Contributed by: Denzil Rodriques
As a slow learner of languages I thought I will have a tough time. But learning Tagalog is quite interesting I am enjoying it. I find it difficult to pronounce Tagalog words but I hope I will do it with the help of God's grace. Other things that I am gaining from this class is that I am getting revision of the English grammar which I had forgotten. Last Saturday, in the Children's Ministry I managed to have small conversations with the little children. It was very nice that I could finally connect with them a bit through knowing their language.
Friday, August 21, 2009
We are on the lookout for a permanent place for our English Tutorial Sessions!
Contributed by: Joan Foo
So far, we’ve had most of our sessions for the two tutorial groups at the local tutorial centre in Montalban. It is a room that leaks even with the slightest drizzle. When it rains heavily, the children shout above the unremitting din of rain hitting the zinc roof just to hear one another. On dry days, it is littered with cat droppings. However much of a cleaning and refurbishment it needed, the room was our temporary venue until mid July, when it was taken up again by the original group of volunteers running tutorial sessions.
Since then, we’ve had some sessions outdoors, under a tree, surrounded by the cluster of neighbours and other inquisitive children. It is a lovely place when the cool breeze blows but terribly inconvenient when it rains and when we accidentally invade the space of the resident red ant colony!
One day, when it rained with the fierceness of the local monsoon rain, a member of our Balikatan ministry (our ministry to adults in Montalban) welcomed us in her house. It was amazing how 10 strapping teenagers squeezed into the 4 by 4 metre house! Even in the house, rain was coming through the windows and leaking at the corner. Halfway through the session, our electricity supply was cut off and our kind host provided us with candles. In spite of the inconvenience, the children participated fully right till then end.
Although every session yields its own unforeseen adventure, it is still the children’s undaunted joy and enthusiasm in learning that more than makes up for the various unconventional and unanticipated challenges. They prove that where the will is, there are no barriers to learning and growing!
We ask for your prayers as we are still looking for a suitable location for our Saturday tutorial sessions. We are currently seeking permission to use a local child care centre for the sessions for our teenage group.
So far, we’ve had most of our sessions for the two tutorial groups at the local tutorial centre in Montalban. It is a room that leaks even with the slightest drizzle. When it rains heavily, the children shout above the unremitting din of rain hitting the zinc roof just to hear one another. On dry days, it is littered with cat droppings. However much of a cleaning and refurbishment it needed, the room was our temporary venue until mid July, when it was taken up again by the original group of volunteers running tutorial sessions.
Since then, we’ve had some sessions outdoors, under a tree, surrounded by the cluster of neighbours and other inquisitive children. It is a lovely place when the cool breeze blows but terribly inconvenient when it rains and when we accidentally invade the space of the resident red ant colony!
One day, when it rained with the fierceness of the local monsoon rain, a member of our Balikatan ministry (our ministry to adults in Montalban) welcomed us in her house. It was amazing how 10 strapping teenagers squeezed into the 4 by 4 metre house! Even in the house, rain was coming through the windows and leaking at the corner. Halfway through the session, our electricity supply was cut off and our kind host provided us with candles. In spite of the inconvenience, the children participated fully right till then end.
Although every session yields its own unforeseen adventure, it is still the children’s undaunted joy and enthusiasm in learning that more than makes up for the various unconventional and unanticipated challenges. They prove that where the will is, there are no barriers to learning and growing!
We ask for your prayers as we are still looking for a suitable location for our Saturday tutorial sessions. We are currently seeking permission to use a local child care centre for the sessions for our teenage group.
Running a mission centre
Contributed by: Jitka Svozilova
It is a big task and a big blessing at the same time. It is a big task because of the many responsibilities which needs to be carried and a big blessing because through that one can only grow in relationship with God.
It all started in 2004 when I was officially asked by one member of the Council to consider taking this role. Not being in Asia and not wanting to be a leader at that time, I made a step of faith and said ‘yes’ after a time of discernment, finding that this is the direction which God is leading me.
In 2005, I came to the
When I started to lead the centre at the end of 2005, it was even more challenging than I ever imagined. This includes: Pioneering the work with the new vision, starting ministries, building up and caring for the community, leading the staff formation, fundraising and facing the many challenges of mantaining the building of our mission centre.
The last three and half years has been very challenging indeed but very enriching at the same time. I’m aware it has been possible only because of God’s abounding grace and all the members of the community who have been supportive, encouraging, took a lot of initiative and carried different responsibilities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)