Erickson’s Philippines Updates

More Projects Around FTCThere have been so many things going on lately with FTC that it’s hard to keep up (or sit down to write a few posts!).  Lately, we’ve been doing a lot of improvement projects around the camp, both to make the camp look nice and to complete some long overdue betterments.

The three pictures above show the new storage room we are making.  The room is finished now (except for the paint), and will be used to store shoes, clothes, laundry detergent and softener, hygiene supplies, and school supplies.

The first picture above shows a rather large problem with our basketball court.  Of course, I’m talking about that HUGE HOLE right in the middle!  The second picture shows the solution, as a local hardware store drops off rock, sand, and cement.  In the third picture Allan is painting the basketball frame.  We were able to get a backboard for free by cutting apart an old table. We then just put on some paint, a rim, and a net-and presto! We are ready to play now.

Pictured above are Peter and Roldan (Allan in the second picture) painting the outside of the FTC kitchen.  I’m amazed at how much difference a fresh coat of paint can make when you are fixing things up.

Mike, Andie, and Josiah have been back in the Philippines for only 2 short weeks, but all of us here already miss them so much! I asked Michael back around Christmas for the liberty to write a post about the things they shared with us while they were home, but I’m just getting to it today due to time constraints.

They spoke in St. Louis at our church, CFC, back in early December. Michael put together a slide show with music in the background that beautifully summarized the work they are doing at FTC. I cried through the whole thing. To see the strength God has given them to answer His calling is truly amazing. Watching Josiah grow up amongst his Filipino brothers and sisters is a sight that touches my heart. The sacrifice their family is willing to make is a testimony to the love of Christ that consumes their hearts.

I saw the genuine affection on their faces as they talked about each child that lives at FTC. They mentioned each by name, not because they spent a lot of time memorizing their names, but because each child is special to them. They know who is the funny one, who’s too serious, and which one of the kids needs that extra hug at the end of the day. Those are their kids.

I feel priviliged to be even a small part of the work God is doing in the Philippines through Michael, Andrea, and Josiah. As we return to our normal “grind” here in the States, we must not forget to keep them in our prayers, and to stay in touch. They miss us, too, and e-mails and letters from home are a huge blessing, and a reminder that we support them in their endeavors to follow God’s calling.

In Christ,

Jenn-The Editor

While I’m not a big fan of New Years’ resolutions (probably because mine have never worked before…), I do see value in taking advantage of a new year with fresh perspectives and new ideas. I have one major goal this year with the kids who are here, and the new kids who will come in. Get back to the basics. Sounds simple enough, right? I am always amazed at the difference it makes in my life when I take time out from all the busyness of life, and spend more time just reading my Bible and praying every day.

One of the main things we will focus on with the kids here at FTC this year is the importance of our personal relationship with God. I often use the example of their time together. How close would they be with their friend if they always walked by each other and never stopped to say “hi” or talk together? It is the same principle concerning our relationship with Jesus. How can I call myself his child or his friend, or even call him my Savior if I don’t take time every day to talk with Him and seek His counsel and plans for my life?

How can you help? Pray for all the kids and staff here at FTC! The power of prayer can never be underestimated. It is the core in our foundation of faith in God. You can also write encouraging letters to the kids and staff of FTC and send them to facethechildren@yahoo.com.

We have been back in the Philippines for about 5 days now. We had a great time at home, catching up with family and friends, and speaking at 4 different churches, but it’s also great to be “home” with all of the kids here at FTC. It hasn’t been hard for me to make the 14 hour jump ahead in time, but Andrea and Josiah (Josiah in the first picture) have been waking up at 2:30 am, and not going back to sleep until 5-6 am, if at all. When we got to our house at 3 am Saturday morning, Josiah immediately began playing and running around in one of the girls’ dorms. They just laughed with him as he seemed very happy to be back with his 20+ older brothers and sisters. In the second picture, Josiah is playing with Shekinah and Marco (both staff kids here at FTC).

Finally, the third picture shows (left to right) Diane, Annabelle, Judea, Roldan, and Krishelle playing with and enjoying Josiah’s toys! Both Andrea and I are very excited to be back with the kids here, and once again are enjoying the opportunity/responsibility of caring for and leading them to grow into the young Christ-followers that God has called them to be.

It’s Jenn posting, usually just the editor.

Mike, Andie and Josiah are having a great time Stateside, but I suspect they miss the kids at FTC quite a bit. We’ve been “family bonding” over Christmas week and are greatly enjoying having them with us. During our time together the weekend after Christmas, we attended the wedding of Darren and Lesley Street (Mike was a groomsman). We had a great time! Everyone got dressed up and the reception afterward was a ton of fun. Gracie, Josiah and Aunt Hannah danced the night away. The pictures below tell the story, don’t they?