Hopevale, Offering Hope

Today on the blog we are catching up with sharing the activities we participated in on Friday and Saturday. Our writers today are Desiree, Estela, Anna, Jade, and Hazel.

How were we moved in the Power of God in Hopevale?

I saw heroes, humility, submission and tenacity to survive.  Let me begin....we've all had times when we’ve felt completely powerless in the face of challenges and adversity.  We truly believe that God is moving mightily amongst these brothers and sisters with their families.  We started with 2.5 hrs  driving, parked our vehicles and each mounted on the back of a pre-arranged motorcycle.  Unknown to the journey that lay ahead of us, we placed our trust in the hands of the experienced driver who made it seemed effortless, putting ease in us.  We trekked through 6 to 7 running and gushing streams of water.  MC (motorcycle) has pretty much 6 to 7 inches of a path to ride on!! The ride was amazing with lush greenery on both sides...

This took 25-30 minutes, then we dismounted and trekked up a steep muddy hill to our final destination.  We arrived on top of the hill and heard screams that were full of joy (almost the noise you make when receiving friends and families you have not seen in years).....keep in mind these people didn't know us.  The children stood in the rain with a banner to greet us.  They were waving, smiling from ear to ear and some even had their hands held out.  The ladies took us and washed our feet...our leader was quite emotional!! The children sang, we performed for them, we shared, had fellowship and ate together.  It was truly a glimpse of heaven on earth. 

Saturday morning we shopped for treats, and then shared them with some very special children in the neighbourhood.  With every act of love, you build the Kingdom come! - Estela

In the afternoon our team visited the Capiz Emmanuel hospital.  We were able to visit 5 wards and share briefly with the patients there. Many of us were hesitant at first, until the patients started responding very positively to us. In the first ward we visited, an elderly lady, over 90, asked to sit up so she could see and hear better as Pastor Sheldon prayed. Many joined in singing with us, and all were open to the deeply caring prayers from Pastor Sheldon. God turned pain and despair into joy and hope when we were willing to become his conduit. We hope that this loving, caring spirit will stay with them forever. - Anna

                                     

During most evenings we meet to debrief our daytime experiences. Although we are all participating in the same activities we seem to be experiencing God's love in slightly varied ways. As we share our highs and lows we rejoice and rest in our gratitude for such joyful and sorrowful experiences. Many tears are shared during these moments of vulnerability and God has, through His love for us, provided us with each other to support and encourage. Being SENT together has unified us and allowed us to know each other more meaningfully. For this and everything else we are so blessed. 

-Jade

"We laugh during the day and cry during the night." - Hazel Sison, 2018