Public Elementary School within the Barrios of Anda

This afternoon the Philippines team was invited to an elementary school within the barrios of Anda. They decided amongst the team who would teach the younger children, the older, and also the teachers themselves. After reviewing and discussing our spiritual strengths and weaknesses and acknowledging our gifts and talents, the team dispersed themselves throughout the classrooms.

There were no rules or regulations on how they were to teach the class, everything was up to how the spirit led them. This was such an amazing opportunity! Never had any of them been given so much freedom within a school to share the love of Jesus. Each classroom ranged from 40 to 50 students, and only one teacher. Tiny wooden chairs, chipped desks, cracked black boards, and a room ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is the norm for these children. But looking around at all the smiles, hearing the laughter, and seeing their eagerness to learn, no one would have ever suspected a hint of want or need.

The younger students were taught the story David and Goliath, using a felt board and pictures by Brooke Neilsen and Janene Valdez. Janene also had her class memorize Mark 10:27, “ With man all things are impossible, but with God all things are possible.” She explained to them to trust in God with all impossible circumstances, just as David did. Mike Terrell showed the children how Jesus was their friend with scripture and with song. Claudia Rodriguez had the Evangecube as a prop. It’s a block with images on each side, showing how God loves us so much, that He gave His only son to die for us! At the end of the class, all of Claudia’s 50 students received Jesus as their personal Lord and savior, and prayed the sinners prayer. It was slightly challenging, because the younger classes did not know how to fully understand English. However, we were graciously given translators upon request. More importantly, the universal language of love was entirely comprehended by all onlookers.

Inside the classrooms of the older children, the HSE team poured out all they had learned over the past 10 months. The Gospel, giving, forgiveness, salvation and our testimonies were some of the topics that were delivered to these children. Micah VanDover taught John 13, and the necessity of washing the footprint that unforgiveness leaves on your heart. He also told them to start their day off with the Lord, and fill their cups so that they can pour out love and forgiveness all day long. Cherre Ewing taught out of Luke 11. She showed them how God calls us to pray, and how He will always answer us when we pray according to God’s will. Overall, the HSE team was completely overwhelmed by the amount of love they experienced from these children.

When class was over, the students all ran to the middle of the court yard, singing praises and worship songs! Matthew Hutchinson, whos calling is clearly children’s ministry, lavished the children with stickers and candies.

With the grace from our sponsors, the team is able to afford to have a hot lunch for all the teachers and staff members at every school. After teaching from 9:00am to 4:30 pm, this was immensely appreciated by all partakers. We then said our goodbyes, loaded into the truck, and watched the children wave and chase us as we drove away. Praise the Lord!