Today is a day that has significance for only a few people. May 4 was the day in 1979 when three young Minnesotans stepped off the plane in Cebu City, to a blast of incredibly hot air on perhaps the hottest day of that year, to begin their plan of starting a ministry for homeless children. There was nobody to welcome us, no brass band or flower leis. But it was an exciting day for Kathy, Marlys and me. We had been thinking, dreaming and praying for this day. May 4, 1979.
Or was it May 5? Sometimes we debate that. We are at the age now where we sometimes get a little fuzzy on details. It was one of those two days, I'm almost certain. I guess it doesn't matter. I've never been a slave to details. There we were, three young people without much in the way of experience or training about how to live in a tropical country, how to fix up a house or, more significantly, how to take care of children. I've got a feeling that there were a few people back home and here in Cebu who thought that we were destined for failure. In fact, I know its true because some of those folks have admitted it to me. I guess I can't really blame them. But we had one thing going for us. We were convinced that God had called us to go to Cebu and that, having done that, He would be with us. Through thick and thin.
There has been some thin over the last 34 years, but its mostly been thick. The excitement of stepping out in faith as we climbed down those airplane steps is still there for our staff. Much has changed in terms of facilities, staff, the number of children we care for, and the size of our annual budget. (Our first year we got by on about $6,000!) But mostly its the same. We get up in the morning, we do the work of taking care of children who do not have families, and we go to bed again. There is no drudgery in this work, and it is as fun and exciting as it was when we took in our first child in 1979.
May 4th or 5th or whatever day it was doesn't seem to matter much in terms of the big picture, and the challenges we face today in caring for 90 children in Banawa Hills. But it will always be important to those of us old timers who stepped out of that plane and into a life that has meant so much to us and to many other people, including almost 900 children.
Thanks to all who have had a part in it!
Wheelchairs of Hope
Two weeks ago, my family (Joel, Ethan, Shari, Paul) and I had the great opportunity to visit friends and relatives in Japan. Joel, Shari and I spoke at Kurume Christ Church (previously described by Shari in her blog) about CSC and their foster friends. We also had the chance to visit Wheelchairs of Hope.
Wheelchairs of Hope is a non-profit organization in Japan that refurbishes and distributes used wheelchairs donated by companies, individuals and other organizations. Their main beneficiaries are the countries around Asia. As of February 9, 2016, they have given away 2,000+ wheelchairs all over Asia including the Philippines.
In 2009, through the
connections of friends in Japan, Wheelchairs of Hope donated a wheelchair to
CSC. Since then, we have been in their
minds as a wheelchair recipient. Whenever
they ship wheelchairs to the Philippines, Wheelchairs of Hope never fails to
contact us and ask if we need a wheelchair or two. It was a wonderful surprise to see a picture
of John Ray, who received a wheelchair from them, at their warehouse. Even though it was 7 years ago, they kept John
Ray’s picture in a frame, never forgetting the little time they shared with him. One of the people who came to CSC in 2009 still
remembered John Ray and asked how he is doing.
I like visiting and hearing stories about other organizations and foundations that have a heart like Children’s Shelter of Cebu; at the same time, sharing our story with them. God uses different people from different walks of life to serve His people and glorify His name. Having visited Wheelchairs of Hope made me proud of the work we are doing at CSC and humble at the same time.
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”—2 Timothy 2:20-21 NIV
The Campers are Ready!
There has been an excitement going around CSC for the past few weeks. Every other year in February a work team from Minnesota comes and does a camp with the older kids at CSC. They get to ride a bus and travel to camp. Once at camp it is four days of fun, fun, fun! The kids get to hear from Gods word, swim, sing, play silly games, eat good food, have camp fires, hang out with really cool people, and so much more. It is definitely an experience the kids never forget!
Camp is approaching this week but the kids have had their bags packed for awhile already. Those who have been to camp before have shared with their new friends at CSC all about it. Our work team arrived within the last few days and everyone is ready!
A big thank you to our work team for coming and giving our kids such a special experiences! Please keep our kids and work team in your prayers as they are off at camp this coming week and weekend.
Tale of Two Offices
As you may know, my wife and I have been serving in Cebu on
a short term basis. We were there for about 13 months. We returned to MN at the
end of December because of an urgent health concern in a close family member
and will be ending our time with CSC in March. While the circumstances which brought
us home have been discouraging we’ve been blessed by how flexible CSC has been
with allowing us to continue to serve.
Going to the office in Minnesota has been a slight adjustment. Instead of seeing Mitch each morning, we see Matt. At lunch time, we don’t hear Cebuano, we only hear English. In Cebu I was relieved to get to the office and sit in air conditioning, now I see snow outside and keep inching my chair towards the sunlight.
Strangely though, it’s the similarities that have been more striking. The people who come in and out of both offices are talking about what’s new with the kids. The walls are covered with pictures of the same smiling faces. Even the work is the same; it’s true that many of the tasks are different, but that great momentum God gives us to bring glory to His name while serving these children, it remains unchanged.
What an amazing thing that God has done; bringing so many people with so many different stories together to share in the work He has in store for us.
Annual Physical Check-up for All CSC Workers
Yesterday the CSC workers all had their annual physical checkup. A big truck pulled up into the driveway at CSC and the workers came throughout the day to have blood work, chest x-rays and a physical checkup. The needles were not well liked by the workers but they were grateful to know more about their health.
Aunties waiting for their turn.
Blood pressure check
The least favorite. Blood extraction
A Dip in the pool for reading
As I do research for my book on the history of CSC I find stuff that can't go in a written volume but is part of the story of CSC. I can mention it in the book but I can't put in the video that shows it. Here is one such incident, when the kids ganged up on me because they won the Reading Challenge. This was around 2006. Fun times at Children of Hope School. At my expense!