Merry Christmas from Hope for Tomorrow

 

 

 

God has allowed us to bless the children of Hope for Tomorrow as well as their families this year because of your very kind generousity. We are forever grateful for your very special gift.

As we take a moment to stop and celebrate Christmas this year. May we remember the true reason we are celebrating. It's because of Him we are providing Hope to these children and their family.

May God continue to bless you in 2013 as you have blessed us.

(For anyone who would like to become involved with HFT in 2013, please visit our website or send us a note and learn how you can get involved.)
http://www.hopefortomorrownaga.com/

BACKPACKS, CRAYONS, & PENCILS OH MY!!

Just because this is our second year of Hope for Tomorrow, the excitement of starting school was still there.  Nothing says Back to School like the smell of new crayons and backpacks.

 

No matter how old you are or where you are from, brand new school supplies are always exciting!  This year we invited  our 32 students  along with their parents to the  church to discuss the logistics and expectations for this school year.  To make sure the children stayed attentive to the important information, we kept the backpacks filled with supplies out of sight.

 

Finally, the meeting came to an end and the highly anticipated event  of the day was ready to start.  The kids had been asking us what the backpacks looked like, what color they were , and other questions.  They were so excited they could hardly wait for their name to be called.

 

This year we were so  excited to have matching backpacks for all of our kids.  The teachers will be able to easily identify our children.  It also helps make our children feel extra special.  These children are  part of a society that tells them they aren’t important and they don’t matter.  At Hope for Tomorrow, we work hard to change these thoughts in our children.  Having matching backpacks is just one small step in helping them change their self-esteem.

 

Every child was called one by one so they could chose their specific backpack filled with all the things they needed to have a successful school year.  We are so excited for these thirty-two children as they begin a great adventure this school year.  God has BIG plans for them this year !

 

 

Our Brand New Library

Thanks to wonderful donations of children’s books, the HFT Library made its debut during the Summer Program.

For most children in the Philippines, books are a luxury. Books are an item that is treasured and loved but not something that most students own. Public Libraries and School Libraries do not exist.

Now our HFT children can grow their love of reading and expand their minds thanks to our brand new Library. The kids were excited to get to pick a book and sit and read. It was so neat to watch them pick books that reflected their personality (and even challenged their reading levels). You cannot open a book without learning something.

Our Library continues to grow with new offerings and is even outgrowing our current shelf space! What an amazing gift these books are for our children.

Jump Start to Success

At Hope for Tomorrow, school was in session before the first official day of school!

As we wrapped up our first year in March, we were excited to see such growth in the children both inside and outside the classroom.  We didn’t want to loose this growth and connection with the children over the summer.  As a way to stay connected and continue to help the students build a strong educational foundation, we started “Sonshine Summer School Spectacular”.

 

 

Sonshine Summer School Spectacular was an opportunity for children to experience hands-on fun learning and receive a nutritional lunch.  We were excited to be able to open the summer program to not only the HFT children but also our church families and the HFT siblings.  We had 50 children enroll for the summer.

Because the Filipino classrooms are so overcrowded (50-100 students per class), individual attention from a teacher and hands-on learning activities are things that don’t happen as they do in a US classroom.  The generous donations of learning games, books, and readers were put to great used and made the foundation of the program.  Kids earned stars for both attendance and participation which they could cash in for fun prizes in the Treasure Chest. 

The children were so excited about “having fun” and earning towards their Treasure Chest trip, they forgot they were learning.  This truth is a sign of a successful first summer program.  We can’t wait to see what this “Jump Start” will do for our children this school year!

 

Join Us on this AMAZING JOURNEY!!

May 14, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

One year ago, my life forever changed.  God was at work in my life in ways that were both seen and unseen.  He lead me to the man I was to marry and serve Him with, Gepher Lopina.  He helped me smoothly transition my life to Cebu, Philippines.  And He moved mountains to make our dream of Hope for Tomorrow become a reality.

Life in the Philippines has become an adventure and an eye opening experience. You cannot walk outside your door in Cebu without being reminded how very little most of our world has.  It’s these scenes that help me realize just how very blessed we are.  As Americans we take lots of things for granted.  One of the biggest things we take for granted is a public school system that allows every child (despite economic standing) the opportunity to go to school.  In the Philippines, the school system will not allow a child to enroll in school if they cannot afford to provide their uniform, school supplies, transportation, lunch, and supplies for various school projects.  Even though the school system is supported by the government, the funding they receive is very minimal and therefore requires the student’s family to shoulder most of the expense.  The reality of some children being deprived an education due to their economic status touched our hearts and lead us to dream of starting a program that spread Jesus’ love through meeting the educational needs of the poorest of poor.

One year ago, Hope for Tomorrow was just a dream.  It was a dream of changing a child’s life, a dream of being Jesus in a tangible way, and a dream of sending only five students to school.  Today, Hope for Tomorrow is Matthew 17:20 in action.  “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible.”  Because of faith and generosity of wonderful sponsors, the impossible has become possible for our twenty-eight children!

The average Filipino family today has 4.61 children on a yearly income of $4,700.  Unfortunately many families are put in situations where they must choose which children they can send to school.  This is where Hope for Tomorrow steps in and provides an education for a child.  Last year we sent twenty-eight students to school from three different areas of Naga, Cebu.  Many of the children we support are either over aged (for example 12 years old in the 1^st grade) or have had to stop going to school because they come from homes of 10 to 16 children and there was not money for both school and food.

The children in the Hope for Tomorrow program come from nothing.  Most of them live with dirt floors and bamboo walls.  Many of them have chores we would think should be done by adults.  They have worries most children their age should not have to even think about.  All of these responsibilities and realities steal their childhood and self-esteem.  When the children began school last year, they had low self-confidence and believed what society had told them; that they were not loved or important.  All of these feelings and beliefs have been washed thanks to Hope for Tomorrow.  With us they get to just be a kid!  They are loved and made to feel important.  It’s in this environment that we have seen the children soar!  They now feel special, loved and worth something.

We have so many wonderful memories this year of the children reaching new milestones.  I vividly remember James Ombao giving Gepher a high five because he could read!  James Ombao is an orphan whose sisters were feeding him out of a trash can before he joined Hope for Tomorrow.  Vanessa and Princess bring a smile to my face every time I remember them telling me they use to be teased at school because of where they live (they live outside of the cemetery as their mother’s clean the graves), but now because of HFT they aren’t!   I can’t help but smile when I think about Marilyn coming into church on Sunday to tell me she finished 10th in her class (and her Mom thought she was lying)!  And then there was Hannah Mae who was so proud of her homework grades that she couldn’t wait to pull it out of her backpack to show me at lunch.  I’ll never forget Joan who repeated the 3rd grade this year and finished with the highest grades she’s ever achieved.  These are just a few of the victories the children achieved.  It’s these faces and stories that will forever be etched in my heart and mind.  

We are so excited to see these children continue to grow into the children God always intended for them to become.  We love seeing their faces in Bible class every Sunday and the excitement they have for learning more about Jesus.  It warms my heart to see prayers answered as more of their families are coming to church and letting us have Bible studies with them.  God is definitely at work in this ministry.

There are many more children in Naga just like the twenty-eight we are currently supporting.  We would love to grow our program to 30 to 35 for the second year.  This will allow more children to experience Jesus’ love through the gift of an education.

We would love for you to join us on this fun and exciting journey.  There are two ways you can help be a part of “Hope for Tomorrow”.  The first is through financially supporting a child.  The Filipino school year runs from June to March.  For $300 a year (or $25 a month) you can send one child to school.  This will cover the costs of their uniforms, school supplies, books, food, transportation, a teacher, as well as supplies for school projects.  Gepher and I want you to be a part of the child’s life (if you wish); therefore, we will send you information on the child as well as pictures and progress updates.  The investment you can make in a child’s life is priceless when you consider how little it financially costs us.

There is a fund set up at Southside Church of Christ where your tax deductible donation can be sent either monthly or in a one lump sum.  Please be sure to indicate on the checks the funds should go to “Philippine Ministry – Hope for Tomorrow”.  We also have a website set up that will accept online donations.  We invite you to check out our ministry and support a student for the year at:  www.hopefortomorrownaga.com.

The second way you can help is by becoming a prayer warrior for a child.  We will pair you up with a child giving you details about them, their family, and their school situation.  Having an army of prayer warriors praying for both the spiritual and academic needs of the “Hope for Tomorrow” children will open doors for God to work in ways we cannot imagine.

Gepher and I would love to talk with you more about the work in Naga and Hope for Tomorrow.  You can reach both of us on Facebook or by email at hope.for.tomorrow.naga@gmail.com.  You call us directly at 615-831-1605 or 615-618-4454. 

We have also set up both a Facebook page and blog dedicated to Hope for Tomorrow.  We invite you to visit both to see all the transformations in the children through this amazing first year.  

Gepher and I are excited about the ways God is working in Cebu and specifically Naga.  We are eager to see how He will use “Hope for Tomorrow” to touch hearts and change lives.  We hope that you will join us either financially or prayerfully as we work to change the future of the Philippines one child at a time.

Blessings,

 

Gepher & Andrea VanDyke Lopina

Looking through the Rearview Mirror

One year ago, Hope for Tomorrow was just a dream.  It was a dream of changing a child’s life, a dream of being Jesus in a tangible way, and a dream of sending only five students to school.  Today, Hope for Tomorrow is Matthew 17:20 in action.  “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible.”  Because of faith and generosity, the impossible has become possible for our twenty-eight children!

 

As we take a moment to look in the rearview mirror and reflect over the first year of Hope for Tomorrow, I can’t help but first stop and say “Thank You”.  Thank you to God for blessing this ministry beyond our wildest imagination.  He opened doors for us and provided opportunities we never thought possible.   We also want to thank our sponsors.  Your generous donation of money, clothes, books, shoes, vitamins, angel gifts, school supplies, and other items allowed us to minister to these children’s every need.  Your support allowed us to provide more opportunities for these children (Hope for Tomorrow Sundays, Field Trips, Honor Roll Program, End of School Party, Christmas Program, Carnival, Children’s Library, Summer Program, etc) than we ever imagined.

The children in the Hope for Tomorrow program come from nothing.  Most of them live with dirt floors and bamboo walls.  Many of them have chores we would think should be done by adults.  They have worries most children their age should not have to even think about.  All of these responsibilities and realities are forgotten when they are in school and participating in the HFT activities.  With us they get to just be a kid!  It’s in this environment that we have seen the children soar!  Their self-esteem and self-confidence have grown exponentially.  They now feel special, loved and worth something.

We have so many wonderful memories this year of the children reaching new milestones.  I vividly remember James Ombao giving Gepher a high five because he could read!  Vanessa and Princess bring a smile to my face every time I remember them telling me they use to be teased at school because of where they live (they live outside of the cemetery), but now because of HFT they aren’t!  I can’t help but smile when I think about Marilyn coming into church on Sunday to tell me she finished 10^th in her class!  And then there was Hannah Mae who was so proud of her homework grades that she couldn’t wait to pull it out of her backpack to show me at lunch.  I’ll never forget Joan who repeated the 3^rd grade this year and finished with the highest grades she’s ever achieved.  These are just a few of the victories the children achieved.

This year has been an amazing year filled with answered prayers, transformations, and God’s hand actively at work.  We know this is only the beginning and we cannot wait to see what God has in store for this coming year!

Prayers Answered for Marjun

MARJUN UPDATE:  Gepher and I learned today Marjun's mother's shooter was found and taken into custody!  This even happened before his mother was laid to rest over the weekend.  Prayers have been answered as the shooter has been found and the family was able to say their goodbye's with some peace.  Praise God for this, and thank you for bringing this sweet boy before our Heavenly Father. 

The healing process is definitely not over, so please continue to pray for this sweet little boy as he begins to heal and for us as we continue to find ways to minister to him and his family.

Marilyn Wins "Most Cooperative" in the Fourth Grade

Congratulations Marilyn on your "Most Cooperative" award in the 4th grade. Marilyn is a sweet little girl that has totally blossomed this year. She loves learning and constantly wants to help those around her learn as well. Her teacher once shared with us that she can always count on Marilyn to help the other students in the classroom. It has been so exciting to see Marilyn's confidence and love of learning grow this year. We cannot wait to see her continue to grow and become the young lady God has planned for her to be. Thank you sponsors for helping her reach for the stars!

Maria Rosemarie Wins "Most Trustworthy"

Congratulations Maria Rosemarie on your "Most Trustworthy" award in the 2nd grade! Maria Rosemarie is a very bright little girl. She loves school and loves coming to hang out with Hope for Tomorrow. She has developed a real love for read...ing and cannot get enough books, magazines, or signs to read. She is a delight to have in class, After School Program, and Bible class. Over this year, she has begun to blossom into a confident little girl. We are so proud of the accomplishments Maria Rosemarie has made both in and out of the classroom. Thank you sponsors for helping us help her to reach for the stars.

 

Hannah Mae Finishes First Grade with Honors

Congratulations Hannah Mae for receiving an Honors Award in your section of the First Grade. We could not be more proud of the achievements Hannah Mae has reached this year both in and out of the classroom. Hannah Mae is always eager to l...earn and is a reading machine. Through out the year, her confidence and self-esteem have blossomed. She has smile that will light up any room. Hannah Mae loves learning and we cannot wait to see her continue to reach her fullest potential! Congratulations, Hannah Mae. Ate Andrea and Kuya Gepher could not be more proud of you. Thank you sponsors for helping this bright little girl become the child God designed her to be.

 

 

Mica's Big Award

Congratulations to Mica Algoso. She was awarded the "Most Trustworthy" Award at today's High School Recognition Ceremony. We are very proud of the accomplishments she has made in her first year of high school. She is developing into a co...nfident, smart, considerate, Christian young woman. Thank you sponsors for helping Mica reach her potential during her first year of High School. We could not be more proud of her!!

Marjun's Great Tragedy

PRAYER REQUEST: Over the weekend, we heard from people in the community that one of our precious little boys, Marjun, had suffered a tragedy. Tonight, we have been able to confirm his mother and step-father were shot and killed outside of their home early Saturday morning. Marjun and his siblings were in the house at the time of the shooting; however, they were not physically harmed. Even though they do not have any physical wounds the emotional wounds the children have run very deep. Gepher will be visiting the tribe tomorrow to see how Marjun is (along with his grandmother and uncle, which we also support through Hope for Tomorrow) and determine the best way we can help this sweet little boy and his family. Please join us in a prayer of comfort for Marjun as he has now lost both of his parents tragically and for us as we determine the best ways to minister to this family and community



Gepher met with Marjun's uncles today at the wake to learn more details of the tragedy. It seems Marjun was a witness to this horrific crime. For this reason, his grandmother is currently staying with him in the city of Cebu. We do not know his exact location in the city; however, we do know that DSWD (child protective services) are involved and helping him get the assistance he... needs. We believe God has put him in our ministry for this very reason...for us to be able to help him and his family overcome and heal from this tragedy. Please continue to pray for Marjun, his two younger brothers, and one younger sister as they begin to heal the very deep emotional wounds. Pray that God can show us the best way to minister to this special little boy and get him the help he needs. Thank you for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support.

Marilyn's Great Success

On Sunday, Marilyn came running into church with a HUGE grin on her face.  As she sat down in front of me, I could tell she wanted to tell me something very important! She told me and Gepher she has an average of 85% on her third grading period (that's up 2-3% from the second grading period) and that she is in the top 10 of her class!!  Since the beginning of the school year, Marily has improved her grades each period by 1-3%!!  She went on to tell us that her mother couldn't believe how well she was doing and even thought she was lying about being in the top 10. 

What an exciting achievement for this special little girl!!  We have seen a total transformation in Marilyn since the beginning of the school year.  Her self-esteem has grown, she is more confident, she's not afraid to answer questions (even if she is wrong), she is excited about learning, and she will even carry on an English conversation with someone she doesn't know.  Hope for Tomorrow has definitely helped transform this little girl for the better!!  Thank you sponsors for helping Marilyn reach her potential!!

Christmas Sunday Celebration

Hope for Tomorrow Sundays have become an anticipated tradition for our families.  Everyone loves the time of worship, wonderful fellowship, fun games for all ages, and a delicious lunch together.  Christmas Sunday was no different.  Because Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, I wanted to make this Hope for Tomorrow sunday extra special as we took time to celebrate Jesus birth!!

   

Because most of our families have lots of children, Sunday School is always at maximum capacity.  We have loved getting to know the siblings of all the children.  Christmas morning was no exception.  There were so many children in the Sunday School it was literally standing room only.  There was no room to even sit on the floor...only stand.  Luckily one of the young people from church, Criselle, had agreeded to help teach the kids!!

   

The children enjoyed celebrating Jesus' birth with a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party.  After sharing the story of "The Crippled Lamb" the children enjoyed fun games of Jesus Bingo, Place Baby Jesus in the Stable, and Pass the Present.  With each game the children won prizes.  They had so much fun choosing small toys (that had been donated by one of our sponsors) as their prizes.  What a special present these prizes were to the children.

   

While the children celebrated Jesus birth, the parents were reminded of the blessings we receive because God sent his Son.  Our families have a hard life, but we often remind them through the trials there are many blessings!  Its these reminders that we hope they take time to thank God for what they have been given and how God is working in their lives.

On this Sunday (thanks to a special donation from one of the sponsors), each of the families received a coupon for a "blessing".  After church, the families redeemed their coupons from Gepher for ten pounds of Rice.  The mothers faces were plastered with smiles as they would be able to use this to help feed their families.  What a special blessing this was for the families.

   

Thanks to a special donation ("blessing") one of our sponors gave us, we were able to surprise our families with a delicious Christmas lunch.  After service we shared in a special Christmas lunch of lechon (rosted pig), chicken adobo, rice, and fruit salad.  While everyone ate their lunch, we showed the movie "The Crippled Lamb".  The children gathered around closely to the laptop as they didn't want to miss a single second of the movie!

This Christmas is one we will never forget.  Christmas is suppose to be about Jesus and the promises, blessing, and hope His birth has brought to us.  This is exactly what this day was about for us and our families!!  We are so very greatful to have shared this special day with these special people...people who often are forgotten by society...but people that God loves (and we love too)!!