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Children. Families. Cities. Nations.

“To open their eyes and turn them from
darkness to light and from the power
of satan to God” (Acts 26:18)

P.O. Box 0401, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 Philippines Tel. No. + 63 (88) 858-8187 Cell No. + 63 (920) 913-3231 [email protected]

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V I S I O N C A S T
January 1, 2006

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY...

A Sidewalk Christmas Party that Could Not be Rained Down Makes a Difference for 500 Poor, Needy and Neglected Inner-City Kids in Mindanao

It was scheduled on Wednesday, December 21st, 4:30-5:30pm.  But it was already the 19th and we were still praying and waiting for additional funds to come in.

We cancelled our team planning and practice and moved the date to Thursday, December 22nd, same time.

God is faithful!  As always, He did supply all our needs...

Wednesday, from 10:00am to 10:00pm, we worked hard at preparing the team, the props, the sound system, the stage equipments and everything else needed for the Sidewalk Christmas Party.

The props and visual aids were designed and created.  The script was translated in Cebuano.  Roles were assigned... and practiced... and evaluated... and practiced again...  Take one...  Take two... Take three...

It was a serious production, and we were all tired after a very long day. But we were happy and fulfilled.  So happy and fulfilled.

Thursday, December 22, 10:00am.  We only had 6 hours to make final preparations for the party.

The costumes, props and visual aids were completed.  The sound system was tested.  A check list was made.  Then a final dressed rehearsal.

Afternoon, 3:00 pm.  It was time to move to the site.  Props, costumes, visual aids, sound system, stage equipment...  Everything was loaded on the jeep.

At 3:30 pm, we were setting everything up at the site.  The kids were lined up.  Everybody was excited.

Around 4:00 pm, the kids began to take their seats at the big tent sheets.  One by one.  Line by line.

Then it began to drizzle.  Then... pouring rain...

Everybody was asked to move to the sides and find shelter.

We were confused.  Should we push through with the party?  Or should we do it the next day?

We asked the parents. There were approximately 100 of them at the site.  They said, “We’re already wet anyway.  Let’s do it.”

We asked the kids.  They all shouted, “Padayon!  Padayon!”  (Push through!  Push through!)

And so we did.

We asked the kids to get back on line and use the big tent sheets as cover.

We were not able to do our games, action songs, Christmas skits, etc. But we were still able to share with them (and approximately 100 on-looking parents) the life-giving message of CHRISTmas.  Then, we all ate bread, juice and ice cream together.  We also gave toy gifts for everyone!

Because of the tremendous social, political and economic crises that beset our nation, people say that the Filipino people will not have a merry Christmas nor a prosperous new year.  But because of the love and generosity of Open Eyes Mission Partners like you, 500 poor, needy and neglected children here in Mindanao had a Merry Christmas after all!

Thank you so much, partners.

Now, we have taken much needed rest and spent quality time as a family during the Christmas Season.  At the same time, we have also been praying and seeking God regarding the Open Eyes Mission team's plan to personally visit each of the children in their homes and to minister to their families.

Please continue to remember us in prayer as we continue to reach out to the poor, needy and neglected children of Mindanao.

Because our work is not yet over.  IT HAS JUST BEGAN!

Help us reach the Children and Families of Mindanao.

Our goal for 2006 is to train and mobilize more churches to do what we're doing and reach 1,000 children and families here in Mindanao.  Please continue to pray and seek God about supporting our mission financially.

• For only $150 a month, you can sponsor 300 children to Sidewalk Sunday School weekly.

• For only $100 a month, you can sponsor 200 children to Sidewalk Sunday School weekly.

• For only $ 50 a month,  you can sponsor 100 children to Sidewalk Sunday School weekly.

• For only $ 25 a month,  you can sponsor  50 children to Sidewalk Sunday School weekly.

You may also sow a one-time donation of $2,000, $1,000, $500, $200 or however the Lord leads you.  Gifts in kind such as food, clothing, toys and other goodies are most welcome as well.

To give to the ministry, please write your check to Open Eyes Mission and send it to:

OPEN EYES MISSION
P.O. Box 0401
Cagayan De Oro City
9000 Philippines

Tel. No. + 63 (88) 858-8187
Cell No. + 63 (920) 913-3231

E-mail:

[email protected]
[email protected]

Open Eyes Mission, Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines.  By law, we qualify in the U.S.A. as a tax deductible entity.  We will mail receipts for all your donations at year-end.  Therefore, all your gifts and offerings to Open Eyes Mission will be tax deductible.

"Those who give to the poor shall not lack..." (Proverbs 28:27)

We pray that in this, the year of total fulfillment, God would make all your dreams for yourself, your family, your city and your nation a living reality.

God bless,

Glen & Aymi Melo
Founders and Senior Pastors
Open Eyes Mission, Inc.

Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Luke 18:16)

We are determined to reach the children, families and cities of Mindanao and the Philippines for Christ. But we can't do it alone. We need your partnership and support.

Be an Open Eyes Mission Partner. Please write or call us today:

OPEN EYES MISSION
P.O. Box 0401
Cagayan De Oro City
9000 Philippines

Tel. No. + 63 (88) 858-8187
Cell No. + 63 (920) 913-3231

E-mail:

[email protected]
[email protected]

For online partnership information, please click here.

Our Ministries

• SIDEWALK PROJECT

  A vision to reach 150,000 children and their families by building a network of 100 churches and establishing 600 Sidewalk Sunday School and Visitation Outreaches in 80 villages.

• G12 VISION

  A vision to

  Win souls through men, women, couples, youth and children's cell groups;

  Consolidate new believers through Encounter Retreats;

  Disciple and train believers for cell group ministry through the School of Leaders; and

  Send trained leaders to win souls, make disciple and multiply leaders for a greater harvest.

• TRANSFORMATION

A vision to effectuate the salvation, healing and transformation of Mindanao and the Philippines by raising up a new breed of Filipino pastors, business persons, politicians and media people by spreading Christ-centered, Bible-based teachings of reformation and building a network of reformation-minded Christians nationwide.