As we wrap up our time in the Philippines, we are full of reflection.  We’ll have a recap video to share in the coming weeks, but for now, we want to continue to share the recent updates that we’ve been posting on social media.  

Thank you for all of the prayers, support, and love that helped to get us here and sustained us during this time.

With Love,

The Alejos.

The sound of waves crashing onto the shore made for a pretty amazing backdrop to our baptism time in the Philippines. While it wasn’t quite a white sandy beach and rocks where aplenty, there was a sweet atmosphere of fellowship at the little shelter as we gathered together. We had 6 friends who decided to be baptized that day and it included a father and son pair- such a beautiful thing. 

Afterwards, we all shared lunch together of roasted chicken and rice. It was so sweet to see the newness of a walk with Jesus beginning and we were so thankful to get to be a part. (Benji didn’t mind the baptism was at the beach either!!)

Dennis got a chance to preach this past Sunday and it’s always nice to see him doing what he loves- sharing about Jesus. It’s amazing to think that he came from some of the same situations that these children are in to where he is now.  And part of his story is being used in a beautiful way as we went to the KLM house to see another project that we have been praying and working towards- a digital certification class. 

There has been a desire in our hearts to see ways that our business, Instant Web Tools, could connect more with the vision of education and supporting ways to earn income for our friends. One of our developers has a digital certification class and we have hired him to help train some of our young people. At the end of the class, they will receive a certificate which could help them to find work in the future- a pivotal step in helping to break the cycle of poverty.

We are so thankful for the opportunities we’ve been having as we have been here and although we’ve had a few bumps in the road, look forward to seeing the ways that God will continue to work.

Video that was taken live at our Inayawan dumpsite during our rice giveaway.

A little food, a little dancing, a little Jesus, a little volleyball, a little soreness (feeling old!). I’d call it a successful feeding today with some more of our sweeties! In fact, maybe one of my favorite feedings as the interactions with the kids were precious and it was fun to linger a bit and connect deeper. I’m constantly reminded of the simplicity of connections that spans language barriers and cultural differences. Benji has been the best example of this in the way he interacts. There was a precious time where I felt a nudge to share with a group of the girls I was talking to that they were beautiful, being made in Gods image and created with purpose. I saw joy in their eyes and they shared love back to me in broken English as they called me gwapa (beautiful) as well. As we finished up with a game of volleyball, there were laughs, connections, and a desire on my part to know each of them a little bit more…to know their stories, where they live, what they like to do. I am thankful that the Lord knows each of them like that.. and I pray they would continue to know His faithful presence throughout their lives.

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his site, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”This song has comforted Benji to sleep several times when other things or songs have not worked and I think it’s so fitting as I watched him on this trip and as I look through the videos and images of all the children we have encountered.  Jesus indeed has a great love for children on every continent and in every tribe and tongue, and so many of you have shared in that love to children you’ve never met around the globe as you have given. Our bodies always leave a little tired, but our hearts full as we remember the mission God has asked us to be a part of…a mission where children in the Philippines get to have basic necessities and encounter the Hope of the world who loves them so much. His name is Jesus.

Prayer Points- Will you join with us in prayer as we begin to adjust to life back in the US- including very different temperatures!- We ask for continued prayers as we process and debrief from our trip and begin to implement some things from our time together.- Pray for the ripple effect to continue from the rice distribution, salvations, and baptisms.