Olongapo Outreach & Christmas Party

December 17-19, 2012

It’s not yet too late for the team to be blessed and be a blessing as 2012 closes its curtains

to welcome yet another year of God’s favor and providence to His ministry.

Last December 17-19, 2012, Project Acts Mission Challenge conducted children and community

Outreach in Olongapo City, Zambales. Though some of us weren’t able to make it on the first day, it didn’t hinder us from doing God’s work to our less fortunate brothers and sisters especially to the children. Our first stop was in Mercy in Action which focuses on Maternal and Newborn Health, and Primary Health Care for Children under 5, because these populations are the most vulnerable and most likely to die in the poorer areas of our world.

(Ref: http://www.mercyinaction.com/about-mercy-in-action/).

The program started with a prayer from Ate Joy Torno, and praise and worship led by Sarah Garcia while the others prepared for the games and goods that the group will distribute during the day.

After the games for the children Ptr. Dante shared the word of God through his magic tricks and led the children to prayer. The group then distributed the biscuits to the kids, assorted goods for the families who attended and “sopas” and iced tea for their merienda.

The second day was quite different as the team conducted its yearly rest and recreation activity and Christmas party at The Cliffe resort in Subic. We ate, played games and had our exchange gift - A wonderful way to celebrate Project Acts’ success throughout the year.

We’re back to “work” on the third day as the team visited the Yokubari Foundation who also was committed in supporting the younger generation to be well rounded individuals. They provide scholarships to less fortunate children. We started the program through praise and worship led by Sis. Dimple. Word of encouragement was shared by Ate Agot encouraging the children and young people to pursue education despite the limited financial resources they have. Ptr. Dante had his repeat performance of sharing Jesus to the children through magic tricks while Ptr. Gene rendered a song number (the most requested from Project Acts I should say) called Hell Song, composed and sang by Ptr. Ogie Cayabyab. There were dancing, games, laughters and smiles all around. Then we distributed the packed biscuits to children and the assorted goods per family. It was really the most wonderful feeling to give and be a blessing.

In all of our mission trips, there’s always this unexpected itinerary. Well, it may not be planned by us, but God in His wisdom, may have purposely brought us to this place. Before going home, we trekked and visited the Aeta community in Pamulaklakin Forest Trail in Subic. Not an easy walk as some of us expected, but we can say it’s worth it. After about an hour and a half of walking we reached the Aeta community. We prepared biscuits, candies and chocolates for the children. We gathered them, taught them songs about the Lord, played with them, hugged them and most important of all, Jesus and His love was shared to them. Ate Sarah Principe led them to prayer as she closed her talk with the children.

It was the last for 2012 but definitely not the least. In our every journey as a missions and ministry team, the Lord never failed to let me realize things I would never learn by just staying on the four corners of my work, home and church. This time He taught me about HOPE. It was hope that I felt while listening to the stories about Mercy in Action, how they help women and children. Hope resounds from the mother’s womb by a child who silently fights and waits until the right time for him comes; hope was shown by the mother who would willingly give the child a chance to see life even if it seems to be imperfect and full of despair. Both, still have hope in life. Both would want to take the risk and try. At Yokubari Foundation, hope springs from the lives of the staff, the children and their family. They may not know until when they’ll  be getting support to continue, they may not know what’s ahead of them but still, they’re there hoping, praying and believing that someday dreams will come into realizations that will change their lives forever. Hope was in their heart. And lastly it is because of this Hope that Project Acts Mission Challenge continues to strive in advancing God’s Kingdom. Yes we are all doomed to failure and destruction, but not until the Hope of the world came, not until JESUS came.

Romans 5:5, And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. We became hopeless when we take our eyes away from Jesus and place our hope in people, things or circumstances. But the hope that does not disappoint is not based on our love for God, but HIS LOVE to us which we know is boundless, abundant and eternal.

This year 2013, we will continue to share the HOPE we found in Jesus. We look forward to the  AMAZING things He will do as we continue to give our lives for the cause of winning souls for Christ. 

***Special thanks to Dormido Family for hosting our mission trip in Olongapo. The Lord will surely bless you as you continue to serve and honor Him.

by Ptra. Arra Joyce E. Alejandro

Core- Leader
PAMC