Wow what an amazing afternoon!!! We were able to reconnect with Nickey and Junior while they were back visiting the island. As kids they regularly attended Hope for the Island ministries in the town where we had weekly outreaches. Seeing them full of life and thriving brought such joy to our hearts.
Nickey is now a teacher and Junior is excelling in business. Both of them are also actively serving in ministry! Our hearts leaped with joy hearing of their love for Jesus and a fruitful walk. They shared memories of how God used HOPE to guide them through the immense struggles of growing up in the island. They especially remembered Dinah who served on staff with us for many years. She poured her heart into all she did with the kids and taught them to trust and apply God’s Word in all circumstances. The HOPE team has been used incredibly by God to nurture vulnerable hearts and train them up in God’s Word. The fruit of this can be seen in the countless number of kids along with Nickey and Junior who now securely set their hope and identity in Christ!
Nickey and Junior are praying that God will restore Hope for the Island’s Kids Ministry in the town where they grew up and found Jesus. For 16 long years the kids who have attended our kids programs there, have done so facing various forms of persecution. Although the threats have produced in some, a stronger resolve and deepened faith, there have been far too many through the years who have been forced to stop attending. It’s always heartbreaking to have kids we love dearly come sobbing in tears to say they cannot come any longer to our Saturday community kids programs. For a season we felt led to refrain from gathering in this small town to allow the pressure on the kids’ families to settle. Currently families that are bold enough allow their kids to walk to a neighboring town to attend. Please pray with us as we seek God for the right spirit led avenue for this important ministry to be restored.
Stories like Nickey and Junior remind us why we do what we do at HOPE. Our mission mandate is clearly spelled out with a sense of urgency all through Scripture.
God calls us to pour ourselves out on behalf of the hungry and to satisfy the desires of the afflicted. This command in Isaiah 58:10-12 is followed up with a beautiful picture of emerging hope. God promises restoration and life as we obediently serve the downcast. The Lord causes His light to break forth out of the darkest broken places. Guidance, provision and renewed vibrant strength are assured. Those who heed God’s voice will raise foundations of generations to come. They will be called repairers of broken walls and a restorer of the streets! What an incredible blessing to be part of God’s redemptive plans!!
I remember the concerns and prayers expressed during our first couple of months visiting this family to deliver healthy food for Nico and Samantha. They were facing immense struggles. Week after week our team would visit the home to minister God’s love and share God’s Word. Often we would leave feeling a little disheartened because the problems continued and at times escalated. There was even some unspoken resistance towards us despite our heartfelt intentions.
periods of time we do not see fruit from our obedience. We are reminded to “…not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not become weary”
From Derek:
I love parties and was overjoyed to be back at Hope for the Island to celebrate my 40th birthday! It’s always more fun in Philippines!!! Birthday gatherings in Philippines are organized in such a way so others can be blessed and enjoy. The emphasis is more on making sure the guests have fun and are well fed, rather than about the celebrant and gifts.