Kristen Virginia visited this month from the US for 2 weeks.
It was great to see her.
She had the opportunity to do street ministry, share her testimony and message at our church, do hospital ministry along with some sight seeing.
We gave out 50 care packages to families at the hospital this month.
Each week we see both children that are sick with concerned parents along with smiles as they receive hope getting care packages with toys along with words of encouragement and prayer.
Still Hope's feeding program that was starting in July has been put on hold due to political reasons with the Barangay.
We are praying we can still make this happen.
Some exciting BIG news:
We now are legal custodians of a 12 year old, Irish, that stayed with us some back in May.
Her mother asked us if we could give her daughter a better education and secure living.
Her father was killed when she was just 1 year old.
Her mother has 3 other children ages 15,13, and 10.
The mother only makes $75 a month as a street sweeper and cannot provide food and the care for all 4 children.
Irish was being bullied both at school and home.
When Michael went to the island where the family lives to speak with the mother & social services he was surprised to hear the mother signed over 100% custodial care to us until age of 18 unless it needs to be terminated by both parties for any reason.
The main reason for social service to approve was due to the current socio-economic challenges faced by the mother including poverty which made it difficult to adequately provide for the comprehensive needs of the minor child.
In the agreement it is our responsibility to provide a stable, nurturing and secured environment, including provision for daily needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education and emotional support along with her health needs.
When they arrived at our house she only had 3 outfits, 1 pair of shoes, and no undergarments.
We took her shopping, treated her for lice, took her to the dentist for cleaning of teeth and 3 rotten teeth were pulled.
We started her at a Baptist Christian school that has the Accelerated Christian Education PACE program.
We had her tested and even though she should be level 6 grade she tested at 3rd and 4th grade levels.
Since the 7 weeks of school she is now 2nd highest in completion of PACE’s and on the Honor Roll.
This is a huge adjustment for us all but is very rewarding also.
Prayer warriors please pray:
1. God's will for the feeding program
2. All the children and families in the hospital
3. Funds for a new clothes washer to wash our clothes
4. Irish and our adjustments with addition to our family
