Maligayang Pasko! (Merry Christmas!)

"The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10 & 11

There was much laughter and sounds of joy as we gathered in Matain to celebrate the birth of Christ last week. A big thanks to Sierra Pines Church who sponsored the Christmas party and gift giving and helped us reach out in spiritual and practical ways to this village!
Over 300 meals were served to the hungry men, women and children, and 200 toys distributed to the kids. We were also able to give 64 families bags of groceries.
A jeep helped transport food, gifts and chairs to an area near the event then volunteers carried everything down the beachfront to the village. (No roads going to that place, we hike in every week).
Music was provided by the youth group and childrens ministry leaders and kids. Then Anthony read the Christmas story from the bible. For most of the guests this was the first time they had ever heard about the birth of Christ! Then Leslie spoke about "The Greatest Gift" and an invitation was given to accept this gift. Most of the crowd responded and were led in prayer to receive Christ. Our ministry leaders spent time encouraging and praying with the people of Matain.
After that everyone had a special Spaghetti dinner (spaghetti with sweet sauce is the traditional Christmas food here!) and the kids lined up to receive a toy. Sixty-four families received groceries including all the Christmas Day dinner items for their families to take home and have a wonderful Christmas together!

The next day, PACTEC, Phil gifted Project Life so we could buy shoes for the kids. It's so important for the children here to wear shoes and help prevent infection of parasites. (check out our previous post about the worms!)

Our biggest thanks is to God. He continues to open doors for ministry and brings others alongside us to help make all this possible! "Glory to God in the Highest, and  Merry Christmas to all!"

Another class graduates at the Sewing Center

Yesterday's graduation was a joyous time of laughter, testimonies and encouragement! After opening prayer and some worship (and action songs, of course!), each graduate took a turn sharing his or her experiences of the Project Life Subic Sewing training. A recurring theme was how they grew in knowledge and relationship to God, and how that had changed their life. They were all grateful to now have a skill and a way to earn money.
One man, having worked a couple weeks already at PACTEC, (the company that hires many of the grads and helps support the training center) talked about how he never had confidence before. Now he feels confident and capable and his self esteem has grown. He also learned so much during his time at PACTEC and had much to share with the grads. He encouraged them to be excellent employees, to work hard and be serious about their job and integrity. He also shared how proud he was to be able to buy shoes for his children with his first paycheck. His next check provided not only necessities, but he gave his children a little money so they could buy Christmas gifts for each other.
All the graduates received certificates and took home the bags they made so they can sell them and pay for pre-employment physicals, etc.
A big thanks to our faithful trainers- Emy, Cindy, Cathy, Angie and Glenda. Our love and thanks to PACTEC, Lewis, Mike, Arvin and Joanna (and their )families for making this all possible. Merry Christmas!

Celebrating!

This family has been blessed with new beginnings!

Trainer Cindy presenting certificate, new bible and bags

    

Emy encouraging the grads

Worms! - NOT your garden variety!

One of the biggest threats to the health of children in undeveloped countries is parasites! The Ascaris worm is very prevalent here in the Philippines, and cause a variety of health problems and even death. These worms not only live in intestines, but can travel by blood vessels to the lungs and other organs. The female will grow to 6-13". The worm can cause malnutrition, lung problems, (increases risk of asthma) appendicitis, and intestinal blockages. It has caused many a misdiagnosis as it may look like "pneumonia" on an x-ray.
Our children in the slums are at a 50% + risk of parasites due to poor hygiene and lack of clean water and proper sanitation. It's easy to spot those severely infected- some have chronic cough, runny eyes, and slightly distended abdomens.
Project Life Subic just completed two deworming clinics this week. The Rotary Club donated the medicine, and Val Smith Orr, R.N. ("Captain Bulate!") and her assistant Evelyn taught the children and parents about the prevention and treatment of worms. Val brought her worm samples that fascinated the audience and was a real eye-opener!
Our hope is to help these children be restored to health. "...I was sick and you looked after me..." Matt 25:36
Here are some pictures of the clinics. Scroll down to see one of the worms!

"Captain Bulate" (Val) adding the drama to the teaching!



This little boy had an amazing discovery after he went to the toilet and he was proud to show it off! Look closely, the worm is still pink and alive.

Our new volunteers!

We are so happy to have Trisha Reyes, and Andrew and Brittany Wilcox volunteering to help with children's ministry! They are a big help to the children's leaders and also to our many kids. Andrew and his beautiful wife, Brittany are both teachers at a local international school. Trisha is taking some time out from schooling, but is also involved with youth group and the worship team at Church of the Risen Christ. She is also a talented artist!
Our Core leaders from our Youth Group continue to help the childrens program every Saturday, assisting with merienda, music, clean up and wherever else they are needed.
A big "THANKS!!!" to all the volunteers for being such a blessing to the kids of 12th St.