Dennis Derkach is a Hope for the Island Canada board member and shares about his most recent trip to the Philippines.
They say the third time is a charm but I count it a huge blessing. God gave me the opportunity to go to Hope for the Island for the third time in three years. Each visit I am amazed how God is prospering the ministry in all areas.
Charlene Derkach is a Hope for the Island Canada Board Member and shares her reflections on a mission trip to Hope.
In September God once again provided a way for me to journey across the world from Canada and be a part of the amazing move of His Spirit at Hope for the Island. I am moved to tears once again as I arrive at Hope and sense immediately His Presence Love and Peace. So wonderful to see familiar faces that are now my extended family – Derek & Jenn, Brison & Makana, Let, Jing, Joan, Cristina, Cora, Nermilyn and Kenneth. My stay is always too short as it has been the last 2 times as well being only 2 weeks on the island. But what an amazing 2 weeks! My servant heart wanted only to be immersed in life at Hope for the Island and be the best extension of Him that I could be.
It was an early start as are most events that are part of Hope for the Island. We arrived at a local village by 7:30. It was a rainy day but our Hope team showed no signs of the dreariness that surrounded us. Derek and Jenn dropped us off and went to the boat dock to pick up the medical team arriving from another island. They did not like to ride boats and this weather would create large waves that would rock the boat they were arriving on from Surigao City. The next day would be an early morning repeat in Burgos, the neighboring village of Hope for the Island. Over a two day period 505 men, women and children were blessed with a consultation and medicine if needed.
It is 2 a.m. I seem to be the only one still not sleeping with the exception of the cabin crew and pilots. As I look around me in the dim light of the airplane at the bobbing heads in awkward positions I reflect on my 11th trip to the Philippines.
It was clear that I needed a rest. Although I was very involved in the planning stages and preparation for the Harvest Mission team, dear friends and Hope Board Members, Dennis & Charlene took leadership of the team while here. What a joy to see their passion in action! When my husband Brian left with the team for Canada I took the time I had longed for and needed with family. My ministry work came second for the first time in years.