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.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
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 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.
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!!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, October 21, 2011
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.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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).
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.
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.
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