ACTION Philippines

Summary of Street Impact Team’s 2011 Christmas Party Ministry

Jan 272012

Hello Beloved Prayer Warriors,

Here’s a summary of ACTION Philippines Street Impact Team’s 2011 evangelistic Christmas party ministry for street children and their families, out-of-school youth and underprivileged families:

1. Theme: “Christmas is filled with hope when we know Christ” John 10:10

2. Total parties: 30

3. Participants: 25 churches and 5 organizations who are involved with SITeam in other ministries such as camping, Fish and Bread feeding and relief-development

4. Total cost: $US11,139.00

5. Number of attendees: adults 683, youth 671, children 3,174 totalling 4,528

Homy’s Heartbeat #86

Ron Homenuke No Responses »

Jan 262012

Rejection or Acceptance?

“So shall the word be that proceeds from My mouth, it shall not return void.” (Isaiah 55:11)

Dear friends,

We make life hard. It’s actually very simple. The roadmap of life is laid out for us in black and white. We choose. Victory or defeat? Heaven or hell? Abundance or scarcity?

Such was the case in my hockey days. My forte wasn’t handling the puck. It was taking the man out, digging for the puck, shooting hard and keeping the puck low. My game plan very seldom varied. God spoke to Joshua, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night…then you shall make your way prosperous and have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)

The comparison? Simple. I listened to my coaches. Vic Stasiuk, Orland Kurtenbach, Phil Maloney and Dick Choyce. We didn’t win any Stanley Cups but we played some pretty competitive hockey. Now it’s a case of listening to my Father, the Lord Jesus Christ.

How about you? Do you meditate on the Word day and night? If you don’t, try it. Pardon me if you’re tired of getting my Warriors on the Walls or my Homy’s Heartbeat. Perhaps you’re too busy or too occupied in other things.

A quick note here. If I’m getting “under your skin”, take it up with the Lord. As Paul says in Phil. 3:12,“Not as though I’ve already obtained, but I follow after….”. God bless you and give you victory in every area of your life. Comments from my readers are always appreciated.

PRAISES:

The Lord, in His unfathomable grace, has allowed me to coordinate this excellent ministry…which, without faithful prayer and financial supporters would not function.
My knee is not 100% yet, but my former rotator cuff problems have been completely resolved.

PRAYERS:

The kids (except for three) are home on a week-long regional track meet. Pray that they would return motivated to do as well as they can in school and in following the Lord.
For the good financial support to continue as after the “sewer” project is finished, the following will need financing: Jude’s room, reframing of the Center’s front, extension of the boy’s dorm and finances for our school van.
For our very important Lifehouse Center Board meeting to be held in the first part of February.

Thanks and God bless,

In Christ,

Ron

Ministry Primarily is About God, the Gospel and People: Our Challenge

Jeff & Mary Ann Anderson No Responses »

Jan 252012

Biblical ministry is about God, His gospel of grace and people primary. Secondarily it’s about organizations, programs, budgets and job descriptions. Ministry leaders *must* keep this straight or God glorifying ministry which leads others to Christ and grow in Him doesn’t take place. If it isn’t there’s not much different between what so-called “Christian” ministries do from secular programs. We may be doing a lot of good work but is it gospel driven? That’s our challenge as we minister among the poor because we want to make a difference in people’s lives for now and eternity.

Taken from Jeff Anderson’s blog that can be Found Here.

First Week

Erin Johnson No Responses »

Jan 242012

This time last week I was just a few hours from landing back here in the Philippines! These first few days have flown by, and it’s if I never left. Well, except for the fact that I’m staying at the guesthouse on Second Mile Campus, a different place than in 2011. Everyone has been very welcoming and accommodating, easing my transition a good bit! Most of this week I’ve been moving my stuff from our office in Silang, and going through/organizing/cleaning…it’s not over yet but progress has been made!

IN and her brother in front of their house

Ministry-wise, we’ve taken it a bit easy this week. Our kids are now rounding out the last few months of their school year, and the ones still in school are doing well and fairly stable. I enjoyed visiting them at school this week! Both IN and JP have really been struggling the past few months to stay in school. Although their teachers have been exceedingly gracious, it seems they’ve both missed so much school that they won’t be able to catch up, especially since they missed their periodical exams last week. We can still see God moving in their lives though, so we are excited about that. We visited IN’s house this week, and although they still have troubles, it’s obvious that God is working in IN’s relationship with her mother. Please keep praying for IN’s family, and for her and her friends to resist the temptation and pressure to get back into drugs.

Another prayer request is for one of our youth, CL, the one who has been doing so well spiritually and wants to be a pastor someday. His health has not been good lately, so we will be taking him to a special clinic this week and he will likely need long term meds.

Also, next weekend (Jan 27-29), Krista, Mervi and I will go away for a small retreat to pray, brainstorm and plan together for the upcoming year and about our future direction. Please pray for wisdom and clear guidance from the Lord during this time as we “set our course”…and pray that my car will make it there and back (about 50 miles each way).

Thanks for checking in!

Taken from Erin Johnson’s blog that can be Found Here.

Summary of ACTION’s Relief Operations in Cagayan De Oro City

ACTION Philippines, Jeff & Mary Ann Anderson No Responses »

Jan 242012

Dear Prayer Warriors,

January 6-9 a nine-member team made up of people from ACTION, Christian Growth Ministries and Full Life Counseling and Training Center joined ACTION Street Impact Team’s street children ministries partner the Mindanao Street Children Ministries Network (MSCMN) based in Cagayan De Oro City (CDO) to minister to victims of typhoon Sendong (local code name) or Washi (international code name).

1. Here’s a brief summary of what we accomplished:

January 6: After our arrival in CDO early in the morning our first activity was to have fellowship with several pastors and workers at our host church Christ’s People of Grace Mission Church. Following lunch several of us toured evacuation centers, washed out areas and a tent city while others purchased relief items. The devastation is extensive, many are dead and still unaccounted for and thousands of traumatized people are living in temporary evacuation centers. The situation is desperate and raw.

January 7: Henry and Lisa Manuncia of Full Life Counseling and Training Center trained 57 pastors and church workers in the basics of trauma debriefing while others purchased more relief items and prepared them for distribution.

January 8: In the morning we worshiped at Christ Commission Fellowship-CDO then after lunch the debriefing team went to Tibasak evacuation center located near the Cagayan River where there is much destruction and human tragedy and debriefed 179 people (121 children and 58 adults). Others distributed relief packs to MSCMN members for pre-selected families. The packs consisted of four kilos of rice, canned goods, coffee, laundry and bath soap, powdered milk, sugar and noodles. A total of 330 family packs were distributed. We also gave 147 sets of school supplies to elementary and high school students. For elementary students the contents were a bag, three notebooks, two pencils, crayons, sharpener and eraser and for high school students a bag, three notebooks, two pens, an unabridged notebook and bond paper. In the evening the debriefing team assembled back at the church for debriefing which was very much needed, a meal together and prayer. The strategy is for churches to adopt an evacuation center for ongoing ministry.

January 9 In the morning we had a good meeting at Christ Commission Fellowship-CDO with a couple of their pastors then toured several areas in downtown CDO where ministry to street children takes place. We returned to Manila in mid-afternoon.

…a funny thing happened

Pami Ellis No Responses »

Jan 232012

The other day I was in the middle of a slew of new patient interviews, when a lady excitedly comes up to me. She looked to be about 6-7 months pregnant and says in Tagalog, “Ate Pami, I am Ate Doris’ niece and she was wondering if you stitch.”

This struck me as odd for a few reasons: a) she knew my name (“Ate,” pronounced “ah-tay” means big sister or is used as a friendly sign of respect) b) who is Ate Doris? and c) that’s kind of an odd question to ask when meeting someone for the first time…

During new patient interviews, we always ask about previous deliveries and complications, such as tears, hemorrhaging, long labors, and stitches. So when she asked if I stitch, my mind immediately went to stitching a torn perineum. I looked at her in confusion and replied (in Tagalog), “No, I don’t stitch, but the midwives do.”

She said, “no, Ate Doris is wondering if you have stitches to do.”

By now we had a bit of an audience listening in. Sure that I was having a hard time understanding her because of some language barrier, I asked her to speak to one of the midwives inside. We went in together, and the midwives were busy so we talked to the other American nurse. Again…same problems. I said that we, at Shalom, only do stitches to torn perineums but not in first aid situations.

“No!” she said emphatically, “Ate Doris wants to know if YOU need stitches!”

Um, I most certainly do not! I thought. What in the world?!? Then it dawned on me that she kept saying, “kortina,” which means curtains.

hahaha!!! The lightbulb switched on! Ate Doris is the lady who had sewn my curtains months ago. Everyone around me burst into laughter as we finally figured out what she was trying to say.

You see, the Tagalog word for “sew” and “stitches” is the same: “tahi.” My mind was so fixed on obstetrics that it never entered my mind that this gal could have a different meaning for “tahi.” I was a bit gratified to see that everyone else was just as confused…it wasn’t just me!
So you see, never a dull moment. And for the record, no, I do not need stitches: personally or on fabric.

Pami

Warriors on the Wall #113

Ron Homenuke No Responses »

Jan 212012

Dear praying friends,

“I am Almighty God… El – Shaddai, the All Powerful God” (Genesis 17:1).

In Phil Yancey’s compilation classic, Grace Notes, he states, “As with physical exercise, much of the benefit of prayer comes as a result of consistency, the simple act of showing up.” Thank you for joining forces with me as we boldly beseech our King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, to tear down, destroy and put to flight any attacks by our enemy. (1 Cor. 15:57)

Well aware of your busy schedules, I’ve decided to cut down the sending of my W.O.W. letters to bi-monthly. Ever cognizant of maintaining a disciplined life style plus learning leadership lessons as the Center’s Coordinator, I’m reminded that success doesn’t come from the energy, wisdom and discipline of our own mortal bodies but from the intimacy of our personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

PRAISES:

At our Jan. 10 staff meeting, conviction, confession, tears and restoration took place!
My body and brain are regaining strength with an accompanying measure of a sound mind.
The December donor results continued to be above average.
The Lifehouse Center sign is up and the new paint job and the rerouting of our office’s sewer system are almost finished.
For “intercession” from the computer craniums of Mike and Rob to instill “new life” into my Lenovo Think Pad.

PRAYERS:

For the Lord’s provision of major monies for our new school van.
For more of our boys to learn the meaning of motivation…especially JoJo.
Every student will be writing Periodicals tomorrow…pray that they will do as well as they can.
Our Board meeting has been rescheduled for early Feb. Pray for a suitable date where every member (including two new ones) will be able to attend.
For the Lord’s hand of healing upon Ptr. Mardy and now Pastor Anthony as they attempt to rid their kidney stones through the “apple juice” method.
Pastor Fidel’s wife, Ruby, is caring for her unsaved uncle, “Skip”, at the hospital. He’s probably in his last days, fighting various issues, including serious pneumonia. Please pray for his salvation.

Thanks and God bless!

Ron

A DOUBLE WOW!!: ACTION’s Washi Relief Operation in CDO

Jeff & Mary Ann Anderson No Responses »

Jan 112012

January 6-9 ACTION’s Street Impact Team along with Christian Growth Ministries and Full Life Counseling Center ministered in Cagayan De Oro City in partnership with the Mindanao Street Children Ministries Network (MSCMN). We surveyed many devastated areas, heard several mind boggling stories from rescuers and survivors, gave 300 bags of relief items to families residing in temporary evacuation centers, gave school supplies to 147 students, trained 40+ pastors and church workers to do trauma debriefing then debriefed 157 adults and children in one center.

We are now planning to return February 20 to do more trauma debriefing which is really needed, train more people to do this, have a conference for pastors and workers which includes giving them books because they lost precious books in the flood waters and do a seminar on how to use the Life Application Study Bible then give each participant a copy. We’ll also probably do more relief work with the items to be determined by MSCMN which is based in Cagayan De Oro City. Mud, debris, dust, stagnant water and traumatized people are everywhere. Entire communities are washed out. Many lives lost and unaccounted for. My question is how does this happen when typhoon Washi was only a signal 2? It isn’t so much the strength of Washi but the circumstances around it-illegal logging, major development in the hills surrounding the city and people allowed to live in high risk areas. This is a DOUBLE WOW even for us so-called veterans!!

Jeff Anderson

Taken from the Anderson’s Blog that can be Found Here.

Ellis’ Life Discipleship Projections 2012

Paul & Pat Ellis No Responses »

Jan 102012

Dear ACTION Team,

By now you have received text messages on your cell phone and Facebook from well-wishers for a happy and prosperous new year. Patty and I are letting you know that we’re praying for you as the course of this new year presses on in your lives and respective ministries. We sincerely appreciate your prayers for our journeys this year.

Please do pray for us as we shift the Life Discipleship ministry in a different direction. I met with the head Equipping Ministries pastor at Greenhills Christian Fellowship, Ortigas Center. Our aim is to train selected elders and small group leaders in the LD course materials. This ministry venture will be a long haul commitment on our part and their part. Long haul commitments test our faithfulness. The weekly training sessions are scheduled to begin February the 9th, Thursday evenings, and they may last all the way through next October. Then in November (Lord willing) we can begin our next furlough. In addition, we may train a 6th batch of pastors on a weekly basis.

Our current LD group will complete the course in two weeks. On January the 31st, we’ll have a small graduation ceremony complete with certificates of completion. Another group of newly trained pastors from Palilia on the East side of Laguna de Bay (conducted by an LD graduate) plan to join us for this celebration. Continue reading »

Warriors on the Wall #112

Ron Homenuke No Responses »

Jan 092012

Dear praying friends,

“For God is my witness…that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers…” (Romans 1:9).

Paul was a devout and devoted prayer warrior. He knew His Master. He did not waver in his faith. He was martyred for his belief.

How about us? Do we have even a fraction of Paul’s testimony? Are we willing to sacrifice our personal time for intercession?

I believe that the answer to this depends upon our personal relationship with our Sovereign Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. Life is choices. Make yours count.

PRAISES:

For all of our kids having returned. We picked up Ariel earlier this afternoon. His cousin, Ogie, seems to be ready to behave. His “galis” (scabies) is already dried up.

PRAYERS:

Since the kids made their Christmas exodus, my body has still not yet made a full recovery. Pray that He would bless me with a shot of His Divine adrenalin.
Tomorrow’s our first staff meeting of 2012. There is some “disunity” rearing its ugly head. Pray for Divine reconciliation.
Our December donor lists have not yet surfaced. Pray for the Lord’s hand upon our ACTION financial gurus in every respective office that would soon be able to complete this gigantic year-end task.
Referring to the above, we surely could use some major money, including that for our next school van.
During my home assignment, there was a few parties showing interest in visiting us this year. As soon as you have an idea of the time, drop us a note. And remember that you need to let the respective ACTION office know.

God bless all of you pray-ers.

In Christ,

Ron

Older Entries

Summary of Street Impact Team’s 2011 Christmas Party Ministry

Homy’s Heartbeat #86

Rejection or Acceptance?

Ministry Primarily is About God, the Gospel and People: Our Challenge

First Week

Summary of ACTION’s Relief Operations in Cagayan De Oro City

…a funny thing happened

Warriors on the Wall #113

Dear praying friends,

A DOUBLE WOW!!: ACTION’s Washi Relief Operation in CDO

Ellis’ Life Discipleship Projections 2012

Warriors on the Wall #112

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