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Happy New Year, and welcome to 2021!

I hope you had a meaningful Christmas filled with opportunities to pause and reflect on the many blessings in your life. It already seems that Christmas and the weeks of Advent are a distant memory. Don't get me wrong, I was there, present for all of it, and had amazing times with our family of eight that included giving and receiving gifts, eating lots of delicious food, playing games, watching some of our favorite holiday classics and taking part in a very special tradition: attending the candlelit Christmas Eve service at our church, this year live-streamed on YouTube.

It is good for us to take a break and reflect on the past, especially at a time like this, the beginning of a new year. It is good for our health and an essential component for anyone who wants to make the most of their lives. I would argue that many of us do not spend nearly enough time reflecting on the past. The importance of doing so will help us immensely. I think we have all heard the quote that says, "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." History repeating itself has long been seen as a negative, though I'm certain we could all find elements of history that are worth repeating.

Let this be an encouragement to you to set aside some time right at the start of this year to give thanks for the many blessings God has brought our way and also take time to reflect on the trials we faced as well and remember that even in those times, God was still faithful.

Mirror

Be careful, though, that your looking back does not become a distraction or pitfall for what lies ahead. We all know that looking in the rearview mirror will take our eyes off the road and distract us from what lied ahead. Rather than looking back and getting stuck in the past, remember that God has a better plan for us. Philippians 3:13-14 says, "...But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." God is calling us forward—He has much for us to do!

God's Goodness to CSC in 2020

I joined the CSC staff this past August. More than half the year was already complete. The global pandemic was making a resurgence. In the Philippines, our children and staff had been on lockdown for five months already. There was hope that by the end of September things would "open up" and people would be able to resume some normalcy in their lives. That didn't happen and the lockdown continued. The most amazing news to share in and through all of this was that not one of our residents or staff contracted the virus. And, as an added blessing, regular illnesses were nearly nonexistent as well, and for that we are thankful to God.

As we passed Thanksgiving and were heading for the Christmas holiday season, we knew so much about this year's celebration would need to change. Plans were being made for how Christmas celebrations would take place in the context of all the new rules and regulations. Of course, here I was in the U.S. as a long-distance observer. Technology has become such as blessing for us this year, and I was able to attend nearly all the Christmas celebrations and staff meetings by Zoom. With the time difference, though, that meant me staying up until 1AM or waking at 3AM and 4AM to participate.

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There's not much that could match my excitement for my first CSC Christmas as an employee of this amazing ministry. Suffice it to say, however, the children at the shelter were quite a bit more excited to see Santa arrive by cart to distribute all the wrapped gifts to each and every child. Beyond the gifts, there was singing, sharing the Christmas story or Jesus' birth and a feast that left my mouth watering.

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Here stateside, we also had an amazing Christmas celebration as we were so honored to receive all the gifts from our faithful supporters who care so much to see this ministry for homeless Filipino children continue. We were literally shaking our heads at the generous and heartfelt response of all those who identify with the Mission and Ministry of CSC and cheerfully support.

Looking Forward: Opportunities in 2021

Reflecting on the past year has me thinking about CSC's mission statement. I asked our CSC board members last September which parts of the mission statement they identified with or appreciated most. As you might imagine, there were a variety of answers. Several of the board members have been on the board for a long time, while others are relatively new to the board, one member joining in June or 2020. I understand and resonate with their perspective. It makes sense to me that they would have different answers or perspectives. God has made us all unique, after all, and He draws us to different things based on how He made us.

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What keeps me focused in my role as president of this ministry is the beginning part of our mission statement that says, "We exist to glorify God...." For 42 years this is ultimately what CSC has been about. Everything we do is dependent on that beginning part of our mission statement. Our glorifying God is the lens by which all other things aspects of this statement and the work of the ministry are viewed. And as we continue to glorify Him, He continues to show us just how much He cares for us all—children and staff—and provides for our every need.

One of the things our Field Director, Roberto, and I discuss on our weekly Zoom calls is the progress being made to admit new children to the shelter. CSC is set apart from other shelters or orphanages by our aspect on placement services and adoption. There are other places right there in Cebu City that provide care for homeless children, but their focus is primarily on long-term residential care. As children are placed through adoption, opportunities for new children to be a part of the CSC family present themselves. Our staff in Cebu are working diligently on both placements and new admissions, but the pandemic and government restrictions have made this effort challenging in 2020. It is our hope that 2021 will see more children being welcomed into the loving arms of CSC and that more children will be place for adoption. Please pray with us to that end.

Prayer

Dear Lord, as we begin a new year, let us not become overwhelmed and anxious about the unknown and what the new year will bring our way. Help us to remember that you will never leave us or forsake us and that you want nothing more than to give your children the best gifts possible. Help us to remember—to reflect on the past—in a way that honors you and gives thanks for all you've done for us. Let us consider first and most what you would want us to do in the months ahead, to see where you are already at work, and then join you in what you have already planned for us to do. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, Amen.

P.S.
It is my honor to be able to write periodically for our CSC blog. It is my hope that these words and the words from all those who share from time to time will draw you in to a deeper walk with the Lord and help you see things from different points of view. While we hope to tell you more about Children's Shelter of Cebu, we also want to share a bit about those who do the work. Learn more about CSC at https://cebushelter.org.

Sources:

The Holy Bible. English Standard Version. Retrieved from:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A13-14&version=ESV

The Human Memory. (2020, November 25). Long-Term Memory. Retrieved from:
https://human-memory.net/long-term-memory/

Yocco, Victor S. (2018, January 5). Dwelling On The Past: The Importance Of Self Reflection (Part 2). Retrieved from:
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/01/importance-self-reflection-part-2/

Writing Things Down

Mar. 23, 2014By: Paul Healy

One of the things that we haven't been very good at CSC over the years is documentation. Actually, we are pretty good at the documentation needed for our children: birth certificates, medical reports, child study and developmental reports, pictures, etc. But we haven't spent much time putting down on paper the history of CSC. Working with kids in the way that we do, we move from one big thing to the next. Children come and they go and new ones come. Events occur but we don't have time to sit and think about them and their significance.

I've been thinking a lot about this lately. We need to get these things in writing. We need to document the ways that God has worked and blessed us in this ministry. We need to put our memories in written form so others can be edified, and even entertained, by them. CSC is an amazing ministry that has enjoyed God's favor for 35 years. People have made huge contributions with their time, talents and treasures. Children have blessed lives here and in the homes and communities where they have settled through adoption. Hurdles have been overcome. Prayers have been answered in miraculous ways.

So, with some fear and trepidation, I am going to begin work soon on this huge project. I will be assembling written materials, pictures and newsletters. I'm going to interview people who have been on our staff or our board, or who have been close to the ministry in different ways. I'm going to pick their minds, looking for stories and accounts that will help tell the story of CSC's first 35 years. It will be a big job, and I worry that I won 't be able to do justice to the people and events that have been used and shaped by God through our history. For Marlys and me it has been a tremendous ride. I want the book to accurately highlight that ride, and the rides of others who have helped make CSC work so well since 1979.

Students Show the Things They Have Learned

Mar. 12, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

The end of the school year is only one month away for the students of Children of Hope School.  They have worked hard and learned a ton of great things. 

Recently, they took some time to share some of the things they have learned.  During the math and science day, each level presented things they had studied.  Some of the Level B students have been learning about systems of the human body.  They explained the workings of the skeletal system and the digestive system to all the other students. They did a great job identifying the bones!

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There were many highlights during the reading and writing day.  Many students shared stories and poems they had written.  Check out one of the students reciting the poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, “The Wind.”

 

 

In between the presentation by students were games.  The tongue twister challenge was a blast.  See if you can do any better than the Children of Hope students!

 

Julieto and Classmates Skip Prom

Mar. 6, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

Julieto693dd55b11In the Philippines the school year is winding down.  It is time for exams and celebrations.  Julieto is in his fourth and final year of high school.  It is traditional to have prom near the end of the school year.  All of Julieto’s class has decided to skip prom.  They are giving all the funds set aside by the school for prom to the Haiyan/Yolanda typhoon victims in Tacloban City on Leyte Island.  The funds were used to buy clothes, food, and materials to build shelters.  Julieto heard of a school in Tacloban City which has to meet in a tent, because the school building was destroyed.

 

The global outreach for the Haiyan/Yolanda typhoon victims has been astonishing.  It includes Julieto and his classmates opening their hearts to help in a tangible way.  They are more than happy to forgo their prom party to help fellow students on another island. 

Competition

Mar. 5, 2014By: Paul Healy

I'm not a competitive person. Maybe that's why I have enjoyed only limited success in sports. I just didn't have that fire in my belly, as they say. Maybe, on the negative side, I have missed opportunities to better myself by not being competitive, but on the positive side, I haven't felt a great need to compare myself with other people very much. And I hope that it has allowed me to find enjoyment and excitement in the accomplishments and talents of others. I say "I hope" because I see this as the key to leadership, and one that I want to get better at.

But there are different kinds of competition. Today I experienced a competitive dilemma being played out in the lives of some poor people here in Cebu that takes competition to another level entirely. Together with our two social workers, Carmelita and Chris, I went to the northernmost part of Cebu to distribute some cash assistance to three families whose homes were damaged in the super typhoon. The typhoon hit about four months ago and all of these families still have to live someplace other than their own home. And here's what makes it worse. Two of the families have seen their neighbors receive assistance from the govenment while they were passed over. It is a sad situation when families have to compete for limited assistance funds or building materials. When you see your children or grandchildren suffering while others have a solid roof over their heads, its hard not to feel bitter. Its hard not to feel competitive. Some people I met in Tacloban talked about inequities in the distribution of food and water after the storm surge hit that city, and how hard it was to have to compete with neighbors for basic, life-saving commodities. What a different type of competition this is than a game of basketball or a battle for recognition at work. I'm sure it would get a fire going in my belly!

We were able to make up for some of these inequities by giving money for building materials and labor to these families. Thanks to all who allowed us the privilege of helping these people who suffered huge loss in the typhoon, and then came out on the short end of the relief assistance.

Camp 2014!

Mar. 1, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

Camp was a blast!  The 38 kids had a long list of favorite activities—swimming, good food, beach combing, games, chapel time, and on and on.  They had so much fun they did not want to leave.

The Central Baptist work team, yet again, led a great camp for the kids.  Many new kids have arrived at CSC since the last camp in 2012, so it was a fun new experience for them.

One of the highlights was the baptism on Sunday.  Eleven people, nine kids and two adults, were baptized by Pastor Joel and Pastor Chuck in the ocean on the southern tip of Cebu Island.  It was a wonderful demonstration of faith and a great example for the younger kids.

After the three hour bus ride home, the kids were already sharing their excitement for the next camp—two years from now.

Thank you to the Central team for another wonderful camp to the kids of CSC!

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