Waiting in line for some lunch!
Today was our first day of ministry here in the Philippines! We are working with KIM, Kids International Ministries. So this month we will have the opportunity to do many different aspects within KIM. Today was a very exciting first day of ministry, I didn’t know how it was going to look going into it. I was tired and not feeling well; asking God for strength and energy for what would be awaiting for us that day. And He did! This has been one of my favorite days on the race so far, today we did a feeding in two different villages around Manila.
In 2009 typhoons hit the Philippines, and many families in Manila lost their homes to flooding. They were taking in rescue trucks to a new place around the area. First they all lived in tents for awhile, until Red Cross came and built homes for them. The only problem is the ability to have a job, they are located so far outside the city they don’t have jobs and they can’t even afford to get to the city to have a job. So, the problem here is not being able to provide for your family. KIM comes into villages that are struggling and has a feeding program for the children. This gives the children a chance to have a good nourishing meal 1-2 times a week. The children get fed this rice like soupy stuff with a lot of nutrients the children are missing in their daily diet. Also following with a vitamin from the nurse that accompanies the feeding vans. If children are sick the nurse will do what they can for the child. Also at a few of the feedings a Bible study takes place for the woman, and if they come to the Bible study they receive a bag of the rice soup stuff for their children during the week.
Today was my first day with the experience of feeding hungry children, and it seriously was one of my favorite days on the race! The children were so adorable lining up with their cups, many coming back for thirds and fourths. I had the privilege to serve today, and it just brought so much joy to my heart when I gave a child their bowl of food! The smile on their face was priceless! The soup was so hot but, they didn’t care they were just thankful to have the opportunity to eat. After they eat many of the children hang around and play with us, and then when we leave they chase after the vans! Feeding these children just made my day so much more fulfilling, it reminds me that God does really care about His children and He does not forget about them. This may be one of the ministry I choose to do daily! I look forward to doing it tomorrow morning, as well as bringing my camera along!
Pictures taken by: Amanda Bennes
