It's Help time and it's Harvest time!
We praise God for the help that we have been able to provide and continue to provide to flood relief victims in the Philippines! We are grateful that God allowed us to be here and be a part of it. We are equally thankful that the Lord allowed dozens of those overseas who we are connected with to share in this victory by participating in prayer and in the sacrificial giving of precious resources and many are continuing in this effort! Generous donations have come from the USA, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia and even from Indonesia which has also experienced tremendous crisis. The people of God are awesome!
This mission is yet another confirmation that the Harvest comes as the Church Helps people. Not only in times of catastophe but in all seasons. It is true, however that crisis blows open doors that previously were not fully open.
A friend of mine recently sent me a message saying that "just because doors are closed, that does not always mean that they are locked." He challenged my perception with that message and I began to check the closed doors in my life. I am reporting to you that I am amazed at connections, fruitfulness, blessing, increase and opportunity which we have experienced in the last few weeks simply because I believed that word from God through my friend and decided to actually check those doors rather then giving up when I saw a closed door. Thank you Stan! God used you Brother!
Let me encourage you today to not shy away from closed doors using the "open and closed door" scriptures as excuses to be lax or shy. We are surrounded with opportunities and we must lay hold of them. A door which is truly closed is locked. When it won't open, move on. There are plenty of other unlocked and therefore open doors.
One of the outreach efforts that Tabernacle of Faith Churches conducted this week-end was a medical mission on Saturday specifically at the San Juan facility. Hundreds were treated by medical, dental and eye doctors. In the waiting times, every patient was presented with the gospel message and every person was told of the love that we the body of Christ have for them. At the San Juan 8:30am service yesterday, attendance was up and more then 30 people publicly dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ! Awesome!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Relief and School Supplies
During the storms when we couldn't safely go out, one of our main prayers was "Lord, open doors permanently." Another prayer was "Show us how to help in deeper ways... not just surface level."
My conviction is that "disaster relief" ministry should always lead to long term relationships and result in touching the lives of people. My experience in the Philippines and in Indonesia however, is that longevity of ministry which starts with disaster relief, often does not occur. Usually, the resources that are supernatural and precious are scattered all over the place but intentional and consistant placement of resources would yield much greater results.
That door that we prayed about indeed opened. It is near two of our facilities and in a neighborhood with leadership who are open to our help. This means that they are open to us becoming involved in the lives of the people on an on-going basis. We are already experiencing great results from a spiritual as well as a physical perspective.
Sto. Nino is a Barangay of Marikina. A Barangay is a village type of suburb of a city. The city of Marikina is a part of Metro Manila. A Barangay has a governing "Barangay Captain," several Barangay's would then come under the leadership of other Council people who then come under the Mayor, etc.
This flood has revealed much trash. Not only physical but also political. I won't go into too much detail so that I don't cause unnecessary offence to any potential readers of this post, but I will try to explain.
The political leaders who are responsible for Sto. Nino, Marikina are a part of the opposing political party which is in current control of the nation and we are approaching an election time. If your politicians are in favor with the administration, you will receive quick and ample aid. If they are not in favor, if you receive any aid at all, it will be slow and not enough. SAD!!!
This not only affects direct government aid but it also affects the aid which potentially comes from NGO's. The caravan's that we have seen from organizations such as Unicef, the US Military, World Vision and others have been accompanied not only by local security forces but also by political aides. In other words, these organizations are sending relief to the places that the high up politicians want the aid to go. I am sure that the NGO's are aware of this and are not trying to be a part of this kind of thing and it is understandable that they must work with the system for the sake of maximum effectiveness of a large organization. But when we work through the local Church, we don't have to deal so much with the politics and we can simply identify where and how we can best work and just do it. Awesome!
On one additional side note for those of you interested in this background information: One Mayor from another City in Metro Manila cannot get the help he needs to remove trash. One load of trash using official garbage trucks costs the city about $150. Because he is a part of the "opposition", he is having to find this money to clean up his city. Trash left causes more then smell... it causes disease. People will get sick and some will die as a result of these politics.
We have been giving the same kind of relief as otherorganizations. Mostly canned goods, distilled water, noodles and rice. In Sto. Nino, they now have a pretty good supply of all of these things coming in from a variety of sources. But what they are literally crying out for that they are not getting and likely will never get at least from government agencies is school supplies. Schooling is one of the largest expenses that a Filipino family has, not just college, but even grade school and up.
The 14 area schools in Marikina will not re-open for another week or two because they need clean up and they are still being used to house dis-placed families. By the time the schools re-open, the 800 kids from Barangay Sto. Nino will need notebooks, pencils, back-packs, rulers and any other supplies they can get. Many will need uniforms and shoes as well. It just depends if their families clothes were swept away or not. Anything paper was completely ruined where
as clothes can be washed.
We are continuing the flow of food, water and medicine but are wanting to emphasize getting these supplies to these precious kids asap.
We are looking for corporations who will donate or help, one school in San Diego is preparing to conduct a back sale even right now. Even if you cannot personally do much, maybe you work for a company that might be able to provide some assistance.
We have people in place who are working for this relief work to become a Church. A permanent light to this community. I'll be telling you more about that in the coming weeks, months, and yes, years. We want to produce fruit, as the scriptures say, which remains.
Thank you for your prayers, for your help and for your consideration!
My conviction is that "disaster relief" ministry should always lead to long term relationships and result in touching the lives of people. My experience in the Philippines and in Indonesia however, is that longevity of ministry which starts with disaster relief, often does not occur. Usually, the resources that are supernatural and precious are scattered all over the place but intentional and consistant placement of resources would yield much greater results.
That door that we prayed about indeed opened. It is near two of our facilities and in a neighborhood with leadership who are open to our help. This means that they are open to us becoming involved in the lives of the people on an on-going basis. We are already experiencing great results from a spiritual as well as a physical perspective.
Sto. Nino is a Barangay of Marikina. A Barangay is a village type of suburb of a city. The city of Marikina is a part of Metro Manila. A Barangay has a governing "Barangay Captain," several Barangay's would then come under the leadership of other Council people who then come under the Mayor, etc.
This flood has revealed much trash. Not only physical but also political. I won't go into too much detail so that I don't cause unnecessary offence to any potential readers of this post, but I will try to explain.
The political leaders who are responsible for Sto. Nino, Marikina are a part of the opposing political party which is in current control of the nation and we are approaching an election time. If your politicians are in favor with the administration, you will receive quick and ample aid. If they are not in favor, if you receive any aid at all, it will be slow and not enough. SAD!!!
This not only affects direct government aid but it also affects the aid which potentially comes from NGO's. The caravan's that we have seen from organizations such as Unicef, the US Military, World Vision and others have been accompanied not only by local security forces but also by political aides. In other words, these organizations are sending relief to the places that the high up politicians want the aid to go. I am sure that the NGO's are aware of this and are not trying to be a part of this kind of thing and it is understandable that they must work with the system for the sake of maximum effectiveness of a large organization. But when we work through the local Church, we don't have to deal so much with the politics and we can simply identify where and how we can best work and just do it. Awesome!
On one additional side note for those of you interested in this background information: One Mayor from another City in Metro Manila cannot get the help he needs to remove trash. One load of trash using official garbage trucks costs the city about $150. Because he is a part of the "opposition", he is having to find this money to clean up his city. Trash left causes more then smell... it causes disease. People will get sick and some will die as a result of these politics.
We have been giving the same kind of relief as otherorganizations. Mostly canned goods, distilled water, noodles and rice. In Sto. Nino, they now have a pretty good supply of all of these things coming in from a variety of sources. But what they are literally crying out for that they are not getting and likely will never get at least from government agencies is school supplies. Schooling is one of the largest expenses that a Filipino family has, not just college, but even grade school and up.
The 14 area schools in Marikina will not re-open for another week or two because they need clean up and they are still being used to house dis-placed families. By the time the schools re-open, the 800 kids from Barangay Sto. Nino will need notebooks, pencils, back-packs, rulers and any other supplies they can get. Many will need uniforms and shoes as well. It just depends if their families clothes were swept away or not. Anything paper was completely ruined where
as clothes can be washed.
We are continuing the flow of food, water and medicine but are wanting to emphasize getting these supplies to these precious kids asap.
We are looking for corporations who will donate or help, one school in San Diego is preparing to conduct a back sale even right now. Even if you cannot personally do much, maybe you work for a company that might be able to provide some assistance.
We have people in place who are working for this relief work to become a Church. A permanent light to this community. I'll be telling you more about that in the coming weeks, months, and yes, years. We want to produce fruit, as the scriptures say, which remains.
Thank you for your prayers, for your help and for your consideration!
After the Flood --- Pictures of Sto. Nino, Marikina
Hi Everyone! Here is a link to pictures of Sto. Nino where we are beginning to ramp up efforts to help 800 kids and their families. I have put captions on many of the pictures which will explain much! I will be posting some videos and further explanations in the next few hours as we go but I wanted to get these to you right away!
http://picasaweb.google.com/stevem.iccj/OndoyMarikinaStoNino?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/stevem.iccj/OndoyMarikinaStoNino?feat=directlink
Friday, October 2, 2009
800 Kids
Hi guys! I know I just posted a few minutes ago, but I am getting more information on the kids in the community in Marikina God has opened a door for us to reach. There are 800 of them. We need medicines, food, clothing and school supplies for 800 kids.
My mind is reeling right now because we don't have the kind of resources to provide all that for all of them... But God is giving me a confidence and a peace that He is not only able, but He will do it. This opportunity has been opened because of relationship with local officials who are open to the Gospel.
Thanks for your continued prayers and generousity!!! Miracles are en route! I believe it!
My mind is reeling right now because we don't have the kind of resources to provide all that for all of them... But God is giving me a confidence and a peace that He is not only able, but He will do it. This opportunity has been opened because of relationship with local officials who are open to the Gospel.
Thanks for your continued prayers and generousity!!! Miracles are en route! I believe it!
No New Heavy Flooding Reported
We have no new reports of heavy flooding in the communities we are working in and we are not seeing it on the local news either. God answers prayer! If the storm had dumped heavy rain on us in the night and today, we would have had a much worse disaster! Through the drizzle and wind which isn't too heavy, we are able to continue the flood relief efforts! Praise God!
At a new Bible Study group which is a direct result of flood relief in Marikina last night, 3 men received Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior. Heads of households! Amazing! Also in Marikina, we are now responsible for a Childrens program run in conjunction with local government officials which involves feeding and caring for the basic medical needs of an entire community. We will be focusing on this and other such opportunities to care for the people and enlarge God's Kingdom!
We would not be able to do this if it wasn't for your powerful prayers and for your generous support! Thank you so very much!!! May God continue to bless you with the same measure you have blessed others with in Jesus name! Amen!
For those of you in Manila, we are anticipating a powerful service at Gateway Mall Cinema 2 at 11am tomorrow! Please come and join us if you can safely get there.
At a new Bible Study group which is a direct result of flood relief in Marikina last night, 3 men received Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior. Heads of households! Amazing! Also in Marikina, we are now responsible for a Childrens program run in conjunction with local government officials which involves feeding and caring for the basic medical needs of an entire community. We will be focusing on this and other such opportunities to care for the people and enlarge God's Kingdom!
We would not be able to do this if it wasn't for your powerful prayers and for your generous support! Thank you so very much!!! May God continue to bless you with the same measure you have blessed others with in Jesus name! Amen!
For those of you in Manila, we are anticipating a powerful service at Gateway Mall Cinema 2 at 11am tomorrow! Please come and join us if you can safely get there.
What We've Seen Today...
While making our way through Cainta, we saw people shoveling mud out of their second story windows...
We saw that a Shell gasoline station's convenience mart was completely covered with mud to the top of its roof. You would not have been able to perch there to avoid the water although all ground around it is now dry...
Lines of 50+ cars at dozens of car dealers along our route trying to get needed repairs... most of them looking like they were pulled from mud pits...
A large convoy of US military vehicles were making their way out of a hard hit area, undoubtedly on their way to get more supplies. It was just different to see all the blond haired soldiers...
Another funeral procession with a little casket and a weeping family including mom, brothers and sisters...
While standing in line at a grocery store to buy more supplies, watching people buy whatever they can afford, some using cans and jars of coins as they prepare for the possible 6 days of storms and rain that are en route...
It is now 5:07pm on October 2. Reports say that the power company will start turning off power in the riskier areas of Manila starting at 7pm. The media is encouraging everyone to get to their safe homes and evacuate their unsafe homes NOW.
A few of our volunteers are still helping people from the current flood but they are now staying close to where they need to be... We need to live and be healthy for the next round.
Thank you for your prayers!!! This new storm is no longer considered a Super Typhoon but it is considered a Slow Mover... slow movers deposit more rain then fast movers... Please pray for light rain and for the storm to move fast! God answers prayer!!!
We saw that a Shell gasoline station's convenience mart was completely covered with mud to the top of its roof. You would not have been able to perch there to avoid the water although all ground around it is now dry...
Lines of 50+ cars at dozens of car dealers along our route trying to get needed repairs... most of them looking like they were pulled from mud pits...
A large convoy of US military vehicles were making their way out of a hard hit area, undoubtedly on their way to get more supplies. It was just different to see all the blond haired soldiers...
Another funeral procession with a little casket and a weeping family including mom, brothers and sisters...
While standing in line at a grocery store to buy more supplies, watching people buy whatever they can afford, some using cans and jars of coins as they prepare for the possible 6 days of storms and rain that are en route...
It is now 5:07pm on October 2. Reports say that the power company will start turning off power in the riskier areas of Manila starting at 7pm. The media is encouraging everyone to get to their safe homes and evacuate their unsafe homes NOW.
A few of our volunteers are still helping people from the current flood but they are now staying close to where they need to be... We need to live and be healthy for the next round.
Thank you for your prayers!!! This new storm is no longer considered a Super Typhoon but it is considered a Slow Mover... slow movers deposit more rain then fast movers... Please pray for light rain and for the storm to move fast! God answers prayer!!!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Onward Christian Soldier
I was again at the store for relief supplies to distribute and was shopping with the Philippine Army... about 100 soldiers. By the time I reached check out they were ringing up at least 300 carts worth of noodles, rice, canned goods, coffee and more. Outside they had trucks waiting. I asked and they are making another run into Pasig Pateros just down the street from our house. They were covered in dried mud and looked worn but had purpose in their eyes with their mission. There is nothing like it in human terms, but definitely there is nothing like it when accompanied with power and the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I have a new song playing in my head from Sunday School days but with more meaning now. “Onward Christian Soldier...”
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