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| Saturday, November 03, 2007 |
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Philippine Sponsor Trip Update - November 4, 2007
By Paul Maxfield @ 5:37 PM :: 477 Views ::
1 Comments :: Philippines, Front Page News
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Sponsors and staff are working hard, but having a great time in The Philippines. The local staff has gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. But, the real story is in the visits to the homes and the children. Overwhelming poverty and discouragement are met with smiles by sponsored children's families as the visitors talk with them and share with them. Sponsorship really changes a child's outlook and level of hope. On every doorpost of every home we visit we are met with a large welcome sign with all of our names on it. Sometimes there is nothing inside the one-room home; other times there are chairs and kitchen items. Some homes are stacked on top of one another, with crude ladders connecting them. Children running around the neighborhoods have orange streaks in their hair - a sign of malnutrition. However, we're happy to say, the sponsored children's hair is completely black! Thanks to the nutritious food they receive through the Grace Family Helper Project.
The trip members are all well. The schedule has been demanding, but the group members love meeting the children. They are ready to go each morning! Trip members include the following:
Wendy Weeks (Wisconsin)
Joanne Hendrick (Michigan)
Kathy Knox (Indiana)
Debbie Brown (Indiana)
Amanda Brown (Indiana)
Tom Kumpel (New Jersey)
Jim Spencer (Florida)
Jean Williams (California)
Kristi Stiffler (COP Staff - Indiana)
Linda Mason (COP Associate Director - Indiana)
Dr. Paul Maxfield (COP Executive Director - Indiana)
As of November 4, we have visited 10 of the 13 sites served by Grace Family Helper. Most are in the metro Manila area. Families are usually 4-8 children. Most sleep on the floor. Some families even take shifts sleeping since there is not enough room on the floor.
In each location, the group divides into five pairs to interview the children. A local staff member serves as a translator for each interview pair. The children are asked simple questions in order to learn about their lives and situations. The team members also share a salvation bracelet with each child. Laughter, smiles, and tears are all shared as the children's stories unfold.
When you meet the children and hear their stories, your heart is touched with the realization that you CAN help. Three of our trip members have sponsored new or additional children as they have visited the sites. The Lord sometimes just lets you know that this is the child that is waiting for you.
We really cannot say enough about the dedication, compassion, and effectiveness of Dr. Ofelia Viray, director of the Grace Family Helper Project, and her staff (Marlen, Noemi, Rosalee, Miriam, Lilian, Mon, Fredo, and Victor). They are such hard-workers with such big hearts. The children are blessed to have such wonderful people looking out for them. Thank you, staff of Grace Family Helper Project. You are the cream of the crop.
Today is Sunday, November 4, 2007. Group members will be worshipping at the First Church of God in Manuguit, Tondo, Manila. Joanne Hendrick will be sharing with the children in Sunday School, Tom Kumpel will be sharing in the music ministry, Dr. Paul will be preaching, and the entire group along with the local staff will be singing two songs - one in English and one in Tagalog!
Your prayers are appreciated. God has been good. We are well, safe, and in the middle of His plan.
(Submitted by Dr. Paul Maxfield, Executive Director) |
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| Comments |
 By
Don Hendrick @
Saturday, November 03, 2007 8:25 PM
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Thanks for the great report.
We can't wait to hear about your experiences in person!
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