Archive - MinistriesWithoutBordersPhilippines

Updates February 2010

This time we like to give you some updates from Mindoro. Our base at Core, is now operating and the base consists of three parts. Our community developing center, training campus and a resting place for people that need to come aside for some time (yet to be built). Each part is divided into three more areas. The community developing center has the education part (preparatory school ++), the health center (Iselin Center), and the livelihood center. At the training campus we already have training of workers; in addition we will have training of local leaders and campus for youth camps. We are impressed by the quality of the young people giving their lives to serve the Lord.

The first baby was born in the new maternity clinic in Core yesterday. The boy was strong and healthy and the parents very grateful for the help given them. Landa and Tone assisted at the delivery, and we rejoice in the fact that we have now started to use the health center in Mindoro on a daily basis. A baby born is a miracle every time and the boy born at the Iselin center yesterday is no exception. We are so thankful to God for letting us help people in so many different ways.

2009

Report from Christmas 2009

Our recent activity last Christmas is the Christmas baskets special where we distribute assorted goodies for the poor families who could hardly buy food for the Noche Buena

(Night before Christmas) and Media Noche (Night before New Year). It’s a Filipino tradition that they gather and prepare delicious food during those occasions. We have made the 1, 296 families celebrate a merry Christmas through the groceries that we have given to them. The Christmas baskets were distributed in Palawan, Cotobato, Cavite and Mindoro.

In Mindoro, we have to load all the goodies in a truck since these MangyanVillage (indigenous people) is 2 hours drive from our Center there. According to the Mangyan leaders they could not believe that it is a truckload of goodies that will be brought to them!

We have had Christmas party among the 96 inmates with our new jail ministry in Mindoro. It was also their first time to experience a party and received bibles. They were given hope and encouragement by the messages that were preached by our local partner, Norwegian missionary and Chinese students. We also had Christmas parties in three other prisons we are working in.

There are so many things that the Lord is doing in touching the lives of the people we serve, because of the continued support in prayers, volunteer service and financial support of generous people like you who are committed to serve in His kingdom.

Summary of Relief Work 2009

We are happy to inform you that we have served 5,870 families affected by the three typhoons - Sante, Pepeng and Ondoy. We have reached out to 9 cities in Metro Manila and 2 municipalities in the province of Cavite. The affected families were moved to the different evacuation centers, while others stayed in their houses which are floating in water and mud. Our relief operations were done in coordination with the local government officials and the pastors of the local Christian churches. It was good to see people touched by the gospel every time we would share the goodness of God, and also show a demonstration of His love through the work that we are doing. You can see the faces of the people, some teary eyed and some full of hope even in the midst of their difficult situations. We have provided sleeping mats, blankets, towels, complete set of kitchen utensils, boots, assorted groceries like rice, noodles, milk, sardines, toiletries, cooking oil, soya sauce.

We had an excellent team of young people working with us.

Development of the center at Core

The new ”Community Developing Centre” on Mindoro is now in use. The pre-school is giving help to many of the poor children that otherwise would not be able to go to school. Many of the parents that cannot read are now attending readers training so they can keep up with their children. “Iselin centre” is the new health centre with delivery room for women giving birth, dentist room, health promoting programs and hygiene teaching. We are just waiting for some formalities before the delivery room can be in full use. The last building is a livelihood centre that helps people with getting a living. The women that make pearl necklaces, is one of the programs that resides in this house. One example of the help to community development is the help we have given to the neighbour village here at Core. We were given a gift from Norway that was marked to helping poor farmers with a place to sundry the rice. This is a cemented place where they can dry their rice in the harvest time. Many of the farmers use the roads to dry their rice because they have nothing else, and a lot of the rice is destroyed when car’s driver over it. Our neighbours at Core had a place that once had been a basketball court. However, now it was destroyed and overgrown by weeds. We contacted them and met with the local leaders about the project. Now we have built a beautiful basketball court that has lifted the impression of the village from being a place of decay and ruin, to being a place in development. We have repaired the drainage system in the area so that the water is channelled away and is not flooding the court. The children and youths now have a nice place to play and practice, and the village have a natural meeting place and a place for social gathering. All the poor farmers in the area now have a place to dry their rice and we have gained very happy and thankful neighbours.

On the picture, you can see the change that has happened in the village. However, the greatest part is that the gospel of the Kingdom of God is being demonstrated and proclaimed to all the villages .

Life for the whole family.

Three months ago, Tone found two weeks old Krystel in the local hospital here in Cavite. Krystel was malnourished and had a severe blood infection. But there was no treatment because the parents had no money to pay. She was in the hospital to die. Speaking to her mother we decided to help. Krystel was transferred to National Children’s Hospital in Manila and after treatment she was transferred to our clinic in Cavite. She has been with us now for two months. She is doing really well. Both parents have wrecked relationships in the past. The father has a criminal passed and the mother broke free from a non-marital cohabitation with drunkenness and domestic violence. After the help has been given to Krystel, both parents have heard the gospel and received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Last Sunday as they visited Krystel here at our clinic, we were able to talk and pray together. We spoke together about forgiveness for sins, how to receive Jesus as Lord and the new life they now are enjoying. It was great to hear their testimonies: “He was so hard and did not want to believe, but when God saved Krystal’s life, he changed completely”, says the mother and looks at her husband. “I was a bad man and did many wrong things and ended up in prison. But now I have met Jesus and he has changed my life”, says the father with a big smile. They have both had a new start in life. Now he works every day, driving a tri cycle and earning a living for his family.” While I am waiting for passengers, I have time to read my Bible. I like to learn more about Jesus”. Krystel came home to her parents in June 2008. Eighteen months later the whole family suddenly came to visit us in Cavite. They wanted to say thank you for the help given and to tell us that they walk with God and give him all the glory! It was a great joy to se the whole family again. All the praise to our glories Savior!

Updates from the first week of November 2009

The evacuation centre where people are living close together

We believed that the phase of relief help would change and that we now could start with longterm help such as rebuilding of houses. However, last week we went out with a lot of relief help. Still hundreds of families live in evacuationscentres in different parts of Manila. These are the people who have been affected by all the three powerfull typhones Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi (the Philippine names) which hit Manila in October. Last week we visited five evacuation centres. The areas that are still flooded have issues with diseases such as denguefever and different infections caused by ratpie in the water. It is important that these people get enough food to help them resist such diseases. We have given out help to 1000 new families last week. These are people who cannot move back to their houses because they are still under water. People are very greatful for the help they get that provides food for at least a week.

Now more than 5000 families have recieved help by the money that you have given! It is a great privilage to be your hands and feet helping the poeple in need. Many people express that they experience Gods love and compassion through the help they are reciving and are touched by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Update October 2009

5th Anniversary of MWBPI

Last week MWBPI celebrated their 5th anniversary. We gathered the staff, the sponsor children, the livelihood ladies, and others involved with MWBPI. On the picture you can see the staff dressed up in costumes for their special number.

Home for Abandoned and Malnourished Babies

The home for abandoned and malnourished babies is going well. In October one of the babies was adopted to Spain. Further, this month one malnourished child has come from Mindoro and one more abandoned baby is now in our care. Totally, there is now 12 babies and children at the center.

Relief Help

We feel honored to be the hands and the feet in this nation right now. Together we have been able to help 3949 families so far, after the flood in Manila. We are continuing to reach out to people. The last place helped was Marikina, where there is a great need for help. We have now started the second face of relief help, giving out kitchen utilities like frying pan, casserole, plates, cups, spoons, water jug, blankets, towels etc. to the people who have lost everything. This will enable them to start getting back on their feet after the tragedy. The help you have sent has worked miracles for thousands of people. Now the danger for epidemics is increasing, so pray for the people in these areas.

We have had a meeting with the major of General Trias to ask the government to provide a place for the people along the river to relocate. In that way they can move away from the dangerous areas along the river and we can help them with more permanent homes. These people are the poorest of the poor. The major promised to find a solution together with us.

Mass wedding

Yesterday we arranged mass wadding for ten couples. Many cannot afford to be married and if you are not married in the Philippines, the children will not be registered for school. The ten newlyweds where very grateful!

Maternity Clinic
There is a great increase of deliveries in the maternity clinic. So far in October we have reached 47 deliveries.

Latest news from the Relief Work in Manila

People are still in need and we are continuing to reach out with relief support. Yesterday we went into Manila to two different places and handed out food supplies to 500 families. Today we went to two other places in Manila and were able to help additionally 650 families. Totally, we have now been able to help more than 2000 families. As each family normally consists of approximately 5-8 members we have been able to reach more than 10 000 people. The supplies we hand out are basic food and soap for a whole family to last for at least a week.
Ministries without borders have very capable social workers who travel into the affected areas, surveying the area to find the neediest families. In addition, we have a close working relationship with the local governments and churches in the different areas. Many of the churches have been flooded and are not able to help the needy themselves.

Still many people are in great need. In some places in Manila the water is still high and does not seem to be decreasing. Everyone we help are smiling and saying thank you! Thanks to your help we are able to reach out to many people

Flood victims getting help in Manila

People are still in great need! Yesterday we went into Manila to one of the areas that are still flooded. Pasig is one of the lower areas in Manila. Some of the places the water reached to our waist. We had armed military escort, and brought food supplies to many families. The army trucks are the only transport vehicle that can carry the amount of food we were bringing and manage the amount of water we were traveling through. On the way in we saw a dead man floating in the river. In the same water children are playing. The water is so dirty you cannot see many centimeters below the surface. When we got to the house we were supposed to hand out food in, we realized it was too much water there so we had to do it in the street from the army vehicles. Over 500 of the neediest families were given food supplies. However, there are still many families in need. And as we were there the word spread and thousands of people came, bagging for food. As people have lost everything and the prices of food have more than doubled in the area the situation is critical for many of them and they can get desperate. Here the armed soldiers got in handy. Today we helped an additional of 50 families in the Cavite area. The ones that get help are extremely thankful. Every day we are reaching out to people with the most essential help.

Many organizations are helping in the outer edge of the affected area, but are reluctant to go into the inner areas where we went yesterday. It is important to give the help now to prevent hopelessness and sickness. The Filipino army is very helpful and was very good in calming the people we could not cater for this time. We are impressed by the Filipino people coping with this situation. In the midst of the problems they are grateful and praying to God for help. It is a great privilege to be your extended hand to the Filipino people, demonstrating the love of God.

Updates about Typhoon in Manila area

As some may have heard a typhoon hit the Manila area Saturday. Many people have lost their lives and thousands have lost their homes and everything they own. Big areas are totally destroyed. It is important that people get help the first days with food, clothes and soap to prevent the spread of diseases. Yesterday we were able to help 40 people with baskets of food, clothes and soap. Tomorrow we are helping an additional 170 families. People are in great need, and the ones that are helped are extremely happy! However, the families need help to rebuild their houses. Yesterday we went to a school were 16 families are staying in a small classroom of 15 square meters. If you want to help, please transfer money to the account: 354-3.35450551-8. Name: Ministries Without Borders, Philippines. Swiftcode: MBTCPHMM. Account in Norway: 3632.52.58033

Latest News - September 2009

We would like to share some of the good things happening in the ministry here. In the maternity clinic people are coming for check up, teaching classes and deliveries. Every day grateful mothers go home with a healthy baby in their arms. It is good when people can see the love of God in vulnerable situations in life.

In the children’s home all the babies are doing well. We will let Jenny represent all of them this month. She was found on a garbage dump only a few hours old with her umbilical cord torn off. She was brought to our clinic where our midwife attended to her and her life was saved. Nobody has been able to trace her family. In June she turned one year old and she is now walking around like a little sun beam. She is now ready for adoption waiting for her parents to turn up.

One of our friends from Norway sent a gift for the fishermen. We are now in the typhoon season here in the Philippines. Visiting Joey in Mindoro, we found that many of the fishermen he is working among were lacking food, since they had not been able to go out fishing for several weeks. Some fishermen have been stranded on other islands due to the storms in the area, and their wives and children were at home with no food in their houses. Joey went visiting 50 of the families, and it turned out that 36 families were in need. He invited them all to come on Sunday afternoon to receive prayer and food for their families. Some of the wives were crying in gratefulness to the Lord for meeting their needs. Joey shared about the fishermen that became followers of Jesus two thousand years ago and helped them all to turn to the Lord in their need. And they all were giving thanks to the Lord! Again we saw that one man’s good deed became another man’s miracle.

Last week we also visited the church in Ozamiz to strengthen the brothers there. All the street children were given new t-shirts at the feeding last Friday. It is such a joy to see the changes in young people’s lives. God is at work in wonderful ways.

Monthly News Archive

Latest News - June 2009
In Mindoro we are excited at the development of our new mission training centre. You can see here a very recent picture of our newly constructed hall which will hold many training events and conferences for local, national and international guests. Also, on our new base is already a maternity clinic, school and administration centre, and soon there will be accomodation 'lodges' to cater for more than 100 guests at any one time. We're so thankful to God and blessed by the generosity of our supporters around the world that are making this happen - thank you!

Latest News - May 2009

In Cavite we see great progress among the children. We are in the middle of summer right now, and they enjoy taking a bath. On the picture you see Robert (with Down syndrome) and Theresa enjoying the water. Robert is developing very well after we had to specialist from Norway helping here for two months.

We also saw 45 deliveries in the maternity clinic in the month of March. Many women are helped and give thanks to the Lord for the help they receive.

The team from Bergen Bible School has been a great blessing to us. First we had 200 children from the neighborhood here in Cavite coming to our base. We hosted a three days holiday club, running from eight in the morning till six in the evening. The theme was “Gods Champions” and we had days packed with teaching, singing, games, crafts and a lot of fun.

Latest News - March 2009

We reached a new record at the maternity clinic last week, having six deliveries in 12 hours. A lady had been to ultrasound scan and knew she could expect a breech delivery. Because she could not afford to deliver at the hospital she came rushing into our clinic to deliver. But she was hiding the result of the scan for the midwife on duty. Tone was summoned and with her experience the baby was delivered safely.

In the clinic for malnourished children we see great progress in all the children. Jennilyn is a baby from one of the Mangyan villages who was breastfed by her aunt because her mother was so ill with Tuberculosis. She was three months old and weighed only 1,8 kilos. She had pneumonia and was malnourished when we found her in the beginning of February. Jennilyn is now healed and is growing very healthy. She is a smiling and happy baby. Jennilyn will be united with her parents after some months.

In the children’s home Dexter has been with us since he was born a year ago. He now has a new family in Sweden. We are grateful to God for giving him a good Christian family.

Thank you for all your prayers!

Latest News - February 2009
Let me tell you about Carlo.

Carlo Lingkibin (19) is a young man with the hand of God on his life. He is working in the mountains at the border between Oriental and Occidental Mindoro. He works with Sante, Ernie and the other brothers reaching their fellow Mangyan for Christ. Carlo is an anointed preacher. “Often when he preaches I start crying”, say’s Sante. Carlo has led more than 100 families to the Lord in three different villages far into the mountains. When asked how he is working, he tells me that most of the people are illiterate, so it is all oral learning. He has plans for starting a literacy program. Carlo is walking for three days from his village to reach the road where he can have a lift. Many places he has to crawl on hands and knees. When asked if he stayed over night in hotels, he just laughed and shook his head. “I stay alone in caves”, he said with a big smile. In the villages where he is working, people have not yet started to wear cloths. They only have the traditional string. Carlo himself did not have clothes when asked to join us in our gathering. He did not tell anybody, but cried to the Lord. Three days ago he was given a shirt and a pair of trousers. On the picture you see him in his new clothes sitting next to Rosena, who is the wife of Ernie. She is leading the work among the ladies. She told Tone that in the remote areas, the women feel ashamed because they are naked. They are now asking for clothes. So far, people in the churches from other villages, where they use clothes, are giving what they have, but it is not sufficient. If people have two shirts, one is given away. If you have two blankets one is given away. It is time for us to help them! These villages are the places that has benefitted from the tape recorders with crank handle. Sante told me that of the 20 cassette players we gave them, four needs to be repaired. Next step is to get mp3 players with solar chargers from China. That will give them access to the whole bible and make the work much easier for Carlo and the other brothers laboring there. Each set costing approximately 6$. At our training centre at Core, these brothers will have an office where they can record teaching in the six different languishes among the Mangyan. The kingdom of God is increasing day by day!

Latest News - January 2009

Firstly, a Happy New Year to you all!

Unfortunately, for one community here in the Philippines the year hasn't started off so well. Close by from our new base on Mindoro is a village called Magnot, home to several of our construction workers. Earlier this month a fire broke out in a kitchen, which spread through the whole village because of strong winds, but thankfully no one was injured - just one poor pig that was lost to the flames. 50 families lost everything, with just 3 houses that remain standing and so the community is in real need.

Together with the local government, Red Crossand other NGO we have been able to offer emergency help, something that we praise God for - that He has given us the resources to help people when there is such need.

2008

Latest News - November 2008

This month we have been delighted to host two overseas teams for medical missions. Firstly, thanks to the generosity of dentists visiting from Norway, we were able to provide free dental clinics to over 200 people in the local communities of Santiago in Luzon and Abra de illog in Mindoro. We have also been extremely grateful for our visitors from the USA who have enabled hundreds of locals to receive free eye care treatment - praise God!

Latest News - October 2008

We continue to provide a fortnightly program to expectant mothers in the Cavite community. Around 40 'mums to be' attend the classes, which provide ante-natal and post-natal advice and training. Most of these ladies will then come to our facilities to deliver their child. Here is a photo taken early this month with some of the proud mums and bumps!

Latest News - September 2008

This month sees two more of the children in our baby home go and join their new adopted families. It is such a joy to be able to care for these little ones, most of them who have been with us since birth, before they go to different parts of the world to start their new lves. God Bless them all!.

Latest News - July 2008

Local Pastor receives motorbike for ministry

Pastor Sante lives on the island of Mindoro with his family and looks after more than 20 churches. This month we had the privilege of donating him a motorbike, which will enable him to visit his congregations much more frequently and easily. Our prompting to give turned out to be an answer to four years of prayer from Pastor Sante - praise God!

Latest News - June 2008

School supplies distributed to 3000 youngsters and inauguration of Mindoro Day Care!

Over the last six weeks 3000 children throughout the Philippines have received much needed school supplies from Ministries Without Borders. For 600 pesos per child, that’s just US$16, we have been able to give each child enough writing materials, books and clothing to get through the whole of the next academic year!

It has also been an excited month as our new day care center was inaugurated on our new site in Mindoro. Government Counselors and local Pastors were amongst the guests hosted at this special event, all of whom readily welcome this new facility for the community.

Latest News - May 2008

School supplies distributed to 3000 children!

This month 3000 children throughout the Philippines will receive much needed school supplies from Ministries Without Borders. For 600pesos per child, that’s just US$16, we have been able to give each child enough writing materials, books and clothing to get through the whole of the next academic year!

Thank you so much to all our generous sponsors, without whom we would never be able to touch and bless so many lives.