Author: Andrey Siganur

Anita and Josepito Ravelo is a couple with six children, two of which are grown and live elsewhere. They live in the village of Rizal, fifteen minutes north of Hope for the Island. Although Josepito is a farmer, he built his small nipa hut on stilts within the ocean along with many others who did not have land of their own.

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When storms come, these families are most at risk from high winds and ocean surges. As typhoon Ruby threatened to make landfall on Dec 6/14 their family packed a few bags and headed for the elementary school that is on high ground. They, like many, returned to their home to safeguard their only belongings in life. They tried to hold out as long as they could. The weather continued to worsen and the tide rose extremely high, so they left in the dark of night for higher ground, as did their neighbors.

The cost of one home is $500.00, please click this link and build a home

Sadly, countless people die in situations like this. They try to preserve the little they have at the expense of their own lives. This family was definitely thankful they made the decision to leave. Thirty minutes later the first wave came thundering in and wiped out their home! Three more waves hit and washed away a total of forty-four homes. The ocean surge travelled up to the national road leaving a path of destruction scattering boats and debris throughout the rice fields. We thank God that no one in the village lost their life.

We, at Hope for the Island, spent our Christmas reaching out to families affected by Typhoon Ruby. We knew we did not have the necessary funds to help them rebuild. We served food, distributed clothing and supplies from our Bags of Hope. For many months now, families have been sleeping on benches in churches and in neighbors’ homes.

The Revelos are the first family we have had the privilege of helping rebuild their home. A relative of theirs donated a small piece of land for them to build on. On average the cost is $500 to buy the basic materials needed to rebuild a small home. Labor is not paid for, as family and friends supply the labor.

Thus far we have received donations to cover the cost to rebuild three homes. Please pray how you can help to meet this critical need! Pray also for direction as we coordinate with the local government to find land that is safe for these people to relocate to. As of now, only twelve out of the forty-four families have secured a place to rebuild.

Will you help us restore these families?

We have funds to build 3 homes and we need funds to build 39 more.

The cost of one home is $500.00, please click this link and build a home

Derek

Understandably we often hear prayer requests that focus on asking God to help with health and to supply food for each day. Situations intensify when one or both parents are not in the picture. This is a daily reality for the children we minister to. Imagine praying with a child who asks for prayer that they would be able to finish their daily assignments. The dropout rates are high as families struggle just to put food on the table.

Young people dream of being able to finish school so that one day they are able to support their family. Hardships look very different on this side of the world and we ask that you join our kids in prayer!

Picture Princess testified last week after our lesson on the lost sheep that she is so thankful that Jesus loves and cares so much to save her. She said even though I have no parents to love or care for me, I have Jesus who loves me and takes care of me always. He is my good shepherd!

Princess is 11 years old and faithfully attends Kids Ministry. Each week she soaks up the love and attentively listens to the Word of God. She has shed many tears with Nermilyn and Makana. Her father left before she could remember and her distraught mother turned to other men rather than loving and protecting her daughter. Her mother had children with other men and then left one day never to return. A distant relative has been taking care of Princess. Her wounds run deep especially when other kids tease her. She longs to see her mom again one day. Pray for healing and protection over her life. She is one of many that God allows us to minister to facing similar circumstances. As one child said last week “For me the Bible is like His love letter to me”. God is so faithful and ministers love and compassion to all who turn to Him.

Mercy Ministry is ever changing. On a daily basis we encounter those who are very poor and their situation is compounded by dysfunction within their extended family. Seniors are often thrust into situations of providing for young grandchildren, while they themselves struggle to survive daily. As always a smile erupts as we talk to each person God brings out way. Wisdom is needed as we pray with them and decide how best to help them with their immediate needs. Our goal is to help them help empower them as they come into relationship with Jesus Christ and walk that out in their community.

 ROMMEL

Rommel is 11 months old. His mother Analyn is a housewife who does laundry for others and his father Roel is a skilled mason worker without consistent work. Rommel now has a beautiful smile. May he grow to honour the Lord for His goodness! (more…)