Erickson’s Philippines Updates

It is nice when we are able to take the kids out for some fresh air and exercise, away from the camp!  All of the kids absolutely LOVE to go to Lake Sampaloc.  San Pablo City is known as the “City of Seven Lakes.”  Lake Sampaloc is the one we often go to as there is a concrete path all the way around.  You can walk, jog, run, bike, or even drive a car around the lake.  Some of the houses up on the hills are very large and beautiful (there are quite a few houses here that have an Italian influence in their design).
In the first picture Babylyn, Judea and Cristina model one of the popular side-car bikes.  To rent this bike one time around the lake is about 35 cents.  In the second picture Jennilyn stands in front of Lake Sampaloc, the floating wood in the background has nets attached on the bottom.  What you see there is fish farming in action.  In the third picture Anabelle and Angie join the other girls for an action group photo.  We thank you for your continued prayer that these kids continue to “Grow in God” and find their restoration in the Blood of Jesus. 

On January 24^th, 2008, we accepted five siblings into our Refuge program.  Patrick (11), Peter (10), Philip (9), Charlotte (5) and Shawn (3), come with an abusive history.  The father, whom we were told is a known drug addict, is currently under the “unknown whereabouts” status of the DSWD.  We were told he has hung Charlotte by a nail and “abused” her.  We were also told he has picked the boys up by their necks and beat them.  The mother loves her kids very much but cannot afford to feed or care for them.  She also cannot provide the much needed protection if the father returns home.  We welcome these five siblings to Face The Children and look forward to seeing God’s restoration power working in their lives.

I love you, Andrea!  If you know my wife you know that bugs, spiders and rodents are just not her thing.  Since we returned to the Philippines she has been constantly asking me “Mike, would you go check the bathroom for spiders?” or “Mike, check around the bed for insects before we go to sleep”.  Two days ago I said “Andrea, we are in the Philippines, there are spiders here. I cannot always go and check everything before you go there.”

So just after midnight this morning my brave wife arose on her own to use the restroom. About thirty seconds later I heard a scream that made me think she somehow really got hurt. As I ran out I discovered that a big fat rat had run across her foot in our bathroom (our drain is just a hole in the wall/floor)! It then headed into our kitchen/living room.  Being the brave man I am I quickly grabbed her and we ran into our bedroom, shut the door and put something to fill the crack at the bottom.  This morning I carefully tip-toed around the house and discovered the rat is gone…I HOPE!

Congratulations to Lanie, Peter and Ronillo (from left to right).  We are so proud of you all for choosing to serve Christ and making the public declaration of your decision!  We are excited to see what God’s plan holds for your lives.

 

Let me introduce you to Jefferson Bon.  Jefferson is 14 years old and has been with FTC since September of 2006.  When Jefferson first came to FTC, he was accompanied by his younger brother, Vladimir.  Vladimir has since left and is currently choosing to live on the streets of San Pablo.  Jefferson comes from a family of nine kids. 

 I can personally attest to the awesome transformation of God in Jefferson’s life.  God is continuing to work in miraculous ways even now for this young man.  I can remember one morning in November of 2006.  I walked back to where the kids were and saw Jefferson fighting with another boy.  Jefferson had the other boy in a headlock with one arm and was using the other hand to punch him in the stomach repeatedly.  At the time I was not sure if Jefferson would “make it”.   What I mean is that I was not sure if he could adapt to a life of structure, hope and an actual possible future.  Many of the kids who have come and gone from FTC have already decided they can never make anything more of their life than living hopelessly on the streets.

Jefferson is truly a testimony of the goodness of God.  I am so proud of him.  These past several months he has been the first one to volunteer to help with chores that need to be done.  He has spent more time with one of our boys who is blind and slightly autistic, Lan-Lan.  He has begun to show the leadership that God has placed inside of him.  Even now as I write this post my eyes are filling with tears because it is such an honor to work with these kids and see the “old things pass away, and the new things take place”.

Jefferson’s story may not be one filled with tragedy, but he comes from a big family that is poor and cannot provide for everyone.  Jefferson’s story is only beginning.  I imagine one day we will hear of a man who is on fire for God and is transforming a nation.  I currently serve as music director in the church, Frontline Worship Center.  The picture below is from Sunday January 20th, 2008.  Jefferson played for his first time on a Sunday morning with the worship team.  I must confess I had the pride of a father whose son worked hard and is now standing with him on the worship team.  We love you and are so proud of you Jefferson.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

 

  

By Jenn in Meet the Kids  .::. Read Comment (1)