Offer them Christ - Philippines Mission

Mission continues

2009-06-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

We are indeed all back to our "routines" in the fine country of East Tennessee now. But wait, there's more.

We went to Cebu with ideas about rescuing kids. We didn't do that in the literal sense. Instead, we followed God's plan for us and what a plan it was! From the relationships formed at youth camp, to the orphanage, to the dumpsite, to the prayer journey down the coast, it seems like a whirlwind week where God kept revealing Himself in what seemed like the least-likely places. Isn't that just like The Big Guy?

We found a wonderful agency in The Lord Who Cares Foundation (our hosts) that is dedicated to educating the teens from the challenging circumstances of poverty so that they have career choices in legitimate service industries. We pray the school year is started well now and that their dreams and direction for a new school facility finds the underwriting it needs.

We found something amiss, however. When a child has been abandoned or orphaned, there are few places that child can go....not enough for the need. Our hearts are guided to help the least of these. We found a vice Mayor who seems prepared to remove all barriers to our continuing to follow God and to begin a foundation that will provide relief, if even for a few children in need. So keep in touch for "The Mission: Continued." Things may change as the official papers are finalized, but for now we are calling the foundation WHY (Wesley Home for Youth) and as you can imagine, the many WHYs of poverty will try to be answered.

Soon to be remodeled:
a possible home for the children

Thanks to all who have followed this Web Log (Blog) and to those who have supported our mission...at least the first part of it. We'll keep you posted on WHY and redirect you to its website when the site is live.

God bless.

Monday

2009-06-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Monday is our last day of work here in Cebu and this is the last post while on project. This morning a team again visited the dumpsite with the intention to meet 12 teenage mothers and their infants and (teach them how to) bathe and care for the babies in a healthy way. We took clothing, soap, shampoo, and first aid supplies.

We served nearly 50 children; essentially until we ran out of clothing and supplies. The need is still so great that we always leave wanting to have done more than we are capable.

This afternoon we have scheduled a Despidida with our hosts as a sort of debriefing and a celebration of our work here. Mitch, Sheryl, and Linda will depart Cebu this evening; Steve, Lynn, Melinda, David, Gini, Chuck, Gail, and Jonathan will depart at dawn on Tuesday. Dustin will remain for a few additional days.

We are all of the heart that this ministry with which we have partnered must continue in our prayers and support and that additional work must be done in cooperation with the local government as they make plans to close this dumpsite and relocate the families and orphans living there.

Sunday

2009-06-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

Following worship service this morning, we returned to the dumpsite community of Umapad and distributed food staples to several families, slippers (we call them flip-flops) to children in need of shoes, candy, and some athletic jerseys to a group of young men playing basketball. These acts of kindness are bittersweet indeed. The people are very needy yet we can provide so little. It becomes more and more clear that a sustainable ministry to help break the cycle of poverty continues to be a primary need.

Gail:

Well we went to the dump today.The children were all glad to see us as they were the first day we arrived. It was decided by all of us that what a few families needed most was food,which we brought today. Tomorrow we will be teaching teenage Moms about keeping their children clean and healthy. We will be giving each toddler or infant a set of clothes,shoes,towel and washcloth. Hopefully we can help improve the health of a few of these children. We can only try. It has been difficult knowing where to start because so much is needed. I want to thank everyone so much for all the donations that includes prayers and encouragement. You are a wonderful church;I was drawn to FUMC because of the love and caring I felt at FUMC. I pray that GOD will bless each and every one of you for helping us make a difference.

Melinda:

My experience in the dump today was heartache and joy. My heart ached for these babies because of the filth they live in, because they are so very dirty and they have sores on their bodies and no shoes on their feet. They barely have clothes on and the babies never have on a diaper. They are so neglected. Little tiny kids roam around the dump doing whatever they want. Walking on glass and filth. The smell is horrendous. No child should live this way. It breaks my heart so much. The joy I felt is because, even though these kids live the horrible way they do, they are wonderful to be around. They make me smile and laugh. They inspire me to want to do and be better. It's amazing to see the little kids taking care of the babies. They take care of eachother. Today a little girl who is 10 attached herself to me. She followed me everywhere I went and then she started to hold my hand and didn't want to let it go, and I didnt want her to let it go. She worried about me when we were in the road and a car was coming. She scooted me out of the road. When i bent down and my backpack was touching the ground, she worried about that too. I gave out some food and a few pair of shoes and 6 bracelets today. Its wonderful to give these things and the kids love it, but it's not enough. It's short term. Something more needs to be done to help these beautiful kids. They have so much love to give, if someone would just give them a chance. God wants "us" to take care of his children.

Lets all do a little something to help and our world will be a better place.

Saturday & Sunday morning

2009-06-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday began in a beautiful setting beachside at Boljoon (pronounced something like "bowl hoe on"). A few snorkeled and swam and just enjoyed God's beautiful architecture and breeze.

In the afternoon we split in 3 groups, some going shopping for Sunday's outreach and several folks meeting with the Vice Mayor of Mandaue City.

The meeting with Vice Mayor Carlos Fortuna went very well! God moved in a might way during Our time together. Lynn, Dustin and Mitch, listened as the Government official shared the struggles and hopes of the Filipino People. We offered our help; to partner with him in reaching, nurturing and rescuing the street children. It was agreed that we would form a working relationship that would involve concentration on three fronts: nurture, education and healthcare. A facility is being located and offered to house (in the beginning) 12 street kids / orphans. This will provide long term success instead of short term "bandaid". We will seek local employees to cook and care for the children. The Government will provide free public school and community health care for each child. All of the government "red tape" will be bypassed and our efforts will be streamlined to the front. We will meet again for a field survey with the street kids and the available facilities. We should know by the end of the week the names of the children which can be rescued and have a better idea of the operational side. We figure that our monthly financial costs for EVERYTHING will be about $1,800.00 in American dollars. We are seeking the support and strength from the United Methodist Church here in Cebu. We must think of what to call this ministry: Lynn suggested - WHO - Wesley House Orphanage or WHY - Wesley home for Youth. How exciting. The obivious answer to who is US. Please begin to pray for God's provision through us. God is moving in a mighty way here in the Philippines and in the hearts of his believers. May the American Christians and the church, rise to pray for and seek God's Will in this process. This is the most amazing movement of God that any of us have ever seen - we can't wait to see what the Lord will do!

It is Sunday morning here in Cebu and we are rejoicing with the small steps we have made and the things God is doing through our hands. One final note -- several of our "guys" decided to purchase a Filipino dress shirt called a barong. Here is a picture of them in it doing the "gangsta" poses they learned from the children at the dumpsite. Oh Happy Day.

Friday

2009-06-05T01:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a long day in the car. We drove to Boljoon and along the way stopped to worship at Evangel Circle of Friends church in Carcar; mostly to meet with the area pastors and provide them with encouragement. We are so appreciative of the brave souls who introduce people to Christ in an environment that is not friendly to Christians. Chuck, Jonathan, and David were asked, unexpectedly, to lead a few worship songs and they rose to the challenge with gusto. The place was rockin'.

Here, the pastor of the church explains their challenges to worship in a community of non-believers.

We drove a bit further to Argao, which is a lovely, historic town, and met with several more area pastors and toured a church and daycare. These pioneers all welcome our prayers for their ministries.

Friday evening was spent in a prayer meeting with locals in Boljoon. We are housed in a lovely resort and will enjoy Friday night and part of Saturday kicking back at this beach area. As a preview to Saturday, it will be a partial "day off" for most, with Dustin, Mitch, and Lynn heading to meet the Vice Mayor of Mandaue City to ask for support for orphans and street kids in his town. God has blessed us with beauty and peace to surround this brief period of rest.

Mitch

What an incredible day. I've never felt more like a disciple in the New Testament Church - this "missionary Journey" is incredible. The opportunity to travel from church to church and from town to town has been a real blessing. We met with Pastors and encouraged them in their ministry; We also led Worship and held Prayer meetings for individual churches and their fellowships. We have given financially and encouraged the believers. Sounds a lot like what a church should be. We have enjoyed the gifts of each of our team members as they continue to contribute in different ways. God has assembled the "perfect team" for this moment in time. Tonight is a real "sabbath". We are being treated to very comfortable fellowship with our pastor friends from the south. As I post this message, I am staring out over the ocean. We are staying at a resort on the coastal region of this South Pacific island known a Cebu. It is much different than the city, but in all - God is good.

Sheryl:

As we drive and the car is quiet with sleeping boys I am processing. The sadness, the joy, the hunger, the filling, the healthy, the sick - it is Cebu. I feel such a strong tugging from God for these people, but unworthy of the joy and celebration of the call. My life so often doesn't honor the God who loves me. In this place I feel completely free to be myself.....God is in the tiniest of details of our everyday living. Yesterday I heard myself say "He is just the coolest ever!"
For me there is no fear in this place - peace only. No worry of germs, sickness, culture, not being in control....No explanation other than God's presence. I am "wow-ed" by His immeasurable blessings.

Why do we reprimand our visitors when they don't speak our language, culture, etc. We even criticize based on color skin. I truly believe we have forgotten 1st John 4. We need to put this into practice, even beginning with our families and communities. Maybe we aren't called to the ends of the Earth, but we are called to love, show love and preach His love. God, let us be a generation that seeks your face, oh God of Jacob.

Gini

I watch out the window on our journeys and watch the children walking home from school. I wonder where they are going, if they have a home and food to eat before going to bed. If they even have a bed. I pray to God for these children that they may be safe. I pray that they forever feel the arms of the Lord around them.

Thursday

2009-06-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

Today is Melinda's birthday. The worship team at Mercy came to “the girl's room” as we were waking and serenaded her with beautiful song to honor God and her special day. It was about a 20 minute concert and really got our day started nicely.

Our workday day began with a morning visit to the preschool at the dumpsite (the same community we visited on Sunday. About 50 children under age 5 are registered and were there to greet us. You see Melinda (it's her day, after all!) with some children above. Note the soulful eyes of the little girl to her side.

We gave the children some treats we had packed earlier and some toy cars for each registered child and a number who came to the center just because there was something going on. Our 3 college guys led the children in singing “Father Abraham” and “O Happy Day.” Three older girls whom we had met last Sunday and had been at camp came to see us and presented several with little gifts and a beautifully written letter.

The conditions at the preschool had us all tearful. Such a crammed space, with filth all around. Above you see pictures of the children and their play equipment. So many of the children had open sores and untended cuts. Many had been unbathed for quite some time and we were told they had no water for bathing. We are planning a return trip to provide some much needed baths and medical aid for some of the wounds. It was obvious after our little "party," that many of the youngest were clothed (without undergarments) only for our visit as we saw them naked in the street as we were driving out.

After a phenomenal meal prepared from fresh seafood, we drove to a mountain village and saw some street vendors and passed out some Bibles to these folks. Above you see a vendor in a road-side stand built from aluminum cans and sand. Pretty good reuse of waste!

For dinner, the chairwoman of Mercy's board of directors entertained us at her mountain home; and we ended the day on a peaceful note.

Pictures from Tuesday & Wednesday

2009-06-03T18:32:00.001-07:00

A simple story in pictures of the events during our 2-day camp:

The favorite song for the campers was "O Happy Day." The worship team taught the song, including the movements, early in the camp and the kids requested it be sung at every session. As we walked around on the second day, we'd hear kids singing it almost everywhere!

Each person on the Tennessee team had a role in the various sessions. Above, Mitch has 2 campers in a role-play about kindness.

The songs led by the worship team always got the kids involved. Above, David leading a praise song.

Recreation was also a big part of camp. Here several campers run free in some games with balls and on the bars. It was wonderful to have them enjoy fresh air out of doors in a beautiful setting; much different from their homes in the city.

Another part of the ministry was feeding the kids 3 nourishing meals each day. Here is a group of campers enjoying lunch.

Playing was fun, and sometimes an aggressive move to the basket would bring the rim down. No problem, the kids knew what to do to repair it and let the games continue.

Last picture: A group of campers accepting Christ publicly in front of their friends and community. A heart-warming experience.

Tuesday & Wednesday

2009-06-03T01:42:00.000-07:00

God is working marvelous things here. We spent Tuesday and Wednesday at youth camp. This camp was at David Livingston ministries in the mountains. The campus also houses an orphanage and a school (school was not in session). The setting was beautiful, overlooking the sea with lots of trees.

About 80 kids showed up (not the 120 I reported earlier), but they were an enthusiastic group of teenagers. I won't bore you with the entire program, but there were several wonderful sessions in which we participated, with David, Jonathan, and Chuck leading the music. Although it was hot and humid, the band really poured their all into the music and the campers responded in kind. It was beautiful. At first the campers were too shy to respond to us in the small group breakout sessions, but as the 2 days progressed, they gradually opened up and we learned of many sad, challenging home situations that they face. These were all underprivileged kids (many from the dumpsite we visited on Sunday) and although they were dressed in clean clothes and looked like any teenager, if we'd take a closer look at feet and legs, on many you'd find the telltale sores of living in filth. Several of the kids formed special bonds with the leaders from Tennessee and really felt special with the love and attention shown to them from all the leaders. Several turned to Christ for the first time and spoke of the challenges they'd face going home to a non-Christian home.

I do not think this post can do justice to describing the 2 days, but it perhaps will give you a flavor of our work. I'll post photos and more description later this evening or tomorrow.

Tuesday, early morning

2009-06-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

I know it has been only moments since we posted Monday's blog, so be sure to read it as well. I wanted to post a quick on this morning. There is an energy in the air. Approximately 120 underprivelged kids are coming with us to a two day camp. Although Bayon tells me often the kids are late, most were here waiting for more than one hour before the bus is scheduled to leave, so arriving at 6 am and 6:30 for a 7:30 departure. They are so excited. Some of these kids are the same who escorted us to their homes and through the dumpsite on Sunday. They are so excited. Oh yeah, did I tell you they are excited.

Well, I have to go catch the bus myself, and I do not know if we will be able to post at the next site, where we will be for 2 days.

God bless you all for keeping vigil with this outreach.

Monday

2009-06-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

This morning, Bayon introduced Mercy's staff, provided us with some background information on Philippino culture, and then we had a devotional with music. David and Jonathan made the observation that even though we live on opposite sides of the world, we all sing the same songs. A very reassuring thought. Bayon explained the schedule for the next two days, as we will be going to a mountain camp (approximately 1 hour away) to work with approximately 120 children. Over two days, we will have 6 sessions to introduce these children to Jesus.

After lunch, Ben took us to see Ste. Nino, the Christ Child. When Magellan came to the Philippines, he brought the teachings of the Catholic Church. Dustin explained that the pagan religion of the natives at that time ended up meshing a bit with Catholism, which resulted with Ste. Nino. The figure, which looks like a baby doll, is encased in glass and we observed the people praying to Ste. Nino. Observing this background has helped us better understand the people we are ministering to and how we can effectively communicate with them.

In the afternoon, we prepped for our sessions. It was our first real opportunity to work with Mercy's staff. David, Jonathan, and Chuck actually traveled to the location to practice the worship songs with Mercy's music folks.

We culminated the evening with a group devotional. Even though we have only been in Cebu for two days, we have seen and experienced many things, some of which have been emotionally challenging. Closing in prayer, our day ended on a positive note. And we are all excited about the work we will do in the next 2 days.

From Sunday

2009-06-01T02:13:00.000-07:00

Where do we start to describe our first full day? Sunday was our arrival day in Cebu. Due to flight constraints, we arrived in 2 waves. The first part of the team landed at 7 am and was met at the airport by Bayon and a Jeepney for transport to our base. Here is a picture of the team disembarking the Jeepney with our luggage.

After a BIG breakfast and sorting through the material we brought (again, thank you to all of those who contributed), we prepared 50 “kits” of toiletries and candy to give to the children during our upcoming dumpsite program in the afternoon. We then headed to worship services at Zion church. The description of the church was as being “indoors,” but we found that meant a covered area. The Spirit filled the service and the worship leaders were awesome. Without advanced preparation, Dustin was welcomed for a short (yes, he stayed under 5 minutes, folks!) testimony and shared our purpose with the congregation.

In the afternoon we started on our real journey and all experienced such a range of emotions from our interactions during the dumpsite ministry program. It went something like this: 50 children preregistered to come to a fenced-in area for a little teaching, singing, and food. Bayon explained that they hold the programs in an enclosed area because they otherwise have hundreds of children and cannot manage to be effective. Bayon led some teaching moments in their native language trying to convey the love of Jesus. David, Jonathan, and Chuck led some singing (and I wish I had thought to take a picture of the children “doing their moves” to share with you. We then provided them each a dish of spaghetti and the goody bags we prepared that morning. The protocol was no utensils, but instead provided a plastic bag for each child to use in scooping spaghetti to his or her mouth. Several of the children put their spaghetti in their bags, with an obvious intention to take it to their families to share. We also gave each family unit present and another 15 or so outside the fence, some coupons to pick up a couple cups of rice from a worker who lived nearby on Monday.

After the program, the children showed us their communities and homes, seen in the images above. There are no words that can convey the range of emotions we felt as we went with them. The 15-year old who attached herself to me said several times, “my home is very dirty; I am sorry.” We went into the dumpsite, as well. The children were our escorts, showing us where to walk to avoid the worst of the sediment. You can see here how they surrounded us with care. Chuck had the misfortune of a misstep, which soaked his shoe with some unidentified “yuk.” The kids immediately took him to a water source and insisted to wash his shoe for him. What a sight! What a humbling experience to have these children caring for us.

The other children and families we saw lived in deplorable conditions. The kids all loved to have their photos taken and look at themselves on our digital camera screens. I've shared a few pictures here. We'll have others when we return for those interested in a more in depth look. We saw horrible health issues and malnutrition. Naked babies playing in piles of broken glass. Through it all, children were children, fussing, laughing, giggling, punching each other, girls giggling over our “handsome” college guys.

We closed the day with contrast. Thanks to a generous offer by Dustin's friend, Arnel, we ate at a lovely restaurant, and then hit the wall of jet-lagged exhaustion from a full day after a 2-day journey with little to no sleep.

Following journal entries may give you an idea of our experiences in this incredible journey.

Gini Hoinaes
Journal Entry 5/31/09 9:00pm
What an unbelievable day. Heartbreaking and indescribable. The reality of it all is exhausting. You know it's out there, but when you are not in front of it you can push it aside and hope that it does not exist. Such beautiful children with such pretty smiles...those that smiled. I gave my cross necklace to Crissita today. An angel with a face of hope living in a landfill. My heart breaks for her. I want to go back and see her tomorrow. She held my hand as we walked out of the landfill and I didn't want to let go. This is all these children know and it makes me so sad. God be with these children and help them to see your love.

Mitch Cain
Journal Entry 6/1/09
Beautiful day here in the Philippines! Exhaust has turned to energy after a good nights sleep. We are preparing for the camp which our team will lead over the next two days.-.many students ages 14-23. My prayer O God, is for your spirit to be at work amongst them and in each of us. Worship is incredible here – I feel the amazing presence of God in such a powerful way. May I experience a day like never before as I strive to follow God. In everything, may God be glorified!

Melinda: 6/1/09
We have only been here 1 & ½ days and I already have seen so much. Seeing children in such horrible situations like we have, it makes my heart hurt so much. I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful group of people and I'm excited about tomorrow, when we will be witnessing to children and telling them about Jesus. This is an amazing time. I love being here. Hello to my family. I miss you and love you very much.

Random messages from your team

2009-05-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

Mitch: It's 2 am in Manila and we just ate a wonderful meal prepared by our hostess. The best smoothie in the whole wide world is a mango shake! It's good to be here. I love my kids and Ginger. Talk to you soon.

Melinda: Wow! What a journey it's been. It's amazing to be in a different country. It's been an experience and I am very tired. I miss my kids already. And my husband, too.

Chuck: I was made for the air. God wants me to be in an airplane. I don't like breathing in car exhaust and I really wish I had a heater. Ha, ha.

Gini: So THIS is Manila!

Linda: It's been a long, tiring trip, but reaching Manila brought us new sights, and sounds. The traffic was horrible, even at 12:30 am, and we enjoyed the experienced driver's ability to get around safely. Amazing, actually! Our meal upon arrival was traditional Filipino pancit (a noodle dish) and grilled chicken. Yummy! Oh, and the mango shake Mitch mentioned must have been sent from heaven! Many thanks to Ms. Mendoza for her hospitality. We'll be here for about 2 hours, and then it's off to the airport for flights to Cebu. But the break from air travel has been welcome. Great food and a clean shower.

Lynn: Although a long and somewhat tiring journey to get here, we have arrived and have been welcomed warmly by Ms. Mendoza and her friends. So far, I am having so much fun getting to know everyone and getting ready for our work ahead. Much love to my mamasita for all of her love and support.

Gail:well the day has finally come I thought it would never get here cheer cheer cheer we are in Manila we've had a wonderful trip we've had some hardships but it only served to make us more adhesive and cohesive and my prayer is that this serves to make us into a team that functions well together and does the work that GOD has sent us here to do in the name of JESUS CHRIST I pray GO TEAM!

Steve:hello to all the family and friends looking forward to sharing our exciting trip with you.

THANK YOU VBS

2009-05-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

We want to give First United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School an extra big THANK YOU for participating in this mission and for the funds they collected. We will use them wisely on your behalf and in the name of our Lord. We have already met some children who have benefited from your mission project.

En Route

2009-05-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

We departed Jefferson City at 5 am on Friday and traveled by plane on two different routes to Manila, where we will see each other Saturday evening for a short night's rest at Lemuria Inn. We will board a plane to Cebu early Sunday morning local time and will worship within the local community.

This post is from en route, from the 3 of us who have traveled via Seoul, South Korea. We arrived into a very modern airport where we enjoyed a layover that gave us an opportunity to stretch our legs and participate in some Korean cultural activities. A couple of us made a paper art bowl, and painted a fan. We enjoyed some cultural music from a talented young woman, shown here playing a haegum. It has a beautiful sound and I was amazed at the lovely, haunting melody she coaxed from the simple string system. This post is made from Seoul.

Our travels are not yet finished today and we have much time to reflect and pray about our upcoming mission work and pray for our families and friends at home. Specifically in our hearts today is a prayer for Bill Long's medical challenges and for continued strength of his daughter, Lynn, who remains a devoted participant in this mission outreach.

Contacts while away

2009-05-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

Your mission team will be flying beginning May 29. We will carry 10 large bags of items donated for this ourtreach in addition to funding raised for our work with the children. Many, many thanks to those who were so generous.

For our loved ones, who may wish to reach us by telephone during our travels, we are providing the following contact details.

Overnight May 30: Lemuria Inn
350-C Protacio Street
Pasay City, Philippines (Manila)
Telephone 63 2 831-1417

Other times: People Who Care Foundation
421 Cebu North Road, Tabok
Mandaue City 6014
Cebu, Philippines

Telephone: 63 32 344-0147 (office)
Bayon’s mobile: 63 0919 856-0770
Ben’s mobile: 63 0929 787-8082

We need to give a big shout out to Lemuria Inn, a great bed and breakfast not too far from the Manila airfields. They are providing us transportation, clean beds, and a meal during our short over-night layover in Manila.

Early Sunday morning we will board a domestic flight for Cebu, where we will be hosted by the People Who Care Foundation and work side by side with their staff for outreach to children, for a summer education camp, for outreach into some remote villages. Our work will be varied and done with Christ's love. We'll attempt to post to this spot several times during our on-hands time. Our last day of "field" work will be June 8.

Fundraising Efforts

2009-04-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

After various fundraising efforts, God has us within "spitting distance" of reaching our goal of $10,000 for a new school facility in Mandaue City. Special thanks to those who have helped us reach our current balance:

Kim Hansard, Star 102.1 radio, for serving as master of ceremonies at our dinner

We Are Benjamin Harrison for providing beautiful music during our dinner (www.wearebenjaminharrison.com)

The Knoxville Ice Bears for allowing us to participate in the "chuck-a-puck" sales and revenues

The people of Grants Chapel United Methodist Church and Shady Grove United Methodist Church for hearing our story and for the prayers and monetary contributions
The private contributions of several benefactors
The ongoing prayers and support from the people of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City (our home church)

Upcoming efforts are:

April 22 Prime Time Wednesday dinner (5:45 pm) at FUMC, Jefferson City will feature "a taste of the Philippines" with cultural dishes prepared under supervision of Aira Lyle

April 25 yard sale from 8 am in the church pavillion
April 29 and May 15 -- Prime Time Wednesday dinners at FUMC, Jefferson Citty

May 16 (11 am to 3 pm) -- car wash in the lot at FUMC

A message from our Partner agency. Please pray with them.

2009-03-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

DEAR FRIENDS,

ALMOST HALF OF OUR COUNTRY’S POPULATION IS YOUTH BUT MILLIONS OF THEM ARE IN DEEP FAMILY BREAKDOWN AND POVERTY. THE BODY OF CHRIST HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR A NATIONAL REVIVAL. THE CHALLENGED BACKGROUNDS IF THESE MASSIVE YOUNG PEOPLE BROUGHT THEM FAR FROM GOD’S DESIGN FOR THEIR LIVES. VERY FEW OF THEM HAVE BEEN MINSITERED BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPONENTIALLY INCREASING IN NUMBER. IF THIS MASS IS NOT BROUGHT TO CHRIST, CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO A BETTER PHILIPPINES IN THE NEXT 2-3 DECADES? WILL THEY BE ABLE TO ACTIVELY CONRIBUTE TO NATION REBUILDING IF THEY ARE LEFT TO THEIR GENERATIONAL CYCLE OF HUNGER AND PAIN?

ASIDE FROM THE CHURCH AND FAMILY, EDUCATION IS THE NEXT POWERFUL MINDMOLDER FOR PEOPLE. HOWEVER, OUR SUPPOSEDLY CHRISTIAN NATION HAS ONLY 8% READING THE BIBLE. THE NATION IS STILL WORSHIPPING IDOLS CAUSING BLINDNESS IN OUR HEARTS TO SPIRITUALLY FATHER THE NEXT GENERATION. WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST, WE WANT TO BE USED BY GOD IN OUR GIFTING IN EDUCATION. IF THE GOSPEL IS INTENTIONALLY PUT IN THE CURRICULUM, THE SCHOOLS ARE ONE OF THEIR HOPE TO ACQUIRE A NEW MINDSET TOWARD GOD, SELF, FAMILY, AND COUNTRY. HOWEVER, IN THE PRESENT SYSTEM, THERE ARE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS THAT EXCLUDE MILLIONS OF DISADVANTAGED CHILD LABORERS AND OTHER YOUTHS THAT ARE IN PAIN.

REPUBLIC ACT 9155 PROVIDES THAT COMMUNITIES HAVE LOCAL INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN, YOUTHS, AND ADULTS IN A COMMUNITY. YOUTHS FROM TROUBLED HOMES MOSTLY COMPRISE THE CITY’S DROP OUT POPULATION AND BECOME MORE VULNERABLE TO THE WICKED SLUM CULTURE OF PROSTITUTION, DRUG TRADE, SCAVENGING, AND OTHER SUBHUMAN LIVELIHOOD. THE SAME GROUP ARE ALSO VERY PRONE TO TEENAGE MARRIAGE AND DESTRUCTIVE GANG ACTIVITIES WE NEED TO EQUIP THEM WITH A TRANSFORMING BASIS FOR THEIR DAILY DECISION MAKING.

WHILE THIS PROBLEM IS OVERWHELMINGLY EXPANDING, GOD HAS POURED OUT HIS GRACE UPON US TO SEE HOW WE CAN CONTRIBUTE AND HOW THESE LIVES CAN BE TOUCHED TROUGH CHRISTIAN PUBLIC SCHOOL OR CHARITY EDUCATION. VERY FEW OF THEM GO TO BIBLE-BASED CHURCH BUT MOST OF THEM WANT TO BE IN SCHOOL. WE HAVE TESTED A PORTION OF THIS CURRICULUM IN VULNERABLE SCHOOLS AND SAW HOW GOD CONTRASTED THEIR PROFILE. THUS, WE ARE NOW MANDATED TO OPERATE A SCHOOL TO RUN THE WHOLE PROGRAM AS A RESPONSE TO RA 9155. IN OUR PRAYER TIME THIS IS CONFIRMED IN ISAIAH 49:8-9 TO RESTORE THE LAND AND TO RE-ASSIGN DESOLATE INHERITANCES! LIKE US, THIS GROUP OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE AND GOD HAS A PURPOSE AND THEIR DESTINY FOR THEM TO LIVE OUT.

WE ARE WRITING TO CAMPAIGN FOR PRAYER. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR THAT WE ARE BATTLING AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF DELAY IN SETTING UP THIS CHARITY CHRISTIAN INTEGRATED SCHOOL FOR THE CITY’S YOUTHS WITH DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUND. THIS SCHOOL IS ALSO MANDATED TO EXPEDITE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA COMPLETION. SIMULTANEOUSLY, SKILLS TRAINING AND INTENTIONAL GOSPEL-BASED VALUES PROGRAM IS ALSO PRUPOSEDLY INTERTWINED TO REMOVE THEM FROM THE PUSH FACTORS TO PROSTITUTION, DRUG RUNNING, AND OTHER SUBHUMAN LIVELIHOOD AND BECOME DIGNIFIED MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.. MOST OF ALL, WE ARE WORKING WITH THE REGIONAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE THAT WE WILL BE ADOPTED FOR 2 YEARS AS A RESEARCH GROUP SO THAT WE WILL BE ABEL TO JOINTLY GATHER THE RESEARCH RESULTS THAT CREATE AND IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN THE INCREASING INFLUX OF CHILDREN IN PAIN WITH THE TEACHERS’ TRAINING DESIGN FOR VULNERABLE SCHOOLS.

PSALMS 50:12 SAYS,” IF I WERE HUNGRY I WOULD NOT TELL YOU, FOR TH E WORLD IS MINE, AND ITS FULLNESS.” ONLY GOD CAN REDEEM THESE YOUTHS WHO ARE FORMED FOR HIS OWN GLORY BUT HE NEEDS PEOPLE TO SERVE THEM AND GIVE THEM THE BRIDGE TO CROSSOVER. WE ARE ALREADY OFFERED TO BE FUNDED UP TO 90% OF THE OPERATION AND SOME BUDGET FOR THE BUILDING. WE HAVE SUCCEEDED TO APPLY FOR THIS GRANT ONCE, WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BUT AFTER THE 2 YEAR GRANT, WE WILL BE IN THE REGULAR BUDGET OF THE FUNDING AGENCY. WE ONLY NEED TO SERVE THE YOUTHS IN A WAY WELL PLEASING TO GOD. OUR CHALLENGE NOW IS THE SCHOOL SITE. WE WANT TO BE GOOD STEWARD OF THE MINISTRY AND PUT GOD’S BLESSING WISELY. OUR PERSONAL 500 SQM PROPERTY IS AVAILABLE FOR USE HOWEVER, THE SPACE IS NOT VERY CONDUCIVE TO THE STUDENTS BECAUSE IT IS VERY LIMIITED FOR 200-250 STUDENTS. WE NEED GOD’S GUIDANCE TO POINT TO US WHERE TO START THE SCHOOL IN JUNE AND WE NEED APRIL AND MAY TO SET UP. INTERESTINGLY, SOMEBODY PROMISED TO DONATE 500,000 THIS MONTH AS SEED MONEY AND WE DON’T NEED TO TOUCH THIS IF THE SCHOOL FUNDING HAS COME IN BECAUSE IT COVERS MOST OF THE OPERATION. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING:

a. GOD’S VENUE FOR THE SCHOOL. WE HAVE MARKED A PROPERTY BASED ON THE VISION AND THE PROPHECY GIVEN TO US. HOWEVER, OUR SEED MONEY IS ONLY 500,000 YET AND THE PROPERTY IS SOME MILLIONS AWAY FROM.
b. THE CITY GOVERNMENT TO COME IN AND GIVE THE MOBILITY ASSISTANCE TO YOUTHS FROM HOMES VERY FAR AWAY FROM THE SITE.
c. THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO BE COMPLETELY IN PLACE APPROVING THE FOLLOWING NEEDED INNOVATIONS:

1. The use of Bible-based curriculum to facilitate behavioural modification of youths with maladjustments
2. Only Math, English , and Science will compose the academic core subjects. Our target youths are over-aged and are academically capable of accelerated education. This will free their time to do skills, on the job training, livelihood, and intensive gospel and other programs that deal with their inner and financial issues. With the scarcity of licensed Christian educators in the country, only academic teachers need to be licensed. Other teachers can be chosen based on their area of giftedness needed by the curriculum.
3. Localised instead of nationalised placement exam to expedite completion of high school diploma.
4. Trimestral instead of 10 mo. school operation.

d. FOR THE TEACHERS GOD IS CALLING TO JOIN THE TEAM ON OR BEFORE APRIL 15. WE NEED THE FOLLOWING:

1. Licensed High School – Science, Math, and English Major
2. TESDA Accredited – Housekeeping Trainer
3. Computer teacher who has a good teaching and interpersonal skills for disadvantaged youths to be prepared for livelihood.

e. THIS IS A PIONEERING SCHOOL OF THIS KIND. WE NEED GOD TO OPEN ONLY THE DOOR THAT COMES FROM HIM AND WE NEED HIM TOO, TO CLOSE THE DOORS THAT ARE NOT FROM HIM. THE GOSPEL WILL BE EXPOSED TO ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AGENCIES OF THE REGION AND WE INTEND THAT THIS WORK WILL BE A BLESSING TO THEM.

OUR SUCCESS WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR CHURCHES AND OTHER YOUTH MINISTRIES WHO ARE FACING THIS NEED. MINISTRIES TO THE POOR HAVE RECEIVED GIFTS BY THE MILLIONS OF PESOS GIVEN TO EDUCATE THE YOUTHS BUT THE ABSENCE OF THIS LOCAL INITIATIVE HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF DROP OUTS BECAUSE THIS TYPE OF INDIVIDUALS DO NOT EASILY SETTLE IN THE REGULAR SYSTEM THAT EXCLUDE THEIR CONDITIONS. WE ENVISION THAT AS GOD BLESSES US IN THIS CALL, A NEW EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE WILL RISE UP BECAUSE THE IMPACT OF THE GOSPEL WILL MAKE A TURN AROUND FOR THE YOUTHS AS WE HAVE BEGUN TO EXPERIENCE IN THE MOST RECENT PILOT WORKS. OUR MONITORING DOCUMENTED CHILDREN WHO BROKE FREE FROM REBELLION, IDOLATRY, PROSTITUTION AND DEEP HUNGER. THERE ARE MORE TESTIMONIES TO SEE AND OTHER MINISTRIES WILL HAVE AN EASIER WAY OF IMPLEMENTING THIS AS WE BREAK THESE BARRIERS IN JESUS’ NAME!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO WRITE BACK TO US SHOULD THE LORD GIVE YOU A WORD FOR US. WE WILL BE ABLE TO EXECUTE GOD’S JUSTICE THROUGH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR THE POOR AS WE ARE PUT IN HIS WILL. WE NEED YOUR INTERCESSION.

Ben and Bayon

Fundraising Math

2009-03-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

Did you know that . . .

100 (donations)
x 100 (dollars -- the size of each donation)
A NEW SCHOOL BUILDING IN CEBU

That's correct! Our fundraising goal is for $10,000, which will fund a new school building for the children. Become a part of this wonderful outreach. Only 100 people willing to step up for $100 will do it .... or contribute a fraction .... together we can do this.

Donations may be made to
First United Methodist Church
Attention: Philippine Mission Fund
2011 Branner Avenue
Jefferson City, TN 37760

Dinner and Auction March 14

2009-03-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

The Mission Team will host a fundraising dinner on Saturday evening, March 14.

Menu:

Baked Chicken in Mushroom Gravy
Rice
Green Beans
Salad
Dessert

Meal ticket cost: $10; additional donations welcome!

A silent auction is planned for the evening together with entertainment from two bands and featuring speakers Kim Hansard and Dustin Gent.

Boosting Resistance

2009-02-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

A recommendation from Gail for boosting resistance to diseases before travel: Begin a daily regimen of Vitamin C; starting with 1500 mg per day and working up to 6000 mg per day.

Carlos -- a testimonial

2009-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

The following account is written by Dustin, one of our team members. The account is a previous experiences in Cebu:

I met Carlos on the street …. Dying. Carlos was with his mother Maria and 5 other siblings. I took Carlos, Maria and his 5 siblings to the hospital the day that I found them. As I was taking them there, the mother shared with me that the father had abused and left them. That they had been living off of the city garbage and were living under a tree. When we arrived at the hospital the staff stated that the whole family had hepatitis. The staff stated that the family could not stay because other patients could get infected. I took the children to a lady named Bayon who had shared with me her desire to help the street children in her community. Bayon had an extra room on her property that she allowed the family to stay in.

The next day I held this family’s 3 week old baby in my arms as it took its last breath. The mother had no money for burial; Bayon allowed the mother to hold her child for the last time as they took the baby away. The next day, Christmas eve, Maria and her 5-year-old child died. When we came to wake them up …they were gone. One-year-old Carlos and his 6-year-old sister were alone.

As I used my last money to get the mother and child buried, I went to see the mayor of the city. I told him the story of Carlos, I told him the sickness and the need that was in his city. I told him of the hopelessness and despair that was plaguing the city he pledged to serve. Mayor Ouano’s wife offered to give a building. I then started getting donations and learning how to do grants from the government. God opened the doors. Through their lives MERCY was started and formed. Through a family who to the city were forgotten, were too sick to be in a hospital, were too dirty to be accepted; God used their deaths and lives to form MERCY. After only a few weeks, MERCY housed about 50 street children and fed regularly 100 or more. The staff consisted of 2 teachers, a cook, a nurse and a pastor.

MERCY and The Lord Who Cares Foundation are now at the center of a supportive community in Mandaue City. At MERCY, the church didn’t have to convince anyone that everyone was welcome, each day, each second and each moment. The story of Carlos was the same story of hundreds of other street children who were now getting fed, clothed, cared for physically and most of all, getting to know love that this world had never shown them. The Lord Who Cares Foundations goes into schools and the streets to plug children into a network that will encourage, support, and train them for productive lives, in many cases breaking a cycle of poverty.

Hundreds of children have been rescued since this story of Carlos, but there are many, many more just like him. Families live off the city dump and are subject to malnutrition and numerous diseases, many of them fatal. Child prostitution and slavery is common. Support our mission to find these children in peril, and to plug them into the ministries and protective environment founded a decade ago.

Our Purpose

2009-01-17T18:23:00.000-08:00

We are drawn to Mandaue City, on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Here the children of impoverished families, some of them now orphaned, work by necessity in the fields, scavenging in garbage dumps, selling in the streets, and prostituting themselves. They are exposed to pesticides, dangerous chemicals, and get diseases from insects, parasites, and sexual contact. Many suffer from malnutrition.

The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reports in every 10 Filipino families, three have children working to help feed the family. That means, of the 25 million children in the country, 4 million of them, between the ages of 5 and 17 are working. It is impossible to count their total numbers, for they are unregistered, often invisible children. They grow up illiterate, abused, exploited and cannot break the cycle of poverty without intervention.

The Lord Who Cares Foundation, Inc. is a Child and Family Welfare agency in Mandaue City whose mission is “to provide holistic assistance to indigent children and their families to help them become:
» God-centered
» Social-functional and
» Financially able”

This agency is surrounded by these injustices and will serve as host to our team as we work to find and rescue children from the dumps and bring them to the center for rehabilitative care, housing, and education. We are taking with us a love for Christ and skills for building, for teaching, for medical care, for feeding and will use these in our outreach. We will reach out to families of these children to bring them into a caring environment and we will offer them hope; we will offer them Christ.

We are aware that in such a short time period, our impact can be huge to those we touch. Yet with the overwhelming statistics, it will be small to the total need. Nonetheless, we are confident, by working with The Lord Who Cares Foundation that the children and families touched by us will be plugged into an ongoing, caring community; they will become a part of an academic network that is designed to plug them into jobs and weave them into a community of believers who will support them spiritually, emotionally, and physically for their lifetime.

You can be part of our project through prayer, through hands-on local work, and/or by providing financial resources.

Golf Tournament

2009-01-17T18:05:00.000-08:00

Where: Mill Springs Golf Course
When: March 21, 2009
Entry: $50
Sponsors: $300 / hole

All proceeds will benefit the mission project.

How to Donate

2009-01-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

Donations to our project may be sent to

First United Methodist Church
Philippine Mission
2011 Branner Avenue
Jefferson City, TN 37760 USA

Please make checks payable to First United Methodist Church and write Philippines on the check so that it is accounted for properly.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Prime Time Wednesday Dinners

2009-01-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

The Mission Project will sponsor one PTW dinner each month as a fundraising effort, asking for donations from those partaking in the vittles. Dinner is served at 5:45. Kitchen staff is asked to be on hand at 4:30.

January 28 - baked spaghetti
March 4 - sloppy Joes
March 25 - Filipino meal
April 22 - baked potatoes
May 13 - spring-time salad bar

Immunizations

2009-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Listed below are recommendations for immunizations. Please note the Hepatitis vaccines are given as a series and require 6 weeks, so put the start time not later than mid-March for your series.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Tetanus (booster)
MMR booster
Polio
Malaria
Dengue Fever (this one from Dustin) -- not available
Rabies -- vaccine in short supply; only if suspect incident

Link to the CDC website with other useful information. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationPhilippines.aspx

Estimated cost for the series from the Knox County Health Department (865 215 5000) is $200-$300 and some vaccine is in short supply.

Thanks to Gini for researching immunizations.

Under construction today

2009-01-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

This blog is intended to provide information about the Philippines ministry and mission team of First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City Tennessee. We welcome your input, your prayers, and if you are so led, your financial contributions to this justice ministry.

As of today, January 16, this blog is under construction and will be built as information is received. Traveling members of the team should check regularly for planning information. Non-traveling team members are also encouraged to check in to keep in touch with the outreach efforts.