of play was not quite Olympic quality but all had fun.
It was a busy day but very rewarding. We touched many people and showed them the love of Jesus.
Dave
Tue, Oct 30, 2012
Time has gone by so fast and we are on our last leg of the mission trip. We started out on Tuesday by going to the Feeding at the canal in Mayalot. Well, I now know why it flooded, the homes were right on a canal even though the canal was about 10 to 12 feet deep if went over the wall. As we were walking the neighborhood we saw that the low land on the other side was still flooded and came up right under the homes. We drive through the area and call out feeding’s feeding’s and all the little kids and older women running out with their cup, saucer or plastic container and get fed. It is also a sight to see.
We packed up 80 bags of Sardines, Lucky Me (there a noodle) and 2 cups of rice for the women in the Birthing class. They come 4 times a week depending on their trimester. They come to a bible study and a medical checkup.
In the afternoon we went to a basketball game to cheer on Kirk one of the Long boys. This seems to be one of the things that we do here is support the Long team by going.
Than in the evening we went to Emily Miles and her ministry. You might remember Emily as she was in MN about 3 years ago. We had shown the Jesus film there the week before but, we only showed the kids version. So they had asked if we would come back and show them the adult version. Well, how can you say no, we also gave out snacks and juice after the 2 hour movie. Not only did we have kids, jung adults but we also had some of the mom’s there.
All in all it was a great day with lots of Blessings to all especially us.
The Team
We packed up 80 bags of Sardines, Lucky Me (there a noodle) and 2 cups of rice for the women in the Birthing class. They come 4 times a week depending on their trimester. They come to a bible study and a medical checkup.
In the afternoon we went to a basketball game to cheer on Kirk one of the Long boys. This seems to be one of the things that we do here is support the Long team by going.
Than in the evening we went to Emily Miles and her ministry. You might remember Emily as she was in MN about 3 years ago. We had shown the Jesus film there the week before but, we only showed the kids version. So they had asked if we would come back and show them the adult version. Well, how can you say no, we also gave out snacks and juice after the 2 hour movie. Not only did we have kids, jung adults but we also had some of the mom’s there.
All in all it was a great day with lots of Blessings to all especially us.
The Team
Mon, Oct 29, 2012
We are sorry for the delay in getting this to you but there is a group of 36 World Racers staying and they are overloading the internet server and you have to wait until all are asleep to get a connection.
Today we went to Tent City to feed and say good bye to those we have seen and those we already know. One good bye was to our special friend Joy. She is lovely little girl we met in 2010 when she was pregnant and living with mom. She now has a beautiful daughter and has enrolled in her second year of college. She has been our friend and helper whenever we go to tent city.
The unfortunate part of this visit was seeing the epidemic of scabies that has started. The only way to eliminate the problem is to get medication, clean and disinfect the house and keep everything clean. There is no formal agency that will do this so the hundreds of people living there seem doomed.
The afternoon was spent relaxing doing little things; Some shopping with the help, some book work to keep the accounting of the ministry straight and some video work. We also visit more of the local people just to let them know we remember them and their friendship.
After supper we headed to Josie’s Angels home to spend time with the girls. For a fun night we made banana splits. That is a treat these girls. We let them come to us instead of trying to force ourselves on them. Many of these girls have been abused so we treaded lightly.
Today we went to Tent City to feed and say good bye to those we have seen and those we already know. One good bye was to our special friend Joy. She is lovely little girl we met in 2010 when she was pregnant and living with mom. She now has a beautiful daughter and has enrolled in her second year of college. She has been our friend and helper whenever we go to tent city.
The unfortunate part of this visit was seeing the epidemic of scabies that has started. The only way to eliminate the problem is to get medication, clean and disinfect the house and keep everything clean. There is no formal agency that will do this so the hundreds of people living there seem doomed.
The afternoon was spent relaxing doing little things; Some shopping with the help, some book work to keep the accounting of the ministry straight and some video work. We also visit more of the local people just to let them know we remember them and their friendship.
After supper we headed to Josie’s Angels home to spend time with the girls. For a fun night we made banana splits. That is a treat these girls. We let them come to us instead of trying to force ourselves on them. Many of these girls have been abused so we treaded lightly.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday and Sunday Oct. 27 & 27
We got up at two AM to catch a plane to Mindanao. We arrived there safe and sound and proceeded
on a three hour drive to Mt. Moriah Bible Camp.
We had been visiting this camp since 2008 and had worked on some
construction there. When we arrived
…………………….WOW what a change.
Each of our previous visits have had additions. This time, we were just blown away. The bamboo buildings had been replaced with
and roofed basketball court that is used for play, seminars, Awana, feeding and
meetings. And next to that was being
constructed a cooking and dining hall the same size. We had also started working on a church our
last visit and that was completed and an addition was in the works.
As exciting as that was, meeting the believers who donate
their time to go on morning outreach trips, return to put on the Awana Program
and meet afterwards to worship. The
desire to serve Jesus just made their faces shine. Some of them had just recently given
themselves to the Lord and many were involved in campus and outreach ministries
at school.
We shared our testimonies with them so they could better
know us and then they shared with us. It
was a great time of seeing God work through His dedicated believers. Many of them have sacrificed jobs to
serve. Some have been shunned by their
families because they want to serve God.
Others have given so much more than I could imagine for the Lord. I can honestly say, it puts my faith to serve
in question.
We spent time with Glenn and Grace Ayala, the founders and
inspiration for the ministry. Their
belief that God will provide everything we need is the foundation of their
faith. The incredible stories God’s
faithfulness in making sure all the ministry needs are met inspire all who hear
them.
One such story was the Christmas program they put on last
year. Grace was planning for about eight
hundred adults and children based on the year before. She was getting a count as people
arrived. First there was four hundred,
then six hundred, then eight hundred, then one thousand and so on until nearly
two thousand, four hundred were there.
Now there was some real concern.
Chicken pieces were cut in half or thirds. Then more rice and noodles had to be
cooked. More trips to the store, if
there was money. The outcome was all
food and everyone went home with a small gift.
Yes there was worry but most of all, there was faith.
All that we saw and all that we heard and all that we shared
brought our faith in God to new heights for me. Faith can move mountains.
Thursday and Friday Oct. 25 & 26
We left early in the morning to head up north to the
province. To you foreigners, that’s
going to the country. We were heading to
visit Dave’s family for two days.
Brigitte was introduced to the province life and met many new friends.
As she would say, we went to a home to say hello and had
something to eat then went to another home to say hello and had something to
eat and so on and so on and so on. That
is the custom here.
We had some rain from the edge of a typhoon cell but it did
not affect us to much.
The visit was way to short but this was not the purpose of
our trip. We made it back home safely.
Wednesday Oct. 24,2012
Today started out with a visit to one of the water stations.
We had one of the elders of the station area telling us about how blessed they
feel to have water available to them without buying it from water trucks in the
street. Many of you know the story of
these people spending one third of their income for water. Our church now provides funds annually to
establish a new water station each year.
As these stations are installed, the ownership and control is given to
the community it serves. It is up to them
to control and pay the monthly usage charge.
This particular community decided to increase the price of water by a
few pesos and use the extra for needed improvements. The woman telling the story told us that
because of having the water station, they have been able to create a concrete
play area for the children, pup up light poles and lights for dark walkways and
pay for the electricity. All this while paying less for water than before and
all because water was brought to them.
As we returned to our LMC home, as we call it, we stopped at
the children’s home to visit with the workers.
They are so happy and excited that we remember them. What a blessing they are to the children.
It was 9:30 and time to leave to help with a feeding for
homeless and displaced families from the last typhoon. Some of the homes are still under water and
these people will need help for quite a while.
After returning home and having lunch, I had a chance to visit Errol. He was a teacher at one of the local
school. Because of errors of his
actions, he was released from teaching.
His heart was heavy and hurting.
We talked about love and forgiveness and that God is the only judge. After sharing, we prayed and he was
encouraged to seek God and accept the consequences of his actions.
We next went shopping for items we needed. After each showing of the Jesus film, we give
those present a gift of an apple and cookies.
It is a treat for them. We also
went to the grave of a boy named Michael.
His mother’s name is Malou and she does the cooking and takes care of
any need we have.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Jazz Home and CCC School
October 22nd Philippines, Jazz home
Nellie and I went to the Jazz home, it stands for Josie’s Angel’s Zone. These 29 young girls range from 8 to 17/18. We stared out with a pizza party for them and then painted t-shirts that we had brought along with fabric paint. They had never done anything like this and WOW, what great creations came from them. Many put on bible verses, some were very simple and some were over the top busy with scenery words and there name’s.
Brigitte
October 23rd, Philippines, CCC School
We stared out our day by getting ready to show the Jesus film to the young moms off the Quatro community. One of the new ministries her that was started not too long ago by the nurses is a maternity ministry. This will help them to be more proactive and have healthier baby’s so that they have a better chance in life.
It seems there are always new ministries that pop up through the K.I.M. organization. There are so many people that need help, all you have to do is turn around and there are more.
At 2 pm Emily Miles (some of you might know her) picked us up to go to the bank and to the store for more snack’ and juice as we were to show the Jesus film in her community. It was a great night being with her, her team and the lord in our presence.
The Philippine Mission Team
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, Oct.22, 2012
Monday, Oct.22
Well, we made it. It seems the hardest part of the trip, so far, is getting the blog sight to work. After analysis, and the help of Joel Johnson, we are up and running. My prayer is we can keep it going.
The trip was fine but< just like as always, long. We arrived at 10:30 PM on Friday, that is, 11:30 AM your time the day before. We were welcomed by Jeff Long and His Wife Colene. It is nice to see a friendly face and not have to worry how we will survive.
Saturday we renewed old friendships and met new people. As life goes, we have lost friends to this world but can rejoice in knowing we will see them again in heaven. We found that more people remember us than we thought. We pray that we can influence them for Jesus. What a blessing to already have that connection. We met with the pastors of the two churches and arranged a schedule to show the children and adults of the area the Jesus film and the children's version. We went shopping for snacks and fruit to hand out at the showings.
Sunday arrived and it was off to church. We went to the services at both services and praised the Lord with old and new friends. The people were thankful for our attendance and were looking forward to more interaction. After a quick breakfast, we prepared for the children showing. Like a boy scout, we had to be prepared. We were ready to show the film and the computer projector did not work. A quick run back to our place and a new laptop was ready. Of course, I did not know how to set it up. Again God was faithful and provided the pastors son who is a techy and fixed to up. We had 130 children watching the movie and like children, all was chaos. It was surprising to see that at scourging and crucifixion, all the children were quiet and focused on the story. Later, we showed the adult version to about 100 people and after both showing provided a small snack of fruit and cookies. As we walked back to ' home' all we wanted was sleep.
Now, today is Monday and we are getting ready for another busy day. Please pray for the people of the Philippines and their need, both in this world and their salvation for the next.
For the team, God Bless
Dave
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday in the Philippines
Thursday, November 4th
I know it has been several days since we blogged, we did not have access to the internet and so it goes in Manila one never knows.
Here are some of our highlights from the last 3 days. Our day always starts with reflection and prayer, breakfast, recapping and planning out the fine details for the day.
Tuesday the Women went to the beach with Josie Longs here girls 23 of them call themselves Josie’s Angels. Josie also has her team of about 6 Ladies that work in the beauty salon they and their family came with us as well. The ride to the beach was about 4 hour one way, we left the house at 4 AM. All in all there were about 70 some people that went; Josie had rented a bus to take them all. We rode in the car with Josie and riding along in traffic in Manila or anywhere else is always interesting. It was amazing to us to see the reaction of the family’s and the kids to see the ocean for the first time. Josie is an amazing young Woman of 23.
The Men had a good day fellowshipping with other men and setting up VBS for the next day.
Yesterday Wednesday was spend going to Tent city with food and medicine, had a VBS for about 120 kids, spent time with the children from the Children’s home and the big kids as well.
All in all we from the team have had an amazing time and are said to have it come to a end.
Brigitte
I know it has been several days since we blogged, we did not have access to the internet and so it goes in Manila one never knows.
Here are some of our highlights from the last 3 days. Our day always starts with reflection and prayer, breakfast, recapping and planning out the fine details for the day.
Tuesday the Women went to the beach with Josie Longs here girls 23 of them call themselves Josie’s Angels. Josie also has her team of about 6 Ladies that work in the beauty salon they and their family came with us as well. The ride to the beach was about 4 hour one way, we left the house at 4 AM. All in all there were about 70 some people that went; Josie had rented a bus to take them all. We rode in the car with Josie and riding along in traffic in Manila or anywhere else is always interesting. It was amazing to us to see the reaction of the family’s and the kids to see the ocean for the first time. Josie is an amazing young Woman of 23.
The Men had a good day fellowshipping with other men and setting up VBS for the next day.
Yesterday Wednesday was spend going to Tent city with food and medicine, had a VBS for about 120 kids, spent time with the children from the Children’s home and the big kids as well.
All in all we from the team have had an amazing time and are said to have it come to a end.
Brigitte
Friday, October 29, 2010
Manila - October 29
Alive and well, well almost. We have had two sick people for two days but thankfully, God has brought them back to the better side of OK.
What is going on here? Well, the men have just had a time of worship with the workers of the children's. These were all men and they asked questions such as how can I pray when I have no food for my family. Can you imagine what an starter question that was.
The women are having a bible study with some of the of the community as this is being typed. This was the first they have been able to meet with the women and we are anxious to find out how it went.
We can here thinking we wanted to start programs like this but found out the real servants of God here had already started so we plugged ourselves into their program and helped. At times, we were the leaders and struggled some with the language but all went well.
We have been involved with the feeding of the victims of last years typhoon. Some are homeless and some have no jobs. this morning, we went to a tent city that was set up in an area where no one will see them. The people were glad to see us and some were moving to government housing set up next to the tents. These are one room houses with dirt floors and limited amenities. No bathrooms, no electricity, no water and dirt floors, yet the people are happy they have a place to live.
With each feeding trip, a nurse comes to along to treat the sick and hurting. Today, some of the people asked if we could help a little boy who was dehydrated and under nourished. We had the nurse look at him as we are not medical people. Her evaluation was the was suffering from parasites, most likely tape worms. We were not equipped to handle that but will follow up with our next visit. Stories like this are everywhere.
With every opportunity to serve God here, I am amazed at how much we and the donated help from our church is remembered. People of the community seem never to forget us and the children especially remember. They ask about Lolo(grandpa) Mack, Tita(aunt)Cindy, Ate(sister) Brooke and Ate Megan. A hug and a smile means so to them. The gifts of the heart are some of the most precious.
Last night, was a first for us. The men spent and evening meal in the homes of men of the community. The men are Philippine workers of Kids International Ministries. They have very limited income and in most cases, could not afford to feed another mouth. Soooooo we came up with an idea. We meet the men and take them to a local fast food place. We allow them to order what ever they would like for their families. We then take the food to their homes and spend the meal with them. So far, Jollie Bee is the favorite place. This is a glorified McDonalds with chicken and spaghetti on their menu. We may never want to see another hamburger joint again as we have another five nights of this ahead. It is such a blessing to spend this time with them and their families. They wish to show you their families and their homes. The custom here to to always feed a visitor. We would feel very uncomfortable to let them do this when they have so little and we are so honored they allow us to provide.
Please keep us in your prayers. We see so much need and would like to fix it all. Also pray for the spiritual needs of the people. We see God working in parts of the community but there is much spiritual work to be done. Pray that God opens more hearts to His word and that those already saved can impact the others of the community.
That's all for now. We are getting ready to go feed some more.
God Bless us all,
Dave
What is going on here? Well, the men have just had a time of worship with the workers of the children's. These were all men and they asked questions such as how can I pray when I have no food for my family. Can you imagine what an starter question that was.
The women are having a bible study with some of the of the community as this is being typed. This was the first they have been able to meet with the women and we are anxious to find out how it went.
We can here thinking we wanted to start programs like this but found out the real servants of God here had already started so we plugged ourselves into their program and helped. At times, we were the leaders and struggled some with the language but all went well.
We have been involved with the feeding of the victims of last years typhoon. Some are homeless and some have no jobs. this morning, we went to a tent city that was set up in an area where no one will see them. The people were glad to see us and some were moving to government housing set up next to the tents. These are one room houses with dirt floors and limited amenities. No bathrooms, no electricity, no water and dirt floors, yet the people are happy they have a place to live.
With each feeding trip, a nurse comes to along to treat the sick and hurting. Today, some of the people asked if we could help a little boy who was dehydrated and under nourished. We had the nurse look at him as we are not medical people. Her evaluation was the was suffering from parasites, most likely tape worms. We were not equipped to handle that but will follow up with our next visit. Stories like this are everywhere.
With every opportunity to serve God here, I am amazed at how much we and the donated help from our church is remembered. People of the community seem never to forget us and the children especially remember. They ask about Lolo(grandpa) Mack, Tita(aunt)Cindy, Ate(sister) Brooke and Ate Megan. A hug and a smile means so to them. The gifts of the heart are some of the most precious.
Last night, was a first for us. The men spent and evening meal in the homes of men of the community. The men are Philippine workers of Kids International Ministries. They have very limited income and in most cases, could not afford to feed another mouth. Soooooo we came up with an idea. We meet the men and take them to a local fast food place. We allow them to order what ever they would like for their families. We then take the food to their homes and spend the meal with them. So far, Jollie Bee is the favorite place. This is a glorified McDonalds with chicken and spaghetti on their menu. We may never want to see another hamburger joint again as we have another five nights of this ahead. It is such a blessing to spend this time with them and their families. They wish to show you their families and their homes. The custom here to to always feed a visitor. We would feel very uncomfortable to let them do this when they have so little and we are so honored they allow us to provide.
Please keep us in your prayers. We see so much need and would like to fix it all. Also pray for the spiritual needs of the people. We see God working in parts of the community but there is much spiritual work to be done. Pray that God opens more hearts to His word and that those already saved can impact the others of the community.
That's all for now. We are getting ready to go feed some more.
God Bless us all,
Dave
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Feeding His Starving Children in the Philippines
Today is Tuesday and we had the most amazing day.
After breakfast, some of us went to the TayTay market to purchase some snacks to give away for after the bible study that we had planned with the kids at the Arthur center. The Arthur center was one of the first projects that we helped build the first time we came to the Philippines in 2006. Today we had about 110 kids that came to listen to the bible story and play games. As always the water balloons were the most favorite of all.
Before we started the event, Pastor Better took us for a walk to gather up the kids and the kids started to follow us to the street where the chairs had been set up for the bible study. From there we rushed back to the house to pick up food that had been prepared. The food came from MN from an organization called Feed My Starving Children.
This experience was the most amazing thing, we took the food to a location that the team went to last year when the typhoon hit Manila. The children came with their cups, bowls, glasses or whatever they could find to get some food. This is an area that you can’t even imagine. The group that went last year shared with us that all that we were walking through was under water last year.
Please pray that we will have enough food to do it again tomorrow.
Brigitte for all of us
After breakfast, some of us went to the TayTay market to purchase some snacks to give away for after the bible study that we had planned with the kids at the Arthur center. The Arthur center was one of the first projects that we helped build the first time we came to the Philippines in 2006. Today we had about 110 kids that came to listen to the bible story and play games. As always the water balloons were the most favorite of all.
Before we started the event, Pastor Better took us for a walk to gather up the kids and the kids started to follow us to the street where the chairs had been set up for the bible study. From there we rushed back to the house to pick up food that had been prepared. The food came from MN from an organization called Feed My Starving Children.
This experience was the most amazing thing, we took the food to a location that the team went to last year when the typhoon hit Manila. The children came with their cups, bowls, glasses or whatever they could find to get some food. This is an area that you can’t even imagine. The group that went last year shared with us that all that we were walking through was under water last year.
Please pray that we will have enough food to do it again tomorrow.
Brigitte for all of us
Sunday, October 24, 2010
A Full Sunday in Mindanao
Hi all -
Sunday started off with visiting the local Mt. Moriah church, and Kevin and Tom were asked to share their testimonies, which we did, and then after a wonderful time of singing and sharing, we were able to hear from the heart of their local pastor Larry.
After a good lunch of Lechon Manok (Roast Chicken), Dave, Tom and Kevin accompanied a few young men from the church to visit the local jail. We each shared with a different group of prisoners in English and had our Filipino partner translate into Visayan. It was amazing to see the conditions that prisoners live in....50 men in one cell that would probably only hold 4-6 men in the equivalent size in America. The men sang worship songs they had been learning (14 had been recently baptized) and they were so happy to have us visit and share from the Bible with them.
Finished up the evening in town with friends enjoying the Filipino dessert known as Halo-Halo (translated Mix-Mix) which is a mixture of many tastes and textures that you can't imagine. Tasty for those who are adventurous! :-)
Tomorrow we will be heading back to Manila to begin our work in the Cuatro community.
Kevin (for all of us) -- in the coming days others will post.
Sunday started off with visiting the local Mt. Moriah church, and Kevin and Tom were asked to share their testimonies, which we did, and then after a wonderful time of singing and sharing, we were able to hear from the heart of their local pastor Larry.
After a good lunch of Lechon Manok (Roast Chicken), Dave, Tom and Kevin accompanied a few young men from the church to visit the local jail. We each shared with a different group of prisoners in English and had our Filipino partner translate into Visayan. It was amazing to see the conditions that prisoners live in....50 men in one cell that would probably only hold 4-6 men in the equivalent size in America. The men sang worship songs they had been learning (14 had been recently baptized) and they were so happy to have us visit and share from the Bible with them.
Finished up the evening in town with friends enjoying the Filipino dessert known as Halo-Halo (translated Mix-Mix) which is a mixture of many tastes and textures that you can't imagine. Tasty for those who are adventurous! :-)
Tomorrow we will be heading back to Manila to begin our work in the Cuatro community.
Kevin (for all of us) -- in the coming days others will post.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Travel Fiasco is over - time to get to work!
Well, we all made it. Some of us (Kevin in particular) delayed by almost 20 hours along the way and got to enjoy Japan longer than intended....so it was a 3.5 hour drive through Manila traffic, say hello to friends and the older kids (they say hi to you Super Lolo!) and then catch 3 hours of sleep before heading back to the airport to pick up Tom and Brigitte and catch our flight to Mindanao.
Writing this as we have our 6:30AM breakfast at McDonalds on our way to Malabalay for a few days working with the childrens home and Mt. Moriah camp where they hold Saturday feeding and VBS type programming....some rumors about us doing some construction project with bamboo today (building a chapel?) but we will see what the day holds -- it will be a full day no doubt!
We will write again as we have time and access....keep us in your prayers that all will be accomplished.
God Bless -
Kevin (on behalf of the North Haven Philippines team)
Writing this as we have our 6:30AM breakfast at McDonalds on our way to Malabalay for a few days working with the childrens home and Mt. Moriah camp where they hold Saturday feeding and VBS type programming....some rumors about us doing some construction project with bamboo today (building a chapel?) but we will see what the day holds -- it will be a full day no doubt!
We will write again as we have time and access....keep us in your prayers that all will be accomplished.
God Bless -
Kevin (on behalf of the North Haven Philippines team)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
For those of you wondering about typhoon Megi (Juan) and team members already in the Philippines.....
Posting the message below from Dave & Nellie....also, Carylyn Fetalvo emailed to say all is well with her.
I'm leaving for the Philippines today (from Denver), and Tom Ferch and Brigitte McConnell leave from MSP tomorrow.
Kevin Mattson
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi everyone,
WE are safe and mostly dry. We were on the edge of the typhoon area and had nearly our days of wind and rain. Some of the roads were flooded but we were able to get through.
Heaing to Mindano tomorrow. It is presently 6:10PM on Wednesday. Hope and pray you all have a safe trip and will see you in Malaybalay.
God Bless,
Dave and Nell
I'm leaving for the Philippines today (from Denver), and Tom Ferch and Brigitte McConnell leave from MSP tomorrow.
Kevin Mattson
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi everyone,
WE are safe and mostly dry. We were on the edge of the typhoon area and had nearly our days of wind and rain. Some of the roads were flooded but we were able to get through.
Heaing to Mindano tomorrow. It is presently 6:10PM on Wednesday. Hope and pray you all have a safe trip and will see you in Malaybalay.
God Bless,
Dave and Nell
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
We are heading home soon.
Blogging in new to this old man. As you can tell, I can't even type to good.
We just returned from a visit to the chilren's home and camp that we were at last trip. This is located on another island called Mindanao. We got up at 2;00 AM, got to the airport for a 4:15 flight, arrived on the new island at 5:30 then had a two hour car ride up the mountains to the camp. What a difference a year makes. The first home is up and running with 25 children and some great home parents.
We were able to join in on a saturday day camp that Grace abd Glenn have every weekend. What a blessing for 80 to 150 children to learn about Jesus, play without fear and be fed both the word of God and food for nourishment. Some of these children are so hungary that they come back for seconds and thirds.
We got to meet new friends in Christ and see the love they have for the Lord in serving these children. Their faith is strong and unwavering. They know that though they have limited means, god will provide.....and He does.
We shared some time with the staff of Malaybalay and after quick nop, got up a 2:00 AM for a two hour ride and another flight back to Manila in time to attend a church service in Cuatro.
WE are packing to return home tomorrow morning. We have had our emotions riding a rollercoaster. We had the excitement of serving the people of the Philippines. We had the sorrow of seeing those effected by the flooding and the strength the Filipinos have to keep going. We have shared God with the community. We have seen the family of Jesus growing in Mindano. We have had tears of the needy and one night we started laughing at eachother so much we were in also in tears. I think we need that to be able to put back into focus all the we have experienced.
WE are excited to be returning home. We also see the longterm needs for the hurting. Please keeping praying, that these people will be blessed with the grace of God and that the caregivers never loose the desire to serve.
We came to serve and we have. We have served the needy and, just as important, we have served those who serve.
Together with your prayers, support and encouragement, we have all served our God and His Kingdom.
See you and Home,
Dave
We just returned from a visit to the chilren's home and camp that we were at last trip. This is located on another island called Mindanao. We got up at 2;00 AM, got to the airport for a 4:15 flight, arrived on the new island at 5:30 then had a two hour car ride up the mountains to the camp. What a difference a year makes. The first home is up and running with 25 children and some great home parents.
We were able to join in on a saturday day camp that Grace abd Glenn have every weekend. What a blessing for 80 to 150 children to learn about Jesus, play without fear and be fed both the word of God and food for nourishment. Some of these children are so hungary that they come back for seconds and thirds.
We got to meet new friends in Christ and see the love they have for the Lord in serving these children. Their faith is strong and unwavering. They know that though they have limited means, god will provide.....and He does.
We shared some time with the staff of Malaybalay and after quick nop, got up a 2:00 AM for a two hour ride and another flight back to Manila in time to attend a church service in Cuatro.
WE are packing to return home tomorrow morning. We have had our emotions riding a rollercoaster. We had the excitement of serving the people of the Philippines. We had the sorrow of seeing those effected by the flooding and the strength the Filipinos have to keep going. We have shared God with the community. We have seen the family of Jesus growing in Mindano. We have had tears of the needy and one night we started laughing at eachother so much we were in also in tears. I think we need that to be able to put back into focus all the we have experienced.
WE are excited to be returning home. We also see the longterm needs for the hurting. Please keeping praying, that these people will be blessed with the grace of God and that the caregivers never loose the desire to serve.
We came to serve and we have. We have served the needy and, just as important, we have served those who serve.
Together with your prayers, support and encouragement, we have all served our God and His Kingdom.
See you and Home,
Dave
Friday, November 6, 2009
Our Final Whirlwind Tour before heading home...
Magandang Hapon (Good Afternoon) -
We just returned from a visit to the Arthur Center between our regular morning and afternoon relief feedings. Such a blessing to visit with Pastor Better Labuca and Daniel Bucher again and see the impact that is being felt even now from our first visit to the Philippines back in 2006!
Also had a chance to go over and visit with Jimuel and his mother Helen -- Jimuel you may recall was the baby boy who was assisted through connections we made with the Arthur Center to receive surgery to resolve major disfigurement of his face. What a joy to hear him talking and see him smiling the biggest of smiles!
In the early hours of the morning we leave for a 1 day trip down to Mindanao to visit our friends at the Malaybalay Children's Home and Mt. Moriah camp. Some of you may remember the inspirational story from Ate (Big Sister) Grace Ayala of how the Camp and Children's Home down there were made possible.....upon our return to Manila, we will go to church, spend time with the kids at the Children's Home and then get ready for the long trip home.
Thanks for all your support. Continue your prayers for us -- we will post another blog if we get the chance, but the schedule between now and the end of the trip may not allow it.
For all of us - Kevin
We just returned from a visit to the Arthur Center between our regular morning and afternoon relief feedings. Such a blessing to visit with Pastor Better Labuca and Daniel Bucher again and see the impact that is being felt even now from our first visit to the Philippines back in 2006!
Also had a chance to go over and visit with Jimuel and his mother Helen -- Jimuel you may recall was the baby boy who was assisted through connections we made with the Arthur Center to receive surgery to resolve major disfigurement of his face. What a joy to hear him talking and see him smiling the biggest of smiles!
In the early hours of the morning we leave for a 1 day trip down to Mindanao to visit our friends at the Malaybalay Children's Home and Mt. Moriah camp. Some of you may remember the inspirational story from Ate (Big Sister) Grace Ayala of how the Camp and Children's Home down there were made possible.....upon our return to Manila, we will go to church, spend time with the kids at the Children's Home and then get ready for the long trip home.
Thanks for all your support. Continue your prayers for us -- we will post another blog if we get the chance, but the schedule between now and the end of the trip may not allow it.
For all of us - Kevin
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