Mary Grace
Mary Grace is a dynamic young woman who is from a village close to Hope for the Island and whose life has been changed so much. She is 16 years old and from a family of six. Her father does casual work as the village electrician as well as odd jobs to provide for his family. Her mother is a housewife and Mary Grace has one sister and two brothers.
This young woman is the first recipient of our Scholarship Program ministry. We are so proud of her and believe she will continue to make a difference in her world!
Her testimony
Since elementary I attended Children’s ministry at Hope for the Island. It is there that I learned about God's Word and how great His love is for me. I accepted Jesus salvation for me when I was in grade 6! Having God in my life, I learned to be confident in Him and trust Him despite my past or hardships. I thank God so much for His goodness and how He changed my life! I am thankful for the lives of the people at Hope for the Island for leading me to Jesus and to help me learn how to teach other kids about Jesus and to lead them to salvation. 
I learned what it is to have a servant’s heart through them. For many years now I enjoy serving as a volunteer in the kid’s ministries through Hope for the Island and also attending the Youth ministry and Discipleship.
With my family financial status, they could not afford to send me to college even though I really have a desire to study. I was so blessed to be considered for the Scholarship program. I am thankful to God that He would use other people to answer my prayers so that one day I can help provide for my family’s needs. God is faithful and so great is His love!!"
Mary Grace’s first day of school was June 6, 2011. It was a big change for her to transition from a tiny island to the city. There were new friends and new roommates. A total of four are in her room and fifteen in the whole house. It is a new environment and she understandably is a bit apprehensive. Over the months to come, she knows she will be challenged in many ways. This is her first time to be away from home and family. . Mary Grace is grateful for this blessing that is an answer to her long time prayer. She has been given the opportunity to continue schooling and knows many do not have this privilege.
HOPE has connected her with a Bible believing church where she will be fed and have fellowship. She is already actively involved. Now, God is using her to bring along some of our other youth who have been studying in the city to also attend. They are all excited to grow spiritually as well as academically.
Whenever someone from the HOPE team visits the city, it is a good time to get caught up with the young people. Visits back home involve a long boat ride, so that only happens when there is an extended break from classes. The next anticipated visit home for Mary Grace will most likely be during her semester break the first week of October.
Interesting facts about this exciting stage of her life
- Currently enrolled at Philippine Women’s University Surigao City
- Studying a 2 year Computer Programming course
- Tuition fee for this semester is 13, 000 Pesos = approx $300 Canadian
- Uniforms: 2, 300 Pesos = approx $54
- Miscellaneous 8, 000 Pesos = $187
- Boarding house with electricity 800 Pesos = $19 month (walking distance to school)
- Food and toiletries 2,500 Pesos =$59 month
- Next semester payment due in Oct
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Every gift empowers us to reach out and meet their physical and emotional necessities. Countless lives are being transformed and lasting fruit produced as Hope for the Island prioritizes walking out the holistic ministry of Christ. By making children and youth the focal point of this ministry the impact is far reaching and communities are being developed.