I am completely overwhelmed at what God has provided this month. There is a great need for food and clothing and Jesus here in Tondo, and after just a couple of weeks we raised enough money to be able to provide for many families and bless some of the sweet people around us. Here are just a few things the Lord has done!
We have had feedings at the Charcoal factory, in the city, and outside of the church. Each time we have a feeding we share Jesus with the kids and families around. Whether it’s a testimony or a bible story, the Word of God is preached and then we get to pray with the kids. Then we get to love them and feed them hot soup! Thanks to all of you who helped make these feedings possible!
There is a group of 10 ladies who have been serving us since the day we stepped into Tondo. They are always cooking or cleaning. They have washed all of our laundry for us. They arrive at the church at 4am to pray, they cook lunch, some leave to go work other jobs for the afternoon, and then they come back to make dinner. Sometimes they don’t leave until 10 or 11 at night. With your help we were able to take them out and give them a break for a day. One day we found some polish and gave them all manicures, pedicures and massages! The very first lady had never had anyone serve her this way and she just cried the entire time. It was such a blessing to be able to bless her.
The next day we took the ladies to a mall near buy to get them pizza and ice cream. This was the first time some of these ladies had ever been to the mall. There were a couple of ladies who got to have pizza for the first time and they absolutely loved it. These ladies could not stop smiling and laughing the entire day. We sang Christmas Carols on the way there and back. We gave each of them enough money to pick out something they really needed. Some got lotion, shampoo, soaps, and others were able to get a new pair of shoes or jeans.
We spent last night packing 200 bags full of shoes, underwear, toys, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. A group took these to the kids at the Charcoal factory today and each kid was able to get a Christmas gift! They also received soup and bread.
For the youth, we had a rally Friday and Saturday night where we preformed skits, preached, shared testimonies, worshiped, and just spent time together. God’s spirit was so present both evenings, and we prayed with a few kids who wanted to give their lives to Jesus. We were able to purchase Bibles to give to all of the kids and we are praying that what God has begun in them, He will continue long after we are gone.
Tonight we had a Christmas party with all of the church members. We sent each family home with a basket of food that they will now have for Christmas Eve. Here in the Philippines everyone stays up until midnight on Christmas Eve. They count down until Christmas and then have a big meal. Unfortunately, not all of the families always have much more than rice but this year at least 100 families will have a small feast on Christmas!
When God has a will, He makes a way and He shows up in ways we would never imagine. When I arrived in Tondo, I never expected to see some of the things happen that have happened in just 3 weeks. There is so much more, but for now I just wanted to thank all of you for your help and for making so much of this possible!
Oh..and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
