SOLAR LIGHTS for the SLUMS

Sonny and the men of 12th St are getting ready to train others how to install solar lights in tin roofs to provide light for the poor. Most shanty and permanent housing in the poor areas are dark during the day because there are no/or few windows for light. Not everyone has electric bulbs or can afford electricity so this simple method will be an affordable way to improve living conditions!

The solar lights are made of plastic soda bottles filled with water and fitted through the tin roofs, then sealed so no leaking occurs. Each bottle refracts light equal to a 55 watt bulb. More on this soon! We will buy the tools needed (cutters, tin snips and sealant) train the men, then they will be installing these around our 12th St area. After that we hope to share this with others in squatter areas of the city.

CHANGES CHANGES CHANGES!

We've had a bit of what could be perceived as BAD news, but we are looking at it as a new beginning! Last week we found out that we must move out of the building we use for the Project Life Center. The Dept of Social Welfare will use it as a residential care facility for underprivileged. We have been there for 3 years, and paid utilities ( for the social workers office and ours) and done repairs in lieu of rent.

Our first reaction was shock, but then we realized we can move some of the classes to our vacant lot where we have the childrens ministry and bible studies. We would just have to find a place for the livelihood/training. NOW we heard that our vacant lot has been sold and we have no idea where we will go, nor do we have funds for rent. We are actually getting EXCITED because we know God will provide something and we can't wait to see what will happen. We believe we are getting ready for good changes and growth! Please pray with us for direction and opportunity to eventually have all ministries under one roof.

In the meantime, we have had 3 offers for temporary use of space for the livelihood and youth group. We are challenged, but not dismayed!

Children's Ministry Training

We recently hosted a one day training taught by Nats and Mae of Childrens Evangelism Fellowship. Many of you know about CEF's "Good News Club" a ministry that holds activities in elementary schools around the world. Nats and Mae have moved to Olongapo to equip childrens workers all over the city. They have already impacted this city in a BIG way since they arrived! The training was held at Church of the Risen Christ and was attended by 144 people from over 40 churches and other prganizations. Project Life sent 12 of our workers to be trained. They all feel they are now better equipped and will be more effective at sharing the good news and helping our 12th St. kids !

CRAZY SOCKS DAY at CHILDREN'S MINISTRY!

A friend from California, Mary Zieglar, sent us cute, crazy socks that she had used as table decorations at her father's 90th birthday. So we decided to make sock puppets, wear crazy socks, and give all the children socks this month. They were delighted! Here are some pictures of the kids that day.

The children's ministry continues to be our biggest challenge in terms of volunteers and curriculum. We have set a policy to only allow the mothers and youth who have attended training to work with our kids. The lead teachers, Connie and Cathy, are hoping to increase the number of volunteers after the Sept 10 training with Childrens Evangelism Fellowship. CEF is the organization responsible for the Good News Clubs in the USA and around the world. The organization is very active in the Philippines and now have sent a CEF couple to Olongapo!! Project Life is hosting a training for CEF next month and we are doing all we can to help them network here. We think they will have a HUGE impact on the city!

We have a generator!!!

Our intern, Sammi Caiati from CA, was instrumental in getting a much needed generator for Project Life. Her friends from home (who prefer to remain anonymous) donated the funds so we could purchase a Honda 1,000 watt Generator to use during the frequent power outtages we encounter here during floods and summer season. It is super easy to maintain, high quality and portable. Not only will this be useful here at the Base, but we can use the generator for outreaches in remote areas. A very big thanks goes out to our anonymous donors (you know who you are!) and Sammi. " Maraming Salamat"

PACTEC TEAM VISITS PROJECT LIFE!

Mike, Sonny and Lewis at the 12th St. Lot where we have many of our ministry activities.

Isaiah 61:4 Livelihood managers Emy and Cindy with the PACTEC crew!

We were honored to have Mike Schilling, Lewis Strickland and Caleb visit Isaiah 61:4 Livelihood then tour 12th St. with us last week! Mike and Caleb are from Louisiana PACTEC, and Lewis is our friend from PACTEC Philippines who helped launch the bayong bag business for the livelihood. Mike and Lewis are an integral part of the team, financially and prayerfully supporting Project Life and always full of new ideas to help the livelihood become a success. Lewis is also on the PLS Board of Directors. They are excited to be a part of Project Life and understand the impact they can have creating jobs for the poor. Our collaboration is a fine example of what God can do when His people work together to share the gospel AND provide practical help. They have already helped us create jobs for 18 people, training many more and are backing our efforts to open a training center so we can train people from all over Olongapo City to be seamstresses. We are also grateful to many other PACTEC staff such as Michael, Roland, Arvin, Joanna, Joel and others who are helping this dream become reality. Salamat!

Matibayong Bags in Royal Market!

The Isaiah 61:4 Livelihood products are now on sale at the Royal Market in Subic Bay Freeport! Cindy, Emmy and Leslie delivered the displays and products that will be sold on consignment. There was quite a bit of interest as even shop managers and customers began reaching for the bags before we could get them hung up on the display racks! It took months of planning and patience to reach this goal. We thank those at Royal who helped us through the process, Ma'am Shirley, Eden, Sir Oscar and many more who have a heart to make a difference in their community.

The next step for the livelihood is the purchase of a computer and then training workers to use Quickbooks, Word and Publisher so they can more efficiently run their livelihood program. They will also be establishing a seamstress training program in response to requests from various groups around the city.

We have outgrown the space we are using on Gordon Avenue and are now looking for a rental in the nearby barangays. Ideally we need a house where the various ministries can take place downstairs and the livelihood could be upstairs. Our dream is to have ALL Project Life activities under one roof in the future.