Since working in Antipolo (where the KIM base is located), Team LOL has been trying figure out what God was calling us to. We were also trying to figure out why we were no longer allowed to go back into Tondo. We all loved Tondo, yet after the typhoon, water-bourne illnesses have been really high, such as dengue fever. We weren’t allowed back in for this reason.
Joshua, our squad leader, had worked with Children’s Garden when he was in the Philippines on his race. His heart has been there and offered that opportunity to go serve with these men. Why on earth would 5 American women work with 25 14-22 year old men who have been on the streets begging, stealing, robbing? Well, we really didn’t know going into the building. As soon as we entered through the entrance into that place, all fears were calmed and stilled. God’s clearly in that place. We only worked with the guys for 2 days, but I know they are my brothers. Jessica and Maggie shared their testimonies and then some of the guys shared their’s.
This the testimony of Michael, age 19. When Michael was 6, he ran to the streets to escape the abuse that he was facing from his father and uncle. Michael was on the streets begging, snatching and after a few years got into a gang. Around 12, Michael as well as his gang intended to hold up a jeepney (common transportation that looks like a party bus in the Philippines.) It was at night, but what they didn’t know, was that there was a man on this jeepney that had a knife. He intended to stab the boys, but instead Michael had stolen the knife and stabbed the guy to protect his ‘brothers.’ Michael got caught by the police and ended up in the juvenile prison system in Antipolo. He then moved into Children’s Garden about 5 years ago and his whole life has changed! Michael is a man after God’s heart, preaching and speaking out against violence. Rather, he is leading outreaches to other locations where there are street kids and loving upon them. Michael’s dream is to become a missionary and past. When the main pastor is not speaking on Sundays, Michael is. The Lord is using him to convict others to turn to Christ!
