When my children were very young I started reading to them. I was determined to do everything to make them book lovers. Knowing how to read well with understanding is a skill that carries you through every area of life.
Hope for the Island Library started because we wanted every child in our municipality to have good books available to them. Over the years we have had numerous books donated and shipped to us.
Our library occupies two small rooms and we are really thrilled to have a lot of fantastic books!
After many book reading programs and trying to coordinate book clubs with local schools, we have decided to offer our library to seven communities. Everyone will have the opportunity to access a variety of books.
Most islanders walk everywhere, except when traveling long distances or leaving the island for services not offered locally. Making the library books accessible is very important. Students will appreciate dictionaries and resource books for assignments and projects.
One small library will remain at Hope for the Island for our Preschool and Kid’s Ministry.
JENN
VOLUNTEERS
Jenn recently decided to be at Hope for the Island every day before 8a.m. to capture more pictures for our website and monthly updates or blogs.
What she noticed in each photo she took was that there were always young people (12-16 years old) lending a hand.
When packing the books for the libraries, we had ten young volunteers at our side. When the staff was cooking for Kid’s Ministry feedings on Saturday, we had four high school boys serve the kids food and help do the dishes! When we need someone to retrieve a coconut, the local youth are the ones who climb a tree for us.
As we mentor these young people who have servant’s hearts in a positive environment, they gain valuable experience that helps their community.
We asked one high school boy why he always hangs out at Hope for the Island. He said, “So I don’t get into trouble or fights in the town.” His friend replied, “I am here for Discipleship.”We are really blessed by these young people and their amazing willingness to serve and be a part of what God is doing.
BECAUSE OF YOU!
Someone here recently asked, “Where do you buy all the kid’s stickers?” Our storage room has a variety of items from generous donors in Canada. Thank you for making it possible for us to bless these little ones!
We love blessing people by:
- Giving them used clothing.
- Giving a new pot to an elderly woman to cook her rice.
- Giving crayons to a 4 year old child who hasn’t missed Kid’s Ministry for a month.
- Giving shirts to participants in a volleyball contest game.
When the large boxes of donated items arrive, we sort them into ministry categories. We have Kid’s Ministry in seven areas on Siargao Island. We take simple prizes and handouts for the children for each ministry event. Such simple things as a toothbrush, toothpaste, lined notebook, pen or pencil can bring a big smile. Our busiest times for ministry where we use these donations are:
March – school year ends
April/May – a heavy schedule for summer programs
June – back to school needs such as notebooks, shoes or white shirts
December – Christmas programs
Baby clothes and supplies are distributed as part of our Prenatal Program as we have supplies available.
If you would like more information or to help in some way visit:
