Lourdes' Miracle & Changed Hearts

I would like you to meet Andy. A wonderful addition to the KIM family, serving the Lord here in PI for the second time. His story is full of God's Love and I know you will enjoy it! Thank you Andy for sharing how God moves!

When God first called me to the Philippines, I didn’t really have any clue why he had called me in the first place. I had no idea what was in store for me. I thought to myself, “Sure, I’ll go to the Philippines, play with some kids, put some food in people’s cups, tell them about Jesus, and move along with my life.” Well, as it turns out, God had a plan bigger than anything I had ever imagined…and when I say big, I mean HUGE. This is the story of Lourdes Tanghal, a woman who has forever changed my life.

     It was in the fall of 2013, while I was in the Philippines with an Adventures in Missions Passport Team, that God placed me directly into the midst of a miracle. About 2 weeks into our 3 month trip, my teammate Aaron and I got asked to help bring groceries to a family living in an extremely impoverished community called Lower Manggahan. When we arrived at the home of the Tanghal family, I was already overwhelmed before I had even stepped foot inside. Remember…this was only my second week, and I had never before seen poverty of this scale before. Houses made of scrap wood, metal, and tarps, children walking barefoot through muddy paths covered with garbage and broken glass…I couldn't believe what I was seeing. As I peeked in the tiny house, I saw a woman named Lourdes lying on the dirty floor of her home, surrounded by 5 of her 6 children (2 year old Rica, 4 year old Erlo, 8 year old Jerome, 12 year old Krystel, and 16 year old J.R., who is also special needs). Lourdes Tanghal was paralyzed from the waist down, unable to move any of her lower limbs. Her family barely had any food to eat or money to buy it with, only one child was in school, and Lourdes had accepted the fact that she would either be paralyzed for the rest of her life or she would die. One thing that stood out the most to me was Lourdes’ smile…despite how bad her situation was, she was still able to show happiness on her face.   So we dropped off the groceries, prayed for her, and headed back…all the while my heart was completely broken for this woman and her family.

A couple weeks went by and they were constantly on my mind, I couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that I was supposed to do more than just bring some groceries and leave, so I prayed and asked God to tell me if this was something he wanted me to get further involved in. That same week my teammate Charissa started doing a bible study group with some girls from the local community, and I happened to see a list of names and birthdates in her group. I noticed one of these community girls had the same birthday as me, October 18^th. This girl was 13 year old Kristine Tanghal…another child of paralyzed Lourdes Tanghal. What are the chances of me asking God for a sign, and of all the other 364 days of the year, Kristine’s birthday was the same day as mine? God was telling me to go deep, and I had no doubt about it.

After a few visits to Lourdes’ home, Charissa and I decided to inform the social workers here at Kids International Ministries about the situation and see what options we had for getting Lourdes into the hospital for treatment. In no time at all there was an ambulance on the way to pick her up. In that one hospital visit, we were able to get her catheter changed, (which she had for nearly a month), have x-rays done, and get a diagnosis of the problem…Pulmonary Tuberculosis of the spine. This is a degenerative disease that destroys the vertebrae resulting in collapse of the spine, fracturing of the bones, and eventually paralysis. Lourdes was already in the worst stage of the disease, and according to research, after paralysis sets in, the chances of recovery are slim to none, even with surgery. Lourdes needed a miracle.  The doctors prescribed a strong antibiotic to help fight off some of the infection, and since the family couldn’t pay 1,000 PHP or about $20 for the medication, I paid for it myself. Later that day I received a random donation for the exact amount. God was providing!  So the weeks went by and after a few more hospital visits and catheter changes, the doctors decided that Lourdes needed an MRI, costing 15,000 PHP or $350.

By now we only had one week left in the Philippines… we were out of time. I couldn’t understand why God would get us this far, and not finish the work he had started. I had hoped and prayed that I would be able to see this woman walk again, but now it was time to go back to the States, and I went back with sadness in my heart. 

     The first 3 weeks back in the U.S., all I could think about was Lourdes, I had told friends about her, asked for prayers, and found a friend from church that covered the $350 cost of the MRI, but there still wasn’t a happy ending to the story, and that wore my patience thin.  Eventually I broke down and emailed the KIM staff, in a desperate attempt to make sure that someone was taking care of Lourdes and her family. They replied and said there was another Passport Team in the Philippines working with the Tanghal family, fixing the house, making hospital visits, and they even got Lourdes in a wheelchair. Once again God had proved his faithfulness! Shortly after, I began speaking with Chris Easter, one of the guys from the new Passport team, and he kept me updated as the months went by about everything that his team was doing with the Tanghal family. Then a day came that I will always remember. I got word from Chris that on his last day in the Philippines, Lourdes Tanghal, the woman who had been paralyzed for nearly 8 months, stood up out of her wheelchair….I hit my knees immediately and thanked God. It was a miracle. Here was the happy ending to the story that I had been praying for!            

     Now here I am in the Philippines, 5 months later, and I get to see Lourdes completely healed and walking, I get to see all of her children going to school, and I get to see living proof of our God’s everlasting faithfulness. When I see Lourdes, I think about Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God had planned this from the very beginning, not just for Lourdes, but for ME. I came to the Philippines to teach others about Jesus, but in the end, it was me that was being taught. Despite her illness, Lourdes had hope, and even in her times of pain and sadness, she always wore the most beautiful smile on her face. I’ve learned a valuable lesson from Lourdes… Never cease to have hope and joy, because our God never ceases to love us.

From Tacloban to Manila

Within just a few days of typhoon Yolanda hitting the Philippines in November 2013, Kids International  Ministries was in Tacloban, Leyte; feeding, housing and loving people in the name of Christ..... and they are still there. The outreach to help people at the time of a natural disaster has turned into a long term, full-time part of their ministry here in the Philippines. Volunteers and staff continue to minister and help rebuild the lives of the people in that area.

If you drive two hours north from Tacloban in Ormoc, Leyte; you will see that Yolanda also destroyed the lives, homes, and the city there. One family was able to make it to relatives in the area of Manila where Kids International Ministries has their ministry center in Cainta, Rizal.  They began to come to the ministry's local church and some of the staff met one of the family members.  From this encounter the staff and family began to establish a relationship. Jackelyn, 17, was soon employed by the ministry as part of the kitchen staff and was also encouraged and supported to attend Bible college here in Manila. Jerome, 15, and Giselle, 9, were granted enrollment in the ministry's school.  Their cousin, Mary Cris, age 22,  also came with the family. She had earned her teaching degree and passed the teaching licensing exam on the first try right before the storm happened in 2013 where Yolanda destroyed everything.  She is now employed by KIM's new Early Learning Center and is a fabulous addition to mold young minds.  Another cousin, Jelly, age 22,  has found employment in a canteen. When they first moved here they were living in a small home up the street from the ministry center, near the Children's Home. KIM has now found housing for this family and their lives are forever changed through God's grace and the support of those that give to KIM's general fund. 

To help support this family and others that need your help, please follow the link below. God is changing lives through the love of His people every day in the Philippines.

Kids International Ministries

The Tacloban Experience

Kids International Ministries was one of the first groups in Tacloban after Typhoon Yolanda last November. This past month Ruth finished her work with Habitat for Humanity and wanted to find another way to serve while in the Philippines. She found KIM and jumped right in to serve alongside our workers in Tacloban and was changed by her experience serving on the front lines of this mission. Read about her experience here!

Restless Ruth

Kids International Ministries

Madi's Moment

Hey KIM friends, 

I would like you to meet Madi. She is an amazing young woman who spent last Fall in PI. Read about her great time below and then check out the pictures of the new construction going on at KIM. 

My name is Madi Bennett and I spent this past fall in the Philippines working with K.I.M. During my senior year of high school I went on a short week long trip with my parents. This was the fourth time I had been to the Philippines, but I hadn’t been back for 5 or 6 years. I fell back in love with the country and people in just these few short days and wanted to spend more time there. I felt God calling me to come back so I decided to take my first semester of college off and live in Manila.

The main things I did from day to day was to go on the feedings and to work with the kids at the Children’s home, especially the nursery kids. I am studying Early Childhood Development and love working with toddlers and babies. It is amazing all the lessons I learned from these kids. They really show you how to love people. One of my favorite things at the end of the day, no matter how horrible the toddlers had been, how much spit up I had on my shirt, or how little sleep I had from doing night shift the night before, there was always one thing that made it all better. Goodnight kisses. The toddlers usually cried and screamed about going to bed, but once they calmed down I always heard, “Tita! Tita! Tita Madi…Madi…Madiii…Titaaaa Madiiiiii!” coming from their room. And all they wanted was a hug and to give me a goodnight kiss on the cheek. They are such sweet children of God.

While living in the PI for those months, I also got to travel to a couple of the other islands. I went with a few other people to Mindanao and was able to be a part of the ministries down there and had a wonderful time. I also had the blessing of being able to go down to Tacloban three weeks after Typhoon Yolanda hit to help feed people. It was an experience that impacted my life so much but is really hard to put into words and explain. God showed me that these people, the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, are such strong people who are full of hope. I got to hear different people’s stories from the storm and pray with them. I hope that I helped the people I spoke with as much as they helped me see God’s love through their experience.

I came home mid-December but had the opportunity to go back for two weeks in March. It was really good to see all the kids and people that I built relationships with in the fall. I have plans to return soon. I don’t know what God has in store for me in the future but I do know that He is not finished with me in the Philippines.

Kids International Ministries

A Heart for Missions

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

I'm very excited about this next blog. This young woman has an incredible story about how KIM has had an impact on her life! I'm excited to introduce you to Chandler, an incredible girl close to the KIM family's heart. Here is her story:

When I was in high school the Lord made it clear that He wanted me to serve abroad. By the time I graduated high school I had been on two international missions trips and had fallen in love with learning about and living in new cultures. I loved going to serve, doing construction work, and helping with church retreats, but I longed to serve in a children’s home! I have volunteered in the children’s ministry at my church since I was in 6^th grade, therefore; I thought the Lord was naturally leading me to work in an orphanage somewhere (and boy was I wrong!). So I started looking for ministries that would allow people to come and serve, just so I could experience what life working in a children’s home really looked like. To my disappointment, I was struggling to find real options. However, when I was explaining my dilemma to a friend of mine while visiting her in Singapore, she excitedly shared her experience with KIM and put me in contact with Mr. Jeff (who mentioned that I could hop on over for a visit since I was on their side of the world). Unfortunately, my father was not too excited about the idea of his 18-year-old daughter flying from Singapore to the Philippines by herself. However, he promised that he would talk to Mr. Jeff and see if we could make it a family trip later that year. Within a few months my family of five had a trip planned to the Philippines for our Christmas break. When it finally came time to board the plane, I was elated! I couldn’t believe that the day had finally come! Little did I know that the Lord was about to rock my little world and turn it completely upside down.

            A little over 24 hours later we landed in the PI, exhausted, but excited to be there. The next morning Jeff laid out our options of service until we were needed at the children’s home in a few days(our family came to serve so that the house moms could have time off for a Christmas Holiday). One of the options was to serve in a ministry that had only begun a few weeks prior to us landing, a ministry for expecting mothers (which has now blossomed into Hope Alive Clinic). This immediately caught my attention, so after breakfast I made my way over to the clinic area and told them to put me to work. Within a few minutes, Ate Rona was showing me how to work the fetal heart-rate monitor as I sat wide-eyed trying to take it all in. Over the next hour, my life took a huge turn. Seeing the looks on the faces of young mothers who were hearing their babies’ heartbeat brought me more joy than I had ever experienced and it left me yearning for more time with this ministry. For the rest of my two-week trip I spent time with Daisy and the ministry as much as possible, soaking in all the information I could get. As a result my mind began racing with possibilities: Why do I enjoy this so much? Do I need to change my major? Lord, what in the world does all of this mean?

            At the time of that first trip I was a sophomore at Berry College where I was in an amazing college program called WinShape, and majoring in Psychology. Now, here I was in the PI thinking about changing my major to nursing (which is a science major I might add, a subject I have always run away from) and pursing midwifery. I was completely confused! So I began praying and I confided in my mom about these new possibilities, but mostly kept quiet.

As the days passed, I transitioned into our time at the children’s home, primarily working in the nursery. Again, my world was rocked. I fell in love with the 12 kiddos I was taking care of every day. I desired a loving home for each of them, families to give them the one-on-one attention they so desired. The hours in the nursery seemed long at times, but I learned more than I could have ever dreamed about what it takes to be a parent, and all it takes to run a children’s home.

Before I knew it, our time was up in the PI. I left with an overwhelmed heart, knowing that I had to return to hold my babies soon, not knowing what the Lord was going to do with my future, and convinced that my family needed to adopt. When we landed I began preparing to return to my home at Berry and my WinShape “family”, but that only lasted two days. As a result of my mothers prodding, I had to admit that the Lord was giving me a clear command and I needed to follow it. That night I announced to my family that I would not be returning to Berry the next week, I was withdrawing, moving home, and enrolling in a local college to begin nursing school. The next week and a half was a whirlwind but the Lord truly gave me peace that surpassed any peace I had ever felt, gave me the opportunity to find closure with my Berry community, and gave me an amazing class schedule at my new school.

That first trip was in December of 2012. I have since returned three other times; once with my family, and twice leading other people/groups to experience the vast ministry opportunities in the Philippines. I was accepted into the nursing school of my choice on my first attempt and the Lord continues to open doors for me to work with young families as I work on completing my nursing education. I have also gained a huge appreciation of science in general, and I am daily awestruck at how beautifully intricate the Lord made the human body.

Although I never thought I would leave Berry or move back home, the Lord has led me to do both. What I didn’t realize was that He had more than one reason for doing so. Not only did He change my whole career path, but also the February after my families’ first trip, my parents announced that they decided to adopt from the Philippines. Through God’s providence, He brought me home so I could be here to welcome three precious Filipino children into our family, yes three! We are now a chaotic family of 8 and we couldn’t be happier! And to top everything off, these aren’t just any three Filipino children, they are a sibling group that we came to know and love while we served in the Children’s Home the past two Christmases!

My heart is in constant overflow of thankfulness as I look back on the past two and a half years of my life and how much the Lord has used KIM to shape my family and my future. I truly can’t wait to see where the Lord will lead in the next two and a half years!  

I want to thank Chandler for sharing her story! God directs our path and leads us into a beautiful future when we trust completely in HIM! Check back soon to see updates from the NFFCH's Christmas and relief efforts in Tacloban. 

"If there is a seed thrown, there will be harvest!"

Kids International Ministries was ecstatic  and very blessed to send a mission team of their own Filipino workers to Hong Kong at the end of July. One of the members of this team, Dess, is a social worker for KIM. Here is his account of this life changing trip. 

Thank you Dess, for praying for God to use you mightily and for sharing with us!

A Visitor's Experience

Meet A! 

A is an amazing young woman who spent a month in the Philippines spreading Christ's love to everyone she met. The most amazing part about A is that she became a Christian a little over six months ago, and immediately wanted to share the Gospel. This is a daunting task, considering that A lives in a country where it is illegal to be a Christian, but this didn't stop her from visiting K.I.M and being the hands and feet of Christ. She spent 2 weeks in Cainta at the YMC and then continued 2 more weeks with other local ministries.  A was very nervous about sharing her faith but as you are about to read, God guided her steps throughout her trip. Here is her story of her 4 week missions trip to Manila. 

(Some of the words are abbreviated for A's safety, but are pretty easy to determine.)

      Here's what happened in the amazing one month M trip in the Philippines.

For the first 2 weeks, I was with Kids International Ministry, I took care of the children in the children’s home, I lead their nightly devotions (My first time leading devotions ever!!) I was so nervous, but it went well, because G gave me words to say. I taught them crafts, and hung out with them. I took care of the babies and small children to help their caregiver (nursery workers). In the meantime, I went to another street children ministry in the evenings. Here I lead their devotions as well, bought them a white teaching board (dry erase), pens and inks. The sister (Myles) who takes care of everything in this ministry herself always cooks a meal for 50+children after their devotion every night, so I helped buy food so that they could prepare a better meal for these kids. I went on the feedings as well, to the poorest flooded area, we pr(ayed) with people before giving them food, and then played with them, and sang worship songs for them.

          

After this 2 weeks(in Manila), I went working with a church under YWAM I lead B study in their club for 4 hours-4 lessons which I learned from a sister in New Zealand! I couldn't believe it was many people's first time hearing those messages and expressions. I joined 2 of their B studies, sharing my testimony. People were so interested in me, they keep asking me how does it feel to be a Christian in C(country)? What is the situation there.....Then I visited a home for Aged people, where I shared my testimony with nearly 100 old people. I didn't have courage to share but I pr every time before I spoke, and the H.S did give me words to say. For another day, I went sharing the G with 4 young people to one of the streets where crimes happen everyday. We approached 10 people, about 5 of them pr to receive Ch with me. The last day I invited some gangsters for B study. They were even using drugs when I was with them, talking to them. I wasn't confident about what I could do for them, because I do not understand a gangsters life and how they feel. Amazingly, during our B study, I was able to answer their questions well,(one guy mentioned that he can't feel G's existence, I had a ball pen, so I told him that we can't see the pen point because of the pen cover. We can't feel G because our sins covered us, separated us from G. I heard about this explanation in a B study, I didn't know that I remembered this. haha Guess you will never know when you can use this to bless other people!  In the end of that B class, 4 gangsters pr with me to receive Ch. I'm not very confident if they really meant it, because it seems so easy for them to pr with me....:( 

     As you can see, this is an amazing week of experience for me!! I feel part of their family even it's only one week. 

    For the last week, I went to CEBU with the same P.I met many people there. They are going to different countries after this training. They all asked me many questions about how does it feel to be a Ch in C(country), what's the situation there right now...haha There was one older sister, she told me that she was one of the first person who smuggled B(books) into C(country). It was a easier week because it was just training every morning. I spent the rest of time learning violin! I had 4 lessons, and I could play 5 songs out of it! haha I wish to continue learning the violin soon.

Thanks A for sharing your adventure in the Philippines! Check back next week for more news from Manila and a recap of K.I.M's first ever mission team and their trip to Hong Kong!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” English Standard Version, Acts 1:8

Change a Life, Break the Cycle

Once again classrooms are full with excited faces and eager minds. These kids want to be in school.

June 15 marked the start of the 2011-2012 school year for Cuatro Christian School and it’s sixth year of operation. As has been typical for the school in recent years, we are at maximum capacity with the number of students we can allow due to space and finance limitations.

We would love to be able to educate more kids, but we want to keep class sizes small enough that the children get quality time with their teacher. Also, while we offer free tuition for our students who otherwise could not afford to go to school, which is atypical for a private school, we do pay for our teachers, the children’s books and uniforms, the curriculum, building maintenance, etc. This puts a heavy financial burden on the school.

That’s where you come in. For $40 (or 10 Starbucks frappuccinos) a month, you can put one of these children through school. Never before have they had the opportunity to learn to read, write and do math. Never before have they had the hope of breaking the cycle of poverty that has plagued their family.

What resources has God entrusted to you? Are you investing them into the Kingdom? Here’s your chance...sponsor a child at the Cuatro Christian School. We’ll send you updates on your child, with pictures and letters from them. If you’re interested in sponsoring a child’s education, email John Dorrell, our sponsorship coordinator at dorrell.john@gmail.com for more information.

Break the cycle of poverty by changing the course of a child's life. Your step of faith can be the difference.

We Want You!

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” CT Studd

You only get one chance to live on this earth. Someday this one life will be over, and you’ll stand in front of Christ looking back at the life you lived. Will you have played it safe? Will you have used the talents, gifts and resources that God gave you to invest in His Kingdom?

We are looking for you. We’re looking for people who just can’t be satisfied living life for themselves. We’re looking for people who want to pour themselves into God’s service with their gifts and talents here in the Philippines. We’d like you to come work with us for a short while or permanently.

Of course, we want to utilize any gift or talent that God provides us, but if you fit in one of the categories below and would like to use your talents full time for God’s work here in the Philippines, please contact Jeff Long at jefflong@kidsim.org.

Our Current Needs:

-Website design/maintenance

-Writer

-Photographer/Videographer

-Camp Director (for Mt. Moriah Christian Camp, Mindanao)

-Teacher

-Construction Worker/Supervisor

A Week Without Walls

For the second year, we've enjoyed the presence of teachers and students from Singapore International Community School. Last year they came and impacted a nearby community by building a home for one of our long-time workers, Laling. This year, their service was equally important to the community around us. Not only did they have a chance to revisit the community they impacted last year, but they were involved in many projects that reached young and old alike.

Basketball is huge in the Philippines, making it a great way to reach kids for Christ. Aware of this, the team helped host a basketball tournament at the JCCV next door. With the help of Myles D'Ocampo, a ministry partner of KIM, six teams of teenagers showed up Monday morning ready to play. Leaders Don Cole, Sam Fleischman and Alicia Bandy refereed games from morning until evening. Between games, ICS students gave their testimonies, and a guest appearance by Kirk Long, Ateneo de Manila University basketball star, ministered to the players and bystanders. We had the opportunity to feed the kids lunch and award prizes for the winning team. ICS had a team in the tournament as well, taking third place when all was said and done.

The rest of the week consisted of hard-working efforts on the part of the team. Every day at 10am and 4pm, members of the team took community and children's home kids to the pool to teach them how to swim. The team also went on daily feedings, passing out food to hungry children in areas where families have a hard time providing meals. In both situations, just being there for the local community is a blessing. Sharing a smile and a hug can warm hearts and give hope.

Construction crews helped carry cinder blocks from the ground floor to the top of our new educational wing located behind the YMC (YunJin Lyso Ministry Center). Many construction materials were hauled around the community as the team members helped build and plaster walls, mix cement and build the foundation in the homes of three of our Filipino construction workers, Lito, Digol and Arnold.

Apart from the feedings, swimming lessons and construction, the team helped out in the nursery at the Children's Home, did devotions each night, played with the orphans, and were a constant presence in the kids' lives all week. Also, the team held a half-day soccer clinic for the community kids whose appetite for the sport is steadily growing. Clinics like this usually cost $150, an unthinkable amount for our community kids to pay.

As if that wasn't enough blessing for the team to bring to the table, they wanted to get back into the community they had served last year. They went back to help put in a basketball court and renovate some of the housing there. As they entered the community, they were surprised as the people they blessed last year knew all of their names and faces. That was a blessing right back on the team.

We look forward to having Singapore ICS next year, and the next, and the next... you get the idea. We love you ICS!

Turning Up the Volume

[caption id="attachment_1464" align="alignleft" width="192" caption="Teachers and students enjoyed three fun-filled days of sports and academic competitions."][/caption]



Emotions ran high during our final week of school, March 14-18.

The sights and sounds of the week included screams as the kids cheered on their teams during the all-school sports fest and tear-filled eyes as classmates said goodbye to Cuatro Christian School’s first-ever graduating class.

[caption id="attachment_1463" align="alignright" width="199" caption="Student competes in sports fest relay."][/caption]

Our 225 students celebrated the end of the 2010-2011 school year with three eventful days of cultural Filipino games, basketball, soccer, badminton, relays, and artistic and academic competitions. If the sound volume is any indicator of the fun had, then the time was a resounding success for the kids and teachers alike.

On top of the fun and sports fest activities, our teachers were frantically finishing up grades, handed out to parents at our last parenting seminar.

In recognition of the year’s accomplishments, a day of moving-up ceremonies were celebrated, and then finally, graduation day—a day marked with proud smiles and wet eyes.

At the pre-elementary level, proud parents accompanied the 21 prep students who will be advancing to the elementary department next year.

[caption id="attachment_1462" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Nine students form CCS's first grade-six graduating class."][/caption]

Then, as the culminating event, CCS hosted its first grade-six graduation for nine of its accomplished students, including one of our young adults from New Faith Family Children’s Home. These students will be leaving CCS to attend high school next year, a milestone for these kids who if not for CCS likely would not have received an education.

The students, parents and staff have loved their experience this year at CCS and many lives and families have been changed for good. We thank God for you as sponsors and God's provision to allow this school to influence these families through education.

To find out how to sponsor a student’s education at CCS, email John at dorrell.john@gmail.com.

—Kim Courtright, CCS Schoolmaster

 

Taejon Christian International School

[caption id="attachment_1452" align="alignleft" width="295" caption="The amazing TCIS crew!"][/caption]

We were privileged last week to host a great team from Taejon Christian International School. This was TCIS's first team to visit KIM. They worked hard all week running a Vacation Bible School for our Children's Home kids, repainting the lines on the basketball court at the JCCV (the church next door), helping to build two homes in the community, and doing some big-time cement work on the third floor of our multipurpose building behind the YMC. That's quite a list! We're very thankful for their help and servant hearts. It's teams like this that keep us going!

The team came as one of many groups from their school participating in the Love All Serve All (LASA) program. They certainly walked the walk while they were here. TCIS—the community and KIM thank you!

 

On the Island of Mindanao

Their laughter, their smiles, the loving look in their eyes—one can't help but fall in love with the children at New Faith Family Children's Home in Malaybalay, Mindanao. While the island’s mountainous landscape sports the growth of delicious Dole bananas and pineapples, its charm lies outside of the fertile terrain and agricultural industry—it's found in the people.

With an estimated 26 children in residence, the house mothers are kept rather busy. This month, having the assistance of 31 World Racers from the P-squad, allowed the full-time staff a much needed break, and the World Racers, some parental boot camp. Dirty diapers and late-night baby shifts were just some of the first-time experiences this group of young adults had, but that just scratches the surface.

The staff at Mt. Moriah Camp Group are some of the most courteous and thoughtful people we have ever had the privilege in working with. They work hard, and walk out every day by faith. If a need arises, without question, everyone unites in the understanding that "God will provide."

This month saw the opening ceremony of Mt. Moriah Camp and, to the joy of many children, the thanksgiving feast that followed. Swimming with the Faith Family children and assisting with the weekly AWANA program that includes feeding up to 300+ children were other highlights.

God is on the move at Mt. Moriah. He has done great things, is doing great things, and we know there are greater things yet to come! Praise be to God!

—Christy Zbylut, World Race volunteer



 

One Can Make a Difference

After a few devastating fires in Manila, KIM decided to take action by delivering food and supplies to needy families in the area. Doug Flemming, a friend of KIM, took some time on his internet radio show to talk about how we, as individuals and teams, can make a difference in the communities around us. Doug highlighted KIM's work in the fire disaster areas in Manila as a way you can be involved in making a difference.

Listen at: http://www.wmc-ap.org/audio/take-5/02-28-11-2011_041%20One-Can-Make-a-Difference%20MASTER.mp3

Shenyang International School

It was an absolute pleasure to have Shenyang International School with us for a short-term trip at the beginning of February. We and the community were blessed by their presence and servanthood. While here, they took part in a few different ministries including feedings and construction. Specifically, they helped build a home in the community and worked diligently on a storage area we are building behind the YMC. Thank you SYIS for coming, and we hope to see you again soon!

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His Kids

I volunteer in the nursery, spend time with the older kids at the Children’s Home, and co-lead two after-school music and art clubs at the JCCV with my friend, Claire Friesen. Upon completing a year of college, I came to the Children’s Home in early October and plan to return to Virginia at the end of April. I am grateful to KIM for taking me on as I am, without a degree or any special qualifications other than my desire to love and serve. I knew, even before I came here, that these seven months were God’s gift to me, a time to learn and grow.

[caption id="attachment_1263" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Art and Music club at the JCCV is so much fun!"][/caption]

My time here has proven to be just that—a gift—with days rich and full of challenges. The work being done here is painfully necessary: bringing food to flood victims, bathing street children, giving sickly babies another chance at life…and there is indescribable joy in doing it.

Every one of the kids at the Children’s Home has lived through loss and pain that's beyond my experience. They’ve been deprived of the sweetness of childhood, the comfort of resting in a mother’s arms, the thrill of riding high and kinglike on the shoulders of an awesome dad.

Some days I struggle to show each child the love they deserve. I want to be everything to them—mother, father, sister, brother. I want to hold them tight so that they know I’m there. I want to race across the yard to them when they cry so that they don't have to wonder for a second if anyone cares that they're hurt.

One of the lessons I’m learning is to trust God’s care for these kids. He is the one who holds them secure. He has a plan for each one, and despite the darkness that’s touched their lives, these kids are thriving.

I love the sudden smile that breaks across Christian’s face, Paulo’s half-scared pride on the monkey bars, Zerena’s crazy-crayon flowers, Princess’ funny dances and warbling songs. I love Maricel for her grace and calm; meeting my eyes at times when I’m exasperated—caught between two kids toddling in opposite directions—she just smiles, offers her hand and walks with me.

[caption id="attachment_1262" align="alignright" width="207" caption="Swinging on Tita Hannah."][/caption]

The sights of Cris John and Kenth scampering across the grass after the visiting cats, of Tyra’s fascination with butterflies, of Yuki’s first wavering steps, and little Alex’s independence as she asserts her personhood and speaks her first words are all a delight. These kids are incredible. They never fail to fill my heart with wonder.

I am so thankful for my time here—for the friendships, the welcome, and the shy kids who have finally given me their trust. I’ve never had the opportunity to stop everything and just care for people before. That’s my only duty in these seven months—to be available to obey God and love His children. I know I’ll refer to these months for the rest of my life. God is blessing me richly. I’ve found a wealth of grace and joy that I know I’ll draw strength from and carry with me wherever I go.

-Hannah Cranston

KIM Reading Program

[caption id="attachment_1235" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Ellie engaging a student in a reading exercise"]
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Mark and Ellie Hymes first came to the Philippines in August 2009 to introduce to the Cuatro Christian School a reading program they had been using as a ministry in their home church in Kansas City, Mo.  After a formal invitation to come be full-time missionaries with KIM, they decided to take an early retirement, pack up their lives and move here.

Since coming permanently in November, they’ve taught the CCS teachers how to run the reading program. Now, as of last week, they officially have their first four students.

[caption id="attachment_1236" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Mark working with one of his students"][/caption]

While it’s always KIM’s goal to better children’s lives, Mark shared the real purpose for their being here—“It’s all about the relationships that God has us here for,” Mark said. “It might be a little awkward at first, but six months down the road, we’ll be close, and that’s where real relationships can occur.”

CCS Art Show

[caption id="attachment_1223" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Art teacher Jessica Kemnitz with students of CCS and their artwork"]
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Jessica Kemnitz had come to the Philippines four times in the past, leading short term missions teams from Seoul Foreign School, where she taught.  In November 2010, she came for a bit of a longer trip, having decided to take a year’s leave from SFS to spend some time and energy teaching art at the Cuatro Christian School.

The CCS Art Show has been an annual event.

[caption id="attachment_1225" align="alignright" width="150" caption="One of the classes at the JCCV in their art-plastered classroom"][/caption]

This year, Jessica had a goal of getting as much parent involvement as possible.  "We want the parents to be involved in their kids' lives, including their education,” Jessica said. “Also, we want the kids to not only see what they're capable of, but what other kids and the school as a whole are capable of." Goal met.  The Art Show had it's largest turnout ever, as parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents came to the school to see the students' artwork  proudly displayed on the walls.  In addition, the students from  the CCS and JCCV took turns migrating to each other's  buildings to view the pieces of artwork.

"It was a great day, and  a wonderful chance for the community to see the students' accomplishments displayed for all to  see," said Jessica, who plans to stay until April.

Malaybalay Update

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As the sixth World Race team to visit Kids International Ministries and Mt. Moriah camp in Malaybalay, “P Squad” has a little different task in front of them than previous racers. The previous squads have had one or two big projects to work on and might or might not have seen them finished.

[caption id="attachment_1205" align="alignright" width="300" caption="World Racers Cutting Bamboo Filipino style."][/caption]

While there are no new major building or planting projects being started right now, P Squad has the opportunity to see the finish of a number of projects that have been started by other squads, as well as complete a few important smaller projects that will improve the grounds at Mt. Moriah camp.

[caption id="attachment_1204" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Due to mud, the water tank has not always been easy to access. World Racers are helping to make the path solid and sturdy."][/caption]

One big project that will be completed this month is to have the soccer field completely planted. S Squad worked tediously at the field with the hopes of finishing, but due to vehicle malfunctions, wasn’t able to. Now it will be in the hands of P Squad.

Other projects include making roads on the grounds more solid, continuing work on the chapel on grounds, taking care of children, jail ministries, working with college students in Malaybalay, and painting a mural in the Children’s Home.

My Experience Working in Cuatro

I have been working in Cuatro for almost three months now, and my experience so far has been incredible and has certainly opened my eyes in numerous ways.

Although I grew up in the Philippines, this is the first time I have been able to completely focus myself on ministry without having to worry about attending school.  Being able to work in Cuatro and devote my time to the people that live there has been such a worthwhile experience.

[caption id="attachment_1168" align="alignleft" width="158" caption="This is the CH kids' favorite past-time."][/caption]

I divide up my time between the Children’s Home and the elementary school (JCCV), and I have enjoyed both for various reasons.  At the Children’s Home I help out with the nursery kids, and I’ve found that this job is a lot more exhausting and stretching than I would have expected.  All the kids come from various backgrounds, and have had experiences in their childhood that no one should experience.  Because of this, there are many different behavioral issues that arise on any given day.  I often come to the conclusion that I am way over my head, and have absolutely no idea how to handle some of the kids’ behavioral problems.  But God often asks us to do things that we are uncomfortable doing, and in this way He stretches us and shows His power through our weakness.  I have grown to love the kids at the Children’s Home.  It’s really great coming day in and day out, and recognizing faces, and learning about each of the children's lives.

[caption id="attachment_1171" align="alignright" width="203" caption="Hanging out with street kids in Cuatro."][/caption]

Although I am only here in the Philippines for 6 months, I feel like I am really experiencing a slice of what missionary work truly is.  I have begun to understand more and more that there are always struggles and setbacks to any ministry, and that some days are especially hard or tiring.  But there is also so much joy in ministry.

Sometimes when I step outside of the Children’s Home gate, I am accosted by street kids who want to hold my hand, and who walk with me down the street.  This brings my heart so much joy, because I get to connect with kids whose life experiences I do not share or comprehend.  It’s so awesome how love and kindness can break the barriers between different cultures, languages and experiences.

[caption id="attachment_1170" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Jessica, who I assist in teaching, and some of the students at the JCCV."][/caption]

On the days that I am not at the nursery I’m assisting another teacher with art classes at the elementary school.  I love getting to know the kids at the school, and hanging out with them in-between classes.  The students are so inquisitive and open to new friendships, and I have felt so welcomed by all of them.  After school on a couple days each week my friend Hannah and I lead an art and music club.  It has been a great way to get to know the kids better outside of school, and we all end up having so much fun together.

Over all, these last 3 months working in Cuatro have been so rich and beautiful.  Being able to be on a “missions” trip that lasts more than 2 weeks is so beneficial.  It is great being able to build relationships with people that I know I won’t have to leave within just a couple weeks.  Ever since I was 16 I knew that I wanted to be a missionary serving the poor in some capacity, and working in Cuatro has allowed me to get a better idea of what that looks like in real life.  I will certainly refer to these 6 months for years to come, and remember what a blessed and growing experience it was.

--Claire Friesen

[caption id="attachment_1169" align="aligncenter" width="573" caption="Taking the kids from the CH for a swim."][/caption]