Dear Friends and family,
 
We have spent the past two and a half weeks in “Valley Cathedral Children’s Home” 50 miles south of Manila, on Manila bay. The home is well established with several buildings, including dorms for boys, girls, older boys, staff housing, dining hall, church building, school for 250 students, a pig farm, green houses, vegetable gardens…. An amazing place.
 
It was established by “Mommy Zelma” 20 years ago. She was a 63 year old widow who had come to the Philippines to work in a  prison ministry. She was approached by a pastor and wife who had a vision for working with the orphans, and they teamed together. It started in a small home, and has grown to quite an operation over the years. She is now 83, spry, and an effective leader of this operation. Our school leader has been here many times in the past 15 years. Some of the team members over the years have contributed greatly to this project.
 
Valley Cathedral has planted over 40 churches, primarily on this island, Luzon,  many of the pastors have come from the prison. Mommy Z says they make great servants of the Lord.
 
Our team has focused on tutoring the 40 children of this home, as well as working with the local church to assist in the on-going bible studies in the several home groups, village churches, etc…
 
I was privileged to speak the first Sunday at “Valley”. The church service was bilingual with most of the singing in English. The schooling is primarily in English in this country, so the educated understand quite a bit. I have led the worship times for the team, and Carol and I have assisted in a weekly bible study in a squatter village near the street market in Naic, the nearest town. We have also worked with the puppet shows on Saturday where there is a food distribution-outreach  to the neighboring community.
 
I am also singing and speaking tonight in a neighborhood meeting, outdoors, that about 50 people attend. That should be interesting!
 
Last night, one of our team members was part of a group that showed the “Jesus” film to ten members of a ship wrecked fishing boat. (They have been grounded for about 30 days now, attempting to free the ship, and have received food and fellowship from our group.) All ten of the men chose to dedicate their lives to Christ following the movie. At least two of the men were Muslims. There was much rejoicing in the camp this morning!
 
The people of the Philippines seem especially polite and gracious. As many speak English it is also welcoming to be able to communicate easily. We are leaving for the mountains tomorrow. Baguio and Bontoc are the next two communities we will be working in. I understand that it should be about 10 degrees cooler there. I would guess that it has been over 90 most days, with humidity to match. We are thankful that it is not the Hot season!
 
Thank you for your ongoing pr ayes. We are so blessed to be a part of this outreach.
 
I have included two links to blogs of our teammates. They have their perspective and LOTS of photos that you can view of the area. I think you will enjoy the blog if you have the time to peruse it!
 
Blessings to you!
Fred and Carol
 
http://fullquiver8.blogspot.com/
 
http://garden-of-grace.blogspot.com/