KIDS has two locations: Cuatro and Tacloban. Originally our squad was supposed to be at the Tacloban location, but got moved a few days before to Cuatro. Both bases host similar things within its community, but Tacloban is near the beach instead of the city.
What a feeding looks like. Kids bring plastic bowls and random cups.
Our squad was brought to Cuatro to specifically focus on finding new ministry partners for KIDS. Currently, there are two feedings everyday at different locations. KIDS hopes to support local churches, throughout the city with these programs, as a way the local church can pour into their own communities. The feedings are more than filling a physical need, but a way to feed spiritual appetites for the long run.
On Saturday, our job was to find places that could benefit from these resources. Several of our squamates, researched squatter communities in the area. Manila is filled with communities on “empty land” and they often navigate living on land owned by another. We then spent the day split into small teams of World Racers, as well as a local college student, that is on scholarship with KIDS, to translate. As we went out to the community, we met people of peace and pastors that would like to connect with us.
With Pastor Dario and his new high school friends
Our first new friend, was Pastor Dario, a father of three and baker. He welcomed us into his church, provided the most amazing cinnamon bread and soft drinks, and listened to our story. He had been praying for a way to provide a children’s program, because his community was full of kids. The day before we visited, a group of high school students came to ask to put on a program. Here, after months of praying, God provided a way to bring children to his church! He now had both a shorter and a longterm solution to care for the needs of his community.
However, not every community needs a feeding program – something I’ve had to learn, is to to ask if this would benefit and bless each church. I never want to assume that just because I’m an affluent white American I know what is best for a community I’ve never been to before. I knew better, (it’s actually something I harp on all the time) yet I found myself assuming everyone would want this opportunity at each location we visited. It’s funny how being on the ground running is different than reading about it.
Erin, Jenny, Alyssa, Rebekah, Lovelyn, Pastor Dario on a Jeepney (filmed by Greg)
After we got to pray for Pastor Dario’s church, community and family, we asked him about some of the other locations we were planning to visit. It turns out, he knew pastors all over! He walked us out of his little town and we expected to say our goodbyes there before heading on our way. Pastor Dario proceeded to hail a Jeepney and began to wave us on board! He hailed our transportation left and right, and was eager to introduce us to other pastors that may need the help.
Our new Pastor friends!
Each location we visited, we picked up another pastor to join our crew. By the end of the day we had three pastors! I can’t help but get an image of Jesus picking up people along his journey. All he did was ask people to come alongside him.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the coming weeks in the communities we visited. Please pray for the relationships between the local churches and KIDS, as well as the lasting impact relationships between the church and the people can have on communities for decades.
To find more information about KIDS or donate towards their ministry click HERE.
