Make someone hapy this Christmas!

We are giving away toys, clothes and a lot more :) For sure the kids will have a great time! if you want to help you can message me here. You can also help us by praying for more people that will support us in this activity. God bless everyone!!!

LJBC's DVBS 2012 "ONE WAY"

Our church's annual Daily Vacation Bible School started today, and sad to say that I wasn't there because I have work. I missed the opening day but I hope I can attend the graduation day on Friday, this year our theme is "ONE WAY" and the materials and manuals came from Child Evangelism Fellowship.

We prepared for one hundred kids from 5 to 14 years old but I have yet to get the actual number of kids that showed up. I'm making all the certificates for them on their graduation day.

This year marks the most number of teachers and assistants we have, I guess it's the result of several trainings from the past and the fire from the youth camp is still burning thus the number of youth volunteers increased.

I'm sure I'll be sharing again lot's of photos here. For the meantime, please pray that this vacation bible school will really bring change in the kids life and that this will be an agent for them to follow God. Gotta go now, I'm off from the office work but I'll check this beautiful kitchen compost bin over the net :) God bless you all!!!

Busy days are coming

December is one of the busiest month in our church. Several Christmas parties are being held per age group, like there is a separate party for the young people, for the singles, for the housewives and for the husbands. But this year, it will be very different, as we will only have one big Christmas party on the 18th of December and we tagged it as our "Thanksgiving Day". For sure, there will be presentations,games and gifts and it will be one great day for everyone!

But before that, on the 10th of December, we will have Christmas party for the kids in our feeding ministry in Makati and I'm working on that too. There will be another two parties for the feeding ministry in two provinces on the 21st.

I hope that with all the chaos going on during this season people does not end up tired and unhappy, after all though the busiest, this is the month where one can be happiest too.

I'll see how me and my husband will fare with this season,now that he is already working but having the same activities and commitments at church, I can only pray for us to do just fine.

Anyways, are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? I just started with my list and hopefully will finish before the thanksgiving day. Some gifts I'm buying online which is great for me, talk about time saving :) And there are really great gift ideas out there like these rfid blocking wallets for women. I wish I could buy one for a friend but having it shipped just in time for Christmas will be a problem as we are on the other part of the world.

It's 33 days before Christmas! Are you ready for all the activities coming up?

Drug Rehab and Treatment Centers in Metro Manila

Just in case anyone needs a reference of drug rehab treatment centers here in Manila, got the list from my yahoo group and posted it here because I know a lot are looking for information regarding this. It might help also those who do ministry to street kids who sniff rugby and is need of treatment centers.

 Life Management Foundation Inc.
Address : 2/f Yupangco Bldg. 2320 Pasong Tamo Ext. Makati
Tel. # : 892-97-19 to 20 / 812- 12-67
Services : Halfway housing to recover and Group therapy

 Life Change Counseling Center & Psychiatry Clinic
Address : #105 Scout Rallos Street, cor. Timog Avenue,
Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City
(near Quattro Grill and Bar REstaurant, turn left at the first corner)
Tel. #: 415-6529 / 415-7964
E-mail : lifechangerecovery@...
Service : Professional Counseling, Psychotherapy, Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents, Provide interventions for substance-related cases, Attitude and Behavioral Management
Schedule : Monday to Sunday 24 Hours
Psychologist/Psychiatrist : Randy S. Dellosa, M.D., C-Psy.D.
Violeta Bautista, Ph.D.


 National Capital Region
Address : Ground Flr. Champ Bldg. Anda Circle Port Area, Manila
Tel. # : 527-32-13
Services : Treatment and Rehabilitation
Fee for Testing P 300
Evaluation for free
Contact : Dr. Lilia R. Mabanag or Dr. Sualog
Schedule : Monday - Friday ( 7:00 - 4:00 PM )

NARCOM Treatment & Rehabilitation Center
Address : Camp Bagong Diwa ,Bicutan, Taguig , Metro Manila
Tel. # : 722-12-77 / 837-24-71 loc 753, 745
Contact : Supt. Baltazar Balanguan

New Beginnings - Treatment &  Rehabilitation Center
Address : #40 Cairo St., Phase 3 BF Homes Paranaque Mla.
Tel. # : 827-57-77
Fax # : 827-51-40
Contact : Mr. Jaime del Rosario
Fee : P 75,000


Sagip Foundation
Address : 943 J. Escoda St., San Marcelino, Malate Mla.
Tel. # : 521-41-98


YOUTH Renewal Center
Address : c/o Caritas Manila, Gen. Trias, Cavite
Tel. # : 522-03-61

QUEZON CITY DRUG TREATMENT AND REHAB CENTER
Address: City Hall Compound, Quezon City Hall
Tel. # 9269535
Scedule: Open from Monday to Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm
Services: Provide Free Counseling and Drug Test, Referral for Medical Examination, Referral for Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents
Client: 12 yr. and above; male and female, priority are residents of Quezon City

 Sheperd Drug Rehabilitation Center (A private rehabilitation center for drug dependents, alcoholics, depressed individuals and teenage mothers. It is being managed by Christ the Living God fellowship.)
Open from : Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Address : #3 Scout Albano Street, Quezon City
Telephone Numbers: 414 1544 / 410 5698
Services : A complete rehab program for 7 months, Counseling, Rehabilitation, After care, Psychotherapy, Attitude and behavioral management
Service Fee : P17,500/month
Contact Person/s : Ms. Rose Benitez, Administrator
Requirements for Referral: Phone call, walk-in

I dream

I dream of living on a big house with many rooms and facilities someday. A library with lots of children books to read and a kitchen where healthy foods are always ready. A pedestal bathtub is not necessary but I would love a wide lawn and play area where kids will enjoy playing under the trees and the sun.

I don't dream that for myself though. I dream for children out there in the street. Children like "jay-jay". For the kids I have met ever since I got involved with the childrens' ministry.

I dream for that girl who sells sampaguita (flowers) in a busy hi-way. I dream for that little boy walking and running  without slippers not minding the danger of his own playground. I dream for that teenage girl I once met sniffing rugby and sleeping in front of establishments together with some boys (their age ranges from 7-16 years old). Oh how my hearts bleeds for her.

I dream for the many children living in the streets left on their own, abandoned,astray, hungry and alone.

I pray I can have that house someday soon. For the meantime, I'll keep on being friends with them, they don't have much friends either and sometimes all they need is just a listening heart.

And I'm excited, my husband and I thought of a new way to get to them and hopefully we'll gain more kids friends with this. Can't wait!

Gifts for the Kids

Christmas party is one of the most awaited event by the kids in our ministry. They know they are in for a sure treat on this day so they really look forward to it. This year our Christmas Party will be on the first Saturday of December and as early as now we are already accepting gifts for the kids.

I have friends and office mates that gives regularly for this occasion and I am thankful that they already have given me their word that they will give again this year. Praise the Lord!

However, we plan to extend the gift-giving to one of our church outreach in the nearby province and that means we need more toys and gifts thus we need more donors.

If you want to share your blessings, if you find it in your heart the desire to give, please let us know. Toys, clothes, school supplies or food will be greatly appreciated. These kids don't ask for lavish gifts such as ProFlowers gift basket and the like but one toy can make them really happy and excited.

For more information on how you can give , you may contact the following;

International Teams Philippines
FISHNETS MINISTRY
3741 Bautista St., Makati City, Philippines
Tel: (63-2) 832 5142 to 43
or at
LJBC Global Ministry
4627 Arellano St. Palanan,Makati City
Tel: (63-2) 556-4239

God bless everyone!!!

"Jay-Jay"

Hindi sinasadyang nakito kong muli si "jay-jay" kanina. Hindi ko agad naalala ang pangalan nya pero hindi ko maaring makalimutan ang mukha nya. Malaki na siya at isa ng teen-ager ngunti laman pa rin siya ng kalye, nakayapak at nagugutom.

Isa si "jay-jay" sa mga batang tinuturuan at pinapakain namin noon tuwing Sabado.At isa rin siya sa pina ka aktibo, madaldal, magaspang at pinaka madungis. Sa tuwina kong pakikipag usap sa kanya, napag alaman ko na nakatira siya sa kaniyang mga tiyahin noon at hindi nag aaral, sabi nya naghihingi siya ng limos sa isang kalapit na supermarket at kadalasn ay isinusugal sa kara y krus.

Hindi na kami nagpupunta sa lugar na dati niyang tinitirhan, natapos na ang aming feeding program sa kanilang lugar kaya hindi ko na rin siya nakita....hanggang kanina...sa labas ng mercury drug..habang nagpapatila kami ng ulan..

Nakangiti ako sa kanya pero umiiyak ang puso ko na laman pa rin siya ng kalye, nakayapak at nagugutom. Sabi niya nagpaparking daw siya para may pangbili ng pagkain,umalis na daw siya sa kaniyang tiyahin dahil ayaw sa kaniya. Naalala ko ang isa sa mga "batang hamog" na kamakailan lang ay naaksidente at namatay.

Hindi siya humingi ng pera sa akin bagkus ang sinabi nya kung pwede ko siya pakainin. Itinuro niya sa akin ang katabing tindahan ng pares at nag order ng pagkain niya habang pinagsasabihan ko siya na malaki pa ang pag-asang mabago ang buhay niya dahil bata pa siya, pwede pang maiba ang direksiyon at gumanda ang estado ng buhay niya.

Labinlimang taon na si "jay-jay" at ngayon daw siya ay nasa grade 2 at hindi ko alam kung matatapos niya ito.

Napaisip tuloy ako, may magagawa ba ako? kami? sapat na nga ba na naturuan namin sila noon at napakain? Nabahaginan ng salita ng Diyos?

Pwede pang sagipin si "jay-jay" sa kalye at totoo na pwede pang gumanda ang buhay niya...KUNG

....kung meron siyang maayos na pamilyang uuwian

..kung meron siyang magulang na gagabay sa kaniya

..kung merong mga taong magmamalasakit..ng totoo

Sana makumbinsi ko siya na pumasok na lang sa isa sa mga foundations o organisasyon na kumakalinga sa mga batang kalye.

Sana hindi siya matulad sa naging kapalaran ng isa sa mga "batang hamog".

VBS postponed, meeting and change

The VBS schedule will not push through as planned, most of the kids will still be on the school on that date (April 4-8)so we have to move it on another date. I heard it will be on 3rd week of April. Our ministry team will meet tonight and I guess that will be on the agenda.

I was talking to a team mate over yahoo messenger a while ago and we had a nice talk about what’s going on and what’s needed to do with the ministry, honestly, I needed that kind of discussion and I need more. I needed to push my self and encourage my self and motivate my self to do my best and not become frustrated to what was not being accomplished. And we both conclude that it’s time to shift although we know that it’s not as easy as changing channels or having a wii remote controller but I agree, it’s time we do shift or revamp or change whatever that word is.

And I like that we will change for the better, we will change to serve the community better and maximize the potentials of each of us and really work as a team.

Basic Classroom Management for Sunday School Teachers

Our church has an ongoing training for Sunday School Teachers and Assistant, this is being held every Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. Most of the attendees are young people from 14 to 20 plus years old. I praise God for these young people who have heart to teach kids about God.

I was assigned to teach last Saturday and my topic is “Basic Classroom Management” I compiled tips from my own experience when I was still in the Academe and from the tips I got over the internet . I surfed endlessly last week hoping i could find one ready material (well I happen to search for liftmaster garage door opener parts too) anyways, here’s what I come up to :

1. Arrive Early - I told them if you’re going to be a teacher, you need to be at your classroom at least 15 minutes before the kids arrive.

2. Class Schedule - Just like teaching kids at a regular school, I follow a schedule.

3. Set rules (i.e, no littering, no talking, etc..) - One kid in my class wrestle with other kids most of the time, so I made a "No Wrestling" rule. You can always make rules that best fit with your class.

4. Be consistent - if you have rules then make sure you are consistent in disciplining them

5. Don’t talk too much (activity) - younger kids have a very short span of attention and you can't keep talking an talking, they'll get bored. They need to do something that's why activities are important, (crafts,coloring,drawing)

6. Seating arrangement - If you would like to be more organized you can have seat plan, like what I did with my class I put the older kids at the back because the younger ones needed more attention.

7. Look in the eye - It makes them feel that you are confident with what you are teaching and you connect with them.

8. Lesson plan (read/pray the whole week) - Never go in front of your class without lesson plan and ready. This one is very important, everyone needs to get ready and you can't get your teaching materials ready in one night.

9. Visual Aids -They remember lessons when you use visual aids and it keep them entertained while listening.

10. Do not chat with your assistant teacher (personal)- I said "do not talk about personal stuff in your life with your assistant where the kids can hear you (I observed this from new and young teachers that's why I put this one up)

11. Never leave a classroom full of kids - you'll never know what's gonna happen when you go back to your room.


12. Rewards and Appreciate - Because kids love prizes and it motivates them, a pat in the back, a "very good" mark in their paper work makes them happy and makes them want to go bak the next Sunday :)

I hope this would somehow help Sunday School ministers out there and I hope I was able to impart something to our future teachers.

Jollibee Treat

Meet Jollibee- the most famous bee in the Philippines. he is one of the most sought mascot in a children's party. Every kid here in my country knows him and dream of being with him everyday well, others are afraid at first but as they grow older they all learn to love him. But eating in Jollibee's store can be quite expensive especially for the poor, and so they satisfied them selves just by looking at him on television and print ads.

But last week, a good soul chose to celebrate her birthday with the poor kids and we praise God that the Lord sent her to our kids. They are so happy!! They were given the chance to not just look at Jollibee but eat inside the store, play with him and they took home lots of give aways and prizes!!

 (uh-oh, I think Jollibee needs a glucosamine sulphate supplement already, I hope he didn't get hurt)

Event like this inspired us (volunteers) to keep on serving these kids and the Lord. See the twinkle in their eyes? And the smile? I love it!!

I pray there will be more good hearts out there who will share their blessing with these less fortunate kids. Thank you so much again in behalf of the whole Bituing Bulilit (Little Star) Children's Ministry of FISHNETS. And to our volunteers -Thank you so much also..I know it is not easy but no one is complaining. Major applause to all of you!

Make someone HAPPY this CHRISTMAS

Are you done with your Christmas Shopping? Finished putting up your tree? (yes, here in my country it's that early) Done with your christmas wreath? Now, don't you think it's time to share some blessings to our less fortunate brothers and sisters? I know the joy you get when you share is lasting and is deep. No amount of money can buy that.If you are too far to join us, you can find someone you can make happy from there in your place this season. Go to the streets, give food to kids out there, give toys, or better yet invite him to spend Christmas with you. I am sure he will be forever grateful!!

Toys and Groceries for them

Christmas is just around the corner, in fact everywhere you go you can see Christmas decors all around you. The mall, the streets and the houses are all shining with different Christmas lights.

I know Christmas means giving and with this, I would like to knock in your hearts my dear readers if you have extra gifts or blessings you want to share please share it with us.

Our kids in the ministry will be having their annual Christmas party on December 04 and we will be giving them toys and groceries for their family as our gift to them. These kids belong to the poor families and I know they need this.

If you have extra hundred pesos or even if it is not an extra money, you might want to forego buying an acne cream, or a cup of coffee from starbucks ( I know the Lord honors those who give even if it hurts- remember the lady who give cents but Jesus noticed it because she gave her all?) The Lord will bless you in return!!

You can message me if you want to give toys or any grocery item. (noodles,canned goods, toiletries)

Let’s make someone happy this Christmas.

SHARE YOUR BLESSING!!!

Mini Carnival for SPECIAL KIDS!

JOIN US IN SERVING THESE SPECIAL CHILDREN OF THE LORD!!

Ministry in Samar?

So it is true, if you love what you do, you’ll find ways to do it even in times that you don’t have to do it. When we went for a vacation last week, we didn’t go to church on Sunday because there is no Christian (full-gospel) church around (which is sad). What we did, we gathered all the kids from the neighborhood, which are mostly sons and daughters of husband’s cousins. We did what we usually do on weekends. Feeding and teaching children. The husband and his brother taught them songs and told the story about David and Goliath.

While me and my brother in law’s girlfriend cooked and served them the food. What else will I cook? Noodle Soup (Sopas) it is. That’s the only feeding food I know how to prepare.

We honestly thought of bringing this kid with us back home! he's so adorable! Look what he did while others are singing

Anyways, the kids enjoyed it. I guess they enjoyed us being there also, especially when the husband let them play with the PSP, kids here don’t see those kind of gadgets everyday, a s I have said, most of the house don’t have a TV or a radio so how would they even know about such Bluetooth headset or an X-box? 

But guess what? Aside from the trees to climb, they have this very clean and peaceful river everyday for them to swim their heart out!

We will definitely miss all of them!

Special Children

This morning, I joined our team in our ministry at the SPED (School for Special Children). It was my first time. We have been ministering to the parents of these children for almost a month now. A father stood up this morning and said he prayed for the first time for his child with MR (mentally retarded) during last week’s bible study. He shared how he felt about his faith when he heard about the story of the blind Bartimaeus

Testimonies like this keep us going, it warms our heart for we know that a seed of faith is being planted to these people everytime we go and visit them. You can very well see in their eyes, they need help and they need God.

For a while I was surrounded with special children, some with ADHD, MR, and Down Syndrome. People tend to look at them differently because we only see with our eyes, but I am sure God looks at them the same way he looks at everyone. God’s eyes surpasses beneath the physical and outward appearance.

If you think you are too short, (and you need hgh supplement) or you are too big, maybe you look differently from what the society calls normal always remember that God loves you and that each individual is special to HIM.

Therefore I am also one of God’s special children. Right?

Strategic Planning

Today was a non-working holiday here so that means no office and no work but not for the Fishnets team. We just had our strategic planning the whole day. And it may sounds bad that I didn't had my day off but it's alright because the planning is worth it.

we have four months left for this year and for the kid's ministry,we have two major events left. The Praisin' Kids Town for the Special Children  on November 20 and the Christmas party and the gift giving on December 4 to which I am both in-charge. These two events need a lot of funding so please help us pray for more hearts to support us.

The team is oh so excited for the coming year. This early, we have already lined up activities for the kids here and in different LJBC outreaches. One thing for sure is the DVBS at Bataan.

The strategic planning is indeed very helpful. At least we've measured how far we've started for our goals and mission. Changing one family at a time may sound so easy but I tell you it is not. Urban poor families have different culture and norms and diverting and teaching them that God wants their life to be beautiful is not an easy task. Teaching a father to feed his child instead of using his little money in his vices (alcohols, cigarettes to which I hope is not a romeo y julieta cigars brand and gambling) is a gigantic task and we admit that we cannot do it but God can.

Our regular weekly feeding is doing fine but we need to recruit more volunteer teachers every Saturday. We will also do a basic classroom management seminar for them.

Please keep on supporting us through your prayers. And if you know someone who would want to help us financially you may direct them to International Teams/ Fishnets to see how they can be of help.

Blessings everyone!

Thankful Thursday -Ministries

It is always good to give thanks unto the Lord!

Today I am grateful for so many good things that are happening in Fishnets Ministry, I so remember this word from a Pastor " do not despise small beginnings" when we were just starting this ministry. We have no funds  but we have dreams of sending the poor children to school and helping them finish college. We started to send one, and then two and now we have 5 college scholars!! And not only that we also have feeding progras for Urban poor children. We also are now providing basic health needs (check-up and lecturing about health) to the mothers. This Saturday we will be giving vitamins to them as it is now rainy season here and a lot of kids are getting sick.

We have given livelihood for two family  and they are both doing well now providing for their kids.

And just recently, the Lord has opened new doors for us to minister to special kids in a public school for special children and we are so amazed on how God is working out things for everything.

I am thankful for those who help us, supporting us financially to be able to do this ministry and to our prayer warriors who pray for us unceasingly.


Last week, the Lord brought here a couple and they saw our ministry areas and they gave out toys for the kids and gave also some financial support for the ministry. God is so good!!

I see that as we are expanding and more ministry are opening up, the need is also escalating, We need manpower and we need resources but we do not magnify the need, we magnify God-the source of everything.

Please keep on praying for us. God bless everyone!!

and please don't forget to visit Laurie for more TT entries.

Special Ministry

A new area for our feeding ministry has opened up and this one is going to be special. Why? Because we are going to minister to SPECIAL CHILDREN and their moms. I believe these children are truly special in the eyes of the Lord and to introduce HIM through bible stories and singing and playing is just great!

I am thankful this school for special kids has given us the chance to do this. The moms will have bible study every Thursday at 10:00 to 11:00 in the morning right there in the school premises while waiting for their kids to finish classes. Feeding day is yet to be schedule.

Also, we are repeating the Praising Kids town (mini-carnival) especially for them this November 20 and I know this is kind of different. We are told there are 137 kids and to have them all at the same time is a huge task. But nevertheless we are welcoming this new challenge and opportunity to serve God through these special children.

We only have 9 people in our team, we do have volunteers but we need more specially on big affair such as mini carnival. Don’t worry you need not wear funny clothes or apple bottoms or be a clown. If you have time and resources and you want to be part of this ministry, please don’t hesitate to inform us. 

Our contact number is : 556 4239 or 832 5142 to 43. Here’s our ministry website: http://www.itphilippines.org/ministries/fishnets.htm

Children's Ministry Update

Last Saturday was the last major activity for our children’s ministry. The Praisin Kids Town (Carnival fair) is an annual event we do for kids who can not afford to go to theme parks and play and get some prizes for themselves. This has been a very very good activity for them since we started it two years ago. We started the day early last Saturday and we are so glad that it didn’t rain until we’re done with the activity.

We expected only a hundred of kids but more than 150 kids came. Good thing we have lots of toys as prizes and we just ordered additional snacks for them. Once again we thank everyone for the support (prayer, money, time) you have given to us.

As usual, we borrowed the neighbor’s car to pick up the kids from their place to the event venue. God bless his soul for being so supportive to us every time. We are really praying because we really need a ministry van for the children’s ministry. I hope someday soon we’ll have one, and of course we do not need those luxury vans that are expensive and have high end car exhaust, we are praying for something like this:

Please pray with us for this vehicle. We need it badly, we will be using that van for museum and park trips for the kids and for the Saturday feeding as well.

And now, we are already planning the Christmas party for the kids which will happen on December 04 ( Saturday) we are hoping we can give each family a grocery bag (something) that they can cook for Christmas eve. I will update everyone with what’s going to happen for the kids party from time to time.

Thank you for being a part for the ministries here in the Philippines, If you want to know more about this Urban Poor ministry you can visit International Teams (Philippines) website.

It has began

The busy days started yesterday.

We picked up my 2 nephews from the airport,  and though they were'nt  settled yet at the house, I have to leave them because I know I have to go to office. After office, I had to attend/conduct a short meeting for the upcoming event for our kids ministry. I guess I will have no more time to facebook, to twitter and more so no more time reading about curvatrim review .

Today the husband will bring them to school and later in the afternoon, he will picked up Maria, a missionary from England. She will be staying and helping with our ministry for one month.

I hope I can continue to post some quick updates here everyday specially wth what's going on with our ministry. Be safe everyone!! Blessings!!