The Nativity Story Performance

The children did such a good job performing the Nativity Story for their parents and families that we wanted to share it with you.  Since you couldn't be there in person, we wanted you to share in the true meaning of the season with us.

Merry Christmas from the Hope for Tomorrow Children.  May God continue to bless you as you have shared your many blessings with these special children.

The Nativity Story

On Saturday, 12/17, the children performed for their parents the "Nativity Story".  They acted out the birth of Jesus as Gepher read an adaptation from Luke 2.  The children were so excited to wear their special costumes.  The children began the program by singing "Water from the Well" followed by our high school stdent, MC quoting John 3:16.

The parents beamed with pride as they watched their child perform their part.  The auditorium was full of parents and families  We were so blessed to be able to share the true meaning of Christmas through this special presentation.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

 

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.


And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

 


Suddenly a great company of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”


So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born the king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Then King Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child.”  After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.


On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” which means,…God With Us!


Following the very special presentation, the families were given  food basket to show them just how much we and the sponsors love and care for not just their children but the entire family. 

The families were so surprised to receive such a specal and unexpected gift.  They could not stop smiling and saying "Salamat" (which is Cebuano for Thank You).  This is truely one Christmas story these families will never forget!!

   

   

Student of the Week - Joan Manghila

Joan is a quiet but special little girl.  She has 5 brothers and sisters.  Her mother does not work but will sell fish occasionally to bring in extra income for the family.  Her father is a carpenter.

Joan is repeating the 3rd grade.  Before Hope for Tomorrow, she struggled in school.  This was evident in her confidence and the extra help she needed in the after school program.  Since Hope for Tomorrow she is reaching new heights in the classroom.  On her most recent report card, she received the highest grades she has ever achieved!  The teacher also gave raving remarks about her conduct and leadership in the classroom.

We are so excited to see Joan transform into the beautiful butterfly we always knew was deep inside of her.  She is smiling more and standing a little taller.  She is spreading her wings and beginning to soar in her studies, confidence, and self-esteem.

The Angels Are Rejoicing

On Saturday, one of our older Hope for Tomorrow students, Jenny Requieron, accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior through baptism.  Jenny has been coming to church for over a year.  For the past six months, she has been studying with Gepher along with our intern, Benjoseph.

Jenny is currently getting her high school degreen through the Accelerated Learning System. This program is designed for overaged students to finish their education.

We could not be more proud of the decision she has made. We are rejoicing with the angels over this new sister in Christ!

A Season of Thanksgiving

This morning in Bible class, we studied the story of Joshua "fighting" against Jericho so that God's people could enter into the Promised Land.  We talked about how we are to obey God (even when it sounds silly) and that when He delievers on His promises we should take time to give Him Thanks.

Even though Thanksgiving is not a Filipino holiday, I wanted to explain the meaning of Thanksgiving and use the story to help the children think of things they were thankful for.  As I passed out construction paper and crayons we began listing things we might be thankful for:  family, friends, church, school, food, clothing, etc.  Each child began to draw a picture of what they were thankful for.

The children were anxious to show me their pictures and share with me what they were thankful for.  I will never forget the picture Rica Chan drew this morning.  When she revealed her picture to me it was a picture of a school along with me and Gepher.  WOW!!  I never imagined that one of these precious children would draw a picture of us.

God used that picture this morning to remind me of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.  That picture reminded me of one of the many things we are thankful for this year.  Gepher and I are SO VERY THANKFUL for the support, prayers, and love for this ministry.  Without you, Rica would not be thankful for us and for school.  You are helping us make a difference and change these children's lives.  We are forever grateful for the money, gifts, school supplies, cothing, and prayers you are providing these children and this ministry.  On behalf of 28 special little children, Gepher and I say THANK YOU!

Happy Birthday Mrs. Marlene!!

Today we surprised the children at lunch time. As we pulled up, Jenelyn peaked in the passenger window and began to tell all the other children, "Its kuya Gepher and ate Andrea!!" We were greeted with smiles and hugs (as they did not expect to see us).

   

The surprise of our arrival was quickly overshadowed by the cake we unloaded from the backseat. Immediately the air was filled with "oh's and ah's". The children immediately ran into the building ahead of us and began to sing a spontaneous "Happy Birthday" to Mrs Marleen. Marleen cooks and serves lunch to the children three times a week. It was so much fun to surprise the children and give Marlene the special birthday celebration she deserved.

   

It's Here...It's Here!! The PE Festival Is Here!!

For weeks the children have talked about nothing but the PE Festival.  Everyday at lunch and After School Program they were telling us about the fees they needed paying, different uniforms for each grade, and other props.  They were constantly practicing their steps and moves.  Everyone was excited about the big PE Festival.

As the big event drew closer, the kids began to ask Gepher and I separately if we would come and watch.  The more they asked the harder it became to say No.  So Monday morning, we got up early and hopped in the car and headed to the school.  I have to admit as we headed to the school to watch the children, I felt for the first time like their parents going to support and encourage them.  We didn't ask God for 28 biological children, but He has blessed us with 28 special children that think of us as parents (Hannah Me even told us this truth this week).

   

When we arrived, there was a sea of parents and member's of the Naga community filling the school yard.  I was amazed at how many people were there and thought we'd never find our children.  Well...we didn't find our children, they found us.  Immediately Marilyn spotted us in the distance and came running over.  She was so glad to see us, because her mother was not yet there.  Word spread quickly we were there and all the kids began to run over and show us their fabulous uniforms and even a sneak peak of their dance moves.

   

Each grade performed a dance routine to a popular song.  Each move was carefully coreographed and the kids knew every step.  It was so much fun to watch their big smiling faces move to the music's beat.  After each grade's performance, the children would run over and ask us what we thought or how they did.  They were so proud we were there to watch and encourage them!

    

One of the reasons I wanted to be there to watch the children, was in case their parents weren't there.  I didn't want them to not have anyone cheering for them.  I was so surprised to meet so many of our mother's and other siblings of the children.  It was refreshing to see their parents invested in the children and there to encourage them!  I was also glad the parents got to see us there as well as it showed them we are invested in their children (in more ways than just financially).

   

John Robert & his Grandmother                         Glenda and her Mother                          July Ann & her Mother

   

     Rica and her Mother Tessi                             Vanessa and her Mother               John Clyde & James with their Mom

                      

    Joan with her Mother & Sister                       Marie Rose Marie and her Mom                   Bregel and his Mother

It was such a fun morning filled with lots of smiles, cheers, and pride.  The kids couldn't stop smiling and wouldn't leave our sides as soon as their performance was over.  Proud of their performance.  Proud of what they had learned.  Proud to have their parents & us there.  And Proud to be part of Hope for Tomorrow!  But I must say, Gepher and I were the filled with the most price on this special PE Festival.  We were beaming with pride seeing how far these children have come in such a short time. 

Thank you God for opening doors to allow us to be used as your instruments to help mold these children into the the children you always knew (and intended) for them to be.

Student of the Week - Glenda Baldivino



Glenda is a little girl that is very sweet and hard not to fall in love with.  When she started 1st grade, she had not attended Kindergarten and is very behind. Because of this, she did not know her ABCs or 123's. Since starting school and coming to the after school program two days a week we are seeing her make some progress but she has a long way to go.  She always tries really hard and never gets discouraged when she can't get it.  She is now able to write her ABCs and 123's with help.  She is learning to put them in order and has improved with her fine motor skills (such as cutting).

This week she told us the After School Program is her favorite place to be because she can have fun and be a kid.  When she is at home, she is caring for her young brothers.  We are so glad that at least for a few hours in a day she can have fun and be a kid!!  Although she's making good progress, she is still behind and we are all determined to help her catch up and be successful.

Student of the Week - Marilyn Relado

Marilyn is a little girl that is super sweet and very easy to fall in love with. She has a smile that will light up a room.

When she first started she was very shy and would barely answer a question in English. She now is thriving and has come out of her shell. She will initiate conversation in English with me as well as other Americans.  Last week one of my best friends was here and Marilyn quickly began asking her questions about family and how we knew one another.  I was so proud of her as I watched her interact with Toni. Because of her confidence and willingness to try, she was awarded "English Champion" at the Award's Ceremony.

She is super smart and not afraid to answer a question out loud in the after school program (even if she isn't sure the answer is right)! Three weeks ago, she along with the other 4th-6th graders got to attend a field trip for the very first time. This was a trip that many students at school could not attend due to the cost, but the Hope for Tomorrow kids went. For the first time, these children got to attend something other children did not. They felt special and privledged because they got to go! Marilyn told me before going on the field trip, it was the best week ever! From the progress we've seen with her in After School Program we are confident her report card will reflect her hard work.

Congratulations Marily, for being named "Student of the Week"!

A Lesson in Open Doors - Hope for Tomorrow Sunday

One of the missions of Hope for Tomorrow is to open doors to minister to the spiritual needs of the children's families.  We want to be Jesus through meeting the educational needs and loving the children.  By being Jesus, we believe doors will open and we can begin to share Jesus, with not only the children but also their families.  

Sunday, September 25th was the first Hope for Tomorrow Sunday.  Hope for Tomorrow Sundays occur on the last Sunday of every month and target the outreach of both the students and their families.  Gepher and I have prayed numerous prayers for both the children and the families.  We have prayed that we not only meet their physical/education needs but we begin to meet the family's spiritual needs as well.  On Sunday morning, we began to see the answers to these prayers as the children and their families walked into church for the first time hand in hand.

   

We wanted Sunday to be a special day for both the children and their families.  We had planned not only a special service but also an award's ceremony for the children.  We printed up invitations and personally delivered them going from house to house.  They parents were very anxious to find their child in the picture on the invitation as well as find out what award their child had won.

As the children and their parents walked through the door, I knew immediately God was definitely present!  The kids from Hope for Tomorrow come from three areas throughout Naga.  We were blessed to have all of the children from two of these areas along with their parents (this was the majority of our children).  We had a total of 71 at church for this special Sunday.  The building was extremely hot and we didn't have enough chairs as we were busting at the seams...but none of those "problems" seemed to matter.

    

Following service, we started the Award's Ceremony.  The children have made lots of progress since the beginning of school in the After School Program, we wanted to make sure they were recognized for their hard work.  Our major category winners were awarded a certificate along with a new book or workbook.  Our Star Student winners, were awarded a certificate along with a fun puzzle.  Every student was awarded an award as everyone at Hope for Tomorrow is a Winner! 

    

Here are a list of all the winners:

• Alphabet Achiever - John Robert Callido
• Counting Champion - James Camplona
• Excellent English - Marilyn Relado
• Harder Worker - Joan Manghila, Glenda Baldivino, Jenelyn Ombao, Princess Hemperoa
• Math Wizard - Edward Suarz & Bregel Villarico
• Most Improved - Mary Jane Ombao & James Ombao
• Reading Award - Mica Algoso
• Sight Word Champion - Marie Rosemarie Paran & Hannah Mae Rule
• Spelling Bee Champion - Rica Chan
• Times Table Titan - Marvin Nadonza & Juanito Formentera
• Writing Wizard - Marjun Sanger & Renie Boy Agau
• Star Student - John Clyde Camplona, July Ann Labrado, Rica Libiaga, Roberto Pineda, Marlou Sanger, Christopher Cantiveros, Vanessa Hemperoa, Maria Teresa Barque

   

As Gepher would describe the next category, the children began to shout out the children's names they thought should win.  Ninety percent of the time they were correct.  That made us feel so good that not only we chose the right winners but also to see they encourage and celebrate with one another.  The parents had a look of pride of their face that could not be erased.  Every time a name was called, they smiled from ear to ear and were beaming with excitement and pride for their child.  What a very special moment for these special families!

   

Following the award's ceremony, we showed a video filled with pictures since the beginning of school.  With every picture that showed on the "big screen", the parents got excited as they watched in anticipation looking for their child.  The children thought it was so neat to see themselves staring in their very own movie!!  There were lots of laughing and smiles.  My favorite memory of the day was the children spontaneously singing along with the song "Jesus Loves Me" as it played in the video.  As the sweet sounds of their little voices filled the room I thought to myself, "Jesus does love you and your families and I pray everyone today has felt that love."

   

A celebration would not be complete without games.  We wanted these games to not only be fun but also showcase to the parents just how much the children have learned.  Jeopardy seemed to be the perfect game.  We divided the kids into three teams mixed with older and younger children.  Everyone was anxious to choose a category and point value.

    

With every correct answer, the parents would clap and cheer for the children.  This kept the atmosphere electric and made the kids want to shout the answers faster and louder!  Everyone was definitely having fun and filled with pride.  The kids were so proud of their accomplishments and wanted to show everyone and the parents were so very proud of their children.  The game ended with a tie breaker Spelling Question.  I am certain this will not be the last Jeopardy game played!

     

No celebration would be complete without lunch.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship.  We loved seeing the church members serving and interacting with the families of Hope for Tomorrow.  God has definitely opened doors for us to continue reaching out to these families.  We are excited about these open doors and pray God shows us the best way to walk through them.

We thank God for the success of our first Hope for Tomorrow Sunday.  He continues to answer our prayers and bless this ministry beyond our wildest dream.  We can't wait for October's Hope for Tomorrow Sunday!