How Churches Can Help Children in the Philippines

Twenty years ago I went on deputation in California. I brought my video and explained the ministry I believe God had planned for me. Some even cried. But they never agreed to support me.
I don’t know the reason. It may have been because they did not have the budget.
I have seen other missionaries get almost immediate support because they came from a big influential Church with a prominent Pastor who called to introduce them. Some did not even have to show up. the call alone did it.

Maybe it was because I was born in Brooklyn and never lost my accent?
Or just maybe God used whatever reason to have them not support me so that I could learn to trust Him.
In any event it worked!

We arrived in the Philippines in July of 2006

After about a 22+ hour flight with layovers we arrived in Manila. 

The taxi ride to our new home was a complete culture shock. the rotted shanties dotted the path. Children with their little hands out, begging. Traffic that would make New York’s light.

We arrived at out new home which was supplied by my wife’s, (Malou) sister only to find that the water and gas were in arrears due to the last tenant and we had to pay them before we could get the services.
On top of that we had only $550 for support and that would have to include our food, medicine,gas, electric, telephone, fare and also, to build a Church.

We had some Pastors who had promised to support us. We would have been up to $750 but they never did.

One Pastor said he would not support us because I met my wife on the internet. Twenty seven years later and the most Godly Christian woman I have ever met, we are still going strong along with the two daughters she gave me.

A week in I looke at my pills and they were almost out and the cost was $350 per month for the prescriptions. That was almost all our support.

So I prayed and said, “God, I don’t think you brought me here to kill me so please, either give me the money to buy my medicine or cure me.” He chose the latter. I took a test a month after arriving, I was perfect and then took another at two months. Again, perfets. It seems my new diet of Fish, chicken and vegetables were just what God had ordered!

We went on to learn how to budget money but especially how to pray. It was difficult but one thing I said to God made all the difference. I said, “Father, I have no idea what I am doing but if you will tell me, I will obey.” It has worked out like this for twenty years. God is in charge.

Is it because you know the person?

Is it because he comes from a Church that you recognize?

Is it because his Pastor is well know or is  a friend of yours?

Is it because you see the work that he is called to do and you believe in it and God called you to support him.

We have four websites describing the work we do here. We have updates from the time we arrived to the present and if you are on our list you can get a MONTHLY update without fail and if not you can click updates and see them anyway.

We do that because we believe if you give your money you need to always see where it is going.

We have another link which will give you thousands upon thousands of photos of what we are doing here.

On top of that you can drop in unannounced at any time. We don’t need to prepare unless you require a special dietary provision.

I’m asking you to look at the material, talk to God, and if he leads you to support us, do it, No other reason.

God bless your ministry as you seek His will.