Thankful at Christmas Time....

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and

HAPPY NEW YEAR

to

EVERYONE

*****

 A SPECIAL thanks to

all who PRAYERFULLY

and

FINANCIALLY supported 

this unique and much needed

ministry to special people.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

MY LAST BLOG UNTIL...

(For some reason there are extra lines between paragraphs. Have no clue how that happened after it was published online. It is not in the draft.)

This will be my last post until I start making plans for my next trip. This is just some assorted trivia I wrote down during this last trip.

In 2013, I traveled with my daughter to Ethiopia to get her second adopted child from that county. What I have noticed around most airports is a fairly well-kept neighborhood but also includes some form of poverty and a noticeable suffering economy. This airport in Addis, Ethiopia was a good size as it is in most capital cities. I don’t really remember all of the neighborhoods that were close by. What I do remember is that two blocks from the airport were nice commercial buildings with one empty lot in between. For many years the lot had been void of any building. In the field was a man herding a flock of sheep. He appeared to be a poor shepherd probably caring for and herding another man’s sheep. In the middle of a good economic zone of business buildings was an uncared for field with sheep.

That was a good picture of all third-world countries…rich and poor economies in close proximity. It was also a good picture of the Philippines. Major cities may have good economies but poor neighborhoods are close by.

While I was in the Philippines I was on several different provinces. I noticed these blending economies. These different economies affected what you would pay for items. Here are some examples of costs in the Philippines compared to the costs in the USA. Prices of items are always subject to the currency exchange.

-Haircuts were the same price as a blizzard 48php or $.94. In the USA, a small blizzard is $3.69

-Bread rolls or croissants were 2p or $.04. In the USA, a single croissant may cost $.60 and up.

-Cookies were 2p or $.04. At Subway, cookies are 3/$1.00

-A 12 oz. coke was 75p or $1.47 at a Manila Restaurant. In Subic at the 7/11, a 12 oz. coke was 25p or $.50. In the USA, $.50 and up. At a food/convenience stand beside the road in Mindoro, 10 oz. coke was 15 p or $.30.

-In Angeles City, a two-burner propane stove was 2500p or $49.30. In the USA, around $100.

-The Samsung J1 cell phone was 3000php or $59.12. In the USA, around $80.

-A Children’s school bag on rollers, which included a lunch box, was 2000p or $39. In the USA, $50.

-A ticket to enter a well-developed Waterpark was 240p or $4.75. Whitewater in Branson, MO. costs $42.

-To rent a Cabana for the day was 1500p or $29.55. At Whitewater, the price is $75.

Last year, I paid 2500p or $48 for a hotel room which included a pool. Way too expensive. This year, I paid 1800p or $35 for a comparable hotel. Then I found a beachfront resort with nice rooms 1337p or $26. So that is where I stayed. In the USA, a nice hotel with a pool would cost around $60 up. A beachfront hotel in the USA would be super expensive comparably.

I had my laundry done several times. 15 pieces of laundry washed/dried/folded/delivered was 129p or $2.50. Not sure what that would cost in the USA but far more than $2.50.

Some food costs at restaurants would include:

-Chicken or beef with potato/rice for 295p or $5.75. In the USA, the same would probably be $8-$12.

- At a Mom/Pop side stand, I bought 2 Tilapias (comparable to a nice size Blue Gill) with rice for 180p or $3.49. Maybe in the USA, this might cost $9-$15 depending on where you eat.

-A cup of rice was 40p or $.8 In USA, $.21 and up.

-A meal of Veggies/meat/rice was 90p or $1.75.

-In Jollibee (A restaurant combination of McDonalds and KFC) you could buy one piece of chicken, fries, rice, soda…or burger, fries, rice, soda (A combo meal) for 90p or $1.75. In the USA, this would cost $5.49.

-At the market, an Apple was 40p or $.8 In the USA, this would cost $.20

-At the market, an Orange was 50p or $.10. In the USA, this would cost $.40

-Close to an Airport hotel, at a side stand, BBQ Chicken Intestines on a stick (yes you read that right) was 6p or $.11. This was very popular food. None in USA that I know of.

-Another popular food was an egg (called a Balot) that had not been removed from under the chicken soon enough and the fetus had formed. The egg would be cracked open at the end, the juice would be sucked out, and more shell taken off to get to the inside. Once inside there would be a black blob (the dead fetus) and the rest of the egg which would be eaten as a tasty delicacy. These eggs cost 16p or $.31. None in USA that I know of.

-The Philippines is totally a coke product culture. Coke is on many billboards. All restaurants and motels had only Coke products. No Pepsi products in the Philippines except in a 7/11 store and in grocery stores.

As far as wages, in Manila and other large cities, a High School teacher with a Masters made 1000p per day or $19.50 per day. A factory worker with ten years of experience made 700p or $13.64 per day. A lady who cleans houses might make 500p or $9.75 per day. These were city wages and, of course, did not include the wages of the elite. In the provinces, wages for field workers or people working their own side stand might make 100-200p or $1.94-$3.90 per day. What would you think about living on these kinds of wages?

People live day to day, meal to meal. I was in houses with different sizes of refrigerators. Not uncommon for the refrigerator be empty. Meals made that day, whether one or two, would be made from any nonperishables in the house. There would be no leftovers. They literally went to bed hungry.

People just don’t have much extra money. Very common for someone in the family to become sick and need to go the doctor, buy medicine, and not have the money. What do they do? Borrow from family or friends. Some will take jewelry or something else to the pawn shop. This makes people in debt most of the time. As soon as they get their items back from the pawn shop, something else would come up to need money. Just a continuous cycle.

Last year, a man needed a new roof as a result of a vicious Typhon. He borrowed from all that he knew and then he owed 31,000p or $604. Of course, a roof in the USA would not just cost $600. Average replacement cost in the USA for a roof is $12,000 using asphalt shingles. I think mine cost $4000.

Money does go further in the Philippines if you have the money.

People in the Philippines see me as a rich white American. LOL I told them that in the USA is just like the Philippines. There are the rich, the poor, and those in between. Not every American has a lot of money. Most have to work hard and some have to borrow to get by.

-At the airport I had my shoes shined/cleaned for 200p or $3.90. In the USA, $8-$25

-A Caramel Latte was 160p or $.31 In USA, the cost is $2.39 and up.

Yes, these were airport prices. Probably higher than other places.

OTHER ITEMS: I saw very few stop signs at which no one would stop anyway. The few stop lights I saw had a box in the middle of the traffic lights that had a numerical countdown showing how long until the lights would change. Interesting. That would lower some anxiety in the USA. LOL

Most understand English. Some just cannot express the language. I was in one church where the Pastor told me his people could understand me but could not speak English. Another pastor said he needed to interpret for me but I ask the people a question and they raised their hands. So most can dialogue with you. It is usually the children and the senior adults who have problems communicating.

Well, that is just some trivia I picked up along the way. These trips are very fulfilling and always a learning experience with some great people.

Thanks.

THE GRACIOUS RETURN

One of the great elements of mission trips is the number of friends one makes. All the churches I have been to had very gracious, cordial, and very hospitable people. One of the joys of being in these churches is when they ask you to return.

Last year I spoke at the Alcate Gospel Baptist Church near Victoria, Mindoro. When Pastor Jayson found out I was coming back this year he immediately tried to enlist me for a return visit. By that time my schedule was already full but I thanked him immensely for the honor to be invited back. Well, he would not take “no” for an answer.  So, long story short, I worked to rearrange a few things and was able to come on a Sunday afternoon. The crowd was good, the fellowship was sweet, and the food was delicious….just like last year.

Some interesting things happened that made this visit unique. When I walked into the door, here came a little girl running up to me and said, “Hi Pastor Greg”. I thought “wow, she knows me”. After conversing I found out that she and her two sisters were the two girls I had met last year. We had taken a pic together and that had been my profile pic on Facebook. Now, a year later, they were standing in front of me. A very pleasant surprise. Yes, we took another pic and it is now my profile pic. It was interesting to compare last year’s pic with this year's to see how the girls had grown.  The youngest one stayed with me until time for me to speak. Sweet.

Last year, a couple came up to see me. They were holding a little baby. Now that the baby was born they were on their way to Kuwait to work. Jobs are really hard to find in the Philippines. I ask if I could hold the baby. Then all the cameras came out and started flashing. A Kodak moment!

This year a lady came up to say hello. We talked a little and I asked if she was holding her grandson. She said yes and ask me if I remember holding the little baby of a young couple last year. She said this was that baby now a year older. Wow…more pics.

There was another very interesting person that I met. I was walking around greeting folks and saw this sweet lady standing by the pew. I asked the pastor who she was because her face looked familiar. He reminded me of the lady that we laid hands on last year who had stage four cancer.  He said that she was the one. Her cancer went into remission, her hair had grown back, and she had become very faithful in attendance now that her health was better.

I walked over to her and she smiled real big, gave me a hug, and said she was so glad to see me again. She then told me her story of what God had done for her and the testimony she now shares.

Another pastor came to the service. I led a Pastor/Wives conference at his church last year, spoke on Sunday morning, and spoke at the graduation ceremony of the church’s school. He and his wife took time out of their Sunday afternoon to come and worship with us. I was so glad to see them and get caught up family and church happenings.

And, of course, I can’t finish this post without expressing my gratitude to Pastor Jayson and his wife, Emz. One of the sweetest, most humble couples you will ever meet. Both years they totally went out of their way to make sure I had what I needed, that I was fed well  (no problem there…..lol), and that I was introduced to some new people. One of the neat gestures on their part was their gift to me of a big bag full of little bags of Banana Chips. Hmmmm….so good. Last year, as well as this year, they provided me enough Banana Chips to last a while. I was honored and they were pleased.  And yes, I started eating them as soon as I got back to my room.

Next year, I don’t know what church(s) I will return to but I know the return will be a gracious, high moment for me.

   

Alcate Gospel Baptist Church, near Victoria, Mindoro





     

Three girls in 2016                                 Three girls in 2017




      
  Holding baby in 2016                      Baby one-year later


       

Lady with 4th stage cancer                  Laying on of hands in prayer for lady in 2016





Pastor Alberto and wife Eleanor of the
First Baptist Church of Naujan



   

Pastor Jayson and wife Emz                     Pastor Jayson and his family

PHILIPPINE 2017 ROUND UP

I wanted to round up some final thoughts and trivia and pics about Philippine 2017. I have yet to take a trip abroad that I did not learn many things. Although I know little to no Tagalog I have been fortunate in always finding those who could communicate with English. I spoke to several congregations where the folks could understand English but could not speak English. Fortunately, when in situations where I encountered a non-English situation, someone was with me to intervene. Communication has not been a problem so far.

I have yet to find myself in a situation where I felt unsafe. There have been a few situations where I felt uneasy but that was resolved fairly quick. For example, I was the last person on a bus, the last white person no less, where the bus driver stopped and announced that he was not going any further. So at dusk, I had to get off and quickly look for transportation to the motel. On another occasion when I boarded the bus I asked if they would be stopping at a certain city location.  The location I was referring to was a bus terminal. When the conductor of the bus (the one who collects bus fares) said yes, he was not referring to a bus terminal but a public bus stop.  So there I was in downtown Manila at a bus stop on a major six-lane highway. Fortunately, there were many people at the bus stop and one young man graciously got me on the right public bus which took me to my hotel. This young man even paid for my bus fare.

I never found myself anywhere that people were not friendly and willing to help. There never seemed to be an endless amount of gracious, hospitable people. There is a lot of tipping that goes on for some help. I found that I was anxious to tip those who went beyond expectations. They were grateful to receive the tip as well because some folks don’t tip.

Interestingly, motels/hotels can be as expensive as in the USA whether in Manila or in one of the provinces. Also, to my surprise, many of the beach resorts or hotels with a pool are cheaper than those without any recreational amenities. For example, I stayed at a beach resort for only $26 per night. The beach had gray/black sand, was fairly clean of debris, and the water was swimmable. The restaurant was very fair in price and served good food. I thought the place was a good find.

Conferences, speaking engagements, feeding events, pastor meetings, and impromptu acts of kindness are the norm for all my trips. There is usually at least one, sometimes several, events that rise to be very memorable occasions. This year it was the feeding/clothing of the Mangyan tribe.

Years ago, the Mangyans were some of the original settlers in the Philippines in what was and is the jungle. Some of the tribal communities stayed in the deep jungle while others started moving down the mountains. Currently, the Mangyans still live in the jungle area and have never joined in the populated areas.

The presence of Caucasians in the Philippines is not dominant by any means. White people seem to be more prevalent on the Manila province. Nonetheless, the Mangyan tribes are not accustomed to any white presence. My host pastor talked to the captain of this Mangyan tribe to get his permission for me to come. This tribe not only had never had a white man in their village but they had never seen a white man. This event was a new experience for all of us.

This group of people proved to be as gracious, kind, fun loving, and grateful as any Filipinos that I have met. Very few could engage in an English conversation but they could understand some English. (In the Philippines, the common denominator seems to be an age issue. Young children and senior adults know little to no English. Teens to Median Adults know English because they learned in school.)  They accepted me, loved on me, talked to me, and treated me like they had known me forever. Living in very humble surroundings and by very humble means they were greatly appreciative of the bags of groceries, the bags of clothing, the beef/rice meal, and the kids loved the book/toys.

This was the final list of things that took place:
1. A one-hour musical concert followed by the youth leading in worship.
2. The gospel was shared to 200 Mangyans
3. A huge beef/rice meal was provided for everyone
4. 57 bags of groceries distributed to 57 Mangyan families
5.100 bags of clothing items distributed
6. School supplies distributed to 20 students
7. 100 copies of children books and toys distributed

We were a little sad when the event came to an end. As a matter fact, they said that my host pastor could go ahead and leave. I could stay behind and they would teach me some Tagalog. LOL So, I think they will let me come back.

There are really no words that are adequate to thank all those who have contributed financially to my trips and have bathed all these efforts in prayer. These events/ministries could not have happened without you.

Coming next on this site: Trip trivia and people pics

CHILDREN DO THE GODLIEST THINGS...

In my last post, I mentioned a gift from a young lady who was in my youth group many years ago. She was a gentle, sweet-hearted young lady with an awesome Godly presence about her. NOW THE REST OF THE STORY.  She is an awesome lady with an awesome family. She has two darling little girls. From what I can understand she had told the girls about the sack of groceries projects. That information made missions REAL and tangible in minds of the girls. 

So the mom told the girls "you do some chores and make some money to give towards this mission project and I will match what you make.? The girls worked diligently because they knew their money was going to feed needy people in the Philippines. They also knew that the more money they earned the more food that would be provided for adults and children. 

Well, a heartfelt mission support came to fruition and I received the fruits of their labor. I can't help but believe that these girls will always remember their part in missions and will grow up with a deeper appreciation for mission around the world as well as in their own neighborhood. 

What a neat, inspiring story from the heart and lives of children. 

Gregory T. Bunn
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

GOD'S TIMING....PUTTING GOD IN BOX...

We know that scripture speaks of "God's thoughts are not our thoughts and God's timing is not our timing". And you have heard it said that He is an On-time God. He acts when the timing is right and he is on time....NEVER late.

I  save money for my trips and I always give mission minded people a chance to participate in expenses and projects. Some might call this social begging but in my mind, this is just giving folks another opportunity to be part of missions around the globe, as commanded in Act 1:8. He will impress upon who he would like to be a part. This is NEVER intended to take tithe and offerings from one's local church.

This year folks generously gave to help with expenses and the grocery sack project to feed the Alangan Tribe in Mindoro, Philippines. Up until mid-March, donations were coming in and then just stopped. I assumed that was it. Nothing more was coming so I would need to uses wisely what I received and try to gain more funds. What I had done was put God in a box as I alluded to in my last post. That immediately put me in a lack of faith mode and caused me to depend on myself.

In the last week, I have realized that God had removed himself from the box and was at work again. I received a donation from a faithful generous believer who was in my youth group back in the day. (My next blog I want to share the neat story about that donation.)  Friday, I received a text from a friend who was checking up on the progress of the trip. She made mentioned that she wanted to make a contribution. Then, this very morning I received a text from a camper friend who was also a High School classmate. He was asking for my mailing address.

When I thought the action was over, the donations were through, and I had put God in a box He showed me that I was oh so wrong. How many times in your life to you put God in a box. That job is not going to come through for me. My health is not going to get any better. I'm never going to be able to make that next mortgage payment. My family will never come together in peace and unity. My church has no future of growth. Yes, you have put God in a box. You have said "God, I don't think you will do anymore. Now it is up to me." You have been there. I have been there. Let's get rid of the box and move to deep faith. God bless.

Gregory T. Bunn
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

SOME GOOD NEWS.....

SOME GOOD NEWS.....

Yes, some very good news has come my way. First, I received another contribution for the Philippines
2017. This is always a welcomed gift because of the travel, lodging, misc. expenses, and monies for special projects. I so appreciate those who will come alongside and partner with me.

Second, I received a text message from a pastor who I was with last year. His church attendance runs around 50-60. The people are very kind, generous, gracious, and excellent hosts. He found out that I would be coming back to the Philippines and ask if would like to speak in their Sunday afternoon service followed with a time of fellowship.

The interesting things about this invitation are that: there is usually not a regular afternoon service, there will be many extra people who will come because of the word of mouth (sound like a N.T. church to me), there will be more in attendance at this service because of the inviting, there will be plenty of food for everyone at this gathering, and there will be many children (these young people love hugs and getting their pictures taken).

The humbling issues for me, first of all, are that I would be asked to come back again. Second, that the people would support the service since they have already been there for hours that morning. The pastor and his wife are very humble, gentle, faithful servants of God. I am looking forward to a return trip to that church family. Also, there should be some pastors there who I was with last year. I will enjoy reconnecting with them and getting caught up on news of them, their families, and their churches. We have kept in touch but there is nothing like an in-person conversation/discussion.

The intervention ministry to one of the Mangyan tribes is now in place. I found out that there are six dialects and each dialect constitutes a tribe. I will be working with the Alangan tribe. This tribe consists of 70 children and 80 adults. I will be giving an evangelist message to the group and then a meal will be provided for every person there….150+ people. Then each family will receive a sack filled with groceries (40 sacks). Each family will also receive a variety of meds and the children will each receive a toy. The funds contributed will go to:

1. Purchasing food for the mid-morning snack and a noon meal.
2. Providing a monetary gift to the chef. He has a big job.
3. Purchasing groceries for the sacks and purchasing the meds as well as the toys.
4. Providing a rental car for transportation of myself, my host pastor, and the sacks.

I am so looking forward to this ministry opportunity. The Mangyan tribe, which includes this Alangan tribe, is not around many white people too often but are accepting. Pray for this to be a positive experience for everyone.

There is another church where I will also do a workshop and speak AND do some hard labor. LOL. The removal of brush around a house in which construction came to halt two years ago is still scheduled. Several years ago a family started building a house. The walls of each room were completed before they ran out of money. There were walls but no flooring or roof. Since then, the family has sought to raise money, the church has contributed, and work will begin in May. The problem is that over the last two years brush and small trees have grown up around the house to the point that access to the house is very limited. I have been invited to help with the project in the removal. It will be nice to get know the family as well as other church members.

Last year, I had my itinerary fairly detailed. I knew what, when, where, how, and who. I really didn’t think much about anything but what I had planned. What I had actually done was to put God in a box and ask him to bless my plans. Not good! I found out quickly that is not how He works and I should be more open and aware of needs around me. I found out that other ministry opportunities just seem to materialize. Many times my itinerary was put aside to do what He had put in front of me to do. I am sure that will be true this year.

Please read some of my other blogs to see the various opportunities I will be involved with. I will be with five pastors and get re-acquainted with old friends as well as meet new ones. Again, God bless each of you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and your support. Please pray for the people in the Philippines, the pastors, the churches, and the Mangyan tribes. Also, God bless you as you are involved in missions in your own community, your state, your nation, and the ends of the earth.

Note..Next blog about God's timing...

Gregory T. Bunn
Mission to Int. Pastors/Orphans
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

Mission Philippine 2017 Synopsis

Greetings to my Philippine 2017 Partners:

Thank you to the 10 individuals/couples who generously donated to this mission endeavor. I wanted to give a final synopsis of the trip which will take place in May.

The journey begins by visiting and helping a new church plant. The church was started on August 15, 2015, and the attendance is about 80 people. Six home bible studies have been started. Very good for that area. I will be leading a marriage workshop for the church, speaking on Sunday, spending some time with the pastor, and learning about their future needs.

I will enjoy connecting with pastors I met on last year's trip and getting caught up on them, their families, and their churches. We have kept in touch but nothing like an in-person conversation/discussion.

The intervention ministry to one of the Mangyan tribes is now in place. I found out that there are six dialects and each dialect constitutes a tribe. I will be working with the Alangan tribe. This tribe consists of 70 children and 80 adults. I will be giving an evangelist message to the group and then a meal will be provided for every person there….150+ people. Then each family will receive a sack filled with groceries (40 sacks). Each family will also receive a variety of meds and the children will each receive a toy. The funds you contributed will go to:
1. Purchasing food for the meal.
2. Providing a monetary gift to the chef.
3. Purchasing groceries for the sacks and the meds as well as the toys.
4. Providing a rental car for transportation of myself, my host pastor, and the sacks.
I am so looking forward to this ministry opportunity. The Mangyan tribes, which includes this Alangan tribe, are not around too many white people but are accepting. Pray for this to be a positive experience for everyone.

There is another church where I will also do a workshop and speak. The removal of brush around a house in which construction came to halt two years ago is still scheduled. Several years ago a family started building a house. The walls of each room were completed before they ran out of money. There were walls but no flooring or roof. Since then, the family has sought to raise money, the church has contributed, and work will begin in May. The problem is that over the last two years brush and small trees have grown up around the house to the point that access to the house is very limited. I have been invited to help with the project in the removal. It will be nice to get know the family as well as other church members.

I found out last year that other ministry opportunities just seem to materialize and I am sure that will be true this year.

God bless you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and your support. Please pray for the people in the Philippines, the pastors, the churches, and the Mangyan tribes. Since I was there last year I have some geographical bearing on where places are. Hopefully, I won’t get lost. LOL Also, please be pray with me as I look towards the fall and another possible trip to the northwestern mountains of Haiti.

God bless you as you are involved in missions in your own community, your state, your nation, and the ends of the earth.

Gregory T. Bunn
Mission to Int. Pastors/Orphans
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

SO GRATEFUL.....

I am so grateful to those who have donated funds to help with Philippines 2017. My trip begins the middle of May on three different provinces.  Here is a synopsis of what is in the works.

The trip begins by visiting and helping a new church plant. The church was started on August 15, 2015, and the attendance is about 80 people. Six home bible studies have been started. Very good for that area. I will be leading a marriage workshop for the church, speaking on Sunday, spending some time with the pastor, and learning about their future needs.

I will enjoy connecting with pastors I met on last year's trip and getting caught up on them, their families, and their churches. We have kept in touch but nothing like an in-person conversation/discussion.

In my last blog, I mentioned about the possibility of being involved in providing an evangelism opportunity, a meal, and a bag of groceries/meds for each family in two Mangyan tribes. I challenged readers to be a part of this project by purchases the sacks of items at $9.50 per sack. The total cost of expenses will come to 66,500 pesos or $1336. As of today. I have received funds to purchase 70 of the 140 sacks needed. This is very good because even if the total funds do not come we will still be able to do the project for one tribal community. Also, there has been donated $450 towards the final $1000 needed for the trip. So grateful for generous friends. 

There is another church where I will also do a workshop and speak. An interesting activity will take place in this community. Several years ago a family started building a house. The walls of each room were completed before they ran out of money. There were walls but no flooring or roof. Since then, the family has sought to raise money, the church as contributed, and work will begin in May. The problem is that over the last two years brush and small trees have grown up around the house to the point that access to the house is very limited. I have been invited to help with the project in the removal. Will be nice to get know the family as well as other church members. Yes, I still do manual labor. lol

I will know more by April but I have been invited to another church to do the workshop and visit with a pastor and wife from Pakistan. I am sure things will materialize. The person(s) responsible for the event are working on details. I plan far in advance but some do not. That is okay.  It is a matter of being a part of someone else's planning process. 

There are still two months until the trip. I am sure several more ministry events will develop. I am very anxious and looking forward to the current ones in the works. Always looking for more prayer and financial partners. Let me know if you could be either. 

So, decide if you would like to donate to the total expenses of the trip…. $2000. (Currently, need another $550)  Decide how many sacks you would like to provide @ $9.50 per sack per family. You can PM me on Facebook messenger or send me an emailgtbunn@windstream.net  to let me know what you would like to do.

You can also go to my blog, gregorybunn.blogspot.com, and click on the contribution tab which will give you info on donating. God bless you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and your support. Please pray for the people in the Philippines, the pastors, the churches, the Mangyan tribes, and how God might like for you to be involved.

God bless you as you are involved in missions in your own community, your state, your nation, and the ends of the earth. 

How Many Sacks Would You Like to Provide?

In planning my next Philippine trip in May, there has come a ministry opportunity in which I have received more info. In my last blog, I mentioned about the possibility of being involved in providing an evangelism opportunity, a meal, and a bag of groceries/meds for each family in two Mangyan tribes. (At the end of this blog, I will share some info about these tribal communities.)

One community will have around 100 people and the other around 300—around 100 family units.  When news of this event begins to spread, there could be groups come down from the mountain area. So the plan is to prepare 140 bags of assorted groceries/meds in order to cover any who might come from other areas.

The total cost of expenses will come to 66,500 pesos or $1336. That sounds like a lot of money BUT when feeding 400 plus people and the cost per sack of groceries is $9.50…..yes, you read that right…where in the USA can you buy a sack of groceries for $9.50 for a family.  No where! Sounds like a great price for such a great ministry to help provide food.

So this is where you come in? Yes, I am still collecting funds to get me there and take care of my expenses. But, this is another way for you to be a part of this adventure. How would you like to provide a sack of groceries for a Mangyan family? More importantly, HOW MANY SACK WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROVIDE?

$9.50 would provide for one family. $47.50 would provide for 5 families. $95.00 would provide a sack of groceries for 10 families…think of that…for a one hundred dollar bill you could feed ten families. $190 would feed 20 families. HOW MANY SACKS WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROVIDE?

Also, as of this writing, I have been invited to do a workshop and speak on a Sunday at a church plant. I have been invited to do a workshop and lead some nightly bible studies at another church. I have been invited to attend a pastor’s gathering for fellowship and to get acquainted. I am waiting to hear from another church that wants me there on Sunday and maybe a workshop as well. Invitations are coming. Sounds like some wonderful opportunities God is providing.

So, decide if you would like to donate to the total expenses of the trip…. $2000. (Currently need another $1000)  Decide how many sacks you would like to provide @ $9.50 per sack per family. You can PM me on Facebook messenger or send me an email gtbunn@windstream.net  to let me know what you would like to do.

You can also go to my blog, gregorybunn.blogspot.com, and click on the contribution tab which will give you info on donating. God bless you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and your support. Please pray for the people in the Philippines, the pastors, the churches, the Mangyan tribes, and how God might like for you to be involved.

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 Mangyan is the generic name for the eight indigenous groups found on the island of Mindoro, southwest of the island of Luzon, the Philippines, each with its own tribal name, language, and customs. The total population may be around 100,000, but official statistics are difficult to determine under the conditions of remote areas, reclusive tribal groups and some having little if any outside world contact. 

The Mangyans were once the only inhabitants of Mindoro. Being coastal dwellers at first, they have moved inland and into the mountains to avoid the influx and influence of foreign settlers such as the Tagalogs, the Spanish and their conquests and religious conversion, and raids by the Moro (they raided Spanish settlements for religious purposes, and to satisfy the demand for slave labor). Today, the Mangyans live secludedly in remote parts of Mindoro but eventually come down to the lowlands in order to make usual trades. Their sustenance comes from farming for their own crops, fruits, and hunting. A certain group of Mangyans, living in Southern Mindoro, call themselves Hanunuo Mangyans, meaning “true”, “pure” or “genuine,” a term that they use to stress the fact that they are strict in the sense of ancestral preservation of tradition and practices.

Shifting agriculture (kaingin) is a common practice by all of the Mangyan groups because it is the only way they can grow crops to eat without using fertilizers. Most families own large tracks of land which they clear and plant different crops throughout the year. Every day, crops are harvested for daily consumption with the majority of the Mangyan diets consisting of root crops such as sweet potatoes, ube, and kamoting kahoy. Eating rice is often a luxury because it is not grown where they live. After a few years the cleared land is not fertile anymore and another area is cleared and crops are planted. This is the nature of tropical soil and a method the Mangyan have been using for a long time. Most families own multiple tracks of land that they rotate using.

When night falls, communities become very quiet. There is no electricity available so dinner is often prepared by lantern or fire light and usually starts right after it turns dark. Most people are asleep by 8 or 9pm and awake early in the morning when the sun rises. In the mountains it can get really cold at night as well. 

Something unique to the indigenous Mangyan of Mindoro is how well organized their groups are. All eight groups have active tribal councils and they are very strict about what visitors can enter their communities. Mangyans live in peaceful societies as compared to the head-hunting tribes of North Luzon and the brave defiant warrior tribes of the South. Social scientists theorized that some societies become peaceful because their system of norms and values reward peaceful behavior but disapprove aggressive and impulsive behaviors.  Each group also has formal bylaws with penalties for different crimes that are committed. To enter the different communities one must get clearance from the tribal leaders, the tribal councils and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. They are very appreciative of medical and food missions and other help people give. -----copied

Philippines/Haiti 2017...Inquire-Create-Implement Pt. 2

The middle of January is here and I am still in the “inquire” stage. Several churches in the Philippines have received information on the Mission to Intl Pastors/Orphanages in Philippines/Haiti.  Hoping to hear from them soon. One pastor has been asking questions about my 2016 trip. I have enjoyed the interaction.

In my last blog I shared about a ministry opportunity to remote Mangyan pastors/people in the tribal areas located in Mindoro Philippines. This is becoming a reality. There are two Mangyan tribe communities where I will speak, we will provide a meal, and then give each family a bag of groceries including medicines and vitamins for the children. I plan on visiting with some of the pastors. There will be about 1.00 families. So we will need to prepare about 150 bags of items which will take care of the Mangyans from other communities that might come. News does travel fast.  I am still waiting for a projected cost for this ministry event.

There is a new church plant in Calapan, Mindoro which was started in 2016 by Good Samaritan Baptist Church in Pasay City. The pastor said they already have 80 in attendance.  I am scheduled to speak there on a Sunday. The pastor and I are conversing about what kind of a workshop would benefit him and the church.

I was just contacted today by a pastor who is intestested in me coming.

This week I started Skype training sessions for the church leadership in the Northwest Mountains of Haiti. Over the last week, the area has had much rain. Some of these leaders travel a great distance to come with the weather and muddy road challenges. The people of Haiti are hungry for training to fulfill their responsibilities in a more effective way. We will have the sessions on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of the month while Terry/Carolyn Routon are stateside.

How can you be a part this ministry?

1.    Pray for mission opportunities to continue opening up.

2.    Pray in advance for those who will come each event.

3.    Pray for the pastors and the churches.

4.    Pray for God to provide all provisions for these events.

5.    Pray for those who give financially to these mission events.

6.    Pray that these people will know that God and other people cares about them.

7.    Pray regularly adding this list to your current prayer needs.

8.    Pray how God would have you to financially give to these mission events.

There are four ways that you can donate/contribute to these mission projects. When you do, let me know by PM on FB or send an email (gtbunn@windstream.net) stating that you have done so. If you would like you can designate it for Philippines or Haiti and that is where it will go. Thank you in advance for having a heart for missions and the pastors/wives/orphans of these countries.

1.     You can send a check directly to my home address:

Gregory T. Bunn

1911 Northwood

Bolivar Mo. 65613r

gtbunn@windstream.net

2.     You can to my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mission2PhilippineandHaitiPastorsand2orphans, and click on the “Donate” button. That will take you to https://www.paypal.me/GregoryBunn55 and you can contribute from there.

3.     You can go to my blog page, https://gregorybunn.blogspot.com/ and click on the “Donate” button. This will take you to https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=uazOYC_t_P-c_OH2Le356rLvswS90dNMUNymERK6jwySAYYZH7MeGkm3Qa3gKYKThBEmbG, and you can choose from two options.

4.     You can let me know through FB or my email that you want to contribute and tell me how much. I will then send you a request for that amount through PayPal and you will have another receipt with an invoice showing where that money is going.

I am not trying to make this complicated—just giving you some options. Whichever you choose, I pray that His Kingdom will be advanced because of your prayerful participation.

Be sure to visit my blog, insert your email, and you will receive any updates when they are posted.

Blessing,

Greg