Hi everyone!
Unfortunately, our website is under construction still. We got scammed and we are having some probs with our current host as well. We are hoping to get the website up & running again before the year ends so stay tuned. And thank you so much for your patience. Please keep our website in your prayers.
We celebrated our 3rd year anniversary as well last Friday and really, I still can't believe sometimes that F.I.S.H.E.R.S. has been a registered charity here in Canada for 3 YEARS! Although many couldn't attend, I was just so filled with thankfulness & gratitude in my heart for all that God has done. Our core team is made up of only a small group of people (very very small) and I thank them for all their sacrifices. As I said that night, following Jesus isn't easy. It takes us dying to ourselves and taking up our crosses to follow Him. But I thank Him so much for His grace & His faithfulness towards us in this ministry. The task at hand is difficult and many people are quick to judge. But I look forward to what God has in store! I will continue to rely on His grace cuz really, we don't really know what to do or how to do this. Seriously, if you told me 10 years ago that I will be part of an organization who's gonna build an orphanage in the Philippines, I probably would've just laughed. But really... being a part of this ministry has been such a joy and I will continue to believe that God will do what He said He will.
I realized yesterday that this ministry isn't here just to make money. If it was then I'd totally want "out!" Cuz man, I hate asking people for money :) I was reading some articles and going through my desk and here were my thoughts exactly (I quickly jotted them down on my phone so I'd remember):
"We are not here to make money. There's so many other things we can do in order to get that if that was, our goal. We are here to help change a child's life for all eternity. I think we forget sometimes what we're doing and Who we're doing this for. It's so easy to getcaught up in just doing promotions and trying to get so much support to fund our cause. But my hope is that we will never be afraid to ask or dare to take risks because we are working for the King. It goes beyond just asking for and neding money and I hope that that is what peopl see. We toil and give it all we got to further the cause of Christ and be faithful with what's been given us. We don't care for recognition and we don't care if we fall. As long as the name of Jesus is made famous in the Philippines and all the earth... that's really all that matters to me."
Here are the Prayer Points for the month of December as well:
1.That the launch of the “Coin Bank” Fundraiser in the Philippines will be a success
2.THANKFUL FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO CAME AND CELEBRATED F.I.S.H.E.R.S. 3RD YR. ANNIVERSARY
3.PRAISE GOD FOR THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF “ADOPT A SQ. FT.”
4.PRAISE GOD THAT PRESIDENT KAREN IS SAFELY BACK IN CANADA FROM HELPING BAM IN THE PHILIPPINES
5.THANKFUL FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE BABYANNE’S MANSION TO PEOPLE EVERYDAY
6.Wisdom for Jennie as she makes daily decisions as the Project Manager of Babyanne’s Mansion
7. PRAISE GOD THAT HE KNOW THE PLANS HE HAS FOR THIS MINISTRY!
8.PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GRACE THAT ENABLES US TO DO WHAT WE CANNOT DO ON OUR OWN.
9.That we will find the right people to fill up the staffing needs for construction
10.Strength for Consultant Oliver as he takes on more responsibilities in the construction of Babyanne’s Mansion
11.That the process of registering for electricity and water for construction will go smoothly
12.Grace for each Board of Director as we do our daily tasks
13.PRAISE GOD FOR PROVIDING AN OFFICE SPACE FOR F.I.S.H.E.R.S. MINISTRIES!
14.For people, groups, business, to be open in helping us with the “Coin Bank” fundraising in the Philippines
15. Financial provision for the construction of Babyanne’s Mansion
16.That we will be good stewards of our finances
17.That God will continue to “fill [us] with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
18.For each Board of Director to fulfill their responsibilities and for them to do their job well
19.That we will be a prayerful and grateful people
20.For the relaying of info to be clear and timely between the Board of Directors in Canada and the Philippines
21.Proper time management and prioritization for each Board of Director22. Wisdom as we continue to work on the Procedural Manuals here and in the Philippines
22.Wisdom as we continue to work on the Procedural Manuals here and in the Philippines
23.To have more churches, organizations and businesses to partner with this ministry
24.THANKFUL FOR OUR ADVISERS AND PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT US IN ANY WAY THAT THEY CAN
25. MERRY CHRISTMAS! May we always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!
26.For 49 more Hope Builders (Monthly Partners) to partner with us this coming year
27.For 96 Prayer Partners to join us in lifting this Ministry to God
28.That we will always ‘hope in the Lord so that our strength will be renewed’ (Isaiah 40:31)
29.Strength and wisdom for the Construction Team as they build the orphanage through the “IN-HOUSE” process
30.Vision for 2009 for F.I.S.H.E.R.S. International Ministries
31.PRAISE GOD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS TO F.I.S.H.E.R.S. MINISTRIES IN 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
OCTOBER Prayer Points
It's been a whirlwind since I got back from the Philippines 2 weeks ago and I apologize (to those who read this blog) for not being able to update you. I pretty much battled with a week's worth of being jetlag and was going through some challenges with family. But although my heart and flesh may fail (just as it says in a certain song), God is just so gracious and I am forever thankful for the faith He has apportioned to me for me to be able to TRUST in Him during trying times.
So anyway, without further ado, here are the PRAYER POINTS for the month of OCTOBER:
1. PRAISE GOD! WE FINALLY HAVE THE BUILDING PERMIT!
2. PRAISE GOD FOR ABBY’S SAFE TRIP BACK TO CANADA.
3. Pray that we will find a more secure & cheaper way of sending funds from Canada to the Philippines.
4. PRAISE GOD FOR THE TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS THAT HE HAS GIVEN US
5. WE’RE THANKFUL THAT SOMEONE CAN HELP US WITH FUNDRAISING EFFORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
6. That the Construction Contract will soon be finalized and signed by both parties.
7. That construction will start this month or early November.
8. Pray for guidance in our fundraising efforts in both Canada and the Philippines.
9. Continue praying for the $200.000CAD we need for Construction.
10. Wisdom, guidance, integrity and unity for F.I.S.H.E.R.S. and BAM Board of Directors.
11. We THANK GOD for the heart of every member of the Board.
12. THANKFUL FOR ALLIANCE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THE ORPHANAGE AT THEIR CHURCH.
13. THANKFUL FOR EVERYBODY WHO HAS EXPRESSED THEIR DESIRE TO HELP OUT WITH THE ORPHANAGE.
14. Pray that all BODs will learn to manage their time well by being productive in the Ministry and not neglecting their responsibilities.
15. That communication between F.I.S.H.E.RS. and BAM will be clear.
16. Good health for the team in Canada and the Philippines.
17. For God’s wisdom as we continue to write our Procedural Manuals both in Canada and the Philippines.
18. 95 more Prayer Partners before the year ends.
19. 49 more Hope Builders.
20. More church partners in Canada and the Philippines.
21. Pray that Jennie will learn how to rest.
22. SO THANKFUL for Coquitlam Alliance Church for their relentless support to F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Ministries
23. PRAISE GOD FOR THE NEW MEMBERS OF THE BABYANNE’S MANSION TEAM!
24. That God will just connect us with people we need in order to build the orphanage.
25. PRAISE GOD FOR ATTY.JAN. - HE HAS HELPED US A LOT DEALING WTH THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE CONTRACT.
26. For wisdom and guidance for Sonny (Builder) & Consultant Oliver as they start the construction of the orphanage.
27. Pray that we will not have a hard time applying for and installing the electricity during construction of the orphanage.
28. PRAISE GOD FOR HELPING KARLA (TREASURER) & FROILAN (BOOKKEEPER) FOR PREPARING THE QUARTERLY INCOME TAX RETURN IN THE PHILIPPINES.
29. Pray for an accountant in Canada for F.I.S.H.E.R.S.
30. PRAISE GOD FOR ANOTHER YEAR THAT HE HAS GIVEN TO KAREN (CO-FOUNDER/PRES). Pray that she will continue to be effective during her stay in the Philippines.
31. Pray that in this ministry, we will always give all the glory
So anyway, without further ado, here are the PRAYER POINTS for the month of OCTOBER:
1. PRAISE GOD! WE FINALLY HAVE THE BUILDING PERMIT!
2. PRAISE GOD FOR ABBY’S SAFE TRIP BACK TO CANADA.
3. Pray that we will find a more secure & cheaper way of sending funds from Canada to the Philippines.
4. PRAISE GOD FOR THE TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS THAT HE HAS GIVEN US
5. WE’RE THANKFUL THAT SOMEONE CAN HELP US WITH FUNDRAISING EFFORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
6. That the Construction Contract will soon be finalized and signed by both parties.
7. That construction will start this month or early November.
8. Pray for guidance in our fundraising efforts in both Canada and the Philippines.
9. Continue praying for the $200.000CAD we need for Construction.
10. Wisdom, guidance, integrity and unity for F.I.S.H.E.R.S. and BAM Board of Directors.
11. We THANK GOD for the heart of every member of the Board.
12. THANKFUL FOR ALLIANCE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THE ORPHANAGE AT THEIR CHURCH.
13. THANKFUL FOR EVERYBODY WHO HAS EXPRESSED THEIR DESIRE TO HELP OUT WITH THE ORPHANAGE.
14. Pray that all BODs will learn to manage their time well by being productive in the Ministry and not neglecting their responsibilities.
15. That communication between F.I.S.H.E.RS. and BAM will be clear.
16. Good health for the team in Canada and the Philippines.
17. For God’s wisdom as we continue to write our Procedural Manuals both in Canada and the Philippines.
18. 95 more Prayer Partners before the year ends.
19. 49 more Hope Builders.
20. More church partners in Canada and the Philippines.
21. Pray that Jennie will learn how to rest.
22. SO THANKFUL for Coquitlam Alliance Church for their relentless support to F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Ministries
23. PRAISE GOD FOR THE NEW MEMBERS OF THE BABYANNE’S MANSION TEAM!
24. That God will just connect us with people we need in order to build the orphanage.
25. PRAISE GOD FOR ATTY.JAN. - HE HAS HELPED US A LOT DEALING WTH THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE CONTRACT.
26. For wisdom and guidance for Sonny (Builder) & Consultant Oliver as they start the construction of the orphanage.
27. Pray that we will not have a hard time applying for and installing the electricity during construction of the orphanage.
28. PRAISE GOD FOR HELPING KARLA (TREASURER) & FROILAN (BOOKKEEPER) FOR PREPARING THE QUARTERLY INCOME TAX RETURN IN THE PHILIPPINES.
29. Pray for an accountant in Canada for F.I.S.H.E.R.S.
30. PRAISE GOD FOR ANOTHER YEAR THAT HE HAS GIVEN TO KAREN (CO-FOUNDER/PRES). Pray that she will continue to be effective during her stay in the Philippines.
31. Pray that in this ministry, we will always give all the glory
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
going over the Contract
As we met up again with our Consultant yesterday afternoon, all I could really think of is how thankful I am that we have him. The Contract was 16-pages long and he cleared up anything that we weren’t too sure about as well as answered any questions we had. Although we had to sit at Starbucks for almost 2 hours just to go through the whole document, I was just really happy and just so thankful the whole time. What I read that morning probably had something to do with it.
In Psalm 30, David is thanking God for a lot of things – healing, protection from his foes, salvation, life, favor, joy, for establishing him, supplication, for being his helper, etc…
And for what???
“To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” (v.12, Amp)
The Psalm ended with this and I just thought, ‘Thank you God that you don’t just do things for me.’ I mean, I’m glad He does. But ultimately, He does whatever He does so that His Name is praised. He does things for His Name’s sake and I just absolutely love that!
---
It was also yesterday that I got to meet our Architect / Contractor. It was a brief meeting as he just gave us the documents needed for the Building Permit that Anthony, Babyanne’s Mansion Secretary, will soon be working on. He said since it’s outside Manila, it might just take 1-2 weeks to be approved; as opposed to the 3 months that it took him for the other project that he is working on.
I do pray that he’s right. Because as soon as we get the Building Permit, the excavation on the land can start and oh! I just cannot wait!
In Psalm 30, David is thanking God for a lot of things – healing, protection from his foes, salvation, life, favor, joy, for establishing him, supplication, for being his helper, etc…
And for what???
“To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” (v.12, Amp)
The Psalm ended with this and I just thought, ‘Thank you God that you don’t just do things for me.’ I mean, I’m glad He does. But ultimately, He does whatever He does so that His Name is praised. He does things for His Name’s sake and I just absolutely love that!
---
It was also yesterday that I got to meet our Architect / Contractor. It was a brief meeting as he just gave us the documents needed for the Building Permit that Anthony, Babyanne’s Mansion Secretary, will soon be working on. He said since it’s outside Manila, it might just take 1-2 weeks to be approved; as opposed to the 3 months that it took him for the other project that he is working on.
I do pray that he’s right. Because as soon as we get the Building Permit, the excavation on the land can start and oh! I just cannot wait!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
going on 3 weeks
So this goal of a daily blog won't work I don't think...
We do have internet at home but we only have 1 laptop between the 3 of us so I can't hog it =p
As of the moment, our team has just finished editing the 16-page Construction Contract. This then has to be looked at by our Consultant and then our Contractor. Once all parties agree, our Lawyer will finalize it and it's just a matter of getting the Contract signed. Crazy. I still get overwhelmed when I'm confronted with documents as such. Like hello! I so do not know anything about building houses. But again and again, I find myself so privileged & honored to be a part of something like this. It's such a blessing to know that although I know I don't know much about these things, GOD is a gracious God and He gives us the grace we need in order to do the things that we cannot accomplish on our own.
Meeting the team for the 1st time last week just left me feeling grateful yet again.
As some of you know, we have 3 new Board of Directors for the BABYANNE'S MANSION [BAM] team here in the Philippines. One I have met before but the other 2 are complete strangers. I only know them by paper (their application form).
But when I got to meet them last week, I just really saw how God has answered our prayers. My prayer really was that we will find people who will be committed to BAM... that they will catch the vision of the orphanage and work accordingly. My prayer really has been for each part of the Board to be working to their full potential so that the team can be both productive & effective. And when I got to attend their meeting last week, all I could really say was "Thank You."
Of course it's still a new team and there are lots of areas that they can still improve on.. but I can see that they are all quite enthusiastic about BAM and that just thrills me.
There's also this guy, who is a friend of a couple of our Board of Directors, who we met up with last Tuesday because he was interested in helping out with fundraising. This guy has experience in raising funds and seemed like he had the theory to back up how he does things as well.
And seriously, this is again 1 of those answered prayers.
Sometimes, it just feels like you've been praying for something for so long that you wonder when God is ever gonna answer it (or if He will ever answer it for that matter). But after years and years of asking God to build our team here and give us the people that we need in order to make this happen, now there's this guy who I think will be such a tremendous help to us.
Soo cool.
So to those of you who are praying for us (or who have been praying with us from the very beginning), THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
The next big (grueling) thing we gotta work on is the Building Permit. Funny cuz after being here for a couple weeks, even though I haven't gone to the government offices myself and lined up to get these documents signed & processed, I am beginning to see how 'different' the system really is here in Manila. The process of acquiring the permit could take months! But if we want things to move a little faster, just a few thousand Pesos will solve our problem. It's sad really. Cuz although the employees in those offices know that it's wrong, they still do it cuz that has been the way things have been done for years. Hearing that, I was reminded of what the Bible says about how bribes make a good man compromise (something like that).
A few people have told us already to maybe give a 'little something.' But as much as we would like to get that permit as quickly as possible, we refuse to conform to the ways of this world. Sure it may be 'grueling,' and the process might involve days & days of lining up and our patience might really be tested but, God says that He surrounds the righteous with favor as with a shield. So although it may seem like the only way to get this permit asap is to bribe, we know we have God on our side and that He can cause us to find favor. We will just trust in that.
We do have internet at home but we only have 1 laptop between the 3 of us so I can't hog it =p
As of the moment, our team has just finished editing the 16-page Construction Contract. This then has to be looked at by our Consultant and then our Contractor. Once all parties agree, our Lawyer will finalize it and it's just a matter of getting the Contract signed. Crazy. I still get overwhelmed when I'm confronted with documents as such. Like hello! I so do not know anything about building houses. But again and again, I find myself so privileged & honored to be a part of something like this. It's such a blessing to know that although I know I don't know much about these things, GOD is a gracious God and He gives us the grace we need in order to do the things that we cannot accomplish on our own.
Meeting the team for the 1st time last week just left me feeling grateful yet again.
As some of you know, we have 3 new Board of Directors for the BABYANNE'S MANSION [BAM] team here in the Philippines. One I have met before but the other 2 are complete strangers. I only know them by paper (their application form).
But when I got to meet them last week, I just really saw how God has answered our prayers. My prayer really was that we will find people who will be committed to BAM... that they will catch the vision of the orphanage and work accordingly. My prayer really has been for each part of the Board to be working to their full potential so that the team can be both productive & effective. And when I got to attend their meeting last week, all I could really say was "Thank You."
Of course it's still a new team and there are lots of areas that they can still improve on.. but I can see that they are all quite enthusiastic about BAM and that just thrills me.
There's also this guy, who is a friend of a couple of our Board of Directors, who we met up with last Tuesday because he was interested in helping out with fundraising. This guy has experience in raising funds and seemed like he had the theory to back up how he does things as well.
And seriously, this is again 1 of those answered prayers.
Sometimes, it just feels like you've been praying for something for so long that you wonder when God is ever gonna answer it (or if He will ever answer it for that matter). But after years and years of asking God to build our team here and give us the people that we need in order to make this happen, now there's this guy who I think will be such a tremendous help to us.
Soo cool.
So to those of you who are praying for us (or who have been praying with us from the very beginning), THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
The next big (grueling) thing we gotta work on is the Building Permit. Funny cuz after being here for a couple weeks, even though I haven't gone to the government offices myself and lined up to get these documents signed & processed, I am beginning to see how 'different' the system really is here in Manila. The process of acquiring the permit could take months! But if we want things to move a little faster, just a few thousand Pesos will solve our problem. It's sad really. Cuz although the employees in those offices know that it's wrong, they still do it cuz that has been the way things have been done for years. Hearing that, I was reminded of what the Bible says about how bribes make a good man compromise (something like that).
A few people have told us already to maybe give a 'little something.' But as much as we would like to get that permit as quickly as possible, we refuse to conform to the ways of this world. Sure it may be 'grueling,' and the process might involve days & days of lining up and our patience might really be tested but, God says that He surrounds the righteous with favor as with a shield. So although it may seem like the only way to get this permit asap is to bribe, we know we have God on our side and that He can cause us to find favor. We will just trust in that.
Friday, August 1, 2008
1st week in Manila
I meant to blog almost every day cuz I don't really like catching up but I guess I'm gonna have to do that today. Things have been quite hectic lately. We've been coming home late most nights and after a long day of commuting in the rain, you end up just wanting to sleep when you get home. Karen & I actually got soaked a couple days ago. We were on our way to go grocery shopping and all of a sudden, it just poured! Hard rain I might add! And because we didn't have an umbrella, we ended up being soaking wet after. It was like 1 of those scenes in a movie where it's almost ending or there's a transition sort of thing where it just had to rain.
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:::Thursday, July 31st:::
We (Karen, Jen & I) together with Anthony (1 of the new Board of Directors for Babyanne's Mansion here in the Philippines) went to visit the land in Baliuag, Bulacan (a town about 1hr 1/2 away North of Manila). It pretty much looks the same from what I saw on pictures as it is still mostly grass. But actually BEING at the site and seeing where the house, that will house 40kids in the future, will be built, just did something to me. It was so exciting! I just can't wait to see the cement being poured and for the house to actually start going up. I took pictures and took a little bit of a video clip to show all of you but I haven't uploaded it from my camera yet (I'm just not a very "techy" person so I need help in that area). I will soon, so just check back in in a couple of days.
After that, we met with our Consultant Oliver to go over the bids and discuss the contract. Although it was a long meeting, I was very thankful at the end knowing that we have him on our team. Cuz seriously, us not knowing anything about building a house and us doing it ourselves, wouldn't be a very good idea. But because of our Consultant (and other professionals who are members of our team), we are able to have a better understanding of what the process really entails. As he went through every part of the construction process, although a little overwhelming at times, I again just felt excited at the end of it as I started picturing the house in my head.
---
:::August 1st:::
The 3 of us, together with a few other friends, went to Passion::Manila. Passion is a conference specifically geared towards reaching out to college/university students. It originated in the States and the conferences used to just be held there. Until this year when they started their World Tour and set out to minister to the college students of 17 different cities all over the globe. The night was just amazing. INDESCRIBABLE really (as Karen described it). The Filipinos were nuts! and went all out as they worshiped the only One who is worthy of praise. As a volunteer in the gallery upstairs, I think I probably had the best view in the house. As Chris Tomlin sang "Mighty to Save" near the end of the night, I just saw the sea of 8,000 people at the Ultra (or Philsports Arena) on their feet, eyes closed, hands lifted high and singing at the top of their lungs. It was AMAZING. It was in Vancouver that I became a Christian so although I've been back here in Manila for 6 times now, I still really didn't know how the Filipinos worshiped. But wow... they were loud! It really was an amazing sight to see.
There's so many things I could say about Passion::Manila - the amazing truth that was preached that night, the "crazy" people upstairs, the awesome volunteers - but what I loved most about that night was how we got to just declare that GOD IS THE GOD OF THIS CITY. HE'S THE KING OF THESE PEOPLE. HE'S THE LORD OF THIS NATION. GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE THIS COUNTRY. And that ALL OUR HOPE IS IN HIM. And that Name is strong & mighty & powerful. Wow.
My love & my heart for this country is ever renewed. I just saw so much hope from watching the Filipino people lifting up the Name of JESUS last night. My own parents even say after watching the Filipino news televised in Vancouver that there is no hope for the Philippines anymore... that this country will never ever change. I just refuse to believe that because as long as GOD is God, there is HOPE. He IS our HOPE.
I abolutely love being here and am so privileged, and forever humbled, to get to do what I get to do. I knew that God brought me here for such a time as this and wow, I just love it! There is no other place I would rather be than being in the will of God.
Please do keep us in your prayers so that Karen & I will be accomplish our goals and do what we were set out to do, for the time that we are here.
---
:::Thursday, July 31st:::
We (Karen, Jen & I) together with Anthony (1 of the new Board of Directors for Babyanne's Mansion here in the Philippines) went to visit the land in Baliuag, Bulacan (a town about 1hr 1/2 away North of Manila). It pretty much looks the same from what I saw on pictures as it is still mostly grass. But actually BEING at the site and seeing where the house, that will house 40kids in the future, will be built, just did something to me. It was so exciting! I just can't wait to see the cement being poured and for the house to actually start going up. I took pictures and took a little bit of a video clip to show all of you but I haven't uploaded it from my camera yet (I'm just not a very "techy" person so I need help in that area). I will soon, so just check back in in a couple of days.
After that, we met with our Consultant Oliver to go over the bids and discuss the contract. Although it was a long meeting, I was very thankful at the end knowing that we have him on our team. Cuz seriously, us not knowing anything about building a house and us doing it ourselves, wouldn't be a very good idea. But because of our Consultant (and other professionals who are members of our team), we are able to have a better understanding of what the process really entails. As he went through every part of the construction process, although a little overwhelming at times, I again just felt excited at the end of it as I started picturing the house in my head.
---
:::August 1st:::
The 3 of us, together with a few other friends, went to Passion::Manila. Passion is a conference specifically geared towards reaching out to college/university students. It originated in the States and the conferences used to just be held there. Until this year when they started their World Tour and set out to minister to the college students of 17 different cities all over the globe. The night was just amazing. INDESCRIBABLE really (as Karen described it). The Filipinos were nuts! and went all out as they worshiped the only One who is worthy of praise. As a volunteer in the gallery upstairs, I think I probably had the best view in the house. As Chris Tomlin sang "Mighty to Save" near the end of the night, I just saw the sea of 8,000 people at the Ultra (or Philsports Arena) on their feet, eyes closed, hands lifted high and singing at the top of their lungs. It was AMAZING. It was in Vancouver that I became a Christian so although I've been back here in Manila for 6 times now, I still really didn't know how the Filipinos worshiped. But wow... they were loud! It really was an amazing sight to see.
There's so many things I could say about Passion::Manila - the amazing truth that was preached that night, the "crazy" people upstairs, the awesome volunteers - but what I loved most about that night was how we got to just declare that GOD IS THE GOD OF THIS CITY. HE'S THE KING OF THESE PEOPLE. HE'S THE LORD OF THIS NATION. GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE THIS COUNTRY. And that ALL OUR HOPE IS IN HIM. And that Name is strong & mighty & powerful. Wow.
My love & my heart for this country is ever renewed. I just saw so much hope from watching the Filipino people lifting up the Name of JESUS last night. My own parents even say after watching the Filipino news televised in Vancouver that there is no hope for the Philippines anymore... that this country will never ever change. I just refuse to believe that because as long as GOD is God, there is HOPE. He IS our HOPE.
I abolutely love being here and am so privileged, and forever humbled, to get to do what I get to do. I knew that God brought me here for such a time as this and wow, I just love it! There is no other place I would rather be than being in the will of God.
Please do keep us in your prayers so that Karen & I will be accomplish our goals and do what we were set out to do, for the time that we are here.
Monday, July 28, 2008
back in Manila
I knew the last time I was here that I was coming back again this year... just didn't know it was gonna be this month. And now after 14hrs of sitting on the plane, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in, I am now in Manila again.
The morning before I left Canada, my pastor talked about PERSEVERANCE. Such a timely message as it made me think about the people I work with. I don't think I've ever met a more persevering bunch than the team I work with at F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Ministries. And gosh... I dunno how many times we, or I, have personally wanted to quit myself. Seriously. But man, that's really when you get to appreciate the wonderful Grace of GOD that enables you to continue on... enables you to do what you yourself cannot do on your own.
The morning before I left Canada, my pastor talked about PERSEVERANCE. Such a timely message as it made me think about the people I work with. I don't think I've ever met a more persevering bunch than the team I work with at F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Ministries. And gosh... I dunno how many times we, or I, have personally wanted to quit myself. Seriously. But man, that's really when you get to appreciate the wonderful Grace of GOD that enables you to continue on... enables you to do what you yourself cannot do on your own.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
MAY Prayer Points
1. That God will be glorified in everything we do
2. Wisdom for BODs in handling finances. That we will be good stewards.
3. That the team will be a prayerful & grateful people
4. For the team to learn to rely on the Holy Spirit alone and for them to know His power
5. Wisdom for current BODs in choosing new directors for BAM in the Philippines
6. OneBean coffee fundraising to have a successful start and for other fresh & creative ideas to fundraise
7. Financial Sponsors & abundance of Volunteers for “Shoot for Hope” 2008
8. 75 contestants to participate in SFH 2008
9. Opportunities to promote SFH to different churches.
10. that we will find the right location for the “Shoot for Hope” fundraising event
11. Wisdom for BODs in every decision-making process
12. Office space for F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Ministries
13. To start an Advocacy program and come up with other ways to raise awareness for Babyanne’s Mansion
14. Safe trip for Jennie as she goes back to the Philippines
15. Land TCT (Transfer of Certificate Title) to be received on time
16. pre-construction requirements – land title, blueprint, registration from City Hall – to be submitted & processed on time
17. accuracy of Financial Statements for filing the Income Tax this year
18. guidance for Jen as she continues to lead the BAM project and the team in the Philippines
19. For BAM finances in the Philippines to be organized and updated
20. 100 more Prayer Partners
21. 50 more Hope Builders (monthly financial supporters)
22. 10 more Advocates
23. time-management for BODs as they balance ministry, work, and family
24. Consultant Oliver to have the knowledge and discernment to help the Board in choosing the right contractors
25. Wisdom for the Board to choose the right Bidders to build the orphanage
26. $250,000 CAD needed for construction.
27. wisdom & favor for Atty. Jan as he follows up on paperworks and other legal documents
28. Favour in the eyes of the Government agencies, Town leaders and the neighbours in the city where the orphanage will be built
29. For more churches, businesses, and other organizations, both in Canada and Philippines, to partner with us.
30. 1 more Board of Director for F.I.S.H.E.R.S.
31. Wisdom for the Board as they put together the Procedural Manuals
2. Wisdom for BODs in handling finances. That we will be good stewards.
3. That the team will be a prayerful & grateful people
4. For the team to learn to rely on the Holy Spirit alone and for them to know His power
5. Wisdom for current BODs in choosing new directors for BAM in the Philippines
6. OneBean coffee fundraising to have a successful start and for other fresh & creative ideas to fundraise
7. Financial Sponsors & abundance of Volunteers for “Shoot for Hope” 2008
8. 75 contestants to participate in SFH 2008
9. Opportunities to promote SFH to different churches.
10. that we will find the right location for the “Shoot for Hope” fundraising event
11. Wisdom for BODs in every decision-making process
12. Office space for F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Ministries
13. To start an Advocacy program and come up with other ways to raise awareness for Babyanne’s Mansion
14. Safe trip for Jennie as she goes back to the Philippines
15. Land TCT (Transfer of Certificate Title) to be received on time
16. pre-construction requirements – land title, blueprint, registration from City Hall – to be submitted & processed on time
17. accuracy of Financial Statements for filing the Income Tax this year
18. guidance for Jen as she continues to lead the BAM project and the team in the Philippines
19. For BAM finances in the Philippines to be organized and updated
20. 100 more Prayer Partners
21. 50 more Hope Builders (monthly financial supporters)
22. 10 more Advocates
23. time-management for BODs as they balance ministry, work, and family
24. Consultant Oliver to have the knowledge and discernment to help the Board in choosing the right contractors
25. Wisdom for the Board to choose the right Bidders to build the orphanage
26. $250,000 CAD needed for construction.
27. wisdom & favor for Atty. Jan as he follows up on paperworks and other legal documents
28. Favour in the eyes of the Government agencies, Town leaders and the neighbours in the city where the orphanage will be built
29. For more churches, businesses, and other organizations, both in Canada and Philippines, to partner with us.
30. 1 more Board of Director for F.I.S.H.E.R.S.
31. Wisdom for the Board as they put together the Procedural Manuals
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