Hope For The Island

Author: Andrey Siganur

  • The Poor Among Us Weekly Snapshots- Part 4

    THE POOR AMONG US

     

    “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10,11

    All through scripture God reminds and urges us to pay special attention to extend ourselves on behalf of the poor and needy. The one thing the apostles chose to emphasize to Paul and Barnabas as they set out on their mission to the gentiles was to remember the poor.  It was not an extensive list of doctrines to observe rather a very pointed call to welcome and embrace the poor.  It was reassuring for Paul to hear this instruction because it was the thing he was already doing and eager to continue (Gal 2:10).  We can easily find ways to justify looking the other way, but taking the passive blind eye approach directly opposes God’s heart and Word. John 13:35 tells us that the world will only recognize truth and Christ in us by the way we live in the example of love in Christ.  When we ignore this truth, our christian niceties fall on deaf ears and God’s purposes through us are hindered. Nothing promotes union in the current divided and distracted church like a deep and common concern for all especially the destitute created in God’s image.

    The physical and emotional suffering elderly and widows endure in communities surrounding Hope for the Island is impossible to overlook. Although it can be messy and emotionally draining to enter ones suffering, it is deeply rewarding.  Sharing life together allows everyone to find that place of belonging and community. There is incredible impact and fruit that comes as we intentionally engage others in their need.  I want to extend a special thank you to all who faithfully give to support the needs of this ministry of mercy!

     

  • ALL GROWN UP!! Weekly Snapshots- Part 3

     

     

    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!!

  • Hope for the Island October Weekly Snapshots- Part 2

    Samantha and Nico are 2 children we have seen incredible improvement with under our health restoration program. They too attended Jenn’s birthday celebration together with their mother Lisa, sister and grandmother. As we sat down to catch up, Jenn and I were moved by the testimony Lisa shared of God’s goodness over their family. It is such a joy to witness how God’s Word beautifully works it’s way into the broken parts of peoples’ lives and brings transformation!

    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.

    On the surface it seemed as though our efforts were in vain and our words were falling on deaf ears. Little did we grasp how God’s Word was at work in Lisa’s heart the first day we spoke it. Her countenance started to change over the course of a couple of visits.  Then on the following week, Lisa started asking questions and longed for us to share more of Gods Word.

    The more she received in faith the truth of God’s Word, life and blessing started to manifest in the physical. It was so beautiful to witness God miraculously turn someones mourning to dancing!!! God gave Lisa the eyes to see and ears to hear Him in the midst of the storm that raged around her family.

    The Word spoken and lived out always accomplishes what God purposes. Isaiah 55 reveals a truth that brings clarity in regards to the power and way of God’s Word. It is a urgent reminder that God’s Word never goes out in vain nor does it ever return empty. His living Word always fulfills what it was sent out to achieve.

    Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” Amen!!!

    As we align our hearts with this truth we can pray with expectancy into areas God’s Word is sown. As we obediently prioritize to share truth in Word and deed with other, we can anticipate having many similar transformation testimonies like Lisa’s 🙂

    Galatians 6:9 provides another great encouragement when for long 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”

    Thankfully Nico and Samantha’s health is being restored day by day.  They are near reaching goals we set for them under our health restoration program. During our chat we heard how Nico as young as he is, loves to tell others how God is changing his health and family. God is using Nico’s little life to also speak of God’s displayed truth. It must so please God to accomplish His purpose through what the world may consider weak and foolish (1 Corinthians 1:27)

    To Lisa’s delight her 9 year old daughter Samantha spoke her first word (Mama) not too long ago when our team brought the family to the beach. Samantha was beaming as she put her feet in the sand for the first time! Each week she is able to speak a little more each time. Glory and praise to the Lord alone!

     

    Derek

     

  • Hope for the Island October Weekly Snapshots- Part 1

    From Derek:

    Mid September presentations in Winnipeg were a great opportunity to share of God’s goodness and unpack as many Philippines / Borneo mission trip stories as time allowed. It was an action packed trip from start to finish with near missed landslides, hostile immigration interrogations, dangerous bites, new tasty exotic jungle foods and a whole lot of fruitful ministry!

    We were able to witness hope and faith rise in the hearts of those we served and shared life with on this enriching trip. It was so incredibly good being back in a world that connects so deeply with our hearts. There is plenty to update you all on!! The ministries and team at Hope for the island are truly thriving! It blesses Jenn and I immensely to see the ministry God called us to pioneer, increase in fruit and influence. The impact God’s Word is making is evident as God continues to solidify His work throughout Siargao Island.

    The overflow of God’s goodness is rippling beyond our familiar shores to the larger and a little wilder island of Borneo. God has opened an incredible door for Hope for the Island to bless and support the Penan people. Deep within the rainforest they find themselves at a critical crossroads and are requesting our help.

    Considering all that we have to report on from Philippines and Borneo, we plan to try something new. I will send out weekly snap shots over the course of the fall. I will cover exciting stories of Hope in Philippines and Borneo and close with details on how God is leading our family on this unique faith journey. I ask that you please feel free to contact us by email if you have questions, need clarification on anything shared, or want to find out how you can participate. We value any feedback whether it is from the casual follower or those who have partnered alongside us on this faith journey for years.

    On a brief personal note: I need to acknowledge and thank again those who have been a sure guiding voice in this season of transition for our family. Your wise Biblical counsel has helped us discern God’s purposes. By God’s grace we are learning to trust Him in new ways and be obedient in this new world we find ourselves. After 20 years of experience to draw from, we know well the unspeakable joy and the distinctive challenges on this road less travelled. With all honesty Jenn and I can testify that the cost involved in obeying no matter how great, has always been more than worth it.

    1 Thessalonians 5:24 reminds us that when God calls us to something, He is faithful to accomplish all that He purposes. When we simply position our hearts before the Lord to say YES to whatever it may be that our good Father presents us with, His peace, joy, anointing and provision do indeed follow!

    From Jenn:

    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.

     

     

     

    It was a great way to gather many of those from the community that are close to my heart. They were so expressive and thankful to see Derek and I. While getting around to talk one on one with people, many shared of concerns they had through the course of the year we were away. Some thought that we would never come back and maybe forget about them. It was so sad, yet touching as they shared sincerely from their heart.

    We reassured them of our unwavering love and continued commitment to the ministry and those we serve. A good dose of Philippines style fellowship and fun was exactly what the doctor ordered for me! The party ended with the widows gathering around me to pray and speak God’s blessing over me! Thank you Lord!

  • Oh Canada!!!

    Our time in Canada has been nothing short of amazing and yet surreal at the same time. Kelowna has been the perfect landing place for us to get our bearings as we transition into a new world. I say perfect not for reasons most think of when they hear of the beauty and recreation this part of the province offers. It’s the right spot because we know this is where the Lord was leading us.

    I find it interesting how God led us from living by faith amongst the poorest of the poor to relearning how to live intentionally by faith amongst some of the wealthiest in Canada. We are located in the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) that has rightly been coined BC “Bring Cash” due to the outrageous cost of living. Thankfully, we know by experience, not to be anxious about such things. Jesus left us with His peace (Jn 14:27). It is a gift of significant value for the follower of Christ.  That indescribable peace has guarded us through far too many situations that could have broken us otherwise (Phil 4:7).  (more…)