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We first met Jolly and his family in Dec 2020 while reaching out to malnourished kids in our health restoration program. We were drawn to them and spent time listening to their story and hardships faced.

They felt so encouraged and hopeful with our time of care and concern. That set in motion regular weekly visits to spend time doing practical helps, share Gods word and pray for them. It was their first time to have people share the gospel and word of God. Each week they are more responsive . Tears well in their eyes as the truth of Gods word speaks to their lives and need. Continue to pray for them spiritually but also in their great physical struggle they are enduring.

Jolly had intestine surgery a month before we met. They were so overwhelmed because he was supposed to have important follow up surgery but it was cancelled due to covid. He hasn’t been able to get back to the hospital because of all the protocols.

Due to his health, his wife is the only one laboring hard for their needs. With 5 children, this is extremely challenging and disheartening. Jolly can’t  do anything to help his wife, which is very hard for him. Both feel very depressed because of the hard time that has fallen on them. He sits helplessly watching his wife struggle carrying the load of responsibilities.

January 2021 we started giving them rice and groceries from leftover stock we had from our widows and malnourished kids ministries. This helped bring some much needed relief.

Two weeks ago they finally were clear to travel to the city for his surgery but the doctor refused to operate since he himself had not been vaccinated yet. Please pray for God’s right time for this surgery to happen. Pray also that they turn in faith to Jesus! Only through Christ will they find the source of life, hope and strength.

My name is Nermilyn M. Oraba, I am 31 years old. Living and serving on Siargao island through Hope for the Island. I joined HOPE outreaches as one being ministered to. I looked forward to each week when the team would come teach us Gods word and show His love. I continued to attend regularly the fellowship every Saturday until I decided to be one of their disciples without hesitation. I responded in faith to Christ and grew in the Lord. Jesus became not only my Savior but also my Lord. 

HOPE staff began training me to be part of the Kids Ministry Program. I had doubts at first. I doubted if I would be capable to help as needed. I was very shy and the idea of standing in front of a crowd scared me. I was regularly encouraged by the staff that I can do anything through the grace of help of God. 

I stepped out trusting God and bonded well with the kids. I gained confidence teaching kids at Alegria where I helped for many years. In 2008 one of Hope for the Isand leaders approached me asking if I would be open to serve as one of the preschool assistant teachers. Before approached I had been considering going to Manila to look for employment. God had different plans for me! One month after I accepted the offer to assist at the preschool I become one of the lead teachers. I then became one of the full time team and felt privileged to be part of this family. 

At this moment I have been serving at Hope for 13 years and counting. Being in the service at HOPE I have experienced the goodness, favour and miracles of God!! God allowed me to experience so many things I would not have outside.

I was able to help educate many kids that are now successful and serving the Lord. I was able to go outside the country on missions sharing the good news. I have been trained in many ways including being supported to go to YWAM discipleship training school.

I accompanied Derek and Jenn to Malaysia Borneo to minister and extend the love of Christ to the Penan deep in the jungle. Hope for the island helped me to know Christ more and serve the community with a heart full of compassion. I know I am very blessed to be part of this team. God has used all ups and down in serving God to grow and develop me. God’s grace continues to be sufficient as I handle my responsibilities as one of HOPE leaders. 

I have been trying my best to grow in my abilities as a photographer for all the ministry reporting. I am thankful for ways I have learned and am able to share all that God is doing here. I am praying that God will provide a DSLR D6500 CAMERA so that I can enhance my skills and be better equipped to do ministry reporting. I also want to help those who have no camera to be able to capture their important memories.

Mark 11:24 whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have recieved it and it will be yours.

For those of who follow @Hopefortheisland or our www.facebook.com/hopefortheisland  you might have seen a picture of these amazing youths. These are the faces of our 2019/2020 High School Scholars. The 7 teens sitting on the floor or the ones who are TOP 10. That means they have the highest GPA for their entire grade!! You can’t imagine what an opportunity you are giving these young adults by providing for their education. More importantly you might recognize that many of these young people have grown up at Hope for the Island by attending Kids Ministry as a child. As a scholar, this group is faithful in attending youth group, and giving back in their community. We have such a privilege to disciple these teens and many of them lead in our Children’s Ministry, in the very programs that they once attended as kids. 

We believe God is preparing a good handful of these future leaders to be full time in the ministry at Hope for the Island or their local church. The seed planted in many of these teens started as a child, continued through middle school and high school. The scholarship is so key to stay connected with the youth, but also to give them the best possible chance to be successful in whatever God has for their future.  Thank you so much for your support for the Scholarship Program. Read more about these youth in our STORIES portion of our NEW Website www.hopefortheisland.org (coming soon)