I offer the pictures below to share where I was today, but images don’t do justice to the sights and smells of my afternoon. Jeff Anderson along with Dave and Becky Majam (and others) are bringing food, hope, help, education, living skills, and Christ into various squatter villages (the poorest of the poor) around Manila (www.actionphilippines.org). The only way to get to one of the villages they are working with is across the San Juan River, which is full of trash and human feces. I’m thankful I did not fall in! Some have. In fact, there was a fire in the village in December and many had to jump in to save their lives. It was a joy meeting the people and taking pictures of the children. The living conditions are horrendous and not the way this life is supposed to be. I got to share with the children from the Bible for a few minutes, and I chose John 14:6 where Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” After they hear from the various workers, they sing, and then they have a Bible lesson. To conclude, they are provided a free meal. What they are doing is much more than just providing a free meal. They are seeking to build relationships with the people of the community and help them in many different ways. These children are malnourished and a first step in helping them medically is to get them “de-wormed” (many run around in their bare feet). They are educating many of the children and teens in the community. Of course, they are faithfully proclaiming Christ to them.

My "safe" ride across the San Juan River

A river full of trash and human feces

Squatter village neighborhood

Beautiful children who heard about John 14:6

With the precious children

Here's godly, humble Jeff Anderson: Great will be his reward in heaven!

With Dave & Becky Majam: Great will be their reward in heaven!

A squatter toilet. Guess where the waste goes.

Riverfront property

Made in God's image, they deserve our respect and hands-on love.
August 15, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Steve, we have been sooo blessed at all your “doings” in the Philippines. We know you’ve experienced so much that will eventually help you in your ministry at home and wherever the Lord takes you. We’re praying He’ll continue to bless you, Patty and the kids in all you do.
Love,
Mom & Dad Noble
August 15, 2009 at 2:33 pm
What an “eye-opening” experience you are having! God Bless you and “Great are your rewards in heaven” also.
My prayers are with you and your mission in life.
Mary Alice Wentzel