I don’t know if a blog could ever really do for these two. For me, having the blessings of great parents has been one of those things that I just hold so closely to my heart. However, it also makes it hard to be away from them from time to time. Thankfully, God has been looking out for me and provided these two for me that I will just call my Filipino parents. They truly have been looking out for me, feeding me, giving me advice, and just encouraging me. All the good things that great parents do.
Now, instead of talking about how great these two are for a whole blog, I would rather tell a little about their story and why they are such important people to have in my life. Unlike most of the locals here, Glenn and Grace have spent several years in the States, working hard to raise the money for the ministry that God placed on their heart. Growing up, Grace and one of her close friends, Belen, were always very involved in summer camps and it’s really where a lot of there solid foundation was laid. When it came time for them to be adults, they still had that desire on their hearts, and they wanted to keep summer camps going. However, they wanted to provide summer camps for impoverished kids in the coastal areas for absolutely free.
Grace has countless stories of how God just provided for them during a time when they were just “being stupid for the Lord” as she always says. What she means by this is that they would host a summer camp with 60 kids and serve them breakfast without knowing where lunch would come from. Time and time again, God bailed them out, but also showed them how He provides for those that are obedient to Him. I’ve heard Grace tell the full story five times now, and every time she breaks down in tears when she recounts the provision of God for their dream. I also love how she explains how our Saturday Fellowship started a couple of years ago. One Saturday, they decided to invite some kids over for a feeding because they were so malnourished. During that time, they also presented the kids with the Gospel and just loved on them. They asked when they could come back and the simple answer was, “How about next Saturday?” And thus our fellowship was born with a dozen or so kids.
Even after operating for several years, financial provision still doesn’t come easy. Luckily, we have been provided with tons of food for the weekly feedings, but with over 300 kids each week, there’s so much more they could do. We are praying for the provision for Christmas parties and other outreach programs that we will desperately need help with. We would love to see all the street children and the impoverished villages be fed regularly, but also hear the Word of God and know why we do what we do. There are so many areas that still don’t even know the name a Jesus, or have no idea who He really is. Glenn and Grace want to use their blessings, and support from others to provide for this.
Now, Glenn and Grace are operating several businesses that help provide for the camp as well as their livelihood, and they have truly dedicated their life to the Lord. A little over a year ago, Glenn had a stroke and was advised to slow things down a little. While Glenn and Grace have made it a goal of theirs to live more healthy lives, they are not slowing down on waking up at sunrise to make sure a few street kids have some bread for breakfast. They won’t slow down when Saturday rolls around and it’s time to feed another 300 kids. They won’t slow down when needs can be met through their obedience. Despite that schedule, Glenn looks even healthier than before and Grace may just be that “toothpick” before too long.
One thing I have learned from these two, is that I can help. Whenever I see a need, I can help. I may not have much, and I may just be “stupid for the Lord”, but it’s all His anyway, so why not just provide? I know that they won’t always ask, but I know they need help raising support for the ministry they are doing. I know they want to do even more for these kids, like providing a Christmas party with presents (maybe $10 a kid) or just giving them a little extra food each week. Money goes far here. If you are interested in partnering with their ministry, please tell me because you will see the fruit of your giving immediately when you see the pictures form each week.
Now, aside from the little plea, I have to send my deepest thanks to these two. They are truly a blessing on my life and I don’t know how I could make it without them (and the ribs…). Having a set of parents like mine is a true blessing, and having other great parents that will treat me as a son just adds to that. Thanks you two…
