Family, friends, supporters, and newcomers,
I’m sorry I haven’t blogged in so long! Here is an overview on my last couple months here in the Philippines. I am currently in Manila, Philippines with a christian ministry called Kids International Mission, or KIM for short. KIM’s main goal is love the people in surrounding communities through the message of Jesus Christ. Their focus is of course, the children. Here at KIM, our teams are given a wide variety of ministry opportunities to choose from, depending on our personal passions, experiences, and expertise. Every day, regardless if teams are here or not, Kim hosts two feedings. Each morning, employees of KIM, volunteers, or some of us girls walk over to the school next door and make one to two heaping storage tubs of hot soup to distribute to children and families in communities all over Manila. KIM is constantly making new contacts with local churches and people in tight communities who will allow us to come in and bring hot meals to the kids. Depending on how established the gathering is, we will also plan games, songs, skits, and bible stories for the kids. We want to fill their bellies, yes, but more importantly, we want to introduce them to Jesus. And what better opportunity than to do that through sitting together and sharing a meal. Of course, teams are always in and out at KIM, so that is why the responsibility of hosting the feeding is passed on to a reliable member of that particular community. KIM will teach that individual or individuals how to make the soup and then will provide the food to make it. This way, local people are sustaining their own communities, and children who may only be fed once a day will receive a free, hot meal. In addition to the feedings that go on daily, other opportunities are provided such as volunteering in a birthing clinic, serving KIM through media and web design, tutoring summer school students at the school, playing with the children at the children’s home, and leading swim lessons and sessions for the neighborhood boys and girls. For the first week, we rotated through the different ministries to see which one we would want to stick with for our three month stay here at KIM. Most people found their niche right away, but me- well I just floated around, it’s what I do best(story of my life). As much as I wanted to be at the birthing clinic or have a specific job here, God made it clear to me that the feedings is where he wants me to be. So I’ve been attending both feedings each day. God’s purpose for me here is really simple. Love God and love people. During my time so far, I’ve had the opportunity to assist in a live birth, pray for people at he local hospital, and build meaningful relationships with the community.
A message to my supporters:
I know some of you, but I don’t know all. I’ve heard snippets of stories and testimonies of the call God put on your heart to support me. All of you had to make sacrifices, big or small, to contribute to my financial support. Whether it was a months salary, a Starbucks coffee, or all of the money saved up in your piggy bank, you all gave something up to get me here. I just want you to know that I’m really thankful for you, truly. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to help me get here. Thank you for being obedient to God and for trusting me with your investment. Thank you for your financial support. Thank you for your prayers. God is using you in BIG ways, whether you see it or not. I see parts of it, the Lord knows all of it, and the people around me are affected by it. Your contribution has not only helped me pursue spiritual growth and personal exploration, but it has also touched the lives of people I serve and live alongside. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
