Hope For The Island

Category: Uncategorized

  • Evangelism at Hope

    Evangelism at Hope

    Greetings Hope for the Island friends and supporters!


    We find ourselves with heavy hearts this week as we mourn the loss of our dear brother and HOPE board member Titing Oraliza. Titing served with Hope for the Island since our pioneering days of ministry in Siargao island. Titing worked for Dept. of Education and played a critical role in helping us successfully operate a local school for many years. Those who knew Titing knew him as a man strong in faith who loved the Lord and others well. He was well respected inside and outside the church and will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kindness and generosity.

    Suffering and loss is a normal part of what we encounter ministering on our island. We had for many years a sign posted on our refrigerator stating, ‘Bottom line – souls for Christ! Our priority has always been to preach the gospel, calling people to repent from sin and respond in faith. Discipleship is woven into every outreach and program we operate. Our hope is found in no one other than Jesus. Randy Villarde married our long standing leader Jing and together serve faithfully with hope for the island.

    Short Video of Randy preaching on boat. (Video)

    Randy preaching at Titing Funeral
    Randy Preaching at Titing’s Funeral
    Randy Preaching on the boat to the island

    It is a joy to have Hannah Gona back serving with Hope for the island part time. She has been a part of the team for many years. She served on and off during her studies at bible school and while working. Hannah was one of many kids who grew up attending our ministries and still stands strong in faith serving well. Interestingly Hannah is the granddaughter of the original owner of hope for the island property. Francisco Gona resolved to sell to hope for the island because he had confidence that the town he was once mayor of would be impacted through the ministries plans we presented. Not only was Burgos blessed but many of his grandkids came to faith and continue to walk with the Lord. Pictures are of Hannah teaching kids and helping them memorize scripture (Video).

    Hannah and the Hope Team
  • Fruit of our Labor

    Fruit of our Labor

    Jing is one of our long time staff at Hope for the island. She has been with us since the early pioneering days, thus experiencing her fair share of tests and heartbreaks ministering to people. In face of opposition and challenges we can find ourselves doubting whether our words and service have the desired impact. As with the disciples of Christ there is always a mixed bag of reactions from those on the receiving end of the gospel. God reveals truth to those He is drawing to Himself. There is unspeakable joy that comes when God transforms someone as result of sharing God’s word. 
    Reymart Pabas pictured with Jing was one of those naughty distracted kids that came in and out of our Kids Ministry many years ago. Reymart did not continue with Youth Ministry and our team lost touch with him. It was a surprise for Jing to see him standing at the pulpit preaching in a church recently. He is now the Youth Pastor in the same village he grew up in. Jing was able to sit down with him after the service to hear of all that God has done in his life. He testified that he came to know Gods love and forgiveness through Hope for the Island. He was drawn to grow in his faith in his youth and committed to study Gods word.

  • Widows’ Ministry

    Widows’ Ministry

    Widows’ ministry continues to be one of our most rewarding ministries, yet always heart wrenching witnessing the suffering most endure. Social welfare that would care for and protect the aging isn’t available in Siargao. Thankfully we can take confidence knowing it is God who is father to the fatherless and protector of widows (Ps68:5). God watches over and upholds them (Ps 149:9) As we take God’s word to heart visiting the orphans and widows in their affliction, God deeply ministers comforting them in their loneliness and physical need. It is important to our God that the vulnerable are protected. 

    Hope for the Island will continue to place high value on this ministry to the widows, defending them in their oppression and pleading their case (Isaiah 1:17)

    Recently Nanay Angelita (pictures) passed away. She always loved to hold hands with whoever ministered to her. She loved the warmth that radiated from their touch. Thankfully Nanay passed away with dignity and comfort. It is our prayer to be able to say like Job, “I caused the widows heart to sing for joy”! 

  • Our Local Police

    Our Local Police

    Since COVID lockdown occurred in 2020, Hope for the Island has not been allowed to do Jail Ministry anymore. The jail is still closed to visitors.  

    Early this year, Pastor Jonathan, who is part of our ministry outreach, heard there was three prisoners at the police station in Burgos. He asked the chief police if he would allow us to minister to the prisoners and the police officers as well and he agreed!

    After our first visit, the chief police mentioned to Pastor Jonathan, that in the past when he was the Chief in Butuan City, the chief allowed Pastors to minister to policemen. Pastor asked if the chief would also allow the same for the Policemen of Burgos. He agreed and it was arranged for Randy from Hope for the Island to minister with him! 

    Please pray as we minister every Monday morning to our local policemen. Our local Pastor Gona joins us to minister as well.

    Randy & Pastor Jonathan are grateful for the changes Jesus has brought about in their own personal lives. They reflect in gratitude how before they gave their lives to the Lord that the policemen were chasing them but they are now the ones honored to minister to the police!” 

    We thank God for this privilege and the fruit evident as a result of God’s Word being proclaimed!

  • Our Dear Samantha

    Our Dear Samantha

    Please enjoy this encouraging testimony from a couple who have partnered with Hope for the Island supporting Samantha in her health restoration journey! 

    Dear Derek & Jenn,

    We asked to write to you, sharing our experience and support of Samantha’s rehabilitation process over the past couple of years, as follows:

    We were living and working in Qatar when we first came across Samantha’s story of a life-threatening condition and prognosis on the Hope for the Island website. We initiated support in Feb 2020.

    Having been involved in rehabilitation cases previously, we assessed that the challenges Samantha faced were severe and that she required immediate and sustained medical attention in order for the healing process to be completely successful.

    Standing in the gap for Samantha at Hope were Jennifer Van Ryckeghem along with Jing and her husband Randy, with whom we discussed the initial requirements and planning of follow-up visits to Surigao City on another island, for medical and chiropractic care.

    Subsequently, Jing and Randy undertook weekly visits to Samantha for prayer and encouragement and to give the required medical supplies and essentials. Samantha and her mom travelled to Surigao City for chiropractic therapy. 

    We were kept updated on Samantha’s progress and the changes were dramatic, not only in terms of Samantha’s mobility, but also the smile that was growing her little face – unseen previously.

    With the advent of the Covid Pandemic, Samantha and her mom were no longer able to travel to Surigao, however, Samantha’s mom had observed and learned the techniques used to manipulate Samantha’s limbs and she successfully continued the treatments at home.

    Samantha’s most recent pictures are of a happy and restored child, of similar weight and proportions for her age. Much work remains; however, we know by faith, that in Christ Yeshua, all things are possible.

    Our thanks to Jing, Randy and Hope staff for their steadfast love and application of the Word both in Samantha and her mom’s life as well as  their village and greater community; and for the guiding hands of the Van Ryckeghem family.

    All honour and glory to YHWH and to the Kingdom.

    With much love and many blessings 

    Berger Family 

    Siargao Island

    Philippines