I have been so out of the habit of writing blogs b/c of our month in China that I am having a time getting back into the habit. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit but I don’t want to write a blog everyday for 21 days because that would be too much time at the computer and you would be tired of all my writing.
So – here is the low down. We are in Manila (well just outside) in the Philippines. We are working with Jeff Long who is president of Kids International Ministries. Jeff and his family have lived in the Philippines for the last 17 years. KIM has a children’s home just around the corner from where we live. So at that house there are children ranging from 5-13 who live there full time. At our house right below where we sleep they have 5 children ranging from 5 months to 2 ½ years old.
Meet Daniel (above and Jacob on the right)
The children at both homes have stories that are heartbreaking. One of the children was abandoned at birth by the river with his umbilical cord still attached, the twins mother attempted to self abort them daily while she was pregnant, one of the older kids is 12 and doesn’t speak and no one knows why, others were raised by family but put in the home later in life and there are 10 year olds in kindergarten because they have never been to school. Despite these stories and heartbreaking circumstances the Lord is redeeming these and they are being loved and cared for and raised up in a Christian home.
Angel smiling Angel & Moses playing Andrew making a funny face
Rudolph playing a word game The boys playing a game Maricelle giving me a smile
Our ministry is varied all over Manila this month some of the programs that we are working with are:
– Prison Ministry
– Community and Filipino Staff Bible Studies
– Coffee Shop ministries
– Landscaping, Construction and painting
– Caring for the babies at the nursery
– Investing and spending time with the kids at the children’s home
– Prostitute ministry
– Tutoring, teaching preschool and helping prepare meals at the Community School
– Homeless World Cup and community newspaper
So we are crazy busy and loving life and ministry here in Manila! Our days are full and we are excited to see what the Lord continues to do while we are here. I am praying specifically for the Lord to use this time here and for us to be a blessing to this community and to plant seeds and bring about a harvest of salvations for Jesus Christ. Please pray for us that the Lord will do a mighty work through us here in Manila.
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“The LORD be magnified!” Psalm 40:16
