Hope For The Island

Month: November 2016

  • God’s living Word

    From Janece:

    Each week we open God’s living Word and help kids think of practical ways they can obey and apply it in the week ahead. When they return the following week we all take time to share opportunities that we could in faith obey truth. It’s exciting to hear simple yet heartfelt victories from the mouths of young children. It is a great way to affirm them in their obedience and for them to clearly experience as children the blessing and power of being a doer of God’s Word.

    I would like you to meet Andrea. This week she shared how she made an effort to obey all that her Lolo (grandpa) asked her to do. Other times she will complain or not do it willingly but she realized that attitude is not pleasing to God or honoring her Lolo.

    She said she also offered to help in washing the laundry by hand even though not asked. Although she was not thanked for her efforts, she had peace and joy knowing God helped her to do the right thing.

    As her teacher I am also blessed to see the positive affect when we obey God’s Word. The testimonies they share and our excitement and affirmation helps to encourage and inspire other kids listening to make the same efforts to obey!

    Paul John ( Standing)

    I was reviewing with my kids about Abraham who was kind to Lot. Paul John is a new kid in my group and it was the second time he joined us in Kid’s Ministry. I was amazed he was very interactive and willing to answer my questions.

     

    Paul John always has a smile on his face and seems to be a leader with the other kids. I am really blessed and thankful to God for the life of Paul John. I pray that he will continue to join us and grow more in knowing God. Just as Abraham’s life impacted all those he came in contact with, we trust God to raise up kids like him with a heart to influence their community. Thank God that He uses children and that we at Hope for the Island have the privilege to disciple them to know their creator.

  • Maylene

    From Gina:

    Maylene is 10 years old and is one of my kids in the town of “Bitaug” where I serve each week. She was one of the participants who was impacted by the “KIDS HEARTLINE SEMINAR that we hosted.

    Heartline VIDEO

    Last Saturday I had a hard time in sharing a Bible story to the kids because there are many little ones moving around and noisy. Currently we are in a transition training up new assistants so all areas don’t have assistants yet. Please pray for the new assistant we involve each week to have God’s heart and grow in their love for kids in communities.

     

    Maylene surprised me and offered to take all the little ones while I teach. She did such a good job taking care of them. It was nice seeing her taking the lead and the kids responded well to her.

    I’m thankful and blessed because our topic was about “KINDNESS” and Maylene showed kindness to me and to the kids by helping and serving them. It was a good way to have a practical example to explain ways they can apply God’s Word.

    From Derek:

    God is really working in Maylene and other kids. Even at a young age they already have a willing heart to help and be used by God in the ministry. In some areas local religious groups do all they can to prevent kids from joining us on Saturday. Threats carried through by these groups, forces some parents to not allow their kids to attend. Tears are common when they have to leave.  We pray that the real encounters they have had with Jesus during their time with us will provide a foundation that securely holds them. Praying also that doors will open for them to return. Thank you for all who join us through support and prayer. You are helping these kids know God and His purpose for them.

  • Seniors and Children

    From Jing:

    We enjoy spending time with and supplementing the diet of some seniors and widows in need.

    Nanay (older mother) Ethan is one of those widows. Her grandchild Joy is actively involved in my discipleship in the Mia area.

    I visited Nanay Ethan after hearing she was among those who had been poisoned. Because of hunger, many elderly widows head up to the mountain to find food that grows wild.

    This time they chose the wrong mushrooms to eat and even gave some to a daughter who is breastfeeding an infant. Almost immediately after eating they started vomiting uncontrollably, urinating and had diarrhea.

    When people realized they have eaten the wrong kind of mushroom, they found a way to take them to a doctor over an hour away in the south of the island.

    Thank God they were treated right away and now they have all recovered.

    Nanay testifies that God still has something for her here on earth that is why she did not die.Thank God for He is good to His children.

    Please be with us in praying for these widows. Rainy season is approaching making it impossible for people to go fishing in the high winds and torrential rain. They have no fish most of the time. Farming is also very hard during this season. Most of the locals get very hungry and suffer many illnesses.

    Maryjane and her sister Jeremay face many hardships at their young age. Their mother went to the big city with plans to send money to help meet family needs and with a promise to not be gone long. Six years later she still hasn’t returned.  Distraught and desperate, their father looks for any work he can find to make ends meet.  His efforts have come up short and his regular absence from home leaves his daughters in a lonely and hopeless place.

    These sisters have been part of our daily Malnourished Feeding Program. Jeremay has reached the weight she should be, but Maryjane still struggles to reach a healthy weight and regain her health.

    Please keep them in prayer as we minister to them weekly. Pray for opportunities for the father to find work near to home. Pray that they will respond well to the care and healthy food we supply. Food is cooked in the morning and they have to make it last until their father returns. Pray that their heart finds healing from deep wounds they have and for God’s love and hope to shine through our staff that spend time connecting with them each week.

  • Lhaica

    From Nermilyn:

    12 year-old Lhaica has become a very good example to her friends.

    Click on the link to hear her boldly share one of the memory verses she has learned.

    Lhaica memory verse Video

    At the age of 12 she is already teaching and challenging the other kids in her area to grow spiritually.   Even at her young age she teaches effectively and humbly. Her boldness inspires the other kids. They can be used by God as well to live love and care for others.

     

    Kids in Algeria are praying for the dreams that God places on their heart and for their future. Our topic was about Joseph who dreamed and God brought it to completion in the future.

    I was able to share from my personal experience that even though poor and from the same situation as them, I dreamed as a kid to ride on an airplane and go outside of the Philippines.

    God in His timing and purpose allowed it to happen for His glory. God took me to new countries to serve others and learn more about God’s heart for the world and me. I encouraged them to trust God and that nothing is impossible with God. I heard the kids sharing their plans to each other how they will study harder at school so nothing could hinder them from reaching their dreams. We prayed over each child and trust God with each life He allows us to care for.