Sponsors and staff worshipped with a full house at the First Church of God in Manuguit in Manila yesterday.  Joanne Hendrick did a great job sharing an important story and illustration with the children.  It was hot, but we wouldn't have missed the experience for anything. 

Group members are impressed with the level of youth ministry and involvement in the local churches.  Everywhere we go, the youth are leading worship, helping in the church work, and giving of themselves to the work of the church. 

Tom Kumpel shared with the youth in their weekly meeting yesterday.  About 35 youth were in attendance.  Linda Mason shared with the women's group of First Church.  Paul Maxfield shared with the men's group.

Many more children were interviewed yesterday afternoon.  They came from several areas of the city.  The group members have become so skilled at interviewing.  They are warm, friendly, supportive, and thorough.  What a great team they are.

Our group had the privilege of presenting and dedicating a new tricycle to a sponsored child's family, complete with ribbon-cutting ceremony, prayer of dedication, and rides and photos.  (A tricycle is a motorcycle with a side-car.  They are used in The Philippines as taxis and general means of transportation.)   This particular tricycle was provided for a child's family by the sponsor who wanted to do something more for his child and her family.  The family will be able to use the tricycle as an additional means of support as well as transportation for the family of 8 children.  This is the first vehicle the family has ever owned.  They are so grateful to the Lord and to the sponsor for this additional help.  Some group members initiated the tricycle, taking the first rides and paying the first fares.  It was great fun!

The group has encountered a number of health problems and issues as the interviewing has taken place.  We are so grateful for the emergency fund and the donors who regularly support it.  It is through this fund that we are able to provide specific medical help for children when it is called for.  Children will be able to receive help for dental problems, skin problems, malnutrition, trauma counseling, and eye and vision problems through these funds.  It is a wonderful joy to be able to tell a child and his family that we can help with a health problem that they have never had any hope of resolving on their own.  It gives us a glimpse of how God must feel when we ask for help and He provides it.

It has been such a great experience to meet two of the children that have had surgery in the last year, provided by the emergency fund.  Mark Joseph in Nueva Ecija has had his crossed-eyes straightened.  He is so happy.  He smiles, and he looks you straight in the eye.  You can feel the change in his confidence level.  He says the children no longer make fun of him at school.  What a change this surgery has made in his young life.  His family asked us to please thank all those who have made this possible.

Mike Resureccion underwent surgery to close his palate this past year.  He is very proud to open his mouth and show you the difference!  His smile says it all.  His mother reports that he no longer has trouble drinking and eating.  When asked what was the best thing that happened to him this past year, Mike was quick to say that his surgery was by far the best thing.   We are now working to get him enrolled in speech therapy so that he can correct the speech patterns that have resulted because of the palate issue during his developing years.  Again, the family expresses their deep appreciation and gratitude for those who have contributed to the emergency fund, making this surgery possible for Mike.

We have visited two homes that were destroyed by typhoons and rebuilt through the gifts of donors and sponsors.  In both cases, the rebuilt or remodeled homes are larger and provide more living options for the families.  They are concrete structures, as opposed to the wooden shanties that served as the homes before. 

Our motto on the trip has been "Observe and Serve."  Sometimes the observation that takes place is overwhelming.  The deep levels of poverty are hard to process.  The desire to help is ever present.  How do you make a difference?  The only answer is one child at a time.  Each child helped is one more that is on the road to an improved life, a life nurtured through the loving care of the local congregation, and built up through education, nutrition, and health care.  The cycle can be broken, but it must be done on an individual basis through long-term relationships of support and encouragement.  Thank you, sponsors, for committing yourselves to these precious children, and the children in 20 other countries around the world.  You are making a world of difference for those children whose lives you touch through your love, monthly support, encouragement, and prayers.

Some of the trip members are already talking about going on a second sponsor trip when it materializes.  I have a feeling the roster will fill quickly.

Thank you for your prayers.  With only about 48 hours left in The Philippines, group members are feeling the wrenching propect of saying goodbye to the friends and families they have come to love in this short time. 

(Submitted by Dr. Paul Maxfield, Executive Director)