Saturday-Sunday, June 7-8, Subic Bay Children’s Home/Subic Bay Baptist Church (Subic Bay)
Because the Philippines has entered their rainy season complete with typhoons, we weren’t sure that the team would be able to accompany Pastor John Mark to his church out on the island due to the 60 minute boat ride over the open waters. Thankfully on Saturday am, we were issued an all-clear, and left at 6:00 am to head to Island View Baptist Church. Even though we had an early start, it would be a memorable day. Upon arriving to the island, several had ministry opportunities including the entire team introducing themselves to the islanders and singing a couple of songs. Zab then preached to the adults while Callie and her group took the children and play some games, sang songs, and taught them a Bible lesson. Upon arriving back at the Children’s Home, they participated in a birthday party for Momo and spent time with the children that evening. It was neat to see the team come together with several at the Children’s Home to practice the choir special for the Sunday am service.
On Sunday, team members were distributed among several Sunday School classes teaching and singing songs. For the morning service, again the team introduced themselves to the congregation, sang some songs, and Dr. Cirone preached from John 3:30–He must Increase, and I must Decrease. Of course, the choir special was very moving as it was great to see everyone sing unto the Lord. After a wonderful lunch, several team members participated in the afternoon Music Festival with Joseph concluding the service with a message from Hebrews 12:1-3. Overall, Pastor Fulfer and Pastor Odek were very pleased with the Sunday services as the services glorified God and lifted up Christ. Later that afternoon, Mr. Fulfer had everyone meet to give out gifts and thank the Subic Bay Children’s Home and Baptist Church for their wonderful hospitality in hosting our team. Currently, we are packing and getting ready to drive to the Manila International Airport in about an hour as the 2-Week team flies out at 5:45 am and the 3-Week team is picked up by the Hursts to head to the island of Mindoro.
Words cannot adequately express the blessings of this week as all team members “made full proof of their ministry.” We all fell in love with the children, teens, and staff of the Children’s Home as this continues to be a highlight of our yearly trip. It is amazing what God has done through the life of the Fulfers as many, many lives have been changed for His glory.
As a side note, not many pictures of the children have been posted due to the sensitive nature/photo restrictions of some of the children and their backgrounds. Overall, we Praise God for our team and all that they have done to honor our Lord and be a blessing to each ministry they have visited. One group is coming home, and another group continues on for one more week…stay tuned!
