Progress on Mission 2019

This year's trip will keep some of the usual events as well as incorporate a new focus. Spending one-on-time with pastors, speaking in churches, leading workshops, and occasional visits in homes has been a part of each trip. One year, there was the feeding of a Mangyan tribe (200 people) along with providing school supplies and clothes. Last summer, funds were sent for school supplies and hygiene kits. Several Financial supporters were led to fund these special needs.  I appreciate their help. Without them, so much would not be able to happen.

The same events will be included this year along with a new focus.....on individual families and orphans. In my last blog, I listed some of the goals for this year's trip. In this writing, I want to expand a little with some updated info for each goal.

Each year there are some new things added to the mission trip. This year, there is a new focus in getting into homes to provide basic necessities and to provide a training event for people to learn how to make money for themselves through a small business adventure.

1. Spend one-on-one time with six pastors.

    

    (Sometimes pastors need a person to come alongside them in their work offering support and

     encouragement. They need someone to listen as they share present struggles and future dreams        for their church. Sometimes a pastor needs a pastor who has been where they have been, where
     they are, and where they hope to be. These pastors serve in places that are very difficult. Some 
     of the work is slow in trying to grow the church. Some of their people are very poor. The pastor 
     will buy food from his own money to help. Most churches are not able to pay a pastor or even 
     pay for the utilities. So the pastor finds work in order to support himself, the church bills, and 
     help families. Pray for the pastors in the Philippines. 

2. Visit in at least 10-15 homes providing groceries and other basic necessities.

     (As you can see, my original goal was to get into at least 10-15 homes. These families would be
      among the poorest of the poor. I did not feel that was very challenging. With the number of 
      places I will be I changed this to a goal of 20+ homes depending available funds. In visiting

      with several pastors, we determined that 2000 pesos worth of food and 500 pesos worth of meds 

      would be a good provision for each family. So, each family would get 2500 pesos ($50)

      worth of food/meds. So this ministry project would need a minimum of $1000 to meet the needs
      of the 20 families. The amount of funds available will determine how many families can be
      helped. I am praying that God will provide the funds so that 20 families and, hopefully more, 
      can recieve some much needed food.)      

3. Speak in four churches.

4. Lead two workshops.

5. Visit a newly found orphanage for disabled children. There is a high probability these
    children will never be adopted.

     (This was going to be one of the highlights of the trip meeting the children/workers and learning
      how I might be able to help in the future. Interestingly, the main office is located in Guam where I
      had to make communication. Long story short, I would not be able to make a visit to the
      orphange unless some of the leadership from Guam was there. I was told that some leadership
      would be on the property in April but my trip is scheduled for May. I was told that they would 
      like to meet me but maybe at another time.) 

6. Help fund a business training event for the Mangyan Tribe to give them another avenue

    for making household income.

    (Some of the Mangyan tribe have jobs in Naujan. Most, however, get their food and income from
     the large gardens they have. But even with this income, for most families there is not enough
     money for support. They receive some help from other venues but there is a need for each  family
     unit to have a way of self-support. One pastor would like for them to receive training in order 
     to begin their own family business of candle making and selling. I don't know the final amount 
     yet but will be in the area of $300-$400 for the training, the equipment, and the supplies. The 
     tribal people are excited about this opportunity to have a way to further provide for their 
     families. Please pray that God will provide for this event to take place and that it will be fruitful 
     for all of them.)

Please pray for this trip which will be taken in May, for each of these events, and for God's provisions for each event to be fulfilled. 

All Prayer Partners and Financial Partners please begin praying for Mission 2019.