THE COUNTRY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27
THE COUNTRY OF THE PHILIPPINES
THE COUNTRY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27
What we do in The Philippines
Although there are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, most of its 100 million people are concentrated on 8 main islands. The northernmost main island of Luzon is where the capital city of Manila is and is also where we base our outreaches. The Philippines is like our second home because it was the first Asian country we ministered in over 25 years ago! The people are some of the friendliest you will ever meet!
Philippines
Pastor's Seminars
One of the ways we try to maximize and multiply our impact is by ministering to pastors and leaders. Regardless of what takes place in world events, they will be there to carry on the work of the Kingdom. Our strategy is to conduct two, full-day seminars that are targeted in key locations. We generally hold the seminars in the months of the year when weather interference is at a minimum.
Orphanage
In 2009 Vessels of Mercy took a small orphanage named Kalinga at Kanlungan under its wings when the current administration was unable to continue. The building was small and the regulations were increasing, so when the opportunity came a couple of years later to merge with another orphanage that had a bigger facility and additional staff, we were thankful. Our 10 kids and their caregivers moved to join Kids International Ministries at New Faith Family Children's Home. The children are flourishing there, and it is a joy to see them growing into all God has for their lives!
Baguio Deaf School
Due to some family circumstances, God began opening our eyes to the needs of the deaf in 1997. It was around this time that we connected with the Baguio School for the Deaf which worked with deaf children in the north. The school continues to press on, and it is a tremendous testimony to have some of the former students working there as teachers! Through the years we have regularly supported them with volunteers and finances.
Livelihood Projects
Another way we can strengthen churches is to strengthen the lives of the families in the congregation. Over the years we have helped sponsor many different projects from mushroom farming, fish ponds, raising rabbits and turkeys, to growing vegetables. We have also been involved in projects that involve handicrafts that can be accomplished in the home for those in urban areas who do not have the land or space to grow things.
UPDATES IN THE PHILIPPINES
We love the Philippines and what God's doing there, whether we're there in person, or traveling. Here's the latest update from the Philippines:
Treasure shared
One of our greatest joys is seeing lives transformed and those same individuals ministering to those around them. Recently we had the privilege of attending Sidewalk Sunday School with one of our partner churches in San Mateo, Philippines. Sidewalk Sunday School is an outreach program to the children and families in areas around the church. The children sang enthusiastically and sat respectfully as the lesson was taught. The young teachers had grown up in that same area, attending the same program! Not only did these young ladies received food for their bodies, but they received the treasure of the Gospel in their hearts! They are now sharing that same treasure with the children.
ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Although there are over 7,500 islands in the Philippines, most of it’s 109 million people are concentrated on 8 main islands. The northernmost, main island of Luzon is where the capital city of Manila is, and where we base most of our outreaches. Of all the countries in Asia, the Philippines is like our second home because it is the first country we ministered in over 30 years ago. In addition, the people are some of the friendliest you will ever meet!
The Philippines has 19 different languages but their official language is Tagalog. Because their educational system has a lot of English built into their classes, most Filipinos speak English, and that makes ministry around the country much easier. The Philippines is a republic and as such they are very free, and we are very free to travel around and minister openly. The church in the Philippines is growing both in size and maturity. As this is happening it is becoming more and more of a missionary sending nation. Because Vessels of Mercy is focused on coming alongside existing churches, and because we have 30 years of trust and relationships built with national pastors, we have many open doors around the country with many different church affiliations. Because the church there is already established, they are skilled in evangelism. So one of their greatest needs is leadership training and materials to help disciple new churches and believers.
Interested in supporting our ministry IN PHILIPPINES?
The Philippines could really use your financial support. Would you consider helping fund our ministry to the Philippines?
PHILIPPINES Photo gallery
