Father continues to reveal His perfect plan as we travel about the Philippines.
Fri., July 15 – We spent the day at Samaritana which is a transformation community for women trapped in prostitution. It was a day for training women coming off the streets to learn be to servent leaders to other women on the streets! We had the opportunity to personally pray with two of the women. What an honor!
We went out to the streets in the evening and were introduced to a number of women whom Samaritana staff have befriended and visit regularly. We were blessed to be included in interacting with and encouraging them.
Sat, July 16 - We visited with David Lim, the chairman of the Philippine House Church movement. He shared his extensive acedemic background and his efforts to transform Asia. He states, “We're encouraging each house church leader to be entrepreneurial (if possible, set up their own business), and if possible corporately set up businesses, cooperatives, foundations… We have already clearly decided never to incorporate as a house church network or movement - since the beginning.” However, he said that a number of them involved are establishing a foundation that will allow the house church network to receive funds to help scholars etc. We challenged him on this thinking using Jesus and His disciples as our example – who never considered registering their ministry with the worldly government (http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/church-living-organism-or-legal.html, http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/spirituality-response-to-church-living.html ).
Sun. July 17 - Yesterday was laundry day and rest. We've postponed our journey to deal with health issues before we move on. Our wounds are looking much better! No more diarrhea! YEAH! However, I'm now having back problems, which is an intermittent issue at home. So... please keep praying! I know that God is sovereign over all things and that He uses all things for His glory! So.... I've been praising Him in the midst of it!
Sharing such things is a challenge for us. We both tend to quietly endure, but.... we're learning that this is not good. Instead, we need to share with those who love us and can pray for us!
Mon. July 18 - Because of their schedule, we’ve not had much of a chance to visit with Ferdi & Toni, but they have freely opened their home to us and Ferdi spoils us with his wonderful cooking!
We are scheduled to move on to Laguna today, but I’m not sure that my back is ready. I’m wrestling with whether or not satan is trying to hold me back and that I need to press through or…if God is trying to tell me that my schedule is not His and that I need to stay put!
Even though I’m wrestling through what I believe is a spiritual attack, I know Who is sovereign over all and that He has a beautiful purpose. While icing my back, Gary has been reading a book to me called Back to the Basics (yes, he’s a blessing!). It is about Kingdom living. I see the importance of reading this book even before moving on in our journey.
As we read Back to the Basics, I have mixed emotions:
1) I have longed for years for this kind of transparency and accountability and knew of no one who was ready or seemed interested. I’m saddened by what seems like “wasted” years! Yet I know God’s timing is perfect!
2) I’m relieved to know that I was not off-base in my thinking and that I was truly desiring that which God desires for His people.
3) I’m excited to know others who desire this way of living – kingdom living!
Tues. July 19 - The Lord always has a purpose! Because of our "delay" we've had time to rest in our Lord without the busyness and the extra time here provided an opportunity to have a wonderful conversation with Toni & Ferdi that we would have missed out on had we moved on sooner. Once again, I see Gary's tender heart toward the next generation as he visits with Ferdi! Although my back is not totally back to normal, it is more manageable. My wound is nearly healed. Gary's still has a ways to go, but we are feeling more comfortable about moving on.
Thurs. July 21 - We traveled Wed. by bus to Laguna. Our host family is Eman & Elvie Abrea and their 3 children. Eman is the house church leader in this region. Wed. eve we met with Norma who is another house church leader and community developer. Thurs. morning I taught Elvie to knit and we visited with Eman about organic gardening, making herbal soaps, lotions etc. as livelihood opportunities for his family and others. He is very interested in learning and teaching others.
In the afternoon we went to the riverside where approximately 300 families live in poverty. We had around 15 men and women who came to observe as I taught knitting. The men were just as excited as the women. In fact, they are already planning how they might make more knitting looms for the women and got some wire and began to make more hooks. The women learned very quickly! Although I brought yarn, we talked about recycling items such as plastic bags, old clothing, ribbon from VHS tapes, etc. into “yarn”. They were already thinking very creatively!
Gary was delighted to have the opportunity to interact with several children while I taught knitting! This is like heaven for him!
We had the privilege of praying for a young girl who is very ill.
We observed Ernie making concrete stoves which are used for cooking with charcoal.
Eman crushed and placed moringa leaves on Gary's leg wound. We’re anxious to see the results! I was a bit concerned about the amount of walking we had to do along with riding on bumpy roads in jeepnies and trikes. But... the Lord protected my back and I really felt pretty good by the time we arrived back to Eman's.
Norma is full of fire and energy. I think she knows everyone in the Philippines and half the people in the USA! She is full of helpful information and has helpful contacts all around!
“The world MUST see us loving each other. They cannot see through the walls of a room once a week. They see us loving each other when they see us carrying each other’s loads,… This is how all men will know that we are His disciple – not just by what we believe, but how they see us love each other.” – Back to the Basics
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).
Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
SUCH SWEET INDULGENCE
Fri. July 8 – Gary spent the morning visiting with Peter while Molong and I chatted. about many deep things. Molong’s wisdom is far beyond his years! I taught Lisa how to knit. She’s a fast learner!!! I promised to teach Lisa how to bake bread and to make an American dish. So... in the afternoon we went to the market to purchase supplies for bread making and beef stew. I had a great visit with Albert about organic gardening and canning! It is so refreshing to visitng with a young man so eager to learn!
Sat. July 9 - We have had many deep and intimate conversations with Molong & Lisa. Even after such a short time my heart over flows with love for them. Lisa calls me “Mommy” and my heart leaps every time I hear her say it. I’ve noticed that I can’t help but “mother” them – it seems so very natural to embrace them under my wing.
The evening was spent with extended family and community “members”. Lisa finished knitting a cell phone carrier. She’s so excited! She already has “customers” wanting her product!
Sun July 10 - A few days ago, I wrote “I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I treasure this response from a dear brother –
“I know someone who traveled from the glory of His Father,
to be with people, talk about life within the kingdom of God
-- such idle indulgence, don't you think? ”
We received word this morning that the Philippine House Church “movement” is seeking incorporation! My heart hurts! I cried for the people whom God has so powerfully moved among here. Can we expect to remain organic while registering to be institutionalized? Can we expect the Spirit of God to remain among us when we marry ourselves to the world’s systems? When we begin to select kings (presidents, board members etc) to rule our activities have we not rejected the Kingship of God? How is it that we can see the destruction of institutionalizing our Kingdom fellowship but not our Kindgom work? Attempting to incorporate the kingdom work of God will always lead to establishing a kingdom outside of the Kingdom of God.
Once a movement crystalizes into an institution the radicalness of the movement’s founder is discouraged. Most founders do not mean to reform or dismantle one institution only to establish another. Their task is to question authority, to deconstruct the powers and to confront government.
When preachers say, “Be like Jesus!” they usually don’t mean this one.
The morale is: Question authority, even if it hurts.
I had the thrill of cooking an American dish for the community here and extended family members. The afternoon and evening was filled with wonderful fellowship, testimonies, tears and laughter! What joy there is to look one direction and watch the children play and hear them laugh! How exciting it is to look another direction and observe young men and women tenderly discipling one another. What pleasure there is in visiting with brothers and sisters from around the world about what Jesus has accomplished for us and the freedom there is in experiencing it in Kingdom living together.
Molong was attempting to teach me a few words in Cebuano. I should have known better than to trust him! One of the words he had chosen was “handsome” - or so I thought. In my efforts to learn, I clearly and cautiously pronounced the word while looking at the young man sitting next to me. As it turned out, Molong was teaching me to say, “ugly”! Yep…. I looked this precious young man in the eye and announced, “You are U.G.L.Y”! Everyone started laughing and the young man said in English, “You are ugly!” Now….I’m thinking that I had just complimented him and in return he’s telling me that I’m ugly?! Like a momma, I told him that he needed to respect his elders! As we recalled this scene later in the evening, we all laughed so hard that I thought we were going to fall off our chairs!
We had the honor of meeting Molong’ spiritual mother and Albert from Uganda. Albert left his postion of “honor” in a royal family to follow Jesus! We were blessed by his testimonies, gentle spirit and most importantly His passion for Jesus!
July 11 – Mon - I snorkeled for the first time today! All I can say is “WOW!” and I know that I saw only a taste of the beauty of God’s under water creation!
Gary’s tenderness and open heart toward the young disciples that come and go daily warms my heart. It is fun to simply sit back and observe as they share their hearts with him!
We went to the open air market with Lisa. It’s fun to see all the vendors with fresh produce, sea food etc. Although I can’t understand a word of Cebuano, it’s also fun to listen to them barter back and forth! I must learn! I think I’d be good at it!
Every day that we are here with these precious people we get a fresh taste of what it is like to disciple those whom God calls you to in daily activities. I simply marvel over the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s moving and preparing a heart to receive all that God has to offer! The love and compassion that Lisa and Molong demonstrate to those they father and mother spiritually is beyond words. I’ve learned much from them already and will miss them greatly as we move along to Luzon tonight!
July 12-13 - Our host family here in Quezon City is Toni & Ferdi Dy and their little daughter Robyn.
We spent this time getting settled in and making arrangements for our visits while here in Luzon.
Thurs, July 14 –We had an opportunity to visit with a number of people who were interested in learning more about organic church. Many good questins were stirred up and some are seeking to learn more! We left them with some helpful resources.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Sat. July 9 - We have had many deep and intimate conversations with Molong & Lisa. Even after such a short time my heart over flows with love for them. Lisa calls me “Mommy” and my heart leaps every time I hear her say it. I’ve noticed that I can’t help but “mother” them – it seems so very natural to embrace them under my wing.
The evening was spent with extended family and community “members”. Lisa finished knitting a cell phone carrier. She’s so excited! She already has “customers” wanting her product!
Sun July 10 - A few days ago, I wrote “I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I treasure this response from a dear brother –
“I know someone who traveled from the glory of His Father,
to be with people, talk about life within the kingdom of God
-- such idle indulgence, don't you think? ”
We received word this morning that the Philippine House Church “movement” is seeking incorporation! My heart hurts! I cried for the people whom God has so powerfully moved among here. Can we expect to remain organic while registering to be institutionalized? Can we expect the Spirit of God to remain among us when we marry ourselves to the world’s systems? When we begin to select kings (presidents, board members etc) to rule our activities have we not rejected the Kingship of God? How is it that we can see the destruction of institutionalizing our Kingdom fellowship but not our Kindgom work? Attempting to incorporate the kingdom work of God will always lead to establishing a kingdom outside of the Kingdom of God.
Once a movement crystalizes into an institution the radicalness of the movement’s founder is discouraged. Most founders do not mean to reform or dismantle one institution only to establish another. Their task is to question authority, to deconstruct the powers and to confront government.
When preachers say, “Be like Jesus!” they usually don’t mean this one.
The morale is: Question authority, even if it hurts.
I had the thrill of cooking an American dish for the community here and extended family members. The afternoon and evening was filled with wonderful fellowship, testimonies, tears and laughter! What joy there is to look one direction and watch the children play and hear them laugh! How exciting it is to look another direction and observe young men and women tenderly discipling one another. What pleasure there is in visiting with brothers and sisters from around the world about what Jesus has accomplished for us and the freedom there is in experiencing it in Kingdom living together.
Molong was attempting to teach me a few words in Cebuano. I should have known better than to trust him! One of the words he had chosen was “handsome” - or so I thought. In my efforts to learn, I clearly and cautiously pronounced the word while looking at the young man sitting next to me. As it turned out, Molong was teaching me to say, “ugly”! Yep…. I looked this precious young man in the eye and announced, “You are U.G.L.Y”! Everyone started laughing and the young man said in English, “You are ugly!” Now….I’m thinking that I had just complimented him and in return he’s telling me that I’m ugly?! Like a momma, I told him that he needed to respect his elders! As we recalled this scene later in the evening, we all laughed so hard that I thought we were going to fall off our chairs!
We had the honor of meeting Molong’ spiritual mother and Albert from Uganda. Albert left his postion of “honor” in a royal family to follow Jesus! We were blessed by his testimonies, gentle spirit and most importantly His passion for Jesus!
July 11 – Mon - I snorkeled for the first time today! All I can say is “WOW!” and I know that I saw only a taste of the beauty of God’s under water creation!
Gary’s tenderness and open heart toward the young disciples that come and go daily warms my heart. It is fun to simply sit back and observe as they share their hearts with him!
We went to the open air market with Lisa. It’s fun to see all the vendors with fresh produce, sea food etc. Although I can’t understand a word of Cebuano, it’s also fun to listen to them barter back and forth! I must learn! I think I’d be good at it!
Every day that we are here with these precious people we get a fresh taste of what it is like to disciple those whom God calls you to in daily activities. I simply marvel over the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s moving and preparing a heart to receive all that God has to offer! The love and compassion that Lisa and Molong demonstrate to those they father and mother spiritually is beyond words. I’ve learned much from them already and will miss them greatly as we move along to Luzon tonight!
July 12-13 - Our host family here in Quezon City is Toni & Ferdi Dy and their little daughter Robyn.
We spent this time getting settled in and making arrangements for our visits while here in Luzon.
Thurs, July 14 –We had an opportunity to visit with a number of people who were interested in learning more about organic church. Many good questins were stirred up and some are seeking to learn more! We left them with some helpful resources.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, July 14, 2011
And He Will Turn the Hearts of the Fathers to the Children
Throughout these next several weeks I will be sharing parts of my journal while here in the Philippines in an effort to share my heart and what Father is teaching me.
Sunday July 3: Oliver & Shirley brought Molong to pick us up @ airport.
Arrived “home” and sat in the bahay kubo (hut) with while it rained listening to frogs and drinking fresh picked tarragon tea..
Monday July 4: Before coming Brother Dan Hubbel shared with me that the Lord had spoken Mal. 4:6 through him to those attending the Philippine House Church. When he shared it really touched my heart. Molong had much to say yesterday about spiritual fathering and mothering. My attention was drawn this morning to an article in which a dear brother wrote:
"It has always been the plan of the Father to reveal His nature to man through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man. The Father understood human nature and how we need visible examples with skin on them. Today it is no different. For proper discipleship to take place, we need to see examples of Godly men who are following hard after Christ.
The Lord Jesus instituted no seminaries, he left no religious how to books, nor catechisms, nor baptism classes, and he left no Mecca for people to go to whether that be Jerusalem, Redding California or Kansas City Missouri. His discipleship plan takes time so there is no intensive available. The plan calls for a son to follow a father. Disciples need fathers and fathers are made for sons. No one can father himself!
Mal 4:6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." NKJV"
We're listening Lord!
Tues July 5: We are meeting more and more of the people of this commnity. There is a young girl who has four holes in her heart but can not afford the healthcare that is needed for surgery. Father give us wisdom! She longs to learn but can not attend public school because of health issue. I visited with Molong about homeschooling and what I had learned about it in the Philippines so far.
We had a long visit with Molong & Oliver about their desire to establish a “Foundation” (non-profit incorporation) in order to help those in need, what God’s Word says about developing His Kingdom Work under the headship of the world’s government, what example Jesus set for us etc. It was a time of learning & re-evaluating for us all. We continue to ask Father to give them wisdom.
Molong, Gary & I rode the Molong’s motorcycle to the sea. While enjoying the water it began to rain. We could see the rain moving across the water toward us. The storm kept circling around us in such a fashion that the rain kept coming back to us until eventually we were enveloped by rain from every direction! It was beautiful & fun! We laughed and giggle like little children as we enjoyed being poured upon! We continued to share our hearts while literally and spiritually being emersed in the beauty and presence of our Lord.
Wed July 6 – Began to plan a rough draft of our schedule and making calls to our contacts in Luzon. Looks like our days are going to be full! Spent the afternoon and evening connecting hearts with those in the House Church community here, sharing, learning how God is moving, etc. We are being spoiled by the hospitality being offered to us and are blessed to see the coming and going of those in the family of God and those interested in learning what this thing called “the family of God” is all about! The spontaneity of fellowship is refreshing! Some of the ladies here are interested in learning to knit and bake. So… tomorrow may be a knitting day!
Thurs July 7 - I’m not sure I even know how to put into words what God is showing us that makes sense to anyone! We’ve had so many wonderful and deep conversations that I’m not even sure where to begin in sharing! Most of the day was spent learning from one another. One thing that we talked about is the reflection of Christ’s life within the Kingdom of God, how that is lived out among His people. We’ve talked about how there is no buying and selling among his people, rather giving and receiving
We spent the evening with Oliver & Shirley’s family at their home sharing and enjoying the reality that Jesus truly is in our midst!.
I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I’m feeling strongly that I need to write about our time with these precious ones being relational and not project oriented! God is showing me so much that I can’t keep up!
Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie
Sunday July 3: Oliver & Shirley brought Molong to pick us up @ airport.
Arrived “home” and sat in the bahay kubo (hut) with while it rained listening to frogs and drinking fresh picked tarragon tea..
Monday July 4: Before coming Brother Dan Hubbel shared with me that the Lord had spoken Mal. 4:6 through him to those attending the Philippine House Church. When he shared it really touched my heart. Molong had much to say yesterday about spiritual fathering and mothering. My attention was drawn this morning to an article in which a dear brother wrote:
"It has always been the plan of the Father to reveal His nature to man through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man. The Father understood human nature and how we need visible examples with skin on them. Today it is no different. For proper discipleship to take place, we need to see examples of Godly men who are following hard after Christ.
The Lord Jesus instituted no seminaries, he left no religious how to books, nor catechisms, nor baptism classes, and he left no Mecca for people to go to whether that be Jerusalem, Redding California or Kansas City Missouri. His discipleship plan takes time so there is no intensive available. The plan calls for a son to follow a father. Disciples need fathers and fathers are made for sons. No one can father himself!
Mal 4:6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." NKJV"
We're listening Lord!
Tues July 5: We are meeting more and more of the people of this commnity. There is a young girl who has four holes in her heart but can not afford the healthcare that is needed for surgery. Father give us wisdom! She longs to learn but can not attend public school because of health issue. I visited with Molong about homeschooling and what I had learned about it in the Philippines so far.
We had a long visit with Molong & Oliver about their desire to establish a “Foundation” (non-profit incorporation) in order to help those in need, what God’s Word says about developing His Kingdom Work under the headship of the world’s government, what example Jesus set for us etc. It was a time of learning & re-evaluating for us all. We continue to ask Father to give them wisdom.
Molong, Gary & I rode the Molong’s motorcycle to the sea. While enjoying the water it began to rain. We could see the rain moving across the water toward us. The storm kept circling around us in such a fashion that the rain kept coming back to us until eventually we were enveloped by rain from every direction! It was beautiful & fun! We laughed and giggle like little children as we enjoyed being poured upon! We continued to share our hearts while literally and spiritually being emersed in the beauty and presence of our Lord.
Wed July 6 – Began to plan a rough draft of our schedule and making calls to our contacts in Luzon. Looks like our days are going to be full! Spent the afternoon and evening connecting hearts with those in the House Church community here, sharing, learning how God is moving, etc. We are being spoiled by the hospitality being offered to us and are blessed to see the coming and going of those in the family of God and those interested in learning what this thing called “the family of God” is all about! The spontaneity of fellowship is refreshing! Some of the ladies here are interested in learning to knit and bake. So… tomorrow may be a knitting day!
Thurs July 7 - I’m not sure I even know how to put into words what God is showing us that makes sense to anyone! We’ve had so many wonderful and deep conversations that I’m not even sure where to begin in sharing! Most of the day was spent learning from one another. One thing that we talked about is the reflection of Christ’s life within the Kingdom of God, how that is lived out among His people. We’ve talked about how there is no buying and selling among his people, rather giving and receiving
We spent the evening with Oliver & Shirley’s family at their home sharing and enjoying the reality that Jesus truly is in our midst!.
I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I’m feeling strongly that I need to write about our time with these precious ones being relational and not project oriented! God is showing me so much that I can’t keep up!
Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Could Cooperative Homeschooling Be a Part of the Solution?
While I was in the Philippines this past winter, I learned that not only are the children required to wear uniforms in order to attend school; there are fees to be paid, as well. Because most families are too poor for such “luxuries,” many children do not receive an education. Yet, in order for a person to obtain even the lowest paying jobs, such as working at McDonald’s (yes, they are everywhere!), they must obtain 1-2 years of college education! Needless to say, the unemployment rate is quite high!
Often, the eldest daughter in a family is held responsible to help provide for the rest of her family. She is often sold by her father into what he believes is “domestic work,” but in actuality she is trafficked as a sex slave or out of deep loyalty toward her family she sells herself to prevent them from starving! My heart aches over such horrible reality!
A number of weeks to go, I began to consider that homeschooling might be an answer for those living in such poverty. Through a little research, I discovered that homeschooling is not only legal in the Philippines, but that there are an estimated 4,000 being homeschooled. Having this information, many questions began to run through my mind:
• How can uneducated parents fulfill a teaching role for their children?
• How can they afford the educational resources necessary for homeschooling?
• What is the role of the House Church communities in helping to educate children within their communities?
• Are there ministries already established for this purpose that I might glean information from?
• Are there mission workers who can help train the parents and community leaders?
Considering our special concern for those at risk or enslaved in sexual exploitation, it seems that the safe confines of Christian fellowship and community would be a perfect place for them and their children to obtain a well-rounded education taught by a variety of community members!
Perhaps a homeschool cooperative through which families join together to educate their children would prove to be beneficial in many ways:
• low cost
• a safe environment
• multiple teachers with diverse skills and interests
• the ability to select learning methods, curriculum and most importantly Christian values
• high academic standards
A cooperative would enhance the homeschool experience by involving children in a community of friends and families, exposing them to a variety of academic topics and activities.
Something I learned in public school that is being confirmed in my adult life: if you color outside the lines you will Fail! What will you fail? You will fail to please the authorities, the conformists and the fearful. You must conform! Thinking outside of the box is punishable by “F“!
Rules are important. We need them. But sometimes they are used to our detriment, to prevent creativity and to keep things the way they are. - dhayward
Further research led me to information about The Master’s Academy in the Philippines. According to its director, Edric Mendoza, “Filipinos are still very open to biblical truth and generally have a religious outlook. They are becoming more open to the option of homeschooling, especially when it is discussed in light of character development.” Mendoza explains that “The public school system is not only wracked with practical problems—a ratio of 50 students to 1 teacher (at best), substandard curriculums, and a decline in the quality of teachers—but there is also a growing population of young people who are being lost in the noise of a media and technological age that seeks to erase God.”
The Master’s Academy is a homeschooling program that seeks “To provide families with a world-class, distinctly Filipino, family-focused homeschool experience via a Christian worldview and the Luke 2:52 model”!
TMA “created a Training & Receiving center based in Manila, to increase accessibility to its enrolled families who come for orientations, seminars, workshops, events, meetings with Academic Consultants, as well as the processing of enrollment. However, in the nature of homeschooling, daily instruction of their children happens in the home…”
After answering a few questions about what my vision is, Mr. Mendoza agreed to meet with us to discuss what might be done to help!
When I shared all of this with a dear friend, she suggested that U.S. homeschoolers could be drawn to support this mission and provide input/resources, sending their no longer needed materials and having their children as pen-pals for mission kids! What a wonderful vision!
Can you imagine the honor of praying for and rejoicing with these families as they achieve academic excellence along within their community life as children of the Most High God?
What else can I say, but…. “Amen (Let it be so), Lord Jesus!”
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Often, the eldest daughter in a family is held responsible to help provide for the rest of her family. She is often sold by her father into what he believes is “domestic work,” but in actuality she is trafficked as a sex slave or out of deep loyalty toward her family she sells herself to prevent them from starving! My heart aches over such horrible reality!
A number of weeks to go, I began to consider that homeschooling might be an answer for those living in such poverty. Through a little research, I discovered that homeschooling is not only legal in the Philippines, but that there are an estimated 4,000 being homeschooled. Having this information, many questions began to run through my mind:
• How can uneducated parents fulfill a teaching role for their children?
• How can they afford the educational resources necessary for homeschooling?
• What is the role of the House Church communities in helping to educate children within their communities?
• Are there ministries already established for this purpose that I might glean information from?
• Are there mission workers who can help train the parents and community leaders?
Considering our special concern for those at risk or enslaved in sexual exploitation, it seems that the safe confines of Christian fellowship and community would be a perfect place for them and their children to obtain a well-rounded education taught by a variety of community members!
Perhaps a homeschool cooperative through which families join together to educate their children would prove to be beneficial in many ways:
• low cost
• a safe environment
• multiple teachers with diverse skills and interests
• the ability to select learning methods, curriculum and most importantly Christian values
• high academic standards
A cooperative would enhance the homeschool experience by involving children in a community of friends and families, exposing them to a variety of academic topics and activities.
Something I learned in public school that is being confirmed in my adult life: if you color outside the lines you will Fail! What will you fail? You will fail to please the authorities, the conformists and the fearful. You must conform! Thinking outside of the box is punishable by “F“!
Rules are important. We need them. But sometimes they are used to our detriment, to prevent creativity and to keep things the way they are. - dhayward
Further research led me to information about The Master’s Academy in the Philippines. According to its director, Edric Mendoza, “Filipinos are still very open to biblical truth and generally have a religious outlook. They are becoming more open to the option of homeschooling, especially when it is discussed in light of character development.” Mendoza explains that “The public school system is not only wracked with practical problems—a ratio of 50 students to 1 teacher (at best), substandard curriculums, and a decline in the quality of teachers—but there is also a growing population of young people who are being lost in the noise of a media and technological age that seeks to erase God.”
The Master’s Academy is a homeschooling program that seeks “To provide families with a world-class, distinctly Filipino, family-focused homeschool experience via a Christian worldview and the Luke 2:52 model”!
TMA “created a Training & Receiving center based in Manila, to increase accessibility to its enrolled families who come for orientations, seminars, workshops, events, meetings with Academic Consultants, as well as the processing of enrollment. However, in the nature of homeschooling, daily instruction of their children happens in the home…”
After answering a few questions about what my vision is, Mr. Mendoza agreed to meet with us to discuss what might be done to help!
When I shared all of this with a dear friend, she suggested that U.S. homeschoolers could be drawn to support this mission and provide input/resources, sending their no longer needed materials and having their children as pen-pals for mission kids! What a wonderful vision!
Can you imagine the honor of praying for and rejoicing with these families as they achieve academic excellence along within their community life as children of the Most High God?
What else can I say, but…. “Amen (Let it be so), Lord Jesus!”
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, June 30, 2011
House Church Leaders Respond
As the power of God moves through the Philippines, preparing His people for that which is to come, He is raising up House Churches throughout the islands. While the institutional church seems to shy away from the issue, it seems that these communities of Jesus’ followers may be prepared to respond to the escalating numbers trapped in the sex-slave trade. Our anticipation is increasing as Father opens doors among the House Church leaders to visit with them about our concerns regarding this growing industry. We are humbled by the gracious hospitality being offered by these Brothers in Jesus and their families! What precious blessings from Father they are!
Brother Molong from Cebu: People to consider to visit on my recommendations are: Edwin and Norma Sarona, a couple who is reaching new generations and needs a lot of fathering and mothering. Located at north Luzon, Vigan City is where they live. It's a UNESCO member, a place that is full of history by Spanish people. You will love it there.
Next is Ambruce, located also in Luzon, who has bunches of housechurches around. About 30 of them. Young people also, but need some parenting. Been there twice and have seen their labor.
Eric Pangilinan in Baguio City, heard of it? Beautiful cold place in the mountains.
These location where Edwin, Ambruce and Eric are, you can go to on one trip as they are closer to each other. I can send you guys out there, and they can treat you as extended family.
Cebu is a missionary hub, as it is located in the center of the country and have easy access to go around the island. No traffic, it's the first tourist spot in the country, food of any kind is around, cheaper compared to some places, only 15 minute by jeepney hopping to every town and city, and it's all mountains and seas around that you can see. It's like New York, that has two bridges to hop into the next city from airport. It has 167 island and islets.
Before or after probably several of your trips around, we can go to a small white sand island and you can stay there for a week or two, and relax and hear Father.
Going to South of the country, we can send you to Butuan City, that's in Mindanao. Mike Tan and Ed Baulete who started new work for the new generation are there. In Bukidnon we have Ching Alquino, in Koronadal we have Joel Ouano. If you want to visit house churches in Muslim communities there is a Brother who works very closely to Eman. We can down from Cebu to Dumaguete, a small beautiful City; we can visit there with James.
Brother Art from Luzon: I can take you up to the Northern Provinces of La Union, Pangasinan & Baguio maybe before you fly to Cebu or when you come back from Cebu & I’ll take care of your accommodations. Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. That will give you some respite from the heat & warm weather in the Philippines. We'll connect you to other people while you’re here so I think you will have your schedule full.
Brother Eman from Luzon: I am willing to spend days with you and to help you to connect with my friends in different provinces. Just let me know specifically how many days are you going to spend in each region or province so that I can arrange your itinerary and ask my friends to host you.
Our house is open for you and for Gary. You can stay with us if you want to. We have no air condition room and no heater for the bath. If the Lord will provide the budget for the mattress before you come, then we will buy it. So there's no need for you to shoulder the cost. We also have an electric fan. It's more practical to stay with us than travelling. By the way, we also have no car to use but there are many public transportation available in the area.
We continue to wait on our Lord to see what He has in mind regarding these precious House Church communities and our concern for those trapped in sexual exploitation. I will share more as the Lord continues to reveal His plans.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Brother Molong from Cebu: People to consider to visit on my recommendations are: Edwin and Norma Sarona, a couple who is reaching new generations and needs a lot of fathering and mothering. Located at north Luzon, Vigan City is where they live. It's a UNESCO member, a place that is full of history by Spanish people. You will love it there.
Next is Ambruce, located also in Luzon, who has bunches of housechurches around. About 30 of them. Young people also, but need some parenting. Been there twice and have seen their labor.
Eric Pangilinan in Baguio City, heard of it? Beautiful cold place in the mountains.
These location where Edwin, Ambruce and Eric are, you can go to on one trip as they are closer to each other. I can send you guys out there, and they can treat you as extended family.
Cebu is a missionary hub, as it is located in the center of the country and have easy access to go around the island. No traffic, it's the first tourist spot in the country, food of any kind is around, cheaper compared to some places, only 15 minute by jeepney hopping to every town and city, and it's all mountains and seas around that you can see. It's like New York, that has two bridges to hop into the next city from airport. It has 167 island and islets.
Before or after probably several of your trips around, we can go to a small white sand island and you can stay there for a week or two, and relax and hear Father.
Going to South of the country, we can send you to Butuan City, that's in Mindanao. Mike Tan and Ed Baulete who started new work for the new generation are there. In Bukidnon we have Ching Alquino, in Koronadal we have Joel Ouano. If you want to visit house churches in Muslim communities there is a Brother who works very closely to Eman. We can down from Cebu to Dumaguete, a small beautiful City; we can visit there with James.
Brother Art from Luzon: I can take you up to the Northern Provinces of La Union, Pangasinan & Baguio maybe before you fly to Cebu or when you come back from Cebu & I’ll take care of your accommodations. Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. That will give you some respite from the heat & warm weather in the Philippines. We'll connect you to other people while you’re here so I think you will have your schedule full.
Brother Eman from Luzon: I am willing to spend days with you and to help you to connect with my friends in different provinces. Just let me know specifically how many days are you going to spend in each region or province so that I can arrange your itinerary and ask my friends to host you.
Our house is open for you and for Gary. You can stay with us if you want to. We have no air condition room and no heater for the bath. If the Lord will provide the budget for the mattress before you come, then we will buy it. So there's no need for you to shoulder the cost. We also have an electric fan. It's more practical to stay with us than travelling. By the way, we also have no car to use but there are many public transportation available in the area.
We continue to wait on our Lord to see what He has in mind regarding these precious House Church communities and our concern for those trapped in sexual exploitation. I will share more as the Lord continues to reveal His plans.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Ways of the Father's Family
Last week I shared with you questions which Gary and I posed to various contacts in the Philippines regarding the Organic Church and its role in responding to human trafficking and sexual exploitation. I would like to share with you a response which we received.
"Christians, that is extended family of house churches, here started to move from house to house, a community, a "HUB" where we share EVERYTHING, things and finances; you name it. We don't "buy and sell" but "GIVE AND RECEIVE" because that's how a KINGDOM works - The "COUNTRY" of God.
We believe that if we really feel in love with those people to whom we minister then we should live 'among' them, just as Jesus lived 'among' us [John 1:14]. Being church may require also changing where you live. So we move as God is always moving.
Several of us are now living close together as FAMILY, we do things together 'everyday' and as we do it discussions about life happens, prayer happens all around.
We don't believe in getting a maid-servant and pay him/her as worker, as in the kingdom there is equality; apart from it is hierarchy.
We discuss among ourselves to 'temporarily adopt' one of the street kids or a prostitute and let him/her live among us here. Remember, 'house to house' not 'commune' - not two families living in one house, but each family lives in a different house separately yet close to each other to help, care and love and look for each other - warning each other everyday so that no one would be entangled by sin.
We refuse to do a 'hit and run' ministry like so called 'evangelisms' and 'outreaches', spewing words of God and tracts and say goodbyes and done. If church is a family then we cannot just leave them where they are.
Again, being church may change not just the way you think about Christianity but also change WHERE you live. So, an APOSTOLIC HUB is very important, it's a place and a family to newborn children of God where [me and my wife] older couples acts as spiritual father and mother figure. This is very different than feeding ministries, orphanages, where they have pastors, presidents and founders, staffs and teachers, yet none acts as spiritual parents. Malachi’s last verse is about 'turning the hearts of fathers to the children and children to their fathers' - talking about FATHERING AND MOTHERING your next generation, and LAST verse of the OT is (guess): CURSE. Scary... John the Baptist’s first message is the same - fathering and mothering. Reason?: To prepare the way of the Lord. Very important.
Of course when you and your husband come, we're gonna treat you not only as traveling apostles but also as family. Stay with us as we have a room 'made' for you. Wolfgang Simson first stayed in this room, you be next. As we give and receive, not buy and sell, our services are all free - we offer you our gifts and talents, food, fruits, and a nice ambiance! Room is aircon, wifi ready, bermuda grass around, organic veggies you eat every meal, and close to the beach where you can walk and swim everyday. And of course, we do what we feel the King leads us to do. It is important that you guys have a place called APOSTOLIC HUB, HELP one, two persons [not sponsored, as we don't sponsor a family, we don't have Christian 'neighbors' here, we are family]; let's put them in the hub for them to have a family - us."
As Gary and I read this dear Brother’s response, we were moved to tears. The Spirit of our Lord is obviously alive and moving amongst His people in Cebu. Father has heard our prayers and connected us with a dear Brother to whom His heart for His Family has been revealed. We are so excited to see what Father has in store for our visit in Cebu!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
"Christians, that is extended family of house churches, here started to move from house to house, a community, a "HUB" where we share EVERYTHING, things and finances; you name it. We don't "buy and sell" but "GIVE AND RECEIVE" because that's how a KINGDOM works - The "COUNTRY" of God.
We believe that if we really feel in love with those people to whom we minister then we should live 'among' them, just as Jesus lived 'among' us [John 1:14]. Being church may require also changing where you live. So we move as God is always moving.
Several of us are now living close together as FAMILY, we do things together 'everyday' and as we do it discussions about life happens, prayer happens all around.
We don't believe in getting a maid-servant and pay him/her as worker, as in the kingdom there is equality; apart from it is hierarchy.
We discuss among ourselves to 'temporarily adopt' one of the street kids or a prostitute and let him/her live among us here. Remember, 'house to house' not 'commune' - not two families living in one house, but each family lives in a different house separately yet close to each other to help, care and love and look for each other - warning each other everyday so that no one would be entangled by sin.
We refuse to do a 'hit and run' ministry like so called 'evangelisms' and 'outreaches', spewing words of God and tracts and say goodbyes and done. If church is a family then we cannot just leave them where they are.
Again, being church may change not just the way you think about Christianity but also change WHERE you live. So, an APOSTOLIC HUB is very important, it's a place and a family to newborn children of God where [me and my wife] older couples acts as spiritual father and mother figure. This is very different than feeding ministries, orphanages, where they have pastors, presidents and founders, staffs and teachers, yet none acts as spiritual parents. Malachi’s last verse is about 'turning the hearts of fathers to the children and children to their fathers' - talking about FATHERING AND MOTHERING your next generation, and LAST verse of the OT is (guess): CURSE. Scary... John the Baptist’s first message is the same - fathering and mothering. Reason?: To prepare the way of the Lord. Very important.
Of course when you and your husband come, we're gonna treat you not only as traveling apostles but also as family. Stay with us as we have a room 'made' for you. Wolfgang Simson first stayed in this room, you be next. As we give and receive, not buy and sell, our services are all free - we offer you our gifts and talents, food, fruits, and a nice ambiance! Room is aircon, wifi ready, bermuda grass around, organic veggies you eat every meal, and close to the beach where you can walk and swim everyday. And of course, we do what we feel the King leads us to do. It is important that you guys have a place called APOSTOLIC HUB, HELP one, two persons [not sponsored, as we don't sponsor a family, we don't have Christian 'neighbors' here, we are family]; let's put them in the hub for them to have a family - us."
As Gary and I read this dear Brother’s response, we were moved to tears. The Spirit of our Lord is obviously alive and moving amongst His people in Cebu. Father has heard our prayers and connected us with a dear Brother to whom His heart for His Family has been revealed. We are so excited to see what Father has in store for our visit in Cebu!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Church's Role in Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
I can not adequately express how the Spirit of Jesus has used the five weeks which I spent in the Philippines this past winter to stir my heart to respond in a deeper way to the tremendous needs there! While I was gone, the Lord was preparing Gary’s heart to join in the mission! In three weeks, we’re going to the Philippines together!
Through the years, the Lord has placed two essential issues on our hearts and He is beginning to reveal how they fit together.
1) Organic Church
2) Human trafficking and sexual exploitation
I’d like to share with you some questions which we believe that the Lord has placed on our hearts and that we’ve set before a number of contacts in the Philippines.
We’d like to get a better idea of what is happening on the streets and in the bars in the Philippines so far as ministry is concerned. What’s the involvement of the churches, if any? Who do we talk to in order to find out what ministry is already being offered, what works and what doesn’t?
Are there ministries reaching out to the men who are buying sex? If so, who are the contact people?
Is there any preventative ministry being done with the little girls on the streets selling roses and the boys selling cigs/Viagra, etc.? If so, how do we contact those people to get an idea of what is being offered?
We'd like to know more about what is happening there with the “house church movement” and where that is happening. We'd like to know more about your role in that, if any, and to obtain contact info for other house church leaders.
Are there any house churches that you are familiar with that are currently reaching out to those in prostitution or to the men who are buying women? What about reaching out to the “at risk” children? If not...is there even interest in doing so?
We'd like to visit some of the provinces and get a good feel for what life is like there and how preventive ministry might be accomplished in those places. Who would be good contacts to visit in those provinces and even stay with over a period of time in order to accomplish this?
Are there any house churches living in community that you are aware of?
Where would some locations be for establishing a house church community – a place where:
• women/men and children could come live with that community and experience community/family life, be mentored etc.?
• there is enough property to build if there are not already buildings?
• a self-sustaining lifestyle through organic gardening, raising livestock, etc could be demonstrated and lived out?
Who would we talk to about such places?
If you don’t have answers to some or any of these questions, do you know who we should contact for answers?
It is our desire to be obedient to the Lord in this and all things. Please pray for us, as the Lord leads.
God's Blessings, Bonnie Jaeckle
We are sensing that the Lord is directing us into His plan regarding these two issues. In future articles, I will be sharing how this is all unfolding and keeping you updated on what we see as the Lord reveals it.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Through the years, the Lord has placed two essential issues on our hearts and He is beginning to reveal how they fit together.
1) Organic Church
2) Human trafficking and sexual exploitation
I’d like to share with you some questions which we believe that the Lord has placed on our hearts and that we’ve set before a number of contacts in the Philippines.
We’d like to get a better idea of what is happening on the streets and in the bars in the Philippines so far as ministry is concerned. What’s the involvement of the churches, if any? Who do we talk to in order to find out what ministry is already being offered, what works and what doesn’t?
Are there ministries reaching out to the men who are buying sex? If so, who are the contact people?
Is there any preventative ministry being done with the little girls on the streets selling roses and the boys selling cigs/Viagra, etc.? If so, how do we contact those people to get an idea of what is being offered?
We'd like to know more about what is happening there with the “house church movement” and where that is happening. We'd like to know more about your role in that, if any, and to obtain contact info for other house church leaders.
Are there any house churches that you are familiar with that are currently reaching out to those in prostitution or to the men who are buying women? What about reaching out to the “at risk” children? If not...is there even interest in doing so?
We'd like to visit some of the provinces and get a good feel for what life is like there and how preventive ministry might be accomplished in those places. Who would be good contacts to visit in those provinces and even stay with over a period of time in order to accomplish this?
Are there any house churches living in community that you are aware of?
Where would some locations be for establishing a house church community – a place where:
• women/men and children could come live with that community and experience community/family life, be mentored etc.?
• there is enough property to build if there are not already buildings?
• a self-sustaining lifestyle through organic gardening, raising livestock, etc could be demonstrated and lived out?
Who would we talk to about such places?
If you don’t have answers to some or any of these questions, do you know who we should contact for answers?
It is our desire to be obedient to the Lord in this and all things. Please pray for us, as the Lord leads.
God's Blessings, Bonnie Jaeckle
We are sensing that the Lord is directing us into His plan regarding these two issues. In future articles, I will be sharing how this is all unfolding and keeping you updated on what we see as the Lord reveals it.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
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