Hope Blog

Equiping Youth

Wed, 16 May 2012 23:29:00 GMT

Corah has taken on more of a leadership role in the Youth Ministry alongside Jing. She leads the senior Youth group. She is a very creative individual.

Tourism is changing our island. Tourists are more common than ever before. The youth of our island are facing many new influences. In spite of the poverty, many have access to cheap cellphones with a camera, Facebook account and collections of CD’s with Reggae, R & B or Hip Hop music on it.

Our vision for the youth this year was to meet them at a heart level, to connect to the real things going on in their lives and lead them to walk on that path with God. Sometimes our youth show up on Friday nights with a lot of heavy burdens from family or other situations in their lives. We want to give them a platform to be heard and understood.

We started a new approach. Our Hope for the Island family (staff) shares their personal testimonies, struggles and what God is speaking to them personally through their devotions. They have humbled themselves and revealed heart issues and breakthroughs in their life. The youth are now getting used to this idea of being real and in turn they are opening up as well. They are asking questions and sharing their struggles. The Filipino culture is a private one where shyness can keep you from being real and vulnerable.

This fresh approach is quite simple. We are opening up God’s word, applying it to our lives and allowing God to use that to speak into the lives of those we are building community with.

Pray for our youth that they will choose to read their Bible and choose to make the right decisions. We give them a Bible reading card that is good for five days of reading. Each day also has a question about the Scripture that they read. Pray this will develop and encourage the habit of personal daily Bible reading.

Sunday School Island Style

Although Hope for the Island connects with the youth many days throughout the week, many expressed desire to worship on Sunday with us. For the past 2 months Derek opens the Word with whoever chooses to drop by early Sunday morning. Sometimes they meet on the grass, beach or around the skate ramp. It is encouraging to see a growing number with a genuine desire to know God in a deeper way. This has also given the opportunity for out of school youth, college level or young adults who feel they are too “old” to attend Youth Group on Friday night to get back into the Word. Many of our active junior and senior high kids are reaching out to the young adults in our community and encouraging them to attend this Sunday meeting for all ages. We will need to buy more Bibles in the Visayan language, as many who attend do not have a Bible of their own.

Youth Camp

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 GMT

During the summer season Hope for the Island Preschool goes on break and so do our teachers. Well not really a break! All our preschool teachers enjoy setting aside their uniforms and curriculums to creatively plan and minister to the kids and youth. Thus far the summer has been very fruitful and God honoring! Let me explain…

Youth Camp

Our “Making Jesus Lord” youth event was spectacular. All games, activities and teaching sessions focused on our theme. Our goal was to help youth understand that being a Christian means that Jesus should be not only their Savior but also their Lord.

I was amazed how attentive and involved the 12-20 year olds were for such an intense topic. It was an answer to prayer to see them taking in each lesson. Even those who normally tend towards joking around and distracting others were glued to the message.

The last day of the event was awesome! The air was thick at Hope for the Island, not only because of the high humidity but also because the Holy Spirit was at work. As Derek closed his message, he challenged the youth to take a bold stand and confess Jesus as Lord. To stand before their friends and say yes to Jesus by allowing Him to reign in their hearts and lives. To our amazement everyone in the room shot out of their chairs in unison!! With surrendered hearts, 83 youth prayed with our staff and confessed Jesus as Lord of their life

By coming into agreement with the truth of who Jesus is and our new nature in Him, God was honored. Please continue to cover all in prayer as we connect and disciple these youth. We declare together with Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal 2:20)

Kids Ministry

Some of you know I broke my leg in November. I just started walking again and I was really excited to visit Allegria, a neighboring village. I missed the Christmas programs and didn’t want to miss our Summer Shine Kids Camp. Allegria is a special place for me because I led an adult Bible study there for two years and from that ministry the kids outreach was formed. Years later I can see the harvest of God’s word there.

I saw a girl named Theresa who was only 3 years old at the time I started the Bible study. I remember how I used to make efforts to keep Theresa entertained so that her mom would be happy and continue attending each week. When we started Kids Ministry there, Theresa was too shy to come and didn’t want to leave her mother’s side. She stayed and listened as I shared God’s word and attempted to speak the Visayan dialect. Seeing her again was such a joy because she now actively attends the Kids Ministry each week. I was so blessed to hear her speak Scripture that she memorized. I loved seeing her excitement as she followed along as our staff led them through the verses for Summer Shine Kids Camp. I never would have expected that she, little Theresa, would grow up to be the one boldly sharing Bible verses even to her neighbors and family who do not know the Lord!

Our HOPE staff and youth volunteers do such an amazing job loving on the kids and leading them to Christ. Over 400 kids participated in our Summer Shine Kids Camps where we discussed the ABC’s of Salvation - Accept, Believe, Confess. Pray that the message these kids learned will be carried into their homes and that God will use their genuine faith in Him to impact their families just as He did with Theresa.

Mercy

Cristina is enjoying exercising her faith as she reaches out with care and compassion to many of the elderly that come to visit Hope for the Island. They are not used to people giving them attention or concern. Many times they don’t know how to handle love because all they have known is hardship.

Cristina recently asked one elderly widow we have known for some time if there was anything we could pray about with her. Her request was straight to the point, “God please hurry up and take me. All of my sisters are with you in heaven and I want to go too!”

Ministry to the elderly is a challenge as so many of them really suffer. Because there have no access to adequate care facilities, medicine or nutrition so many fall victim to poverty. Please pray as Cristina takes on this new role, helping to oversee the Mercy Ministry. This calls for a special kind of love, grace and patience for these seniors. We have an amazing Hope team!!!

Spider Game

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:55:00 GMT

I would like to tell you that my kids are collecting rock specimens to observe under a microscope- but they are not. They have been climbing trees and cliffs looking for big spiders that they can put in their little spider boxes. Each spider is given a number and then competes against another spider on a stick. The kids gather around and watch the spiders fight. During rainy season you can drive anywhere around Siargao Island and you will see kids and youth of all ages staring aimlessly up at a tree or scaling a cliff-don’t panic, they are just looking for spiders!

Jenn

Our Farm Neighbours

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:59:00 GMT

Siargao Island is coming to the end of rainy season and heading into the hot summer. Hope for the Island Organic Farm is doing great as we approach the summer months. The last few weeks we harvested and enjoyed eating radishes, string beans, okra and pechay!

The goats at the farm will now enjoy free range grazing. Goats don’t like getting wet, so during rainy season we cut and carry their feed to them. The produce at the farm needs more moisture, so we have installed water taps at various locations on the farm. Pray we find a solution to our water well running dry during the summer months. We have had to haul water from a neighboring village because our pump stopped drawing water!

As the rainy season ends, summer brings an increase in activities for Kids and Youth Ministry. Our Organic Farm will be providing the healthy snacks we are committed to supply for all the big events! We also receive donated dehydrated vegetables and fruit from Gleaners in Canada. This has made it possible to give each child a nutritious snack after each ministry time. We mix the dried fruit and vegetables with organic coconut milk, organic mongo beans and organic root crops to make “Ginataan”, a favorite snack of the Filipino people.

All of us at Hope for the Island LOVE going to the farm and the farm workers anticipate our visits as well! Monthly, we have a chance to visit the farm for a picnic style fellowship. Hope for the Island main compound is located in northern Siargao Island near the town of Burgos. Our farm is located in the center of Siargao Island near the village of Jamayaon a forty minute drive away. We currently have six full time farm workers and seven local full time staff serving alongside Derek and Jenn at HOPE in Burgos.

Each time we visit the farm we are warmly welcomed and handed fresh coconut juice from our trees! Our recent visit was an opportunity to get to know and love the neighboring children adjacent to our Organic Farm.

We invited them to visit the Hope for the Island Organic Farm so we could get to know their names, pray for them and let them know that we will have monthly Kids Ministry for them. We prayed for them, gave them clothes and told them to invite their friends. We look forward to getting to know the families who have watched with curiosity as our farm has got up and running.

These kids honestly had no idea what to do with the love they received from the Hope staff. Little Mark was a favorite of mine. He never changed his “shocked” expression during the entire time we were there. When Christina was helping him try on his new clothes; it seemed that it was then that he realized this was for real. We told him that God loves him and we love him too and can’t wait to tell him a Bible story next month.

When we were done Mark looked at me straight in the eye, gave me a tiny smile of acceptance, left his old tattered clothes behind and went home. It was an amazing moment for me because I know that this little child has no idea that God has an amazing plan for his life and I get to be a part of it!!

Jenn

Pacifico Outreach

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:08:00 GMT

Kid’s Ministry leaders have been feeling a burden to reach out to the children who live in Pacifico. Pacifico is a picturesque village blessed with great surf and the surrounding ocean is abundant with fish.

We have done previous VBS and Kid’s ministry in this area. We recently did an outreach there that included Bible teaching, games, food and fun. The kids were screaming with excitement as we drove up!! What a welcome!

Derek shared a message about God’s love for them. The majority of these children had already given their hearts to Jesus during our previous VBS or Kids ministry visit.

The kids were listening attentively as Derek pointed a finger at each child and said, “Jesus loves you, and you, and you.” Their faces lit up as they listened to Derek and heard just how loved and special they are to God.

The highlight was when the Hope for the Island leaders and volunteers broke into groups and prayed over each child. What an emotional time!! The kids’ response was overwhelming and we were reminded to keep them in prayer as they face so many hardships.

It was encouraging to hear the kids are so diligently involved in the local churches. They continue to read their Bible and grow in their faith. We are already anticipating our next visit to the village of Pacifico. Please pray for these young ones.

A Fun Way To Learn

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:35:00 GMT

Our Hope for the Island Learning Centre preschool had a wonderful field trip this year. It was a great learning adventure unlike any they have ever experienced before.

The Philippine Science Centrum brought their hands on Science experiment to Siargao Island. The event was held in Del Carmen about a 40 minute drive from Burgos.

This was the most exciting field trip our school has ever had. The children were allowed to touch and experiment with mirrors, computers and make massive bubbles. There were also various sound stations.

After a few hours of enjoying the science stations, the kids had a snack in the park. Our next stop was the Hope for the Island Organic Farm. The students ran around the farm looking at the fruits and vegetables. Their favorite part was seeing the worms produce vermicast in the nursery!!

Vermicomposting is a nutrient- rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner in a form that is relatively easy for plants to absorb. The earthworms grind and uniformly mix minerals in simple forms so that plants need only minimal effort to obtain them. The worms' digestive systems also add beneficial microbes to help create a "living" soil environment for plants.

Miracle of All Miracles!!!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:46:00 GMT

Sometimes there are stark reminders of the poverty and disease that surround us daily. This story is one of those. An elderly woman brought a 14yr old, 40 lb. boy named Mark Anthony to us with an advanced case of Schistosomiasis. He was orphaned as a baby when his parents died of the same disease. Schistosomiasis, an often fatal illness, results from infection of the blood with a parasitic flatworm that causes debilitation as well as liver and intestinal damage. It is most commonly found in Asia, Africa and South America, especially in areas with water that is contaminated with fresh water snails which contain the parasite.

Soon after his first visit to us, we travelled to Mark's village & surprised him with his first ever birthday party! We brought balloons, a few simple gifts and a banana cake. Mark Anthony, along with four others, prayed and gave their lives to Jesus Christ that day!!!

After repeated visits to us with no sign of improvement, Derek knew God was asking him to move out in faith in a bigger way and to love this boy with the love of Jesus!! Derek, the elderly woman and a very frail Mark Anthony left at 3am one morning for the very difficult & long trip to another island.

Mark was examined by a doctor and hospitalized. An ultrasound revealed severely damaged and enlarged internal organs. An X-ray also showed Tuberculosis in his lungs. According to the doctor, Mark Anthony had no hope of recovering. We chose to believe God’s diagnosis for the situation! We believed our God for a miracle! We were praying that His healing hand would reach in and restore all that the enemy had worked to destroy in Mark’s life. We longed to see this boy grow physically and spiritually; to be a man after God’s own heart! All is possible with God!

After a few days we were thrilled to see that Mark Anthony was starting to respond well to treatment. Life and color came to his face after his first blood transfusion. God had already worked in the hearts of donors to provide funds so we could purchase many of the medicines and supplies needed! Derek’s instructions to the doctor were clear. Derek told the doctor to do whatever he could to save this boy, to go as far as he would if indeed he were his own son. We all started to pray for the funds to come in for what God had asked us to do. Waiting was not an option--- it would not show the faith we spoke to Mark and others about!!! We stepped out in faith as a ministry and God provided as He has so faithfully done in the past.

Throughout the entire admitting and examination process Derek was by Mark Anthony’s side. When he looked into his eyes he could see terror mixed with a glimmer of hope. Hope is not something most poor people have. When looking into the face of sickness and disease many suffer and die without the possibility of getting medical attention. Our concern and love was a foreign experience for Mark Anthony. God was using that to shine hope in his heart! During those first two days God formed a special bond between Mark Anthony and Derek. God gave Derek words to encourage and lift his spirit. They spent time praying and crying together. Each touch of affection was soaked up as a dry sponge would absorb water.

It was our joy to lavish the love of the Father on this orphan. During follow up appointments, Mark Anthony gave testimony of God’s love & salvation. He boldly told other patients & medical staff what God had done for him.

Doctors confessed that when they first saw Mark they were expecting to soon sign his death certificate. Continue to pray for God's protection and complete healing over Mark Anthony! Mark Anthony's story goes from his hopeless diagnosis with Schistosomiasis to his salvation & faith in Christ that led to an amazing healing & recovery. From that time on, Mark had trusted Jesus with additional adversities that had come his way. We prayed for him as he became independent and went on to do farm work.

We have lost touch with him. One of the side effects of the many diseases he has had and the meds taken is compromised mental development. He struggles to focus for extended periods and has short and long term memory challenges that caused him to resist getting an education. As a result his academic level is well below others his age. We continue to pray that Mark will become all that God has planned for him. We pray that the great work He began in the life of Mark will continue for His glory. We love and miss that young man!

A DEAR FRIEND WE MISS

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 03:36:00 GMT

The Bible clearly states… “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” James 1:27

This scripture has been our guiding principle to minister through God's Word in accordance with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Life is especially difficult for widows here. They face poverty, loneliness and a scarcity of the basics required for quality of life.

As part of our ministry times we were having weekly Bible studies where many of the local widows heard and accepted the salvation message. We were feeding them spiritually, but there were obvious physical needs as well. Rice, vitamins, clothing, soap, medicines, eye glasses and flip flops were among the supplies we were able to bless them with because of donations to our ministry.

A dear widow named Nanay Bili, whose age no one knew and was believed to be about 85, became very dear to us. She had two children, one was dead and the other had been missing for over 40 years. She had never attended school, couldn’t read or write and had never been off the island in her life. Her frail body had been ravaged by Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Congestive heart failure, Edema (swelling of the legs), malnutrition and respiratory complications.

We first met Nanay Bili when her only son died. Nanay Bili was one of the first widows involved in witchcraft in her area to later accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior through our Mercy Ministry. We gave her food, uncontaminated water and visited daily with her in the tiny 6 x 4 ft. hut she called home. She cooked over a fire and smoke filled her hut, making it unfit to breathe even from the outside. She also had no CR (comfort room) or washroom as we refer to it.

As we ministered to her, others saw love and hope in action. They became curious and we had opportunity to start a Bible study. We saw those who attended start to gain victory over alcoholism, gossiping, gambling and a lazy spirit.

In her younger years Nanay Bili wove mats, fished and farmed root crops. Right into her senior years this amazing woman even broke large pieces of rock into smaller pieces by hand with a hammer. This is an extremely back breaking job even for a younger person. A 50 lb. cement sac of broken rocks sold to construction projects generates 15 pesos of income. 40 pesos= $1

We ministered to Nanay Bili for over 2 years providing food as well as spiritual and physical care each week. Her body was deteriorating quickly. HOPE made every effort to minister to Nanay in a way that would honor God and let her live out the remainder of her days with dignity. It was a tear filled day when Nanay Bili drew her last breath on Dec 1, 2007 and went home to be with Jesus. Before she died, she expressed thanks to God and HOPE for being faithful to her. We miss you Nanay Bili!

She Gave Her Life To Jesus

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:38:00 GMT

James 2: 15-16 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food and one of you says to them "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," and yet do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

We are mindful at HOPE that we cannot help everyone that comes to us for assistance. We seek God’s guidance as we minister to those around us. We may send them away with some food, clothing or financial assistance to get the help they need. Beyond their immediate needs we pray for them as well.

A 52 year old woman came to HOPE asking for help because she wanted to go for a checkup. For months she had been in pain because of a cyst on her breast.

No one wanted to lend her money because she had no means to pay them back. Her husband had no work and she earns 1000 pesos per month ($25) as a janitor in town. One sack of rice is 1850 pesos which lasts an average of one month for a family.

She went to a hospital where she was told she needed surgery. We visited her and spoke with her about having a personal relationship with our Creator. As she listened she repented of her sins and prayed to receive Jesus Christ!

Organizations are available upon application that may provide free surgery for indigenous people. Please pray for God’s favor as this lady applies with these groups and for God’s healing so that surgery will not be needed. We look forward to seeing her grow in her new life in Christ.

Spiritual Birthday

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:39:00 GMT

We are changing things up with Youth Ministry. Instead of celebrating the birthdays of the youth each year, we will celebrate their spiritual birthday.

They will be given an “I accepted Jesus” certificate when they have made a decision to follow Jesus. We have a list of the spiritual birthdays for our young people. We will celebrate, give out the certificate and pray over them when it is their turn. In many ways, we are the only spiritual family they have. We want to rejoice with them about this life changing time in their life!

They Now Have Shoes

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:46:00 GMT

December was an exciting time for the local kids in a very small community close to Hope for the Island. A shoe company (Tom’s) contacted us asking us if there were kids in our community or surrounding areas that needed shoes. We immediately replied that most kids don’t have shoes and it would be a huge blessing for them to receive a free pair of shoes. Before long we had a shipment of brand new shoes for many children!!

Nermalyn and Ken from HOPE rode the motor bike down the winding dirt rode to San Mateo, the village we had chosen to bless. They had the joy of telling the children that shoes had arrived for them. There was disbelief on their faces as they heard the news that they would be blessed with free shoes! As always we want to make sure we are sharing God’s Word at every opportunity. Nermalyn shared with the eager children that God also gave them a free gift. She told them that God sent His son to die on the cross for the sins of the world because He loved us so much. She unfolded the gospel for them. Some were hearing it for the first time, but all listened intently. After the message, singing and games each child lined up to try on a new pair of shoes. What an exciting day!!!!

THANK YOU TOM’S !!!

Charcoal Entrepreneur

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 03:41:00 GMT

Anyone who has followed Hope for the Island’s reports over the years knows that rainy season is the hardest season to endure on Siargao Island. The seas are wild and dangerous and even fisherman rarely attempt to go out on them. The heavy rains keep villagers indoors and make it hard for them to find food. This rainy season we are happy for the new Charcoal Business in our municipality. Charcoal is made from the inside shell of the coconut dried out over fire. This is a very easy process and even if people don’t own land, they can look for those who have just harvested coconuts and offer to collect the shells. This is an immediate source of income! What a blessing this is for the local people during such a hard season.

Anxious To Learn

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:52:00 GMT

January routinely marks an intensive planning month for Kid’s Ministry. Typically we plan the themes and delegate responsibilities for the year. The Christmas programs this year were bursting with more kids than ever before. Our desire has been to reach out to the kids with fresh resources, better crafts and memorable games. Through the blessings of a church we received brand new donated Bible Teaching for children - BTFK (LIFEWAY). It is complete with pictures, teacher guides, theme posters and learner guides for 8 – 11 year old children.

We have never had such a complete curriculum! We will give each regular attender a new 30 page colorful learner guide to follow along with in the new 3 month curriculum. Those of you who have been at HOPE and witnessed how we do Kid’s ministry in the past, will understand what a HUGE change this is for the children and us as well.

Normally we make do with what we have. We are very creative and draw pictures and paste them onto cardboard. The kids are accustomed to writing out their memory verses in their own study books that they bring to children’s programs. Many can’t afford to buy books for school AND for ministry. What a treat for us all! We anticipate some very ecstatic children when they see what we have to offer!!! We are so grateful for this HUGE BLESSING.

Reaping the Harvest

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:01:00 GMT

Our farm is moving forward and we are so blessed by the variety of produce and the abundance we are already seeing! Many are eating fresh produce for the first time and we now have goats producing milk!!!

So many of you have prayed towards this end and we praise God for His provision through you. Your donations will help us move forward with the Mission compound and other facets of Organic Farm.

Friday Night Youth Ministry

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:16:00 GMT

Friday night Youth Ministry at HOPE draws in many young people from the community. This fun filled evening of games and activities ends with a great time in worship and an interactive sharing of God’s Word. Throughout the week, as part of our schedule, we connect with the youth on a deeper level as we serve alongside them in our Community Outreach Ministry.

The focus for our staff during these connecting times is to either lead someone to faith in Jesus or help draw them into a more intimate relationship with Him. This is not an easy task anywhere in the world, as many youth have barriers set up to prevent themselves from being vulnerable. In addition to that, many of our youth have deeply rooted wounds that shield their hearts from accepting love. As we make ourselves available to them and build trust and relationship, we see their hearts softening.

Just one example, is the story of a young man we will call Junior, whose mother and father split up, left him and went their own way. For some time he lived with his father’s grandmother. With no guidance, he soon got into trouble and led a sinful lifestyle. His father moved in with another woman and her children. Junior then moved in with his father, but was treated and felt like an outsider. Throughout this time Junior was seeking refuge at Hope for the Island. He soaked up the love and attention at every opportunity. His heart is now softening as the Lord reaches his heart through our staff. Recently Junior’s father again left for another woman. Junior is only 15 and doesn’t know what to do or where to turn. He doesn’t want to follow his father again or return to his previous lifestyle. Please pray that God will open the right doors for Junior. We seek God’s wisdom and discernment as to how we can help in this fragile situation.