Mission Team , HOHFA , Joseph
Magandang Araw
Joe's trip to Shanghai
Two weeks after returning from Mindanao Joe was part of the Brent Baguio Model United Nations Delegation that flew out to Shanghai for the Concordia International School Shanghai’s 10th annual Model United Nations Assembly (CISSMUN).
1200 students from 65 schools in 22 countries across the globe gathered together. This year’s CISSMUN theme focused on 'The Cause of Freedom', which looked at ways of addressing the shifting political climate of the modern world and the complex social trends and injustices developing worldwide. Joe had a great time over the course of the three days and was pretty tired when he arrived home.
NEW ZEALAND VISITORS
Diane, an Elementary school teacher from Tauranga, was our first visitor for 2019 and spent close to 4 weeks with us. The majority of that time was at our school, Hands of Hope Faith Academy, teaching English and other subjects as well as taking the devotionals with the teachers. The kids and staff quickly warmed to her and were sad to see her go. When is Mom Diane coming back was a question a number of kids frequently asked.
Rod and Karen arrived early February for two weeks. They managed to sort out the school library, fix a number of things inside and outside the classrooms, reading and English tutorials, one on one time ministering to the staff, preaching in the services and a whole lot more. This is their third visit and the people (us also) have grown to love them and are always blessed by their wisdom and input.
There is always plenty to do if you are interested in a short term or long term missionary experience or would even like to bring a team. Click here to find out more or contact us through email by clicking here
Alpha
Alpha continues to go well with a number of the attendees testifying as to how they have grown spiritually. The Holy Spirit sessions were invaluable as many received His baptism and others had a fresh encounter with Him. Tears, cries of joy and laughter overflowed as the Holy Spirit poured out His presence upon people. We never grow tired of seeing people touched by His presence.
Rice Harvest
As mention in January's Newsletter we planted rice on 14000sqmts of land. We were very excited at the beginning of this week when the harvesting process started. It takes time as the cutting is done by hand and then put through a machine which removes the panicle from the stem. Once this is done, the panicle is put out to dry and then taken to a mill to have the husk separated from the kernel. It can then be sold or eaten.
We are now in discussion with a number of people to find out what type of crop to plant next as it is too hot and dry for rice. Last week we also purchased another 4400sqmts. Click here to view a few photos.
Focus Project - Long Term Sustainability
Around 24 months ago we started purchasing agricultural land and to date we have (not including our school) 23000sqmts. Part of the land (4000sqmts) has been earmarked for future development of HOHFA and the remaining has been used for planting rice and other crops. If you would like to partner with us for long term sustainability then click here to find out more
That's about it for this month. If you are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Skype please add us as we would love to keep in touch.
Love and Blessings
Duane, Jenny & Joe