A Story
by Jennifer Hoines (missionary) Faith Temple, Corpis Christi, TX

How many people can fit in a multicab (a small size pick-up truck with the bed covered and a bench seat on each side.)? Well the Filipino response is always one more, but I thought our group of twenty-five was about all this little car could handle. And to many Americans riding in the packed multicab would be like sardines squeezed together in a can, but in the Philippines that’s a daily mode of transportation. So when you’re in the Philippines, do as the Filipinos do!

Off we were to go Christmas caroling, similar to the US, but with a twist. Here at Restored Heritage, we make appointments and use it as a fundraiser. We visited a restaurant, a dress shop, and several houses. And as we left one of the neighborhoods I noticed we were getting to a hilly part of town. Quickly, I thought can this little multicab make it to the top? Not more than a few seconds later, the multicab stalled and began rolling down the hill. We quickly began to jump out of the back of the multicab and found some rocks to put behind the tires to help keep it from rolling further. Some of the group began to push the cab to get it started again and the rest of us kept the younger children away from the multicab just in case it started rolling back again. As the multicab made it’s way to the top of the hill, the rest of us walked and got back in at the top.

Well, that was exciting, but the adventure wasn’t over. We had another neighborhood to enter this one even higher up in the mountains. Before long it happened again, this time I wasn’t as surprised and joined right in as we all jumped out. The mountains were too much for our crowded multicab, so we used the two legged mode of transportation and had a pleasant walk up to the house. Christmas caroling, enjoying the mountain view of Cebu City, and exercise all in one trip. God is good!

The work:
Time doesn’t permit me to describe all that I’ve had the opportunity to do while I’ve been here, but here is a partial list of some of the activities I’ve been able to participate in during my two months in Cebu. (This list does not include our weekly youth meetings, Bible Studies, Prayer Meetings, morning devotionals, and Sunday worship.)
Christmas outreaches – various programs to the children ; parents of the preschool; women; children; and the youth. The youth threw a Birthday party for Jesus. With their active involvement they had over 100 peers attend. Many accepted Christ and are now being followed up by the young people. Christmas day we served dinner to over 25 families in the neighborhood and sent them each home with a gift.

Youth – I’ve had the great privilege of working with the youth here and have been encouraged by each of them. God is working in the lives of the young people here and will use the current youth to continue to draw other people to Him. I’ve been able to share with them ideas for outreach and work with them in discipleship, both individually and in training them to disciple new believers.

Other – During my time here I’ve also been able to share some of the teachings from our ministry training school in regards to Praise and Worship, Supernatural Living through the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit, and Leadership Integrity. We’ve all learned new things about ourselves, each other, and most importantly our Heavenly Father.

The reports:
I’ve been so blessed to watch and be a part of the work God is doing through the people of the Restored Heritage Foundation. And I wanted to just share a few of the praise reports with you.

1. God’s provision – the children were blessed with clothes and toys from people in the states and here in Cebu; a special treat of Jollibees (a Filipino version of McDonalds) and Ice Cream from Eldon and Sue Potts, from CTN. In addition, I’ve seen God multiply His provision as Christmas Day we planned to fast, but we had so much food left after feeding the families in the community (they even took food home) that we all enjoyed dinner together and even had leftovers for the next day. And as we prepared that morning we didn’t think we would have enough food!

2. God’s healing – testimonies of God’s healing colds, tooth/jaw pain, and a goiter|

3. God’s growing – I’ve witnessed a change in many people’s lives, but especially among the praise and worship team. As they have purposed to focus on worshiping God they are drawing into a deeper relationship with Him and with one another. And God is using them to take the congregation deeper into His presence.

4. God’s correcting – after sharing a video series on leadership integrity I saw God convict one of the youth of sin in his life. This young man received God’s correction and forgiveness and realized the importance of forgiving others.

What’s ahead:
As God continues to work in the lives of the people here, He is also calling Marydel to expand her ministry to another aarea in the Philippines. Many of you received the winter newsletter about the plans to move to Bohol. As I write, the construction in Bohol is starting.. A water pump is being built and ground is being broken to begin the laying of the foundation. Please prayerfully consider supporting this expansion of the ministry. As you invest, you’ll be investing in growing God’s Kingdom. The benefits will far outweigh the costs. Please send your tax-deductible gift to CTEN at the address below and attach a note delegating your funds to the building project.

In March, Marydel looks forward to having several guests visit: First, Pastor Judi Wilds & Carolyn Weige of Faith Community, Alvin, TX and later the Founder and President of Commission to Every Nation, Pastor Richard Malm of Faith Temple, Corpus Christi, TX and his wife Jana.

Thank-you for letting me share a little bit with you about my trip to Cebu. Unfortunately I can’t explain all that I’ve done or all the lessons I’ve learned, but I know that my life has changed because of my time in Cebu. With Faith and Trust in God we can do all things, there is nothing impossible for our God.