Wow it’s hard to believe it, but we finally made it to the Philippines. God is so gracious and faithful! We departed from Los Angeles on May 20th after spending some time with our children and grandchildren; we truly had a blessed time!
We had a 15 hour flight from LA to Manila; we arrived on May 21st at about 5 pm. We made it through immigration and customs with no problems, but then since we arrived early we had to wait at the airport for about 3 hours for our transport. The heat and humidity was not that bad, no more than it was in Texas. The smell of the Philippines brought back so many memories; it was just like I was here last week. Vicenta’s sister and brother-in-law picked us up at the airport and drove us to their home. On the way to their house you could see that the need is so great in this area. While we were driving in massive traffic jams, children would be walking in and out of traffic just trying to get some money for food. Adults would be trying to sell drinks and food while the cars are moving. My heart goes out to the people!
On Sunday May 26th we conducted our first outreach; we provided much needed school supplies to the needy children of East Kabulosan Muntinlupa City. We went to the Devisoria market which is in Manila, it is an area where the multitude come to shop. There are street shops, street vendors and massive buildings filled with shops. The area was wall to wall with people. We found a vendor and bought pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, crayons, note books, note pads, and pens. We then went to the “SM” Market located in Muntinlupa City to buys some snacks. We bought the children crackers, cookies, milk, suckers, and laundry soap for their family.
We then went to a housing area that had been built between two retaining walls over the top of a creek. You enter buy walking down a set of stairs into a narrow corridor which is barely wide enough for two Filipinos to stand side by side. We then went into a house to separate and bag the supplies. As we were doing this the word spread and the children came. You could see the excitement in their faces and hear it in there shouts. They were so excited that someone had brought them gifts. As the line formed outside the door my heart went out to these children; these children who live in crowded unsanitary conditions where it seems they have no hope. We put together bags for children in elementary grades and in intermediate grades; there were about a total of one hundred children. It made my heart happy to see the smiles upon their faces and the excitement in their voices. The children lined up and patiently waited for their surprise.
Vicenta handed out the bags to shouts of joy! After we handed out the bags we spent a few hours of fellowship with some of the parents. They had questions as to why we were there. So Vicenta explained our mission and what the Lord had done in our lives; what an awesome time this was! It seems we were the first missionaries to meet a need in this impoverished area.
We stayed in Manila for about 1 1/2 weeks in order to complete my immigration paperwork. On June 1st we flew to Leyte Island and drove the three hours to Anahawan where our house is located. Since the children return to school in June we continue to provide needed school supplies and uniforms. We also continue to establish and build relationships.
Last week while getting my finger stitched up at a local hospital we had an opportunity to minister to a young couple. They were at the hospital emergency room because their seven month old daughter had a massive wound to her nose. The little girl had been cut by glass and her nose was nearly split in two. I was lead by the Holy Spirit to help meet their need; financially and spiritually. It’s amazing how our God will bring Jesus into peoples lives, especially when they really need a touch from heaven.
On June 12th we attended our local churches Wednesday night prayer and bible study where I was the guest teacher. The worship here is simple but amazing. On June 16th I was also blessed with the opportunity of preaching at our local church. And this Saturday, June 29th we will be attending a women’s conference in Bato with the local Pastor. The ladies will attend the conference and all of the “male” Pastor’s will fellowship together; what a great opportunity to build relationships!
We thank you for your continued prayers and financial support of this new ministry. May you and yours be richly blessed!
Love David & Vicenta