My time in the Philippines has been incredible. It has by far been my favorite place to visit thus far, so I wanted to share some of my experiences with you and highlight some organizations!
Pushcart Community Missions
This organization was started by a couple of church members who decided to just show up. They decided that they would go to a local hangout of the homelsless and hand out coffee and bread. Not a single person showed up except two street kids. No words were exchanged except a simple “will you be here next week?”. The answer was yes. The following week 18 kids showed up and the week after 50.
This story left an imprint because its the simple idea of just showing up where you see a need and loving without motive.
One day on our way to pushcart we passed by some kids who were covered in dirt sleeping on the side of the street using cardboard boxes as blankets. It was there home. Most of the kids on the street, im told, are addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Unfortunately these are the stories of many kids in Manila and across the Philippines. Poverty is everywhere which is amazing considering the amount of massive malls that exist a few blocks over.
There’s a necessity for people to show up for the long haul. Not to just feed and clothe them (which is important) but show them love, empower them, to show them they are seen and heard, and that justice is possible. I loved partnering with Pushcart Community Kids ministry this month through our other partners at GROW International Ministries (https://growourworld.com/), because this is what they do.
Since those early days the pushcart community has opened a space for street kids to receive meals three times a day, learn about Jesus, teach them life skills, give them structure, encourage them to continue their education, and it’s a safe place to go. This has been my absolute favorite ministry on the race. These kids are incredible, resilient, full of hope, joy, laughter, and love. I miss them already!
Tondo
The second amazing part of my time in the Philippines was that I got to serve alongside my parents!!! We partnered with a different program called Kids International Ministries (https://www.kidsim.org/). We had many opportunities to serve with them but mine and my parents favorite was getting to serve in Tondo.
Tondo is known as the poorest area in all of Manila. We went to two areas, the first called Aroma because of the smell (if you’re wondering-it wasn’t the best). Animals run rampant, trash is everywhere, most homes are made of metal and wood pieced together as walls. The second area is sometimes called trash mountain because it used to be used as a landfill covered in trash. So we hiked the mountain. We got to feed the children in both these areas. The children brought their bowls and we fed them rice and protein.
What struck me about Tondo was the fact that it was a place that to the rest of the world seems dark, most people wouldn’t want to go because of the level of poverty, yet really we’re the ones missing out. It has the PRETTIEST view. Atop this mountain was the ocean and a port where they looked out on everyday. We’re missing out on the joy of the people and these kids and families who are so excited and willing to share their life with you!
Somehow in the “darkest” of places are some of the brightest lights!
Man! We danced and worshipped Jesus and told stories on that mountain. We even cheered on a family doing karaoke-obviously I was a back up dancer.
I’m constantly astounded by the people I’ve served and served alongside. I’m blown away by God’s faithfulness to provide everything needed when we need it.
I tell these stories because there is JOY, there is LIGHT, there is HOPE, and there is LOVE from people all over this world.
The Philippines, these people, this culture has a piece of my heart.
