Our Livelihood Training Center has moved!

We were scheduled to move out of the Project Life Center Thursday at 9 a.m., and as of Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. we still had no place to move all our equipment, materials, shelving and tables. Having had exhausted our search for a rental, we moved the extra chairs to the vacant lot, musical instruments to the Base, and now we waited. The call came at 9 p.m. with good news of a place for rent that would accomodate the Sewing Training!

The next morning the visiting team helped us move three truckloads to our new location. We have installed a new electric meter, updated the lighting and organized our 3 new rooms so the high speed machine training could begin. The new rental is so much bigger and brighter than our old place. We can offer both a month long high speed machine training and a three month Basic Sewing Skills course.

Sixteen men and women are excited to be attending the month long training! Many had been unskilled or trash scavengers, living day to day, feeling helpless and hopeless. Some are ex cons wanting a chance to lead a productive life. Now they are learning, praying and thanking God everyday for this opportunity to have a new life and a skill that will help them get a job. We already have a waiting list of students for the next training in January!

A big thank you to PACTEC Corp. who provides funding, encouragement and manpower to teach, train and advise us as we develop this training center. We thank God for you and all those who support Project Life Subic!

Short term missions- is it worth it?

Have you ever thought of the value of a short term missions trip? Wondered if it is worth the cost financially and time wise? Has your attitude been "what can I REALLY accomplish for the Kingdom in 2-6 weeks?" Or, for those of you that sponsor these trips, have you considered the impact you have through the people you send? Here's some great news to encourage and inspire you:

The Compassion DTS from Denver, 21 strong, came to work with us last month and has left a lasting impact on the city of Olongapo and surrounding areas. This talented, enthusiastic team, led by a strong leadership staff, visited 3 schools, 4 churches, and jails. They did outdoor evangelism at the Mardi Gras, in the city park and in basketball courts. They also ministered to our 12th St family on a weekly basis and we saw many of our youth, men and women grow stronger in their walk with the Lord. The team was strong in intercession and friendship evangelism, sharing the gospel and loving people wherever they went. It was amazing to see 115 people respond to the salvation message and 17 healings in 4 weeks!

We were also so blessed to take the team to a high school of 1,000 students where they gathered for a 2 hour assembly to listen to testimonies, watch skits, and hear about a loving God. Everywhere the team went they spent time praying one on one with so many hurting people of all ages and all walks of life. The love of Christ flowed out of this team and touched so many people who had felt empty and alone.

One of the highlights was the jail ministry time. Hardened prisoners were brought to tears by the reality of God's love for them. Hearts were opened and changed. Even the guards were so happy about the team and their message of hope and redemption.

I'll post some pictures from the team's outreach here. As you view them please remember that this could be YOU, or SOMEONE you send on a short term trip! Worth it? You bet!

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"