Thanks for the journals

We have been journeying together with these youth, some for 2 years now. I have the privilege of hearing some of their precious stories and I must say I have been blessed to witness the transforming changes that many have gone through. Though we meet them sometimes only once a month, it is amazing what the desire and will of a young soul can do, create spaces in their lives and hearts for God, for themselves, for their loved ones.

" I would like to give thanks to those who have been really supportive and with their open hands helped out other people. The journals have helped us especially in writing down notes of the good things and low points of the day, but most especially it is one of the many ways to communicate with God" Angel

Seen here is a session on 'creative journalling', awareness, lectio divina with music, photo reflection etc.

Here's a big thank you to those who have pledged monies towards buying journals for these youths. All 25 of them have received new journals bought by your contribution. The journals will help them chart their spiritual walk, become more aware of where they are, and serves as a tool for reflecting on the day to day blessings. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Maraming Salamat Po!

Preparing for Lent

How does one bring the story of the Prodigal son to children? I updated the story with modern scenarios, which involved the son stealing from the father, womanising, begging in the streets etc. finally walking over highways, small villages and coming home to daddy.

Here's an activity for the kids, try helping him find his way home!



Drawing cartoons is part of my journalling, however this is the first time I am able to string a story line together in cartoon form. God's good! He helped me!

Preparing for Lent

When it comes to children, I realised I use a different part of my brain for preparing the ministry. The last two weeks we have been preparing the kids for Lent. Not all of them have undergone cathechism for First Holy Communion. So we started from scratch.

We prepared a memory game, much like 'Wheel of Fortune' except, cards are opened and revealed for 5 secs. The children then have to remember which two numbered cards are identical. They were screaming and putting their hands up enthusiastically to answer.

Since we ddnt have a board, we asked the kids to volunteer holding the cards. Here's a photo of them. If you look closely you will spot a child holding her little 5 month old sister. This is common in our children ministry, the older siblings taking care of their younger ones while trying to enjoy themselves.

Children Ministry- 2 Feb 2008

This is the first ministry time since the I arrived in Manila. And what a blast it was.

When we arrived after the one hour drive, we discovered through one of the children that the usual tuition centre is not available for use. And at the other venue, a public basketball court, a party conducted by the village was held. So we, together with the 140 children walked the 100metres to an open air public playground, but still we had to go to the other side of the village to seek permission from the village ‘head’. Though this is not the best of venues, we had a place!

The theme for this week was ‘Noah’s Ark’.
We started with an action song. Followed by a short teaching of Noah’s Ark and God’s love and compassion. Then came activity time, a small sheet of paper with an animal drawn on it was given to each child. Actually, they all tried to snatch the papers, we couldn’t give it out quick enough! The crayons were quickly distributed, short of a fight. After the pieces were carefully coloured they were cut and pasted onto a 2-metre sheet of ‘Manila’ paper. Just look at the picture, isn’t it just beautiful?

Let’s keep praying for a venue that we can depend on. A place we can sing action songs and dance freely with all the children.