Calvary Chapel Naga City
February 2009
Dear Friends,
In a few weeks I will again head back to Carolina, Naga City, Philippines. I thought we would give you glimpses of what God is doing in the ministry. I wanted to share some of them with you in this newsletter. I thank you for your continued prayer, support, and for your faithful encouragement to keep us going. I cherish your friendship and love for us. May you enjoy God’s love and grace brought to you each day by our Lord Jesus.
In 2005, we started the ministry with three families and their children. Through the grace of God, we now have 12-15 families and 30-50 children coming on a regular basis. One such couple is Jovi and Nancy. Manny first met this couple when he visited a compound that was donated by the nuns. Jovi and Nancy had a child with cerebral palsy and from what their neighbors shared, this family faced tremendous difficulties caring and providing for their physically challenged daughter. They sought the help of a government agency for a wheelchair. When four ladies from the Department of Social Welfare came to assist with her condition, they concluded that she was in such an advanced state that she probably wouldn’t live long. This couple who had a fear of God sought for His mercy. One night, one of them dreamt that God would send people in their path.
We heard about this child’s plight and gave a stroller to help her from being cooped up indoors. She was able to enjoy being outdoors and experience her surroundings. We befriended this couple, ministered to them for their physical needs and prayed for them. They were very open to have a Bible Study in their home with just them and their children. They came to know the Lord. Soon after, they started inviting several of their friends until three families began attending regularly. They concluded that we were probably the fulfillment of the dream God gave them. Eventually this couple started coming to church. In God’s time, He took their daughter with cerebral palsy home. Though the loss was painful, they acknowledged that through their child’s affliction, they had been brought to a closer and personal relationship with God.
Reflecting on this, I am amazed at how little leaven it took to cause a whole loaf to rise. We were grateful to God for putting us in a place where we can be used as good leaven. And we thank God for quieting the anxiety of this family and providing nourishment both physically and spiritually for them and their community. Today this couple volunteers to take care of the church facility and grounds as their expression of giving back to God. It reminded us of the verse in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
“Vacation Bible Study”
“Medical Mission”
“Free Medical Assistance”
“Feeding Mission”
“Feeding Mission”
“March 2009, Visiting Missionaries, Kim & Lynn with Pastor Ryan, Evelyn and Missionary Jenny”
As I prepare to return to the Philippines, I ask that you pray for us to be good leaven in Carolina and to be a “light on a hill.” Would you remember to pray for the following?
- More couples like Jovi and Nancy whose hearts are prepared by God.
- Vacation Bible School ~ that God would provide teachers and helpers. Also, direction as to the VBS theme.
- Medical missions that cater not only to the physical needs of the community, but also opportunities to pray and lead people to the Lord
- The growing number of children who come, but whose parents are not yet coming to church. May God increase the faith of these children that their parents would see their “good deeds” and praise the Father in heaven
- Leaders to rise up and help in the continued work.
This is but a snapshot of what we are seeing God do in and through us. We wish you could come and lend a hand to reach an area with so much need for the proclamation of God’s truth and His kingdom’s work. If you are led to help in some way, please pray regularly for these requests. You may also assist tangibly by helping to send a “balikbayan box” of needed supplies for the church ministry. Anything you give would also help with our community outreaches to the poor. Your reward is in heaven.
Serving Him with Gladness,
Evelyn Vinarao
Calvary Chapel Naga City, Philippines
