| SPRING /SUMMER UPDATE 2007 |
| WHAT'S NEW ? |
| CHURCH: Two missions teams travelled to the Philippines during the month of April. The Abundant Life Church mission team and the Hosea Feed the Hungry Foundation formed two groups that travelled to the Philippines at different times during the month. From April 2 through April 26th the teams effectively served and ministerd to the Blaan. The pastoral and leadership training really challenged the Blaan ministers there and made a life changing impact on all who attended. The teams also visited several of the churches and schools in different villages and they really blessed the people tremendously. Maraming salamat to both teams! We are excited about what the LORD has in store for the next trip !!! SCHOOL: The Blaan Dalel Chrisitian Academy (BDCA) conducted its 6th annual commencemet exercises. A new concrete shcool building has been donated by Dr. Barbara Williams Emerson. This was Dr. Emerson's first time travelling with us to the Philippines. She has blessed the Blaan children with a contribution that will last for generations to come. Maraming Salamat Dr. Emerson!.....Thank you Dr. Emerson! A new concrete school building has also been donated by Apostle Ulysses Tuff and Pastor Deborah W. Tuff of The Way, the Truth and the Life Christian Center of Decatur, Ga. We look forward to Apostle Tuff's mission team ministering with us in the Philippines next year. Maraming Salmat Apostle Tuff & Pastor Deborah Tuff! Thank you Apostle Tuff & Pastor Deborah Tuff! A scholarship fund has been set up for high achievers at BDCA. The Patrick and Sharyn Shields scholarship was presented to the top two graduating students this year and they are now enrolled in college. Maraming Salamat Patrick and Sharyn Shields! A very good high quality camera was also donated to the shcool by Mrs. Emily Carr (the team photographer) so that we can have good documentation of all events. Maraming Salamat Emily Carr! THE GALING FOUNDATION SPONSORED A SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE FOR SCHOOLS IN MINDANAO. BDCA WILL RECIEVE BOOKS AND OTHER MUCH NEEDED ITEMS. THE DRIVE TOOK PLACE ON JUNE 16th. Maraming Salamat Glaing Foundation! -- Thank you Galing Foundation ! BLAAN CULTURAL DAY: The annual Blaan Cultural Day was a great success! The "Good Morning Philippines" daytime television show sent a camera crew to cover the cultural day activites. Activities included the Blaan tribal dance competition. A young boy danced with his grandmother and they were the winners of the contest. There was an archery contest and a chicken race where you atually chase chickens. No harm is ever done to the chickens, you just try to catch up with them. It's a sight to see. So far, the chickens have the upper hand. There was also the fire stick contest to see who can make fire from wood the fastest. There were also basketball and volley ball games as well as a spear throwing contest. The day ended with a Blaan tribal feast that you have to see to believe. The food is arranged so beautifully that you can't help but look at it for a while before you eat it. You eat of off banana leaves with your hands. The missonaires learned a lot about Blaan culture and traditions and enjoyed fellowhip and building relationship with the Blaan . MINISTRY NEEDS AND PRAYER REQUESTS: FOR THE WATER PROJECT BE COMPLETED SOON - It is running behind schedule **** FOR THREE MORE CONCRETE BUILDINGS ($15,000 US DOLLARS) FOR THE SAFET Y OF THE WORKERS AND THE VILLAGERS THAT BY NEXT ELECTION TIME, SOME OF THE BLAAN WILL RUN FOR OFFICE AND WIN! |