Updates on Updates

Do forgive my lack of updates over the past few weeks. It's been crazy with exams and family and friends coming over for the Christmas season. On that note, Belated Merry Christmas to everyone!

First things first, Kai Kai is doing great! Praise God! She's still on a medication regimen that will last for a few weeks-months. But once again thanks to everyone for their prayers and concern.

Currently, EMC Philippines is at a youth camp being held in Sam's honor. As soon as I get news and pictures, I'll be updating it on the blog.

Thank you for following this blog and continue to pray for our ministry.

Sincerely,
Melissa M.
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

Urgent request: Prayer for Kai Kai & family

Hello dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm coming to you today asking for your prayers for Kai Kai, who is the granddaughter of Pastor Ferdinand Balmores. Ate (Sister) Sunshine, who is Kai Kai's mother and Pastor Ferdinand's daughter brought Kai Kai to Dagupan City from the island of Mindoro after having a six day fever that would not respond to regular antibiotics.

Last week, a chest x-ray showed that little Kai Kai who is 4 years old, has pneumonia and a skin test this past Sunday revealed that she has contracted tuberculosis. While not very common in the US, tuberculosis is still  widespread in nations like the Philippines. The good news is however, that Kai Kai is doing much better last I checked and getting up from the hospital bed.

However, we are not out of the woods yet. Kai Kai will not be released from the hospital just yet as the doctor is advising the family that she should stay for at least another 4-10 days. Also, there is a risk that the entire Balmores family and those who have visited and taken care of Kai Kai in the hospital have been exposed to tuberculosis and are at risk for developing the disease itself.

Let's all come together and pray for the Balmores family as they face another trial. As a medical student, I appreciate the work of doctors and nurses and the new and efficient treatments that have been developed, but I also know that there's a point where science can do no more and only God who is the ultimate Healer and Doctor can step in. Let us pray for a speedy recovery for Kai Kai. Let us also pray that the tuberculosis she has will not spread to Pastor Ferdinand, his family and the entire EMC family as some of the leaders have taken turns staying in the hospital with her before the diagnosis. Let us pray for the doctors and nurses who are taking care of Kai Kai that our Heavenly Father gives them the wisdom they need to treat kai Kai.

Thank you.

-Melissa M.
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

It's CHALLENGE time!!!!!

Well folks, it's that time again! It's Challenge time!!! What exactly is Challenge you say? Well I am more than happy to oblige. Inspired by EMC International's yearly Challenge meeting, EMC Philippines has put its own creative spin on it. Challenge is a monthly/bimonthly meeting between all the Philippine EMCs and of course is open to all who wish to attend. All of our youth come together for for a night of worship, games, reflection, learning, fun and of course food!(There's always food. Seriously.) 

Sam & the praise team

Each Challenge meeting has a theme and this meeting's theme is "Awareness". We want this time to be a time of spiritual awakening for all the youth. We pray that the youth be aware that God DOES have a plan for them and we want them to not only be aware that God does have a plan but to begin to discover what exactly is God's will for each and every one of them. This meeting we hope that all who attend be strengthened in their faith and be encouraged to become active in and serve in the ministry.

Guitar: James, Drums: Sam, Bass: Sacks

This month's Challenge meeting will take place on Wed Nov 30 beginning at 4pm (local time of course) at EMC Dagupan in Lasip Chico. So if you're reading this in the Philippines come on down!!! Join the fun and be blessed! If you're abroad, let's be there in spirit and pray for this Challenge meeting. Let's pray for God's blessing to be on the youth. Let's pray that all who attend be encouraged and strengthened to have a deeper relationship with Christ and to be become aware of God's plan in their lives.

L to R: Pastor Randall, Sam, Pastor Eds

Here are some pictures of a previous meeting; Challenge: Focus.

Be encouraged brothers and sisters! God is going to do great things!

"I am always aware of the Lord's presence; He is near, and nothing can shake me."- Psalms 16:8

-Melissa M
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

Youth...Let's pray that the numbers will triple!

It's Time to Give Thanks

Every year, we as get together with our families and friends, we are reminded to be grateful for all we have been given. As I sit and reflect on what God has given to me, my family and the entire EMC family, I am overwhelmed by His goodness and faithfulness. There is much to be thankful for.

First and foremost, we give thanks to Our Father in heaven. It has been an extraordinary year. He has carried us through the triumphant highs and the agonizing lows. He brought us this far and the journey has been remarkable. I am so grateful to God that we have our own EMC family in the Philippines and by His grace we have celebrated our first anniversary with our EMC Philippines family this past year. Through Him we have come this far and through Him we will go even farther than we can ever imagine.

As we celebrate this thanksgiving, we look back and we thank God for the lives of Sam and Ate Weng. Though is has been hard these past few weeks, we thank God, that even though it was for a little while, we had these two amazing people walk the earth with us. We thank God for the memories we have with them and the love we were able to share with them. And more importantly, we thank God that there is life beyond this life and that we have the comfort of knowing that we will see them again.

On behalf of the EMC family both in New York and in the Philippines, I personally thank everyone who opened their hearts this past few weeks and supported us during such difficult times. The support we received from all over the world was overwhelming. To everyone who donated, supported, prayed for us and shared in our grief; Thank you very much. Words cannot express mine or the entire EMC family's gratitude.

But above all, we thank God for all this. It is through Him that people's hearts were moved to support us. It is through Him that we celebrated our first year together. It is through Him that dreams will be fulfilled and triumph will be attained. It is because of our Lord Jesus Christ, and only through Him that we have life, love, grace and mercy. 

We have much to be thankful for, so let us give thanks.

"In everything give thanks..."

-1 Thes 5:18

-Melissa M

EMC International: Philippines coordinator

To Sam Balmores: My Lost Letter

I'd like to share the thoughts of one of our youngest missionaries-Kenny. I pray you will be touched.


Sam if it were possible for you to read this at this moment, I'd like to thank you, apologize, and let out some of the thoughts I've had after having been with you during my Philippines mission trip back in 2010. I'm incredibly sorry for not saying this when I should of, at the memorial service. But I knew I wasn't ready, I would've either said nothing or too much with tears and saliva dripping from my mouth. So I am here with a blog post to organize my thoughts instead, and I hope you can forgive me for that. 


To be honest, when I first met you I didn't find myself dying to be your friend and starting a relationship that I actually have with your brother, Shem. I found you to be quite the character, loud and obnoxious; kind of like me but despite our common personality, I just found you to be out of my reach. When we talked, it was a bit awkward but I still cherished your presence as I hoped you cherished mine. We were able to do some stupid things here and there, but I noticed the lack in actual building between our friendship. I truly regret this, I regret not being able to start a relationship that I have now with Shem, I regret not taking the initiative to start something great with you. We left shallow imprints on each others hearts before we parted ways, but yours ended up deepening over time.

Sam, I valued your principles, but most of all I valued what you were most best at: loving. No one knows, but I've always looked up to the brotherly relationship you shared with your ading Shem. I can remember the time when we were traveling in a crowded, sweaty van but you and your brother humbly took the trunk; the whole ride consisted of your jokes and laughing along with Shem. You guys prevented me from sleeping despite my fatigue, but I didn't mind. You see, I have two brothers but my relationship with them is no where near the one you hold with yours. Unfortunately, my brothers and I are sometimes quite distant with one another and we can't openly joke and share with each other as you two do. Honestly, I was jealous. I had always wanted a brother like you, one that cared so deeply for their ading and expressed his love for his younger brother so easily. Mine are much different, and I grew up with a semi-cold heart against them because they wouldn't play with me or say they loved me. You manifested God's love in each and every one of your actions, and that empowered me to be the same. You never knew this and I don't know how much of a difference it would have made for me to have told you, but I do wish I could've returned to the loving Sam I met last year. 

Because of you, I have hope to renew relations with my own siblings. When I think of you, I think of brotherhood and I only wish that I had started one with you. We barely knew each other, yet look at the change you created in me. I am forever grateful to you and your mission and I know God is definitely pleased with what you have done and left for your fellow brothers and sisters to carry on. I can only imagine the pains that your close, loved ones feel; maybe I'll never understand. While we're all in a time of mourning, I'm still happy that you're with God with ate Weng now. I hope we, the people left to complete your legacy, can make you proud just as you made God proud. I cannot wait to be with you in heaven one day, where I will make sure I can create an everlasting bond of friendship and brotherhood. 

Yours truly,

Kenny Jin

Ate (Sister) Weng: "This is not goodbye, I will see you again"

Do forgive my late updates. It's been a difficult time for all of us. For our non Tagalog speakers, you might see the word "Ate" a lot (pronounced: ah-teh). That means older sister in Tagalog. Many of our missionaries from NY are truly devastated at the sudden deaths of Sam and Ate Weng. I would like to share the thoughts of our missionary Joanne L.


Ate Weng, words wouldn't be able to truly describe how much you will be missed. In a matter of one minute into our conversation. I already knew you were such a loving and giving person. The stories we've shared with each other made my Philippines trip even more memorable. I was blessed to have you become a sister of mine. Before I went back to the US, you burned me a CD with many Christian songs that uplifted me and I am so thankful that God sent you into my life to bring me joy.You've taught me to keep my faith strong and put it in God's hands. I'm going to miss seeing you Ate Weng but your face will always be inplanted in my heart. I will never forget what you have taught me and shared with me. This is not a goodbye because I will see you again.
-Joanne L.

Remembering Sam: A True Friend & Brother

"You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you 
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you"-MercyMe

Sam, me, Shem: Together in Baguio

Whenever I write these posts, I write as a coordinator. I look to spread awareness and to challenge people to step outside their comfort zone and be a part of God's work. But right now, I'm not writing as a coordinator or a leader or a student....I'm just a sister who misses her brother terribly.

I've been going to and from the Philippines since I was 12 years old. My first real friends in the Philippines were Sam, Ate (sister) Weng, Shem, Chad, Ate Shine and the University Baptist Church youth. And no matter how long I am gone from the Philippines, every time I come back, it always feels like I never felt and we all just pick up from where we left off.

Teaching the children music

The earliest memories I have of Sam are of him playing the drums at UBC. To me, he was the best drummer-hands down! He was so talented. I always marveled at how well he played every instrument. He was always kind, always nice, always smiling and he was always laughing. He and Ate (sister) Weng always treated me like a little sister and I loved them both for doing so. As time went on with trials and triumphs, Sam went from being a funny teenager to a man of God ever willing and ever ready to serve Christ. At our last mission, I looked with pride to see him lead our congregation in worship. I couldn't believe that this was the same Sam I had known all these years.

The very last picture I took with the three of us

But what I remember most about Sam weren't his exceptional talents in music and leadership. I remember all the little things-the most important things. I remember his kindness. His unmistakeable laugh that still rings in my ears today. I remember the way he would always say, "Don't cry! You'll come back here again!" whenever I cried upon leaving the Philippines. The way loved his niece and nephew and carried them around like they were his own children. I remember the way he made others laugh. I remember the times he would have the guitar and we would all sing together. And if we made a mistake with the lyrics we would say, "Pirated yan!" (It's pirated!=Pirated version) Every time I came home to the Philippines, he was there. Every time I went out with my cousins and friends just to have fun, he was there. In my happiest moments and in the moments where I cried like a baby, Sam was there.  I couldn't imagine not having Sam around and although I trust God and accept this, it's still brings tears to my eyes to know that he won't be there to greet me when I step down from the plane the next time I return.

Brother & Sister forever

Sam, if I had to write about all the memories that we shared and the wonderful times we had together, I would never finish this blog. I watched with pride as you came out of difficult circumstances and mature into the man of God you were meant to be. My life has been changed, because you were a part of it. I cannot thank you enough for everything. But I think what I am most grateful for, is that you taught me the one Taglog word I cherish the most-Ading (younger sibling). You loved me and treated me as your own ading. You called me ading. Because I know what it is to be loved and be called ading, I can give that same kind of love and call others my ading too. You are the best brother anyone could ask for. I miss your laugh and the way you made me laugh. As I try to smile through the sobs and chuckle through the tears at all the wonderful memories, I can't properly express the joy of having known you and the sorrow of being separated from you. I'm not sad because you are in fellowship with Christ, but my heart aches because of how long I have to wait until we meet again. I'll never forget you. I love you so much brother and I miss you.

I'll see you later.

Your ading,
-Melissa M.


"In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now"-MercyMe

Update

I have received word that the date of the funerals will be different than the one I gave previously. I will update when I get the final word. Sam and Ate Weng will be buried next to each other in Eternal Gardens in Dagupan City.

-Melissa M.
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

Helping our family in a time of great sorrow

Services and burial for Sam and Ate Weng are expected to take place within the next few days. I personally would like to ask for your assistance during this heartbreaking time. I ask for your help in covering funeral and burial expenses. This is a time of great sorrow and a time of great need. I am confident that God will provide our needs and I ask that if you are touched or your life has been touched by  Sam and Ate Weng, that you open your heart and assist Pastor Ferdinand and his family. Please continue to pray for the Balmores family, the Cuison family and the entire EMC family.

I truly thank you during this difficult time,
Melissa M
EMC International: Philippines coordinator

With a heavy heart......

With a heavy heart I inform our friends that two of our leaders Samuel Balmores, who is the son of Pastor Ferdinand Balmores and Rowena Cuison died on Monday October 31, 2011(local time).

Ate Weng

Words cannot begin to describe how we feel. Sam and Rowena, who I affectionately call Ate Weng were like siblings to me. Both loved Christ and were loved by the entire EMC family. Sam and Ate Weng were more than just friends, more than just leaders. They were the beloved son and daughter of parents, wonderful siblings, and to us in New York, they were our brother and sister in Christ.

As painful as this is, we find comfort in the knowledge that even though we can't possibly begin to comprehend why this happened, God is still sovereign and all things are in His hand. There are some things that we are not prepared for in life. But we take solace in the fact that Sam and Ate Weng are with Christ in Heaven and one day, we will see them again.

"Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him."- 1Thess 4:13-14.

Sam & his nephew Jayden

Sam and Ate Weng, I don't know if God gives you the opportunity to hear us right now, but we love you. I love you and miss you both so much. You can never be replaced. You made a difference in so many people's lives and in my life. But I know you are with our Heavenly Father. Words cannot expressed how much you are loved and will be missed. This is not goodbye....this is only 'see you later'.

-Melissa M.

Food for thought

"What do you think a man does who has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost? He will leave the other ninety-nine grazing on the hillside and go back and look for the lost sheep." Matt 18:12

You've heard it a million times, "Don't sweat the small stuff" or "Don't get caught up in the small details!". And in many cases it's appropriate. Nobody wants a doctor that has memorized a million and one symptoms but can't seem to differentiate between one disease and another. Even in test taking, teachers tell you that if you're stumped on one questions move on! Better to get one question wrong than never finish a test. Nobody wants to be described as the person who can't see the forest for the trees. But isn't it wonderful, that despite being among the multitudes, Christ never lost sight of the value of one soul?

Missions is a broad field. We work with different pastors, have different programs and train different people to deal with a variety of age groups. We have directors, coordinators, trainers, and missionaries taking in all the information and applying it the field. It is important to remember the big picture: spreading the gospel throughout the world. We are human and thus limited and we can't meet every need but we do what we are called to do. But as we go forward in our ministry in the Philippines it is crucial that we never ever forget the value of one soul. The Philippines mission isn't just an event. It is not an abstract cause where faceless workers toil behind the scene. It is a small part of a greater movement: the building of the Church. It is filled with real people who have real struggles and who have found real love and joy in Christ and in fellowship with each other.

I hope that as you read this blog, you would realize that while we must never lose sight of bigger picture that you would also realize that we cannot "sweat the small stuff". As our ministry grows, we must never forget the little things; the joy of a child's smile, the hug between a missionary and worker, and the joy when one soul recieves Christ.

"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance"-Luke 15:7

-Melissa M


Do forgive my late updates. My responsibilities prevent me from updating on a daily basis and as of now, we are unable to contact our Pastors in the Philippines due to the typhoon. I will update more as I get more information about the typhoon.

Spotlight: EMC Calasiao

EMC Calasiao is another member of our EMC family in the Philippines. Located next to Dagupan in the town of Calasiao, it is led by Pastor Edison Ferrer who we affectionately call Pastor Eds.

When our missionaries were in the Philippines in 2010, EMC Calasiao was on the verge of forming. We did however get the opportunity to work with Pastor Eds during that transitional time. And although we haven't met our Calasiao congregation, we love them very much.

EMC Calasiao first began meeting in the home of one of the church mothers, Nanay Ida and soon began to grow. Today we have 22 adults and 8 young people who are attending the church and serving.

Pastor Eds helping clean our new building

Recently, EMC Calasiao was able to sign a lease so that way they would be to meet and worship in a building. This is especially helpful during rainy season when typhoons and floods are frequent. Members from both EMC Calasiao and EMC Dagupan have been working hard cleaning, renovating and putting up dividers and hopefully by September 1st, EMC Calasiao will be able to start using the building for meetings and services.

One of the programs EMC Calasiao is working on right now is the creation of a student center. The student center would be a place where students can study, fellowship with one another, hold bible studies and just relax and play games. Additionally, the student center would have after school tutoring programs and counseling services available to students in need. We hope that students would not just benefit academically from the student center but spiritually and morally as well. I have seen the wonderful long lasting effects of establishing a student center and I pray that God will use EMC Calasiao and the student center to help change lives.

Are they working or having fun or both?

EMC Calasiao is located in a town where many people have religion but few people have faith. Real faith isn't about going to church on Sundays and saying a few prayers. EMC Calasiao hopes for a religious breakthrough where people realize that the number of prayers or services one attends doesn't matter but having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in one's life. Please pray with us as EMC Calasiao continues to minister to the people of Calasiao.

-Melissa M

(My apologies for the absence. School is starting to rev up for me. But fear not! I will update!)

Outside our new building

Our future sanctuary

Everyone working together to clean!

Children's ministry at EMC Dagupan: Sidewalk Sunday School & Feeding

"Every child you encounter is a divine appointment."

Children are magical. Really, they are. They have an innate ability to steal your heart when you're not looking. Their innocence takes you back to a time when the world was an open frontier full of endless possibilities and the smallest smile can melt your heart no matter how hardened or frozen your heart is.

Mimi teaching the children

Every week EMC Dagupan ministers to about 75-80 children ages 4-12, via feeding programs and Sidewalk Sunday school. Sidewalk Sunday school takes place (you guessed it) on sidewalks and side roads and provides children with knowledge of who God is. In our last mission, our missionaries had the opportunity to evangelize and teach children during sidewalk Sunday school.

Today one the biggest problems the children of Lasip chico face is malnutrition. As I've mentioned before, Lasip chico-pantalan is a poverty stricken barangay. The parents here cannot afford to consistently feed their children. If they are able to provide meals, often they are very small and insufficient to provide proper nutrition. For many of the children, breakfast (if available) is composed of just rice mixed with coffee to provide flavor. If the parents can provide some money, the children can then buy lunch school. But many times, that is not the case. It is difficult to tell how many times a child eats a day or worse yet, if he/she eats at all on a daily basis.

Alfred preparing the food

Each child gets ONE. JUST ONE

When Pastor Ferdinand and Tita Hannah first began their ministry in Lasip chico-pantalan, they saw how malnutrition ran rampant in the surrounding barangay and began a weekly feeding program. As of today, almost all the children who attend Sidewalk Sunday also receive food from our feeding program. EMC Dagupan does its best to provide nutritious meals to every child. The children are fed porridge, champorado (rice porridge with chocolate), lugao (plain rice porridge), and arozcaldo (chicken soup). However some months, there isn't enough funds to provide food and sometimes EMC Dagupan can only afford to provide the children with biscuits.

Most of us live in places where food is at our fingertips. Many of us have been blessed with the kind of life where we never have to wonder where and when will we get our next meal. These children do not have such a life. Many of them have never even seen the inside of a fast food place like Burger King or McDonalds. EMC International and EMC Dagupan struggles to provide nutrition to children trapped in an endless cycle of poverty and malnutrition. I am confident that God is with us and will continue to be with us as we reach out to the children. God will not only do miraculous things, but we will use us to change lives and help break this cycle of poverty and malnutrition. Will you answer God's call and help us break this cycle?

-Melissa M

Children's Ministry @ EMC Dagupan: Videos

Here are some videos of EMC International & EMC Dagupan working together during Sidewalk Sunday School & Children's feeding. Some of us taught in the sanctuary, sidewalks and on the steps of houses in construction. Since then EMC Dagupan's Children's ministry has increased! Praise God! Enjoy!

Update/Email

If you would like to reach us, please feel free to email us at emcphilnyblog@gmail.com

Thank you,
Melissa M

WANNA SEE MORE?

OF COURSE YOU DO!

This past July was our one year anniversary with our EMC Philippines ministry. Below is a video made by EMC International greeting our churches as well as a quick video recapping our mission in 2010 and showing pictures from EMC Philippines' celebration. Enjoy and don't forget to pray!

-Melissa M
(Yes that's me in this frame)

Spotlight: EMC Dagupan

EMC Dagupan is our home base in the Philippines. Located in the barangay Lasip Chico-Patalan, Dagupan City, EMC Dagupan is led by Pastor Ferdinand Balmores and his wife Hannah Balmores. But enough geographical information, let's get down to the nitty gritty.

EMC Dagpuan was the church we first worked with when our short term missionaries arrived in the Philippines and it also holds a special place in our hearts.  With the cooperation and help of the youth and its leaders, we were able to reach out to universities, adults, youth, children and the surrounding towns all for the glory of God. 


But EMC Dagupan is more than just another church to us. EMC Dagupan is our family. EMC Dagupan members are our friends, our brothers, ours sisters, our aunt and uncles, our mothers and fathers. A few nights before we left, we had a goodbye party and not a single eye was dry. Some of us could barely speak as we choked out our goodbyes. Even though we are miles apart, the missionaries understand that we are one family, with one goal under the same loving God.


 



Pictured left: Our first night with EMC Dagupan Youth                                                                                                                                               

Today EMC Dagupan has about 30 adults with 25 young people. We are in the process of finishing an outdoor bathroom and the outer walls to give our worshipers a little privacy. We are also in the process of finishing work on the roof as it was destroyed in the mega typhoon last year.


But aside from the physical and mechanical aspects of church life, EMC Dagupan faces the challenges of reaching out to a neighborhood in serious need. Lasip Chico-Pantalan is a poverty stricken barangay where drinking is rampant but food is in constant shortage. Pastor Ferdinand and Tita (Auntie) Hannah have implemented the D3 program to disciple others in faith. Their desire is to be able to reach out to the entire community and to also develop leaders who will further the cause of the gospel.

This past July we were blessed to celebrate our  1 year anniversary of being together with EMC Dagupan and all of our other Philippine EMC churches. God has truly done amazing work in the Philippines and we are confident that God will continue to do amazing things not only in Dagupan City, but throughout the entire Philippines.


As EMC International we are committed to helping and supporting them in every way possible. As the Philippines mission coordinator, I pray that God would move through Dagupan city and use EMC Dagupan and EMC International as a tool to reach the broken hearts, the addicted and the unloved. I pray that as you're reading this right now. Your heart will be moved to pray for us and help us in any way you can. And although the task ahead seems daunting, we know that we "can do all things through Christ".


-Melissa M
EMC International: Philippines coordinator.


If your heart has been moved, in the coming weeks there will be a way for you to donate to this site. All proceeds go to our EMC Philippine churches. But above all, continue to pray for us. Below are more pictures. CHECK IT OUT!!! (or I'll be really sad)

Roof Undersconstruction

Bathroom underconstruction

One Year anniversary celebration!

Bathroom almost fixed! (We all love a good toilet)

Sa Pasimula-In the beginning

Hello Dear Readers,

Anyone like history? Yes? Good. No? Humor me. Read on....

Once upon a time, I was a burnt out college graduate completely unready for medical school. As God had it, I went to the Philippines with my childhood bestfriend to relax, connect with hld friends and spend time with family. And as corny and cliche as it sounds, little did I know that my life would be changed.

I was invited to different churches, work with different people and even to teach a little. An opportunity came for me to work with children in a town called Bayambang and honestly, my life went in a new direction from there. The children literally stole my heart while I wasn't looking. In one day I must have met and played with over 30 children and yet I was unable to communicate with them because I knew very little Tagalog (Philippines language). I was astonished to see how they loved regardless of language barriers. My heart melted as they smiled and affectionately called me Ate (older sister).

But looking at the children and looking at the surrounding town, one could tell all was not well. Most of the children were underweight. Picking up an 8 year old Filipino child felt like I was picking up a 5 year old American child. The mouths and tongues of many of the children were crusted with white, a telltale sign of thrush. And then slowly the stories came out. Some children suffered physical abuse at the hands of alcoholic fathers. Others suffered sexual abuse at the hands of family members. Children scrounge for the tops of soda cans to sell for less than a penny. Other children's parents left them to work in other provinces; some of the parents came back for them and some of them didn't. But when I was with the children, never once did they cry in front of me. They only wanted to laugh and play. I marveled, 'How could they smile under such circumstances?' And honestly, I still don't know the answer.

I left the Philippines. But I left my heart there. I was determined that I wouldn't forget what I had witnessed. I didn't want to go back to how things were before. And truthfully, anyone who saw what we saw could never go look at the life the same way. I came back to the States wondering how could I help make the children's lives better and God answered me.

That fall I walked into Ebenezer Mission Church. A few months later, under the guidance of my Dad, I brought up the idea of adopting a church in the Philippines. I knew my family and I could not undertake such a burden alone. Who better to help than a church dedicated to missions? A few months later after many twists and turns and lots of prayers, Ebenezer Mission Church decided on adopting a church in Dagupan City-my family's hometown. And two years after I walked through EMC International's doors, short term missionaries flew to the Philippines and we began working with our first EMC Philippine church: EMC Dagupan.

Today our ministry in the Philippines has grown to five churches; EMC Dagupan, EMC Calasiao, EMC Tumbor, EMC Namolan and EMC Mangaldan with mission points in the towns of Anulid and Umbatel. We not only have children's ministry, but we have youth and adult ministries. This ministry grew far beyond my wildest imaginations. I am grateful and honored that God allowed someone like me to have a small part in this ministry. And I am honored to work with people like Pastor Jae and the members of EMC International who have nothing but love for the Filipino people.

Ebenezer means "Thus far the Lord has helped us". Our church, Ebenezer Mission Church firmly believes and understands that it is only by God's providence that we are where we are now and it is only through Him that we will move forward to better and greater things.

"Thus far the Lord has helped us" (1Sam 7:12)



In the coming days I hope to give you a glimpse into our EMC Philippines ministry and perhaps you might be moved to help out in anyway you can.

All the glory to God for "thus far, the Lord has helped us"

-Melissa M
EMC International: Philippines coordinator.

Why Missions?

What it is missions? What does it mean to be a missionary? Why should we be involved in missions? Better yet....why bother at all?

The answer is simple, because Christ called us to. To be a missionary is to have the understanding and the knowledge that God has called you to a place to serve Him, preach His gospel and last but not least, love the people. Christ didn't ask us to stay comfortable in our little microcosms. Christ said it himself, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:16-20) Christ asked us to to go forth in His name, and through Him the the lost will be found, the prisoner will be set free and the unsaved will be saved. 


To be a missionary is to be called by God and to obediently respond to His call. A missionary sacrifices, loves, teaches and shares the gospel and he/she is confident that the very same God who called him/her to whatever country, whatever place is will be with him/her to the end of time. 


When it comes to missions, John Piper said it best, "There are three times of Christians: The Senders, The Goers and The Disobedient." Are you willing to answer God's call?

"The harvest is plenty but the workers are few"
(Matt 9:37)


Stay tuned....I'll be writing more about who we are and what we do!


-Melissa 
EMC International: Philippines coordinator