Our annual ministry Christmas parties looked a little different this year! We are so thankful to our Mayor who considers our ministry “essential” during these times of restrictions.
Although restricted in numbers, thanksgiving and joy filled the air as each part of the Hope for the Island body came together to celebrate Immanuel – God with us! Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was exalted well this season! The open-air design on the second floor of our mission house is the perfect space to continue assembling as His church under the current restrictions.
Christmas parties at Hope are not complete without red hotdogs and fried chicken. It is a sure favourite!
KIDS MINISTRY
Siargao Island Covid restrictions are always changing just like the rest of the world. Thankfully, we have been given favour by the local municipality to continue reaching our community through discipleship and ongoing relationships.
Nermilyn (staff) reached out the family of a child in our Kid’s ministry. (including siblings and cousins). She reminded the kids to trust in God as it says in Psalms even though the whole world feels like it is falling apart. Many families are struggling financially because they are not able to work or travel to get work during the lockdowns.
One of the moms in the community recently messaged us saying how happy she was that Hope for the Island didn’t forget them during this time when people are told to stay at home. She shared that at home she is always arguing with her partner about finances and had forgotten it was Saturday- the day most join Kid’s ministry in the community. This mom said she brought her child to the place where the Hope staff were gathering the kids. She stayed and watched her child now happy and singing the song “The love of Jesus ….sweet and wonderful”. The tired mom said she felt convicted.
For most, home life has been very stressful. Family struggles on this already impoverished island have increased significantly with loss of work and limits on travel for work. As you watch the kids worship in the videos, I want you to know that these children are going through so much during this time of restrictions. We have had many deaths lately in our town of Burgos, not from Covid 19 but from other health complications. People are struggling financially and it’s very difficult to find work. That being said people are planting and using land space that they have, but the weather is so inconsistent it’s quite hard to make ends meet in Siargao.
The Hope team found creative solutions to let the kids know that they are loved and should continue trusting God, even when you don’t understand what is going on sometimes. Our Hope team made Scripture bookmarks to give out to kids in our community. The benefit of living in a small community where Hope for the Island has been established for twenty years, is that when you walk into the town of Burgos, you are guaranteed to see some kids that are active in our ministries. The kids come out of their houses when they hear their “ates” calling them. (Ate is added to the name of a respected girl or woman older than you are) The kids were excited to see their Kid’s ministry teachers after another recent lockdown just ended.
Be blessed, knowing these beautiful children are really growing in the Lord and are confident that God knows what He is doing in our lives and in the world. It is our prayer; we all respond in faith and obedience like the children Jesus encouraged us to be like.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth came to ministry with a lot of pent-up energy that they were happy to release. It was a celebration filled with fun and laughter. This Christmas celebration wrapped up with the message from Jesus to repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!
HEALTH RESTORATION & WIDOWS
Ten of the widows we support and serve weekly came to celebrate Christmas with HOPE. They shared testimony of struggle and at the same time joy in the Lord as they trust God in these times. Those unable to attend due to compromised health were visited by our team bearing gifts.
FROM JENN
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please continue to uphold Hope for the island and consider how you can partner in supporting the ministry as we move into 2021. Hope for the Island celebrates 20 years of God’s faithfulness in January!
I miss Burgos and Siargao Island so much! Derek and I are in regular contact with the Hope Team and we are so thankful for technology, but it is not the same as regularly visiting Hope for the Island and being a part of ministry on the ground. Currently, there is still a travel ban for foreigners trying to enter Philippines. Continue to pray for us here in Canada as we seek and follow God’s plan for us while in Canada. Please pray alongside our Hope staff who are seeking God for His continued favour to do ministry during a time when people need it the most.
