So my first couple of weeks here in the Philippines has involved doing a variety of ministries. The organization we are working with does a mix of things in their community ( not far outside Manila). They help tutor kids in school, run a home for orphans, go out and give food to surrounding neighborhoods twice a day, among other things. I have been able to be a part of each of these so far since being here. My team has also spent some of our days helping with construction around the building that we live in. This has so far involved hauling dirt and rocks from one place to another.
For me the most interesting ministry that my team is doing involves helping one of the long term missionaries set up a ministry to help women and girls get out of prostitution. Josie, the long term contact, has lived in the Philippines most of her life and currently runs a home not far from where we are staying that takes care of girls who were in abusive homes. At this point she has legal custody of over 30 girls. According to her its only by a miracle that she has been able to see abusers give up their rights to these kids. My team has been able to visit this home and these girls and witness how they are thriving in an environment that provides for all their needs. Most of these girls are school aged and are also able to be involved in other activities like sports.
As I mentioned earlier we are helping Josie who is at the very beginning stages of trying to figure out what God is calling her to do to help the many women working as bar girls in Olongapo. So far we have gone to the town, broken up in to pairs and just tried to talk to people in the community, so we're just doing basic information gathering at this point. We hope to go at least two more times and have more of a chance to talk to some of these women, bar owners, and clients.
Please pray for all of the above ministries and for my team as we are helping with this special project. Pray for those who are working here long term and doing big and small things to break the cycle of poverty and abuse that is so prevalent in this place. Pray for the people of this nation who are very friendly, open and generous. About a month ago Manila was flooded and I just heard this morning that another part of the Philippines is getting hit by a typhoon. Yesterday I had the opportunity to give food in one of the areas that is still flooded. So please pray for a recovery in these areas as well as health and safety for those who continue to be affected.
