I’ve been in Manila, Philippines, for
nearly two weeks now. Our first week here was spent in debrief – it
was relaxing, stretching, fun and challenging. Our squad leaders,
Kyla and Mark, as well as our squad parents, Roger and Rozy, were
here to lead us. We had down time to relax and reflect on what God
has done in the past two months. We also had some amazing sessions to
keep our focus right, and some time with our squad leaders and
parents to make sure we are on track as a team. It was really good to
see everyone again and share stories and experiences.
We found out once we arrived in the
Philippines that our entire squad of 52 would be staying together for
the entire month. We are staying at this amazing place called Kids
International Ministries. It’s run by a missionary family from the
United States (Kansas to be exact).They’ve been here nearly 20 years
and have established a Christian orphanage and school.
My team plus two others are working
mainly in the orphanage, which has about 35 kids. We are helping take
over shifts of caring for the kids, doing laundry, cleaning, etc. so
the normal workers can have some much needed time off to rest. We
also help in school with tutoring. They only have one more week of
classes before their summer break. So for our last two weeks here we
will lead a Vacation Bible School for the children.
Various other ministries are available
for us. Other teams are helping with construction, jail ministry and
street ministry. A group goes out each morning and afternoon to feed
kids in various areas of the city. We take the food, and the children
bring their bowl or plate to get the warm meal. It’s so amazing to
see these kids. They are so loving and hungry for attention.
We are also involved in some basketball
ministry, since that’s a huge sport here. In addition, there is a
street magazine published in Manila that focuses on the homeless and
people living in poverty. We have opportunities to assist with the
creation, publication and marketing of it.
So, there are many things going on with
many opportunities to get involved. Each team has their primary
ministry, but then we can do other ministries that interest us when
time allows. I’m hoping to do some work with the magazine in my time
away from the orphanage.
Jeff, our main ministry contact, also
encouraged us to have 24-hour prayer. So, we have a prayer hut set up
with at least one person there every hour of every day covering this
place and these people in prayer. It’s so amazing! I know God is
going to do great things!
With so many kids between the
orphanage, school and just out on the streets, we have many
opportunities to spend time with them. Jeff really encouraged us to
go deep with one or two kids rather than be on the surface with
several kids. So, that’s my goal: to find one or two kids I can
really pour into with God’s love.
That gives you the basic idea of all
we’re doing here. I’ll try to have more specific stories for you
soon!
