Donna is someone who visited Hope for the Island and has become very dear to us. I could not talk her into sending me her picture to share with you. We are grateful however, for her ability to share word pictures with us about her time there. Enjoy!
Elaine
I visited Hope for the Island Ministries for about 10 days after having heard about it from a friend who had met Derek briefly at a church in Hawaii. My friend was so impressed by what Derek shared that she suggested I contact the ministry before I headed to the Philippines. I did so and was very blessed by my reception and visit there.
As a retired educator, I hoped to find some volunteer work or mission support in a developing country where it was obvious that our Lord Jesus Christ was present and active. That hope was certainly realized with Derek, Jenn and the ministry team at Hope for the Island. I was so encouraged and impressed with what the Lord is doing to raise up the next generation of disciples on Siargao Island.
The staff are wonderful young people who have committed their lives to serve Christ by serving their village and the surrounding villages. Derek and Jenn have trained them in God’s Word and in prayer and ministry so that they are doing much of the ministry work themselves under the guidance of their mentors. The love they have for one another, the people they are serving and especially our Lord is heartwarming. They do children’s outreach, minister to widows and orphans and the malnourished, lead youth groups and organize special events. These young people are also learning to disciple those younger than themselves. Wonderful!
Derek and Jenn keep very busy with administration, teaching, the organic garden (a fantastic project that will help islanders grow their own food and make some profit), and the busyness of having lots of children on the property everyday. Village children love to use the basketball court, skate park, and surfing facilities/equipment that other visiting ministries have donated.
Jenn also homeschools her children and I was privileged to help her a bit with their English writing skills.
The first few days of my visit were quite quiet other than making preparations for an approaching typhoon which, fortunately bypassed us for the most part, but wiped out a village about 20 minutes north. Hope took food supplies and clothing to them, but they lost everything in the storm surge and financial donations are needed to replace the very basic housing that was taken from them.
I had the joy of going to a couple of Christmas programs the staff had organized for some of the village children in the area. What fun and what a blessing for the kids: Christmas story, songs and gifts as well as food and entertainment – all with much excitement and thanksgiving. Our God is so good.
Derek and Jenn were very generous in spending time sharing with me. They spoke about ministry needs and plans for future growth. This includes plans to begin a skills training school so village residents will have better employment opportunities. They and their ministry are in my heart.
The needs of the villagers are great as poverty is all around, but our gracious Father has His co-workers there and they are impacting the community and sharing the love of God. I left wishing I had made plans for a longer stay. I was very blessed that I had met these brothers and sisters in Christ knowing His Kingdom work is being done. I had found a place that I could be confident in supporting financially. If the Lord opens the door I will return. To God be the glory!
