Hello to all of our faithful supporters. We just wanted to let you know that we are doing well and we are believing that all is well in your lives!
Our vision is now a reality! We officially planted and launched our church on May 17th 2015. We had a wonderful dedication service, we held water baptisms and then we enjoyed a fun, food filled time of fellowship. Our chapel is located in Sitio Panas, Barangay Bilibol, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, which is located about 40 minutes from our house.
As a part of our church planting campaign we also held a “Medical Missions” free clinic. Doctor Teresa Lita-Adona who is from Tacloban City traveled here and volunteered her time. Many adults and children were seen and treated. We provided medicines, vitamins and helped with some further needs such as x-rays.
We now have one Sunday morning service, a Friday night teaching/prayer meeting and we also have one Wednesday night cell group meeting. The purpose behind the cell group is three fold. We are there for fellowship, teaching new believers and training the Brethren for evangelism.
We continue to reach out and try to help with the community’s needs. We are trying to help with various livelihood needs such as building small fishing boats, raising pigs for breeding and providing needed schooling materials. It is a slow process, but we are helping where we can and when we can.
We continue to support various Fedelis Legis Assemblies of God (FLAG) fellowships. We attended and took part in a youth fellowship in Daanlungsod, Bato Leyte and we also attended the FLAG women’s fellowship that was held in Inopacan, Hilongos, Leyte. These fellowships help us set apart some time for teaching, training, and edifying the brethren. They also allow us to spend some time in fellowship through various games and sports.
We have recently just finished building a one room house (10’X12’) for a needy family. The house was constructed using wood and bamboo. The family of six was living in a badly dilapidated house (8’X10’) that was about to collapse. We have been blessed with the ability to help some people and we have also seen how God has prepared us to do these things. That He is using all of our experiences from our past to minister and work now!
One great need here is food. Most of the families in this area are either people who live off the land or fishermen. Their income amount varies from day to day which not only affects the amount of food they have, but this also affects the ability to buy needed items such as schooling materials, clothing etc… Many a day and night the children here go without food. As our finances allow us we try to help feed the children. It is a common sight to see the children come to the chapel when it is time to eat and so when we eat they eat; we share what we have and this brings great joy to our hearts. This is why one of our top priorities is our livelihood program.
Our vision for the purchase of property for Tower of Refuge Ministry is still alive in our hearts and prayers. Once we can purchase property we will be able to greatly expand our livelihood program and also we would be able to start building a permanent orphanage. We continue to pray for property and the funds for that property so that we may have a permanent home for Tower of Refuge Ministries.
David continues to teach one day a week at the Institute of Biblical Ministries School in Baybay City, Leyte. He is teaching Christian Leadership and Evangelism on Thursdays. Baybay City is approximately a one hour and fifteen minute drive from our house.
We are also sponsoring three of the students that attend this school. Sponsorship includes room, food, uniform, I.D., books, transportation, school supplies and a small amount of money (50Php or $1.25) for snacks. We started off by taking a financial step of faith by agreeing to support two students. then a need arose for another student and we felt led to sponsor that student. We stand in faith of who God is and that He will supply all of our needs.
We ask that you continue to pray not only for us and the Philippine people but for all of those throughout the world who are doing God’s work. Pray for their safety and provision for their ministries!
We also invite you to check out our Facebook page. As time allows we will be posting new pictures and videos on our FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tower-of-Refuge-Ministries/1478435052443152
We again thank all of you for your prayers and support.
Love David & Vicenta