Humble Beginnings!

On September 25, 2011 five of us went back to our community struck by a flood almost three months ago. 33 people lost their lives as a result of that tragic event. Many others lost all of their belongings including Nene and I. Immediately following the flood we moved to another location to avoid any future disaster. We have tried to sell or rent what was left of our home but to no avail.

Although many lost their belongings, the souls of many had been given another chance. We saw this as an opportunity to expand the kindgom of God and a new ministry location was birthed.

September 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm a ministry started on the same property where we lost everything. In partnership with iRock ministres USA and by the power of Jesus the ministry was launched.

The kids were very excited to attend the service. Even though the scheduled time was 2:00 pm, they kept coming early and checking if it was 2:00 pm yet. That was so cute and quite funny since they had their own clocks to tell them what time it was but they were just so anxious to be part of what had been planned especially for them.

Kids starting coming and filling the small area. There were no chairs and the kids sat on the floor, under the shelves and anywhere they could find a place. Even when all available space had been occupied they kept coming until they were overflowing (Glory to Jesus) and had to stand outside.

It was hot and humid in that small space but the kids didn’t complain. I started a small electric fan but it did little to counteract the heat and the sweat.

Not even the heat and humidity could stop the kids from worshipping Jesus as they sang song of praise to Jesus.

We taught a scripture verse, John 8:12. “Jesus said I am the Light of the world, whoever follow me will never walk in darkness but will have the “Light of life”. Through object lessons, memory work and stories, 61 children and one adult came to realize how their heart was darkened by sin and accepted Jesus as their Light of life. We give glory to God for working in hearts that day.

It seems that no service is complete until there is food so true to tradition each child was served popcorn, orange juice and a small bread roll. As they gave thanks it was so meaningful because that might have been the only food they received that day.

As followers of Jesus, let us continue to pray that the Light  planted in their heart will shine to other people and that they will become a torch bringer, the bringer of testimony that Jesus is the Light of their life.

NOTE: As a pastor, Nene and I are a young couple that iRock Ministries has helped throughout the years as we follow God’s direction for our life. We are an extension of iRock Ministries in the United States and refer to our ministry as iRock Philippines. We have a dream to help children that have been forgotten by  building a ministry center to meet spiritual, physical, and educational needs of these children . If you would like to know more about this center, as the dream becomes a reality, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Through our updates you will be given opportunity to partner with us through your prayers and finances. Keep this project in prayer as we seek God for His Holy and divine direction.

The Greatest Gift of All!

iRock Philippines step up¬† another fun and exciting outreach for the kids at Bato Santa Cruz Davao del Sur. It is Christmas season and we kept thinking, ‘ what is the best gift we could give to the unreached children?’ We prayed and decided that we would give a gift that will last forever, the Message of Christ Born‚Äù.

At a beginning of the outreach, we had  fun games that everybody could be part of and enjoy.

After the games, we proceeded to a most important part of our program, the Gospel Message. I did some gospel tricks and also a  shared a story with a life changing application.

After the message, we proceeded to a very interesting which is also my favorite, eating time. The iRock Ministries America sponsored the whole event and the food. We gave those who attended delicious spaghetti and cold juice.

( Note: In a rural or remote part of the Philippines, this kind of food is only seen on television, I even dreamed to eat spaghetti and it didn’t happen until I moved to Davao at the age of 21 years old.) Feeding these little ones is a great opportunity and a great blessing.

The great thing about doing children ministry is this; the picture above is the proof that you are not just ministering to the kids but also their parents. It is a culture for us that parents will accompany their children even though they are not invited. And we cater to them also

Before the kids and their mothers go back to their home, my wife Nene packed a few pieces of candy and some crackers for each of the children.

The kids were very excited and very happy because they received a gift. As they reached out for the gift, their smile revealed what they felt inside. But the most exciting thing was, when they received a free Cebuano bible which is donated also from iRock Ministries America.  It is really good to have our things and we called it that it belongs to me.

I consider that the word of God is the most valuable gift that we gave this Christmas season. But the excitement did not end there.

Another donation from iRock Ministries, were sculpting balloons and the knowledge to make a balloon. Ptr. Terry Williams taught me how to make a balloon when she came here for a mission trip. We gave them a balloon as they departed and went home. Smiles and love marked their heart as we shared the love of Jesus with them. They will never forget the experience since it was the first they experienced this way of sharing the gospel.  This event will be a yearly activity and if you want to be part of this great opportunity of reaching the children, you can share it in many ways.

  1. Send a Balik-Bayan package that contains any kinds of give aways.
  2. Donate money for the expense of the outreach this coming December
  3. Pray for us; both iRock Ministries in the United States and iRock Philippines

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