Nov 26, 2017

God is doing some amazing things at KIDS!

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Edited: Nov 26, 2017

Dear KIDS supporters,

It has been a busy few months. God is definitely working in the ministry and in me. It has been a privilege for Tina and I to be able to see Him in action! It has been an exciting, and at times, a humbling experience as well. I tend to struggle believing God will come through and provide what the ministry needs. I am a ‘planner’. I analyze the finances every month. I come up with strategies and ideas. I talk about changes that need to be made to be a ministry of excellence. I tend to try to do things ‘in my own strength’. God is slowly teaching me to depend fully on Him. He is teaching me that it is OK for me to plan, to problem solve, to make changes, to work through issues…. but only if it comes from an internal dependence on Him, with a realization that everything happens because he makes or allows it to happen – not because of my effort.

KIDS 2017 Retreat

The thing that I am most excited about at the ministry really has nothing to do with the ‘outside face’ of the ministry. It is a difficult thing to describe – it is more just a feeling. I am not sure how to describe it other than to use a verse. ‘For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’. I don’t believe the verse is only talking about prayer. It is talking about believers who come together for a purpose centered around Christ. When that happens, the environment changes. As the ministry becomes more focused on the spiritual things, something happens. You cannot put your finger on it other than to say ‘It feels different when I walk into the gates of the YMC/Children’s Home/School’. I believe the explanation is simple – it is from the verse – God’s presence is there!

I have to say that the thing that I am the most proud about our staff is when I walk into the dining room and see them all at the table because THEY decided to have a time of devotions and prayer. When I go down to the staff area and worship music is playing. I am proud because when the ministry was going through some very difficult times, the social workers at the Children’s Home took time to pray with the care givers. I am proud of our staff and their openness at the 2017 staff retreat earlier this year and the healing that occurred as a ministry after a difficult year. I love it when the school asks if they can also go on a spiritual retreat because ‘they need it’ and didn't get go to on the staff retreat because we planned it too late! -- The 2018 KIDS staff retreat will include all parts of the ministry -- CCS, NFFCH, Tacloban and the YMC!

There are lots of other things happening as well. There is a focus on doing things with excellence. We feed kids… great… but how can we really use the food to be able to invest in their lives spiritually as well. God has blessed us with many donations… how can we use those donations in the best way possible. How can we partner with other Churches and ministries and use what God blessed us with to bless them and allow them to share Christ with others we could never reach? We host teams to serve and do ministry but how can we better impact those who come to serve? To me those teams that come are another one of our ministries – and as one of those ‘ministries’ we do, we need to ‘do teams’ with excellence.

We had a team of 3 nurses come to stay at the YMC for 3 weeks and do a ‘field study’ for their school. None of them were Christians. I was thrilled to see how our staff, missionaries and other guests staying at the YMC built relationships with them. One of the trips we went on with them was to a very poor hospital in Tondo with a Church. We went and fed the people staying with their sick kids and pray for them. During that time the Gospel was shared to a boy and his mom who accepted Christ. I wondered what the 3 nurses thought and was thrilled that they were able to see the gospel in action. By the time they left I had an open conversation with one of them about the trip and the impact on her. There were lots of questions about why we do what we do. The answers to those questions pointed to Christ. Each team is different – some come and do real significant ministry and others are the ministry themselves. It is such a blessing to see how people who come on teams end up leaving different than when they came.

Another great story I would like to share. Many people know Arnold – a young man who lives in Cuatro that attended CCS as a student and now does a lot with the ministry. You may also know Jude – he was in our Children’s Home in Manila for years. Then there is Ariel – he is from the Children’s Home in Malabalay. Both Jude and Ariel were older and could no longer live in the Children’s home so they were living at the YMC. We were trying to figure out how to help them live independently. One day they asked if they could go to a 1 week Youth With a Mission (YWAM ) camp with Arnold. We said yes and they attended the week long camp. When they came back they were excited and wanted to go on a 6 month Mission trip. God provided all of the funds for them to go to YWAM. Today, they are 1/2 way through their trip. Arnold is going on a trip internationally and traveling to Cambodia! Imagine, a kid from Cuatro going on a mission trip to another country! It is hard to imagine that 2 of the boys from the Children's Home and 1 from the community are now on a 6-month mission trip! Amazing what God is doing.

A team from Union Church Hong Kong had the privilege of sending off the three boys to YWAM. The team included someone who had come to the Children’s home 7 years ago and did a Bible study with the boys at the home - including Jude. The impact that people who have come and invested in Jude over the years is now paying off. Thank you to everyone who was part of this young man’s life.

Here is a picture of Arnold with his passport the day before his flight to Cambodia! I doubt many other youth in Cuatro even have a passport. It is amazing what God is doing in his life. When he returns from Cambodia we would love for Arnold to help us with teams at the YMC!

#GivingTuesday - good idea

#GivingAllYearLong - great idea!

This next week starts a critical time for Kids International Ministries. Tuesday is #GivingTuesday. More money is raised on #GivingTuesday than any other day in the year. One of the goals at KIDS is to be financially healthy in order to run the ministries with excellence. We need to improve the financial health of both Cuatro Christian School and New Faith Family Children’s Home.

Currently both ministries are significantly underfunded and depend heavily on teams. The problem is that this source of funding is not dependable. You cannot ramp down the school or the children’s home when we have a ‘dry spell’ of teams coming. It is critical that we solve this problem. We are starting a ‘Partnership’ campaign for Cuatro Christian School and for the Children’s Home. The intent of this campaign is to raise consistent monthly income for both ministries in order to fully fund them. We are kicking off this campaign on #GivingTuesday with the following idea…

#GivingTuesday – Good idea

#GivingAllYearLong – Great idea!

Please consider being part of this campaign.

· Children’s Home - https://kidsim.org/fundraiser-ch

· Cuatro Christian School - https://kidsim.org/fundriser-ccs

NOTE: One other thing that ALL of you can do to help. We will be posting on the Kids International Facebook about #GivingTuesday. PLEASE Share all of those posts! The more people share the more exposure we get. You can help us by simply sharing on Facebook.

Thank you all for your commitment to Kids International Ministries over the years.

In Christ

Norman Denler

donnalingowilson

Nov 27, 2017

Thanks for sharing what God is doing for KIM. Keeping a Christ centered ministry is the most important thing and seeing the effort being made is such a good example for all of us. Praying for you and Tina and all of KIM.

New Posts

stories
Nov 12
KIDS Update - June 2019
Updates included in this newsletter : College Ministry | Cuatro Christian School | Children's Home | Team Ministry. COLLEGE MINISTRY Escaping Poverty to Serve Others Did you know that Kids International Ministries has a college ministry that provides full tuition and books for its recipients? This ministry is the last chapter in breaking the cycle of poverty, by providing a college education that will allow a person to succeed in life. This past month four of our students graduated from college: Jam Cortez, Darleen Domingo, Cris Mendoza and Venus Balucay. While each of these graduates is a story of triumph, Venus is such a success story for the ministry because her life comes from the depths of poverty. Venus grew up in Tondo, Manila, and lived on Smokey Mountain (also called Trash Mountain because it used to be the old city dump for Manila). Through the ministry of Pastor Ramilo Mateo, Venus came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Relationships were built and Venus graduated high school and then, through supporters like you, Venus went on to college and graduated with a degree in Psychology. Venus will now be working with YWAM in Tondo as well as continuing to minister to the people on Smokey Mountain. If you would like to help students like Venus escape the cycle of poverty through a college education, please give to the college ministry program. CUATRO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Beyond CCS - The Next Chapter 11th and 12th grades are crucial. Imagine coming so far - from kindergarten to 10th grade - and then your schooling ends, with no hope of graduating from high school or having a career. Such was the dilemma of our grade 10 finishers…until Beyond CCS . While working to establish our own CCS senior high program ( Watch video ) a year ago KIDS started Beyond CCS . This ministry helps these CCS finishers of grade 10 to complete their senior high coursework at another school by providing them with pamasahe at baon (public transportation fees and lunch) each school day. As of the close of our first year of Beyond CCS , we have helped six young people graduate from high school. Our second year of Beyond CCS is already underway. The group this year will consist of 41 students: 14 seniors and 27 juniors. Our students will be attending five different local Senior HS programs. The objectives for this ministry are two-fold: mature in your relationship with Jesus Christ and graduate from high school. All of our students are up for the task. They have spent their summer (April and May) leading in ministry activities, including Vacation Bible School, ministry feedings, swimming with children from New Faith Family Children’s Home, woodworking projects for the elementary school, and assisting in basketball clinics. Completing ministry hours is one of the requirements for each student to receive “ Charity With Dignity” as described by CCS Pastor Rante Aranas. If you would be interested in learning more about Beyond CCS , or donating to help fund this ministry, you may contact Dewey Bland at deweybland@kidsim.org . NEW FAITH FAMILY CHILDREN’S HOME Times of Refreshment and Insight What a busy but sweet month of May it was for the family at New Faith Family Children’s Home! Fresh goals were envisioned and humbleness instilled through visits to other children’s homes. Much joy was brought to each person through the returning visit of Tito (Uncle) Mike from California. The fruit of Tito Mike’s continuing relationships with the children was evident. His generous heart provided a fun family outing for the entire Children’s Home. They traveled to Rainforest Adventure Park where they spent time swimming, admiring the beauty of the botanical gardens, exploring the zoo, and enjoying one another’s company. Tito Mike also took the older teens ice skating for the first time at a nearby mall. It was a great break from the scorching heat of the Philippines! In addition, staff of the nursery and toddlers had an opportunity to observe two children’s homes this month. They observed daily life and how staff best interacted with the children. Our staff came away with new ideas and fresh perspectives. This was helpful in enabling our staff to create new goals aimed to provide excellent care and consistency with the children and in the operations of the nursery and toddlers rooms. Staff of the older boys and teens also had the opportunity to visit Hope Love Kids Ranch, another children’s home. Through this time, they were inspired and reminded of several principles: 1) every good work God has for us has value, whether that be doing dishes and laundry or playing with the children, 2) every act should be done in love, 3) be the example—not only instruct but guide and teach; we are not only teaching them for today but training them for tomorrow. Lastly, members of the children’s home staff were able to spend time together for a family retreat. They journeyed to Ten Cents to Heaven in Tanay, Rizal, where they spent time in prayer and were led through team building activities. It was a chance to rest and center themselves once again on Christ. Despite the rain, staff were in awe of God’s glorious creation. Together they gave thanks to God and had an opportunity to grow closer together. New Faith Family Children’s Home is grateful for each child in their care and each staff member who serves to be the hands and feet of Jesus daily. Praise the Lord for His continuous blessing and provision over this home. For more information on our Children's Home, please contact desscamitan@kidsim.org TEAMS We’re gearing up for our busiest month of the year, with well over 100 guests coming over the month of June. May was a slightly quieter month, but it was great to have a few guests here who have helped us immensely. It was great to have Tito Mike from California here with us, who took our Children’s Home kids ice-skating and on some different adventures! We also loved having an older couple here from Florida who invested spiritually into our team, leading Bible studies with our office ladies and pregnant women at the Pregnancy Clinic. We love ministering to teams as they come, but often our guests inspire us with their fresh passion and fuel to help children and do ministry, especially when our local team is feeling tired from the heat of summer. For June, we have a variety of teams coming: large school groups from Hong Kong and Beijing, a team of people from across the US, a group of six families from Australia, and a few other individuals staying for a longer time over the summer. We’re excited to plug these teams in to our different projects, and while it will be challenging managing logistics for so many people, we believe God will do incredible things in and through every person who comes. If you are interested in serving or bringing a team, please send us an email at serving@kidsim.org
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Frank and Kaye Cherry
Nov 13
CCS April 2019 Newsletter
Candles of light to the world—Whether kindergarteners moving up to grade 1 (seen here), or the graduating grade 6 students, the completing grade 10 students and the many students in between, CCS was proud to honor earlier this month our students’ hard work and achievements this past school year. CCS teacher and guidance counselor, Kim Bragas, expressed gratefulness for the privilege of seeing the students move to another level year by year: “It is indeed amazing to see the Lord's faithfulness, not just to the school but to everyone, from the students to the parents. I know that going to school and staying in school is not so easy for the young people we are serving. There are a lot of outside factors that can weigh a student down. That is why, I am very happy to see students move from one level to another and eventually graduate and reach for their big dreams,” said Ms. Bragas. Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony Grade 6 Graduation Program This year we had a large number of 6th grade graduates (61). Ms. Aileen Yunzal, Elementary Principal, praised our three 6th grade teachers for their love and diligent mentoring of especially students who were struggling. “It is a critical age, grade 6, when some students are considering dropping out.” She credited God’s help that these students are going forward with their lives. She asked for prayer for the home life of our students, their teachers and their academics. By the way, congratulations to Ms. Aileen who just obtained her master’s degree in Educational Management. Recognition Ceremonies Many students were recognized for receiving high honors and honors (139) as well as awards for exemplary character, leadership, athletics, creativity, student service, most improved, perfect attendance and loyalty (those who have attended CCS since grade 1). “The parents were very happy and grateful to see their children’s achievements,” noted CCS teacher Ms. Yvette Masangkay. “There were lots of people recognized for their faithful partnership with the school, including some parents who always made themselves available and able to help out anytime the school needed their assistance,” Masangkay added. (See below) Grade 10 Completion Program This year the Grade 10 completers (36) had the privilege of hearing Mr. Alvin Patrimonio, Team Manager for the Magnolia Hotshots, a professional basketball team in the Philippines, share great advice to our students. He spoke about determination, saying no to drugs and vices that will pull them down, knowing priorities, spending time wisely, being good children to parents, and honoring their school and teachers who are instruments in making their dreams come true. The students were also inspired by the testimony of their classmate, Rhon Ashley Espidillon, who shared her story and challenge to her peers. “We have no control over the circumstances that come into our life. We struggle as we take one step not knowing what lies ahead. We grieve for the losses we think were best. We cry over the things we cannot comprehend and cannot understand. But, I realized that we have a constant God. We have a God we can rely on who promises that He will never leave us nor fail us. I am not confident with anything else, but I am confident in Him. Let us all remember, life with Him will always be worth living and apart from Him our lives are meaningless. To my batchmates, let us move forward with God, no turning back! “ Many of this batch of grade 10 completers have been with CCS since early elementary. Another highlight of the program was a “batch prophecy” (the scene of CCS’ 40th founding anniversary). Written by a group of completers and read by Niño Villanueva, Ms. Yvette Masangkay said it “lifted everyone's spirit as it showed the possibility of great success.” In visualizing alumni coming together for the school’s 40th year anniversary, the “prophesy” creatively showed their batchmates in their profession of interest. TOMORROW TODAY What was impressive and encouraging in the story was that the students “successfully found their realm of influence,” as the reader expressed it. The focus was not about them becoming successful for their own sake but for the sake of others, influencing their world, giving back to CCS and thanking God for proving Himself as their great provider. Coming back to the current day (April 2019), Mr. Villanueva challenged his classmates: “Now I am standing here in front of you. Think about it, we dreamt of this day. This was our big dream 10 years ago and now it is happening. My dear batchmates, let us remember when God is on our side, BIG DREAMS do come true.” Much effort was required to bring all these students to this point in their lives. To get where we are today, our students, our parents, our teachers, our administration, our board members and our Kids International Ministries family have expended much heart and energy. You, our donors, have sacrificed and prayed for us, without which we could not have come this far. You are important in accomplishing these students’ future dreams and influences as well. Thank you for being a light of God’s love and for helping our students be a light to the world.
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Frank and Kaye Cherry
8 hours ago
CCS March 2019 Newsletter
Preparing for the road ahead, Grade 6 Retreat: The Road to Success, provided insights on obtaining success, times of personal reflection, recommitments, comradery, and games—all playing a part in rewarding our 61 graduating Grade 6 students this month with some fun and personal growth as they prepare to enter high school. One Grade 6 student shared that he is glad that God gives success to everyone, regardless of background, physical appearance or deficiencies in achievements. Students learned that success is a process, not something gained overnight. It is developed as we set our hearts to obey God’s Word and rely on His power to work in us. (Joshua 1:8 and Galatians 5:22-23) Telling of the parents’ overwhelming support, Grade 6 teacher Joy Panes said, “They did the marketing, cooked and assisted the teachers with chores, but most importantly they have been with us praying for their children to allow God to work marvelously in the lives of these children and that they will not go home without really understanding the essence of success from a Christian perspective.” Please be praying for these students as they attend a month-long summer school session to prepare them for the rigors of high school. Grades 9-10 Retreat: Stand Firm With our Grade 10 students preparing to cross-over into senior high and moving beyond CCS and our Grade 9 students advancing into upperclassman leadership, the message of the retreat was to stand firm in your faith. The students had a time of reflection, prayer and repentance, during which some of the students came to the school’s pastor and their teachers for prayer. As part of a team building time with cross-over life coaching, the students gathered into four groups. Two of the groups wrote down problems that they were experiencing. The other two groups were then asked to think of advice or solutions for those problems. The problems shared revolved around relational issues, financial issues and personal issues. Teacher and guidance counselor Kim Bragas expressed that the teachers were amazed at how the students resolved each problem. “We can say that they are wise for their age,” she said. Having an unforgiving heart was one of the problems shared. Ms. Kim relayed the following advice given by the students: “One student shared that whenever he feels that he does not want to forgive, he would always remember God’s forgiveness and love to him. That compels him to forgive. Another one said that she is forgiven by God for the many sins she has done and to think that she will withhold forgiveness to others is wrong. Another shared that the effect of unforgiveness in her heart led her to do more wrong things and made her heart very heavy. She said that she was reminded to check her heart and decided to choose the process of forgiveness.” Another problem expressed, said Ms. Kim, was the feeling of not being appreciated at home; no matter what they do, they feel that they are not enough. In response, one student advised that “whenever they do things at home, they should not just do them for their parents but for the Lord, knowing that He sees everything.” Jealousy about family life was another problem shared. Ms. Kim said that one student advised that they should not get jealous, because having a complete family is not an assurance of being happy. The group of students agreed, and one added that you just have to accept and be satisfied. Another summarized it by saying, “We just have to accept, be satisfied, then let go and let God.” Besides the serious times, students had plenty of fun games and team building activities. Here students used their shoes to build the highest tower. They had great fun as they struggled with thinking of different strategies while fighting the bad smell of their shoes! The team building coaches asked the students to gather materials to help them survive if stranded on an island. The coach was impressed that all groups had a Bible with them, showing that our students valued the Word of God. The students also had a fun night of swimming at the next door Kids International Ministry Center. One teacher shared how she was able to talk with a Grade 10 student whom she had known since 1st grade. She said that through the years they would discuss how he should not punch his classmates or why he should stay to clean the room or why it is rude to answer back. But that night he talked about heart issues that the Lord had revealed to him. “That night, I was no longer talking to a young boy, but a man in the making,” she said. “Indeed, it is bittersweet to see them go, but I trust the Lord. CCS will always be their home.” To close the time, at a 5:00 a.m. morning devotion, the students’ parents surprised the students by joining them. It was a heart-warming time with tears and hugs and a hearty breakfast. After the retreat, the students wrote their reflections from the time. Here is one student’s response: “ I committed myself to God that I will continually serve Him even though I am no longer in CCS. I am thankful that the Lord brought me here because the school molded me into who I am today because I came to know God here. I am just amazed with God. I do not know where I am now if it wasn’t for God bringing me here.” - Jerus Mallavo High school building update : While we are making exciting progress, it currently appears that our new building and senior high program will not be ready for the start of the new school year in June. If you would like to help our 36 Grade 10 Completers continue their schooling through our Beyond CCS program, which helps meet transportation and other school needs, please contact missionary Dewey Bland at deweybland@kidsim.org to learn more. Please keep our efforts to build a high school building and senior high program in your prayers.
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God is doing some amazing things at KIDS!

KIDS 2017 Retreat

#GivingTuesday - good idea

#GivingAllYearLong - great idea!

KIDS Update - June 2019

CCS April 2019 Newsletter

CCS March 2019 Newsletter

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