Our praise report for Reverse Carolling 2011!

 It's finally over! Weeks of singing, visiting families and praying with them- Reverse carolling - our annual project where we always end up receiving so much more than we can give. Truly Jesus is incarnate in the families that we visited. Special thanks to our benefactors who have made it possible for us to support 400 families this year. This year, we also enjoyed the company of our 7 volunteers from Singapore who braved showers and challenging conditions to reach the poor families in Montalban and Tagaytay. Thanks for responding to God's call to share this special time with us!
Please read on for pictures and a summary update...
Reverse Carolling 2011 Report

Reverse Carolling- an extraordinary period of grace

We went reverse carolling 13^th -14^th December in Montalban, near the dumpsite and also in Tagaytay on 15^th – 16^th December with a group of seven Singapore volunteers. Here is what two of them have to say:

“This is my second time reverse carolling in three years and while the format was familiar, there were many new things that struck me this time around. For one, the Balikatan Ministry members amazed me with their sincerity and love in reaching out to their fellow brethren when we walked with them, laden with Christmas food hampers, in the outlying areas of Montalban to visit families living in places I would not term houses.

Many of the members are in “the same boat” as the families we visited, and yet, they were generous with their time (they took time off work which meant no income for two days) in reaching out to the fellow brothers and sisters.   

I was also affirmed by their strong faith and the leadership qualities they displayed in organising the reverse carolling endeavour in Montalban – from  doing the groundwork to select the “poorest of the poor” families to visits, to facilitating the visits, and leading the prayer sessions confidently.

Nothing bonds people more than a common purpose and the desire to bring God glory. It was heart-warming to be part of a group of people, most of whom I did not know and yet work so well together with them to help bring some cheer to the families that we visited.

 There is nothing pretty about poverty and while it is easy to slip into despair at the futility of our efforts, 400 Christmas food hampers being a drop in the vast ocean of economically disadvantaged families that surrounded us both in Montalban and Tagaytay, I know that what we did touched the hearts of at least 400 families and made a difference in their lives, and for that I am most grateful.

The Christmas party for the child street vendors was new as it was the first time ICPE has organized such an event and it was lovely to be able to spend time with the kids and get to know some of them as we played games with them and ate fried chicken and ice cream with them.

It was initially difficult to watch the group of children gathered outside the door who could not gain access to the party, for we could only host 25 children, but the kids inside would share whatever they received with those outside. And many of them packed food which they did not finish for their siblings at home. I was humbled to see the generosity of their actions for I could never match them in generosity, giving from the little that they received so easily.

So many thoughts and emotions crowd my mind from having experienced reverse carolling this December, but foremost is the gratitude I feel for having been able to be part of an extraordinary period of grace.

Most of all I am glad that I have been able to give back to them what is their right and due in some small way and I thank God for giving me this opportunity this Advent season.”

~Jackie Pau

The happy smiles shared at Reverse Carolling

After postponing Reverse Carolling for a day due to heavy rains, we returned to Salaban, Amadeo to visit more families. Again, we had to squeeze our way past coffee and banana trees to reach the families. This time round, we had to deal with the challenge of the wet and muddy lanes whilst carrying the hampers and our guitar. Despite the slippery paths and muddy shoes, we reached the families that made the inconvenience worth it.

These were the things that made us smile..

We met Maria, a visually impaired woman who lives alone after her mother passed away. Filled with so much joy, Maria sang the Christmas carols with such gusto and was so happy to receive the food hamper. She said that it was her prayer for Christmas.. to have food to eat and soap to wash her clothes. Such were the simple yet basic needs that God met today. Yet as Maria took over our tambourine and started playing with impeccable rhythm, we were the ones who left with hearts filled with joy and gratitude to have met such a lovely person.

Maria receiving a lit candle, the symbol of Jesus, the Light of the world

Maria singing with gusto with our tambourine

And who says you can't share what little that you have? Maria's neighbour was so touched to see us that they insisted that we join them for some local snacks and hot coffee...

enjoying merienda with the family

It is true that love is the thing that you are never too poor to give away. We saw this in practical action as a woman who was supposed to receive the hamper asked if we could go instead to her neighbour's family as they were more in need than her. This came from a woman who was also very much in material need herself and we were touched by her generosity and her love.

The family that received the food hamper instead

And finally a young boy, stunned to receive a Christmas gift this year...

My Christmas gift!

 We continue to give thanks to our generous sponsors who helped to make this event possible. We carry you in our prayers and our hearts as we visit each family.

Please join us in prayer as we continue Reverse Carolling. We are praying especially for good weather as we are experiencing heavy rains these past few days.

Reverse Carolling 2011 has begun!

It has begun! Today we started Reverse Carolling and what an exciting start it was!

The morning started with cloudy skies which quickly into a heavy downpour around noon. We were still determined to be there at our appointed 2pm and God cleared the skies and held back the rains just as we left for Salaban, Amadeo, around 15 minutes' ride from our house. 

Together with the Claretian Sisters, we went round the area of Salaban, trekking through plantations, and squeezing past narrow lanes to reach the families located off the main roads. And indeed, we saw so many families living in such spartan conditions. All the houses were unpainted and made of zinc roofs and bamboo or plywood walls. Some houses contained 3 or 4 families living under one roof.

I was most touched when an elderly woman we visited started swaying to our singing while her tears flowed freely. She was smiling and dancing and crying all in one go- expressing such joy. It was such a touching sight that we were also crying with her until we could barely continue singing. Truly today, in that house, Jesus visited and touched not only the woman but all our hearts.

Tomorrow, we will continue with the rest of the families in Salaban, Amadeo. Next week, we will welcome our volunteers from Singapore and head off to Montalban, Rizal Province. Join us in prayer and in thanksgiving for all that God is doing!

Singing carols at a home

Food hampers in our green grocery bags

Visiting a house in Salaban. This family doesn't even own this house!

A young mother with her children welcoming us into her bare house

Trekking through the plantations with the Claretian Sisters

Reverse Carolling 2011 update!

We're really excited as Reverse Carolling 2011 preparations are now in full swing. After successfully raising enough funds for 400 families, we have now bought and started packing the food hampers. In Montalban, our Balikatan members are busy practicing their Christmas carols and strumming their guitars to master the chords!

Last weekend, Jitka and Gemma visited the families in Tagaytay to inform them about our visits. It was an adventurous trip as they trekked down steep slops to reach the families. We wonder how we will carry the 7kg hampers and guitars down ...

Last weekend, we also met our volunteers from Singapore who will join us for the Reverse Carolling. We had a nice time sharing our past experience of Reverse Carolling and answering some of their questions.

Above all, we are extremely grateful for the blessings and support from all the fundraising efforts of our friends who actively helped us promote the event and for our generous benefactors who donated for the food hampers.

We will continue to keep you updated as the preparations continue. Please keep us in your prayers!

Checking out of the supermarket with the stacks of groceries

Gemma packing a food hamper

more food hampers to sort out

our library looks like a warehouse!

Montalban Dental Mission

Our very first Dental Mission in the Philippines and what an experience it was! As the dentists set up the equipment and materials in the Suburban Health Centre, I was struck by the impressive array of metal extractors, syringes and dental equipment. Given that the Health Centre was not a Dental Clinic, I was taken in by how the dentists worked quickly and efficiently with the limited materials. Instead of a dental chair, they propped up two plastic chairs by the window (for optimal lighting) and the nurses took turns to steady the heads of the patients who had their tooth extracted. 

As the children and youth waited for their turns, I quickly realized the condition of their teeth. Almost all who went in had a tooth extracted! They braved the pain of the injection of the local anesthesia and waited patiently for their turn. For the younger children, their parents comforted and persuaded them throughout the check-up. The Balikatan Ministry adults came in the afternoon and all were subjected to a blood pressure test. Unfortunately, some could not have any tooth extraction done due to extremely high blood pressure. 

A salute to our two dentists who stood the whole day to serve all 56 patients and our nurses who deftly dispensed medication and took care of the sterilization needs! 

For our children and adults with severe dental needs, we will arrange the necessary follow up treatment. Next year, we hope to hold another round of Dental Mission to target the remaining children in our ministry in Montalban!

We take this opportunity to thank our generous benefactor from Korea who sponsored the Dental Mission. Many thanks also to the team from St Vincent Medical and Dental Clinic for their generous service!

Setting up the room

Dentists hard at work

Our youth waiting patiently for their turn

A tooth extraction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living Letters November 2011

Living Letters Nov 2011

Card making Livelihood Training!

 Last Thursday, 13^th October, nine Balikatan members received special training from Care Channels International Ltd, a non-profit organization that seeks to help the poor become self-sufficient and independent through various initiatives including livelihood training and micro-enterprise developments.  They learned the intricate and delicate art of pressing flowers and creating designs for cards and calendars with the pressed flowers. It was a full day of learning and hands on work. With clear demonstrations and an array of pressed flowers and leaves to choose from, Balikatan members began creating their first card in a design of their choice. Following that, they made 2 other cards based on the format and structure of the required cards for sale.

Our Balikatan members were thrilled to discover their own creativity and also the finer points of pressed flower cards. At the end of the session, they shared that they were delighted to be able to create something and to learn a new skill.

From here, nine of them will enter the next phase of training where they will practice sticking the pressed flowers on the given designs. If successful, they will proceed to work on the actual cards that will be used for sale.

We thank God for this new beginning and this opportunity to partner in mission with Care Channels International. We thank Ate Lyn and Seng Eng of CCI for their help and look forward to a fruitful and blessed collaboration.

As the Balikatan members left, they were reminded to persevere in the new skill and to keep encouraging each other in this new venture.

Join us for Reverse Carolling 2011!

Bless a family…

Share the gift of God’s love this Christmas…

Sing carols…

Help us bless a low income family this year with our annual project… Reverse Carolling!

For the 5^th consecutive year, we will be running our Reverse Carolling Project and we are looking for YOU to partner us in our project. To enable us to reach out to 300 low income families, we are looking to raise PHP 170,000 (approximately US$4000 or Singapore$5200).

If you want to contribute, you can send a telegraphic transfer to us directly:
Bank account name: ICPE PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION INC
Peso account: 003-115250-042
Bank address: HSBC, Ground floor, Discovery Suites. 25, ADB Avenue Ortigas Centre, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Swift code: HSBC PHMM

Purpose of transfer: Reverse Carolling

If you are in Singapore:
you can contribute directly with a deposit via internet banking.
POSB Savings Account: 171-36923-1
Bank account name: Fong Tim Heng Esther & Chai Hui Chuan Amilia
Contact person in Singapore (Coordinator, ICPE Mission Singapore) Amilia Chai - 98291382

For all donations and contributions:
Please email Ms Esther Fong at icpeinfo@gmail.com with your name, contact details and donation amount so that we can keep a track record of donations. 

 

     What is reverse carolling? 

     Bringing Christmas cheer to low income families by sharing  food hampers, Christmas carols and     prayer. 

Each year, members of our adult ministry in Montalban also actively participate in the project. They share the joy of being empowered to give and share with the poorest in their community.

Why Reverse Carolling?

Praying for the family

Families usually host carollers by giving them food and money.  We do the reverse- giving each family food and praying for them. 

Who are the beneficiaries?

About 200 low income families in Montalban, Rizal Province and this year, we will also reach out to another 100 low income families in Tagaytay.

 Where will we go?

Montalban, Rizal, located at the outskirts of Manila, is a relocation site for squatters from Makati and Pasig. It is described by one inhabitant as a ‘human dump area’ because of its distance from the city and the lack of employment nearby. All the families live below the poverty line, struggling to earn around Php100-150 per day for food, utilities and the needs of the family. Since 2006, we have been reaching out to the low income families in this area.

Giving the Christmas hamper

Tagaytay City is known as a tourist or weekend escape for those from Manila. Yet, as we have discovered since re-locating here in 2010, there are many low income families hidden in the byways in this city.

 

For more pictures and information on past Reverse Carolling projects, please visit our blog pages:

2010 Christmas in Montalban –including Reverse Carolling

http://icpephilippines.blogspot.com/2011/01/celebrating-christmas-in-our-different.html

2009 Reverse Carolling in pictures

http://icpephilippines.blogspot.com/2009/12/carolling-we-go.html

Read a volunteer’s experience of 2009’s Reverse Carolling

http://icpephilippines.blogspot.com/2009/12/birthing-christ.html

2008 Reverse Carolling

http://icpephilippines.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-reverse-carolling.html

2007 Reverse Carolling

http://icpephilippines.blogspot.com/2008/01/reverse-carolling-christmas-2007.html

God surprises us...

“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet isready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. ⁹So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ ¹⁰ So the servants went out into the streets and gatheredall the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the weddinghall was filled with guests.” (Matt 22:8-9)

These verses sum up my experience last Saturday, 24 September, as we prepared for our meeting with the youth. In these past weeks, we had been befriending several youths in our neighbourhood. They expressed a desire to know more about God, and their faith and wanted to meet together. It was agreed with them that we would meet together on Saturday afternoon. As the time neared, the ‘bleep’ of the cellphone message alert went off. True enough, it was an apology that said that she could not make it as she had a choir practice! But still there are the others who had agreed to come.

At the appointed hour, still there was no one! We were ready to start but walang tao (nobody in tagalog). So how? No problem. God is always present and we can always worship Him. Our team began to pray and worship. As we prayed, this scripture came to mind and some felt that we should go out to the streets and invite any youth that are there. We did.

Praising the Lord

God is indeed the God of surprises! He surprised us by inviting 9 young men. These young men were hanging around outside, playing, not knowing what to do. They were excited to come, though as you can see from the photos, some of them were younger boys. The younger boys followed their older brothers and friends as they did not want to be left out!

Praying together

We had an afternoon filled with laughter, prayers, games, praise, action songs and short sharing. A small beginning of something new for the youth – the older boys want to meet again and this time,they will bring their peer friends.

Sharing and sowing of seeds

My reflection on this – often times, we plan and prepare for something, and it does not quite work the way we expected. We put in the effort and work. Our temptation would be to give up and cancel the afternoon, yet God had a different plan and worked it for his purposes. It was my first experience of seeing boys coming together, having fun and open to learn and share on their faith. At the end of the afternoon, my heart rejoiced as I believe that the Lord was touching these young hearts, and sowing his seeds of faith!


Be faithful and do not give up even when things are not quite turning out as they should or what we would like. Trust in the Lord,and let him work his ways for ‘his ways are not our ways’ (Isaiah 55:8), they are much higher.

Thank you, Lord that it is a privilege always to serve you. It is never boring and always full of surprises! Thank you to my community, J, D and G for the way you desire to follow and serve the Lord.

Child vendors of Tagaytay

    We see them everytime we pass the heart of Tagaytay, fondly known as Olivarez- a place teeming with people who are waiting to board the bus at the bus terminal or frequenting the fast food centres located a stone's throw away from each other. Here, young children from ages 6 to 13 roam the streets, selling Filipino snacks to supplement their family's income. The lucky ones start their 'business' after school whilst there are some who drop out of school to earn money for their families. 

     We decided to 'visit' them yesterday, on the birthday of Our Lady to share with them some milk and to listen to their stories. Sure enough, when we arrived at the local fast food centre, Jollibee, 2 young girls approached us, asking us to buy their Espasol, a Filipino snack. Age 6 and 13, the sisters said that they were there everyday from 5 to 8pm, straight after school. They were joined by their friend, another girl of the same age. On weekends, they would be there the whole day to target the weekend visitors. Articulate and friendly, they immediately told us that it was the "birthday of Mama Mary" and they were simply delighted with the gift of chocolate milk, sweets and a picture of Our Lady. As we continued talking, a 13 year old boy joined us, carrying his peanut brittle for sale. His story was more heart wrenching as he had dropped out of school at 4th grade.  When asked if he would like to continue studying, his eyes teared and he covered his face in embarrassment. It was a familiar heart-breaking story in the Philippines- children forced to drop out of school due to poverty.

     As it grew darker and later in the evening, we asked if there were more children there and the girls piped up "marami" (many in Tagalog). Sure enough, they pointed us to the car park where more boys and girls were waiting with their baskets of snacks for sale. We went over and talked to them, sharing the chocolate milk and sweets. So many of them came that we had to return to our van for a refill of chocolate milk! We ended that time with a prayer- asking the Lord to bless them that night especially in the selling of their snacks. 
     
     We promised to return to visit and to see how the Lord leads us in our future outreach to them.

The children posing with their snacks

Gemma and Rannie packing milk packets for the children... getting ready to set off in the light drizzle!

Two grateful brothers, age 8 and 6, looking at their packet of milk

Sharing with IYCS youth

Last Friday, we hosted a group of Chinese youth leaders from the International Young Christian Students (IYCS) in our centre. Enroute to Manila after two days in Tagaytay, they visited us for a session on Evangelizing Youth. Ranging from 16 to 20 years old, they hail from Handan, China and are student leaders in their respective schools.

After a brief video clip on the ICPE Mission, we shared the urgency of the sharing Jesus with other young people in China. In our halting Chinese, aided by a student translator,we shared a sign language to the song 'Who am I' followed by a short testimony of encountering Jesus, the One who gives meaning to life.

Towards the end of the session, we prayed with them that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, the principle agent of evangelization. We prayed for them to have courage to share and to be grounded in God's love in their lives. As a sign of our unity as children of the Father, we ended our time with the Lord's Prayer, sung in Chinese.

It was a beautiful evening of sharing the Great Commission with our brothers and sisters from China!

Planting and building up youth for Christ!

It was a weekend of renewal and meeting up with the "Freeque"s, the Free to be Unique youth from Manila. They came with their friends from 6-7 August and spent a weekend renewing their faith and commitment in the Lord. We encouraged them to be planted and built up in Jesus Christ through the essentials of prayer and the Word of the Lord.

During our time of ministry, each of them were affirmed in the truths of their identity as loved by God. God continued to speak to us throughout the weekend, affirming also His assurance to the young people not to be afraid in their walk of faith..

We continue to hold you all in our prayers, Freeque and Friends. God bless you as you hold firm in your faith in Christ!