A closer look: Nicole

I'd like to introduce you to one of the children of EMC Dagpuan. The beautiful child you see in the pictures is Nicole. She is 12 years old and will turn 13 this year. Nicole is one of "kids leaders" who helped out in the kid's camp at EMC Dagupan.

Nicole

Our mission team had the privilege of meeting her and her siblings during our 2010 mission to the Philippines. Nicole was actually first child I met in the Philippines. When I first met her, she was really shy but continuously smiling. As the mission trip went on, one could often see her taking care of and carrying her younger brother Matt Gabriel who's often called Kamandag. Eventually she became attached to one of our missionaries JP and he refers to her affectionately as "his daughter". And the night right before we left, she wrote some us little notes on colored paper that to this day, I still have.


With such glowing memories and a beautiful testimony of her faithfulness to Christ and the ministry, one would hope that her life outside of the ministry and the church is just as wonderful. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Sadly, Nicole has been forced to stop her schooling due to her parent's economic situation. In the Philippines, high school begins immediately after sixth grade thus at 12 years old, Nicole would've been a freshman in high school. Her sister Madison, aged 14, went through the same thing, however it her turn to go back to school. Nicole must now wait until Madison finishes high school before she can start high school as her parents are able to pay for the tuition of one child at a time. (Public high school is not free in the Philippines)

Nicole and Kamandag

Nicole is one of seven other children in her entire household. She currently spends her days helping her mother who is jobless with chores and taking care of her brother Kamandag who is also malnourished. Nicole's father works to make dentures but demand for his work is often inconsistent.  And although we are doing our best to support the Philippines, there simply just isn't enough funds to send her back to school.

Left: Kamandag, Center: Nicole Right: Sister Janel

I would like to say that this is an isolated case and that Nicole's story is a rare one. But sadly, that isn't true and in fact, it is quite the opposite. Nicole's story is one shared by many children in the Philippines. Too many children are unable to obtain a proper education. Sadly the vicious cycle of poverty, ignorance and hunger is repeated over and over. And each time innocent children lose the chance to become educated and the opportunity to better themselves.


But it doesn't have to be this way for all the children. Nicole's story doesn't have to be like others; empty, sad and unchanged. God can do great things and He can use anyone to bring hope to children like Nicole. If you are challenged to help out. Please feel free to do so and/or contact us.


Every soul is precious. Nicole is previous to Christ and therefore she is previous to us.


Thank you,
Melissa M.

Happy New Year!

It's a new day, and a new year. It's amazing what can happen in a year. Whenever a new year starts, many folks look forward with commitments and resolutions (mostly of the weight concerning kind =) ). The more I think about it, the more I realize that in times of reflection, like New Year's Day, we should look in three directions; forward, back and up.

As we begin the year, we look at back at what God has done for us and we look back with much gratefulness. We look back joyfully at our one year anniversary celebration and how we went from one EMC to five EMC churches! How we have grown in one year! And as we look back we remember those who have gone home before us to Christ-Sam and Ate Weng. We reminisce at their memories with both tears and smiles and are grateful that in Christ, we will see them again. The road that we have travelled together has been filled with many ups and downs but God has been there through it all.

And as the new year dawns on us, we look forward. We look forward to what God has in store for us and we await with excitement for what He will do in our lives. And in particular, EMC NY is gearing up for our mission to the Philippines this July 2012. As the new year begins, we continue to diligently prepare, practice and pray for the upcoming mission. I can only imagine how God will move when we return home!

And lastly, but most importantly, as the new year starts, we must look up. We look up with to God for His guidance. We look up with gratefulness for faithfulness this past year. And we lift our hands in praise to the God who holds every day in His hands. We can make plans for everything, but ultimately, we must look up to Christ for whatever comes our way.

So as we begin this new year together, let us look in all three directions. Let us trust God in everything we do.  The EMC ministry belongs to Christ and we are His children. We can do nothing without Him. God has shown that He is always faithful and always loving.

"Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12

-Melissa M.