Ministry in the Philippines

Since our first week in the Philippines was for debrief we did not find out what our ministry was until the end of last week.

Our team has chosen to work in a prison, and also a street gang of young men. This is where my  team feels called to minister to even though we are surrounded by children at all other times. 

The prison ministry we go in and feed the prisoners who will listen to our Bible study and we teach them something to do with their time, such as crafts or sports. Here in the Philippines the family unit is so important that if a family member is in jail or even the hospital it is the family’s job to care for that person, with food or health care. That is what this ministry’s strength (KIM – Kids International Ministries), they have us bring food and provide medical care to those that need it.

Our other ministry is working with a street gang. These are young men (13-17 year old’s) who hang out around town causing problems. As we have spent a few hours with these guys already we have found that most of them just need a little love and shown how to be men. They just have too much energy for the space they have and because there are a few of them they can always find trouble. Over the weekend we were able to spend a few hours with them, by playing basketball, cooking lunch, having a Bible study, and walking up a mountain. This time was really meaningful to us and it was great to learn that even though they are in a gang, they are still kids who need someone to be there for them. This week we have the chance to spend time with them in their own homes and really learn what is on their hearts.

This month we need prayer for the ability to be in the prison for a few hours a day, the prisoners to have open hearts, the young men to be willing to learn from us, and the strength to love them even when times are tough. I also need prayer for support, as I still need $4,000 in the next month.