Our amazing team members had their hands full at the Guatemala 2012 packing party filling a dozen or so suitcases with over $50,000 worth of medicines and supplies that were donated or purchased at discounts from organizations like Crosslink International, Brother’s Brother Foundation and Blessings International.

Hundreds of pairs of reading glasses and blood sugar machines had to go into a hard shell case to prevent damage - thanks to Samsonite and Good Will Industries we have several cases that are “Gorrilla tough!”

Once the medicines are packed, we can move on to clothing and other supplies… This is where the fun starts!

Everything must fit AND the suitcase must weight in at 50 lbs!

After several packs and repacks, a donated medicine certification is added and the bag is finally ready to go!

World Mercy Teams and One by One Church have scheduled our first two Homeless clinics at the Won by One Ministry Center 1512 Washington Street, Oregon City, OR 97045 from 10 to 4 on February 18th and March 24th. All medicines and care will be free of charge. Please CONTACT US or DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION if you are a Christian medical or dental professional who would like to volunteer. We will also be purchasing additional medications and supplies. If you would like to donate, you can find out how to do so HERE.

WMT nurse Sherds E. Colas hit the ground running when she arrived in Iligan City days after Typhoon Sendong flooded the region, leaving thousands homeless and hungry, injured and ill. Sherds delivered $500 of WMT donated funds to the local Nazarene church that was able to distribute food, clothing and supplies to those in need. She then worked with a local medical team to aid the sick and injured. Sherds recently graduated with a BSN through a WMT scholarship. We are so proud!

Pastor Wen Gallardo of Shamah Ministries distributed food and supplies purchased with donated WMT funds to remote tribes affected by the flooding. We are so thankful!

World Mercy Teams is responding to the recent tragic flood in Mindanao, Philippines with a relief package that will be distributed through the local Christian church by Pastor Wen Gallardo who partners with us in that region. Please pray for the health and safety of the survivors and consider giving through the World Mercy Teams Paypal link on our home page to share even a small amount of what you have been blessed with these dear ones.

World Mercy Teams and Won by One Church in Oregon City, Oregon are partnering to bring free medical care and medicines to local folks who need it most. We will be looking for Christian Doctors, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, Medical Assistants and other staff who would love to join us in serving those who have lost jobs, insurance, homes and hope. We have scheduled our first two clinics at the Won by One Ministry Center 1512 Washington st, Oregon City, OR 97045 from 10 to 4 on February 18th and March 24th. All medicines and care will be free of charge. Please CONTACT US or DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION if you are a Christian medical or dental professional who would like to volunteer. We will also be purchasing additional medications and supplies. If you would like to donate, you can find out how to do so HERE.

Mikhail Powell, World Mercy Teams Marathon Golfer. Mikhail’s competitive spirit has served him well in sports. He coaches high school football. He is an avid golfer and will be a formidable contender on the course. Mikhail would love your support as he golfs 100 holes in 5 hours for World Mercy Teams.

Mikhail’s Goal: To play 100 holes in one day and raise $25 per hole ($2500) in pledges. Raised so far: $100

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO SPONSOR MIKHAIL ON PAYPAL NOW:

Thank you for your kindness in supporting Mikhail and the work of World Mercy Teams. Your donation is tax deductible.

Jessica is a veteran World Mercy Teams missionary who believes in her cause… she is, in fact a dedicated Pharmacy assistant who has traveled with WMT on several important missions, including Guatemala and Mexico. Jessica may love to golf, but she loves the mission of World Mercy Teams even more…

Jessica’s Goal: To play 50 holes in one day and raise $25 per hole in pledges.

Progress: $100 in pledges so far!

Click on Image below to sponsor Jessica:

Thank you for your kindness in supporting Jessica and the work of World Mercy Teams. Your donation is tax deductible. 

Sean Dahlstrom, World Mercy Teams Marathon Golfer. Sean loves endurance sports like the Hood to Coast run and has a competitive nature that makes him a formidable contender in our marathon. Sean cares about making a difference in everything he does. He works as an emergency department technician where his medical and military training serve him well. He would love your support as he golfs 100 holes in 5 hours for World Mercy Teams.

Sean’s Goal: To play 100 holes in one day and raise $25 per hole ($2500) in pledges. Raised so far: $165

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO SPONSOR SEAN ON PAYPAL NOW:

Thank you for your kindness in supporting Sean and the work of World Mercy Teams. Your donation is tax deductible.

Marilee Neuschwander is a veteran World Mercy Teams Marathon Golfer who believes in her cause… she is, in fact a dedicated Pharmacist who has a strong leadership role in WMT. Marilee has been on several missions, including Guatemala and Mexico. She trains our pharmacy staff and prepares the formulary for us for all WMT projects. Marilee may love to golf, but she loves the mission of World Mercy Teams even more… which makes her the one keep your eye on out there on the course!

Goal: To play 50 holes in one day and raise $25 per hole in pledges.

Progress: $300 in pledges so far!

Click on Image below to sponsor Marilee:

First prize: Most pledges

Safari Basket!

Including…

Free admission for two to Wildlife Safari in Winston
Oregon

Free overnight lodging

A $50 gift card for Outback Steakhouse

Tasco Essentials Combo with 10×42 Full Size and
10×25 Compact Binoculars

And much more!

Second prize: Most sponsors

Pamper-Me Basket

Including…

A free massage at Rejuvenation Day Spa

A $35 gift card at Olive Garden

Candles and incense

Godiva Chocolates and Coffee

Assorted Spa products

And much much more!

Third Prize: Longest Drive

Craftsman Barbecue Set

And… Calloway lawn golf game!

Fourth Prize: KP (Closest to the hole)

Gift certificates for Red Lobster!

and a BURTON MONOSHOCK 100 golf bag!

Tee-Off Party Putting Contest Prizes:

Pizzas courtesy of Molalla Papa Murphy’s!

Megan Proctor, World Mercy Teams Marathon Golfer is a Pre-Nursing Student who works as an Emergency Department Tech in a Portland, Oregon Trauma Center and a busy Hillsboro, Oregon Emergency Department. Megan has a passion to help those who are hurting and supports the work of World Mercy Teams.

Megan comes from a long line of golfers. Her grandparents got her started with golf lessons when she was in middle school. But she had another passion. ”I hated every minute of it because I would have rather been playing softball”, Megan explains. “For the longest time I really disliked golf until my 21st birthday. My dad took me for my birthday present and magically I  was finally good. Ever since then I have been playing at any chance I can get. Now I just really enjoy being on the golf course with my family and having fun!”

Megan has a competitive spirit and a heart of gold… a winning combination for sure! She would love your support as she golfs 100 holes in 5 hours for World Mercy Teams. 

Megan’s Goal: To play 100 holes in one day and raise $25 per hole ($2500) in pledges. Raised so far: $350

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO SPONSOR MEGAN ON PAYPAL NOW:

Thank you for your kindness in supporting Megan and the work of World Mercy Teams. Your donation is tax deductible. 

Steve Campbell, Veteran World Mercy Teams Marathon Golfer. Steve is an ICU RN and flight nurse who thrives on conquering big challenges. He is an avid competitive runner and loves to golf when he can find the time. When not golfing and running, Steve is busy with his daughter Baeley and his work. Steve has a heart for world missions and supports the work of World Mercy Teams. Steve golf with us last year and had a great time. He is ready to do it again. GO STEVE!

Goal: To play 100 holes in one day and raise $25 per hole ($2500) in pledges. Raised so far: $100

Like to help with the World Mercy Teams golf fundraiser but not a golfer? No problem! We need golf cart drivers, hospitality and other support volunteers. Are you a good organizer? Become a team captain! Our golfers also need your help to get pledges $1.00 or more per hole from 20 or more supporters… Yes, you CAN make a difference! Contact Sheldon Traver, our Player Captain today to become a part of World Mercy Teams!

Sponsor a Golf Team member:

Sheldon Traver, Golf Team Captain

Megan Proctor, WMT Golfer

Steve Campbell, WMT Golfer

Marilee Neuschwander, WMT Golfer

Sean Dahstrom, WMT Golfer

Jessica Hoefer-Griffin, WMT Golfer

Mikhail Powell, WMT Golfer

Learn more…

Clara was carried into our makeshift clinic near a notorious Guatemala City slum. She had two children, a useless prescription for antibiotics that she couldn’t afford, and two pieces of scrap lumber. The Good Samaritan who brought her to us described how Clara used those sticks that day to painfully propel herself down a dirty street in a last desperate search for help. By the time she was carried to us, she was hysterical, feverish, and close to shock with infected legs, both blackened to the knees. Because of many compassionate hearts, our team was there to give Clara professional care, medicine, and God’s love. As we administered IV fluids and antibiotics, our host ministry located her children and brought them to her. After Clara responded to treatment and began to rally, we provided food for the destitute little family.

Jason faced an uncertain future. His life revolves around his young family, whom he supports by fishing for squid from a small boat each night and then drying them in the warm Limasawa Island afternoon sunshine before selling them on the mainland. But all that changed a few months ago when his thyroid turned on him, raising his body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure to life threatening levels. The Bible says that our Father in heaven sees Jason’s need and cares for him. Our team met Jason on Limasawa Island, Philippines in May 2011. Since then we have been working with a local doctor to stabilize his thyroid with medication. With the help of World Mercy Teams, Jason has been given a second chance. As of 12/2011, He has gained weight and is back to work! Praise God for his grace in allowing World Mercy Teams to provide the medicine that has saved his life!

Glazel is a beautiful and intelligent Limasawan 7-year-old child with a congenital vision disorder that prevents her from being able to study and play like a normal child. Pink is her favorite color, although she can barely see it. She has never seen an eye doctor or worn glasses. World Mercy Teams wants to send Glazel to an opthalmologist on mainland Leyte. Please consider a small, tax deductible donation to help make this dream for Glazel come true.

Celsa is a young Christian mother on Limasawa who suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down 6 months ago. With no wheelchair of her own, Celsa had to borrow a wheelchair to be transported to our Medical Clinic for treatment of an infection. Through the generous gifts of World Mercy Teams supporters, Celsa now has a wheelchair of her own.  

Praise God that Franz has been given a clean bill of health by a Pediatrician. When we saw him initially, he suffered from what appeared to be a very large, infected granuloma of his umbilicus. Through antibioitics and daily treatments with a medication called silver nitrate, we were able to stabilize him but granulomas of that size do not normally respond well to silver nitrate and must be surgically repaired.  However, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD. We have learned this time after time and again this past week when we learned that Franz was completely healed. Thanks be to God for this miracle!

Franz is a 3-week-old male infant with an umbilical defect that exposes him to infection. I first treated him on day one of our Limasawa mission and followed up daily for the remainder of the week. He had a localized infection which responded well to antibiotics. Unfortunately it is only a matter of time before Franz suffers another infection that may end his life. This defect needs to be surgically repaired. We are hoping to raised funds for the first step in the process, having him seen by a Pediatrician on mainland Leyte. Please consider a donation to WMT to cover these expenses. You will be blessed beyond belief to save this tiny life.

HAPPY GRADUATION TO SHERDS E. COLAS, BSN!

World Mercy Teams funds a Nursing Scholarship Program for gifted young people who have a strong desire to serve God as a Missionary Nurse. Through WMT funding, nursing student Sherds E. Colas is fulfilling a lifelong dream by graduating from Brokenshire College in Minadano, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Sherds has a strong desire to bring her skills to areas that even World Mercy Teams cannot go… the war-torn mountainous jungles of the Southern Philippines where Pastor Wen has been working. She will bring medicines and hope to those who need it most. We are proud to support her!

Why does World Mercy Teams choose to serve in the Philippines?

Did you know that there are over 7000  islands in the Philippines? And that nearly 100 million people live there? Or that many islands are ravaged by devastating Typhoons each year, leaving death and destruction in their wakes?  Keep reading to learn more about this country where the mission field is ripe for harvest (statistics courtesy of Operation World):

Who are the Filipino People?

Malayo-Indonesian Filipinos 94.2%.

Major peoples: Tagalog 22.3 mill.; Cebuano 17.7m; Ilocano 7.1m; Hiligaynon (Visaya) 6.9m), Bicol 4.3m; Waray (Samar/Leyte) 2.9m.

Tribal peoples 2.8%. In the more inaccessible mountain areas of: Luzon (46 peoples) 1.3m; Mindanao(43) 700,000; Mindoro(11) 280,000; Palawan(7) 90,000.

Muslim majority peoples 5%. 13 peoples, the largest (in Mindanao) : Maranao 1.1m; Magindanao/Ilanun 1.4m; Subanon/Kalibugan 63,000. On the islands south-west of Mindanao: Tausug 600,000; Sama(3) 300,000; Yakan 82,000; Bajau(2) 77,000.

Mixed race: 3.5%. Filipino, Spanish, American, Chinese, many speaking Tagalog.

Chinese: 2.1%. Urban, extensive involvement in commerce and industry.

Other: 0.2%. US citizens, Vietnamese, Arab, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, etc.

Literacy 95%. Official languages Filipino (based on Tagalog), English. All languages 169. Languages with Scriptures 8Bi 52NT 37por 44w.i.p.

Last year God opened the door for World Mercy Teams to bring the healing  touch of Jesus Christ to one of the HARDEST PLACES on this earth… To the Muslim tribes of Mindanao. How did He do this? He used our medical credentials to bring us in. He made it easy for us to share through the many who speak English who were able to interpret tribal languages. He connected us through the ministry of Pastor Wen, who regularly works with the Muslim tribes. Click here to learn more about the 2009 Mission.

Who is there to help us?

From our very first mission, we learned first hand about the incredible dedication to service that defines the Christian Church in the Philippines. Indeed, many churches have been involved in our missions, providing space, food, transportation and medical professionals. We have worked along side so many awe-inspiring pastors who have had the opportunity to share the Gospel with those who may have never heard otherwise.  

What happens after we leave?

The Churches we have worked with have always made the most of every contact made through our ministry. In one place, we would gather at the end of each day and they would tally the ‘results’, of often more than 100 who have made commitments to Christ through our sharing. Praise God for these Pastors who then arranged for followup so that none would be lost! The dedication of these Pastors is amazing. In one case, a Pastor made weekly trips with a disabled young boy to physical therapy that was coordinated through World Mercy Teams. Finally, the boy learned to walk and his mother began bringing him to Church!

Learn more about serving God in the Philippines through OPERATION WORLD .

World Mercy Teams Marathon Golf Team Captain. Award winning Journalist. Free-lance Photographer. Veteran Field Medic. Has traveled with World Mercy Teams on several Missions. Sheldon loves the game and loves World Mercy Teams.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SPONSOR SHELDON WITH PAYPAL:

Veteran World Mercy Teams Marathon Golfer. Pete is an experienced golf marathoner. His wife, Dr. Page Jossi, has been on many mission trips with World Mercy Teams.

World Mercy Teams conducted a 5 day medical mission on the island of Limasawa May 16th through May 20th, 2011. Located about 4 miles (6 km) off the southern tip of the island of Leyte just outside the mouth of Sogod Bay, Limasawa rises to about 700 feet (200 m). The island is inhabited by Visayan peoples (Population 7,332) who practice subsistence agriculture and fishing. Our medicines and supplies were purchased through Blessings International and donated by Crosslink International and Brother’s Brother.

Here are some patients I would like you to meet:

Franz, a three-week-old infant with a serious birth defect.

Celsa, a young mother with paralysis.

Glazel, a seven-year-old child with a serious eye problem.

Jason, a young family man with a dangerous medical condition.

We served under the leadership of Pastor Wen of Shamah Ministries. Read about past Philippines missions in the Mercy Teams Diary.  Click here to learn more about the tremendous need and awesome opportunity that we have in Serving God in the Philippines.

Golf Fundraiser Prize Donation flyer

Golf Participant Commitment Agreement

Golf Fundraiser Announcement enewsletter

Golf Fundraiser Announcement meeting

Joni is a young man who sustained serious injury to both of his legs in an accident. The bones of his lower legs were badly fractured, and he was unable to have them reduced. When our free clinic finally arrived, Joni slowly made his way to us on some homemade crutches. His legs were badly infected and in need of amputation. We were able to treat the infection and then send him to an orthopedic surgeon who later amputated his legs, finally restoring his health. Unfortunately, he was then unable to use his crutches to get around.  Pastor Wen  provides follow-up for cases we are following during our medical missions to the Philippines. He oversees ongoing visitation to the needy and organizes Bible Studies in communities where we previously brought medicines, doctors, and dentists. While the generous donors to World Mercy Teams provided the funding, Pastor Wen visited Joni and his family, facilitated the surgery, obtained the medications, and then followed up with a surprise Christmas gift for Joni, a second-hand wheelchair.  Joni is now gainfully employed, repairing shoes for a living and praising God for World Mercy Teams.

As you can see from this photo of Elena standing on this windy perch, Monte Alban was once an incredible place. You can see for miles in any direction. Structures included a celestial observatory.  

 
 These photos depict the aftermath of violence between tribal members. Above I am carefully removing bullet fragments from the hip of a woman whose husband was killed beside her over a land dispute. We were told that the Mexican government typically does not intervene in these matters, labeling them civil disputes among tribal members. I removed two fragments, one copper and one lead, below. There were other fragments lodged too deeply to remove.  

This woman shared her story through tears. Although she is left to care for her small child alone, she has found hope and help through the local church. 

The role of World Mercy Teams during this outreach has been to support local Christian churches and Pastors that have been gradually reaching these tribes with the good news of Jesus Christ. We were able to confront this culture of violence with the loving, healing ministry of Jesus through medical and dental care. 

The people of Oaxaca opened their hearts to us over the past week. There are many more stories of love yet to be shared. At this moment, though, I am hoping that the Hacienda swimming pool is warming up in the warm Oaxacan sunshine so I an go for one last swim before heading home to Oregon. 

don

 

This photo shows that we were enthusiastically greeted by the children of the Badjao, a Muslim tribal people who live by the seashore in Davao, Mindanao. We were told that the Badjao are “outcasts” among the other tribes in the area. Historically, the Badjao are known as “Sea Gypsies” and are expert pearl divers and spear fishermen. Unfortunately, many have been displaced to urban areas such as this, where they often must beg for food. The “homes” are fashioned from scraps of wood that have washed up from the sea. These shanties are perched on stilts above water which serves as their toilet and garbage dump. Here is a video of Trisha Haskins, a critical care RN from Portland, “walking the plank” which we called our daily trek over flimsy-appearing walkways to our clinic location.

As we became acquainted with the Badjao people we were struck by the feeling that they truly are outcasts, forgotten and ignored by most of those in the larger community that surrounds them. We found that we could not implement our usual ticketed number system, because they do not understand numeric symbols. Many of the mothers could only supply estimated ages for the naked and malnourished children who they presented to us with coughs, pneumonia, asthma, and infectious and parasitic skin rashes. 

Please pray for this outcast people, the Badjao by the sea in Davao.

1/16/2011: Fury’s family has decided to postpone her surgery for now. She is staying with her Aunt in Manila where she should be able to access better medical care. She is in our prayers.

9/14/2010: After more that a month of anticipation, the Philippine government has finally granted a passport for Fiory. Now for the medical VISA… Then time to fly to Oregon!

8/1/2010:

Fiory has a birth certificate! We may be as little as 5 days away from getting her passport!

7/23/2010: Fury has a name! Pastor Wen helped her mother to choose a spelling for her birth certificate this earlier this week. She is now officially Fiory Sarueda. We are one step closer to bringing her here!

7/12/2010: PRAISES AND PRAYERS FOR FURY! HTC has negotiated free airfare from the Philippines to San Francisco! WMT is raising money to bring Fury from San Francisco to Portland. WMT will also be responsible for her escort’s airfare from the Philippines to Portland. The surgeons at Emanuel are ready and waiting for her. Pray that we get her through the ‘red tape’ over there ASAP. Once we have secured a ‘live birth’ certificate, passport and medical VISA, she will be ready to travel. Pastor Wen has volunteered to escort her.

6/16/2010: Fury’s hospital stay is fully funded and the Surgical Team at Emmanuel is anxiously awaiting her arrival… World Mercy Teams is working with Healing the Children to bring her here as soon as possible! Below are the latest pictures sent by Pastor Wen of Shamah Ministries of when he gave her family the news:

Fury’s home as Pastor Wen approached…

Fury is there to greet her beloved Pastor…

Her mother is overwhelmed by the news…

Pastor Wen holds his precious Fury…

Thank you, Lord!

Here is our original post about Fury:

Fury was a bright and precocious five-year-old when she was brought to the clinic in 2009. The type of little girl who twirls proudly in her ruffled princess dress, and tugs on your sleeve to get your attention. We met Fury when her mother brought her to us, worried about her blue nailbeds and that she becomes breathless when she lies down.  She took our RN Trisha’s hand and held it tight when she first arrived at the clinic. On exam her blood oxygen was dangerously low, and she had a loud heart murmur. We sent her to Davao for immediate tests which confirmed serious congenital heart abnormalities.

We are working out the details to bring Fury here to Oregon for surgery at Emanuel hospital. A team has volunteered their time but we are waiting for funding for her hospital expenses. Meanwhile the clock keeps ticking, and her chances for survival continue to diminish. Without this intervention soon, she will never reach adulthood. We are praying now for funds to make it happen. Please keep Fury and her family in your prayers.

Fury with Trisha

We started out in a nice clean new-looking tour bus bursting with anticipation and optimism…  How did our adventure disintegrate to the point where our team stood on the side of a lonely dirt road, trying to bum a ride to a better place! (Not really.)

Top: Mary Muhlauser & Marilee Neuschwander

Bottom: Carol Pemberton, Mary Muhlhauser, Jessica Griffin, and Beverlee Kitchell

First we had a flat tire…

 Then after we changed the tire, the van wouldn’t start!

THEN when we had almost made it through long narrow, curvy, steep, and MUDDY roads…  the van got stuck!  

By the grace of God we made it though!  And still in great spirits! We went to church that night, and WMT member Mary Muhlhauser shared, while our friend Suzie interpreted for her.

Monday morning we were up early, and had a fantastic home-cooked breakfast with fresh-squeezed orange juice and set up the clinic at the El Chol Nazarene Church.

So far we have completed two clinic days, seeing well over two hundred patients, between medical, glasses, and dental, on Monday and Tuesday.  Today, we treated many very ill patients and were able to supply a very frail old man with a walker…

Marilee Neuschwander and Jessica Griffin dispensed dozens of prescriptions….

 As well as many pairs of glasses…

The glasses ministry is headed up by Sharon Barth (center with head turned). 

Of course there was dental and medical as well.  Be sure to check back for great photos of those champions in action!

Will sign off now, with prayers that we will be able to upload this tonight with Don’s little cell-phone Internet gadget.  If you are seeing this back home, my request was granted.

Update…  No luck with the cell-phone Internet gadget, that’s why this is finally being posted more than a week later…  Keep watching this blog to learn about days three, four, and five!

Below from left to right.  Beverlee Kitchell, Jessica Griffin, and Marilee Neuschwander inventory and pack medications. We are so grateful for the valuable medicines that we donated to us by Crosslink International, Brother’s Brother, and Blessings International.

Keep watching this blog for further updates. We covet your prayers!

Oscar and Lidia Banegas, Guatemalan missionaries, have broken hearts, evidenced by their passion to alleviate suffering and poverty – the same passion that has burned for centuries and conceived hospitals and schools all over the world.

When Oscar and Lidia see children denied education because their parents can’t afford paper and pencils, their hearts are broken. So, through their ministry, Jehovah Jireh, they distributed 800 backpacks filled with school supplies last year. Then they brought 35 donated computers to Guatemala City and established English and computer training at a local church.

When Oscar and Lidia see hunger and sickness, their hearts are broken, so they assemble and distribute bags of staple foods for distribution.

Because Oscar and Lidia’s hearts are broken by the things that break God’s heart, they hosted our medical team in Guatemala last year, which was the beginning of a close friendship and partnership with World Mercy Teams.

Oscar and Lidia will soon travel back to Guatemala to distribute food and school supplies to the needy.  In addition they will make preparations for our medical team next month in the small Guatemalan town of El Chol.

Read more about Jehovah Jireh on the Verbo California Church blog.

Here are some excerpts from communications that we have received, outlining much cause for praise and continued prayer.

September 2, 2008

Dear Sis. Elena and all,

We had a wonderful experience despite all our fears as we found ourselves in the war Zone and inside the Muslim Territory in the place of the terrorist yesterday.

It was our plan to be in Maasim only and give the relief goods to several Pastors from different denominations and let them distribute it to their members, but after meeting and praying with them they requested us to visit their places and see the real situation, although it was a hard decision to make but we pushed ourselves to go, trusting God to protect us and even thinking that you and other believers are upholding us in prayers.

Being in the midst of the war Zone yesterday was never easy. We were able to distribute the relief goods to our brethren and able to see another evacuation place that is so terrible to see and these people are starving because the government could hardly sustain the evacuees anymore.

One of the scary moment yesterday was when the relief goods was being intercepted by the Muslims in the third or last area of our distribution. And with God’s divine intervention I told my group that we will leave the goods in that area and it is up for the worker to share it to that community. While in the car going home we really PRAISE and THANKED GOD for His divine protection that He spared our lives once again and we were able to offer our lives to Him even in difficult situations here in the war zone.

The most critical evacuation center that we visited Yesterday was Kitagas, before we arrived that afternoon they buried a child because of diarrhea. One mother told me several times that since they have no food to eat she would just boil the water for her family and help keep their empty stomachs warm.

Stories like this, “dal e lang mi bugas bisag wala sud an kay pwede asin sud an namo.” Meaning, “Just give us rice even without viand and we will survive for we can use salt as our viand. ” Upon hearing this story, right there and then I told pastor Elmer that we should be praying more that He would supply the needs of this people – It deeply broke my heart!

When we arrived home last night we have mixed feelings because by God’s help we were able to do the Mission Impossible and at the same time feeling very sad thinking those starving people, especially the children were sleeping on the sand. Where will they go and sleep when it rains? These are the questions that lingers my mind and only God can comfort these people.

I am just very frustrated because doctors are not available this time going into that area for medical mission since kidnappings of medical personnel is so rampant now, in fact there were drug stores that had been ransacked by Muslim rebels since many of them are wounded and dying.

The $800 that you sent had been used to serve three areas with a number of 150 families by giving them rice, coffee, milk, detergent soap and beef loaf. Pastors insisted that priority needs is food, while other stuff are just secondary.

Lastly in behalf of the war victims in Mindanao, thank you very much for your prayers and financial support . May the good Lord continually prosper and protect you as you do His will in your life.

In His faithfulness,

Ptr. Wen, Ndye and Wendy

August 27, 2008

Thank you so much for responding the needs of our people who are victims of war here in Mindanao. When we visited the evacuees last Monday they were very glad and appreciated our presence even though we brought nothing for them but they knew our concern and love especially in times of crisis.Upon receiving your email stating your donations we were overwhelmed with joy in our hearts  thanking God for answered prayers and we could offer something for our people in the evacuation center. I am already forming a team of pastors or workers  here in Davao to go with me and will give moral and spiritual support for the war victims.

In His Faithfulness,
Pastor Wen  

August 26, 2008

Hi Don,

I was eating a salami sandwich as I read the email. Ummmm… I am not really that hungry anymore and wish I could somehow “teleport” my half eaten sandwich to the Philippines.

It is so easy to fall into a comfortable living situation and not give much thought to others in this world. Looking at the slices of salami hanging over the edge of the bread, I just had to give thanks that I had such a wonderful lunch to enjoy. And while I was on the kick of giving thanks, I also thanked God for the nice comfortable office chair I am sitting in, and my very very nice computer, the fact that I have access to the internet, the half full venti iced latte from Starbucks, my cute black skirt, and of course the fact that I have somewhere to go home to tonight.  Of course we can’t forget other things like safety, opportunity, family, friends, life, medical care…

So basically, your email had me sitting in my comfy chair, enjoying my lunch, and this time not ignoring that nudging feeling in my heart that I need to do something. Just so happens I was in the market for a new lens for my camera this morning. Lens cost quite a bit. Looks like I’ll be in the market for a new camera lens next month. Your check is in the mail as I write this.

It’s not just about the money. It’s about the reminder. Thank you for reminding me I am blessed. Thank you for reminding me that I have a responsibility to help others. Thank you for reminding me to pray for God’s protection for the people in Mindanao.

I’m praying for you guys.

Since August 17, Pastor Wen, Inday, and other Christian workers have been traveling from Davao City to aid evacuees caught in the latest fighting between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine military — a flare-up that the International Red Cross said has affected ”up to a half million people” in an article that went on to state:

“Leila de Lima, head of the independent Human Rights Commission, told IRIN the number of civilian casualties appeared to be higher than reported by the military… ‘Civilians are suffering immensely. Tens of thousands are internally displaced because of this war, dozens have been killed, hundreds of homes have been pillaged and razed, landmines have been utilised, shelters and rations are insufficient, children cannot go to school and sanitation is deplorable,’ De Lima said.”

Below is an excerpted email from Pastor Wen to WMT member Mary Muhlhauser…

August 26, 2008

Dear Sis. Mary,

Our warm greetings from Davao City! Let me first express my deep appreciation for all your concern, prayer and fasting which unite us all in asking divine intervention from our Almighty and loving God.

I would like to inform you that we were able to visit Malbang and Maasim yesterday together with my wife able to see the real situation especially the continued attack of the rebels.in some areas of Mindanao. We committed our visit to the Lord because it takes a lot of courage to go there as it was a risky visit. But we thanked God He made it possible for us to go despite the danger. Once again I would like to appeal to you for more intense supplication from God for the plight of 3 thousand plus evacuees who are occupying the two towns of Sarangani province  as the evacuation centers. Our hearts bleed for this innocent children who are even sick because of the very congested environment  with their parents who have no mats , no place to lie down and the worse thing is that evacuees are still arriving  yesterday from the mountains since the war started August 17 at 1pm.until this time. We visited the house of a Christian home that was forcefully entered by the rebels looking for some ladies to be abused but miraculously they were protected by the powerful hands of God and they were able to cover beside their bed laying flat on the floor. Adjacent the bedroom is their little store and it was ransacked, throw bullets everywhere but thank God the rebels were not able to notice them.. During the tribal camp when you were here the mother was around because her 2 children were actively involved. And as I listened to the many stories right on that evening of August 17 at 1 pm young women were being rape and houses were burned. Stories after stories had been told and the more our hearts are being crushed but still we are also thankful to God for His special protection upon His children and especially to our dear Carla and her mother who are actively working with us in the mountain. The tribal pastors and members from different denominations were very happy that we were able to visit and comfort them.

After our trip yesterday and upon reminiscing what we have experienced God impressed in my heart that we need to be back soon to minister their emotional ,spiritual ( through counseling for others were emotionally shocked  almost hit by canyons, soils would vibrate  and physical needs of the evacuees by giving them mats, blankets and mosquito nets and food. And I believe your heart is with us reaching our helpless brethren because they really need especially our prayers that God in His special dealing these people will be drawn more closer to Him.

While I am writing this I received a text message from  Ptr. Elmer that his uncle was shot dead by the rebels. Another text message from him informing  mothers in evacuation center are crying asking for Milk for their kids and they have no money brought for they are completely out from their livelihood since August 17. Oh dear loving God help us…

“God is my refuge and strength a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.  This is all for now. God bless you

In His Faithfulness,

Pastor Wen