HPUMC Adopts Don Marcos Elementary School

Supporting Children’s Education in the Philippines

by Lee Forland

 

In June, nine very blessed members of HPUMC had the opportunity to participate in HPUMC’s second mission trip to the Philippines.  HPUMC has adopted as a special project the Don Marcos Elementary School on the island of Mindanao.  The team enjoyed a very memorable two day visit to the Don Marcos Elementary school.

 

The Don Marcos Elementary School was simple and basic but very charming. The school’s teachers were warm and gracious. Each un-air conditioned classroom presented a large and boisterous greeting of “Welcome Visitors” by the students eager to practice their English.  God’s presence was evident in the classrooms as numerous signs and placards adorned the walls, reminding the students of God’s love for them.  Within those four simple walls and with few books and resources, each teacher dedicates themself to teaching their students as best they can.

 

The HPUMC team was honored to deliver school supplies and give the teachers additional tools for enhancing their students’ education and well being.  These supplies included books, pencils, workbooks, teaching aids of all types, music and computer supplies for a newly-established computer lab.  In addition, one class was given sunglasses for each student to protect their eyes from the harsh sun.  The students had a blast showing off their new shades.

 

Though the team presented the school with many useful gifts, the greatest gift was given by the teachers and students to our team – the gift of deep and meaningful joy and the unmistakable feeling that the love of Christ was shared both with and through the children and their teachers.  The team felt deeply connected and united in the Spirit with those they met in the Philippines. For this connection and witnessing of God’s work, they are most thankful.

  

The Philippines team thank the congregation whose prayers and gifts to HPUMC Global Outreach make possible all our work around the world.  This mission trip to the Philippines testifies to the caring and compassion of the HPUMC family.  The team is grateful for the opportunity to serve as God’s hands and feet and as representatives of this faith community. For more information about opportunities to support the Philippines Children Mission, and other opportunities to serve, please contact Steve Raynor at steve.raynor@juno.com.  Thank you and God Bless.