BASKETBALL MINISTRY
During Saturday mornings, the children from different slum areas ages 12 years and above would gather together at Faith Baptist Church basketball court around 7-8 am tossing the ball around and playing hoops. The leader of this ministry is Allan Lastimozo, who would then meet the kids to start the practice formally. They would perform basketball basic routines for half an hour. Afterwards, two teams will be playing against each other for 40 mins. The teams would have had already chosen their own captain who could lead them to win the game. Here, discipline is a must and the kids have already learned the importance of discipline which is hardly taught at home and surroundings. We are aiming to get the kids to develop self-control as one of the essential ingredients to become better people as an integral part of the society.
Afte the match, both teams will again flock together as a group and will be spoken to by their coach Allan. He will then show them strategies of playing and coaching. One of the most important aspects of this discussion is the examination of themselves and their characters as players of the game and what they may say of their characters as players of life. It is important that kids start looking at themselves and see what in themselves needs changing and at the same time see the hope to become better so that they may help break the cycle of poverty in the society. It is also during this time that Allan will be sharing with them the love of the Lord for everyone and impart some proverbial wisdom. Praise God for He is good!
After the discussion, the group will then be led to the church dining hall to take part in their favourtie activity of all time- healthy snacks which might comprise of bananas, breads and fruit juice...cookies if they're lucky!
LITERACY PROGRAM
After the basketball ministry, a few kids from Isla Verde will be picked up with the permission of the parents or guardians so that they can attend the literacy program set up by the team who by then would've been ready to receive the kids and teach them how to read. These children have no education or no proper education for different reasons. One is due to lack of financial support from family. This program takes place in the Faith Baptist Church classrooms as approved by the pastor ( Manny Quiazon). At the moment, there are two teachers, three street kids using two classrooms at the same time. We are working on getting more kids who have not afforded to go to school.
MAGSAYSAY MINISTRY
We've been trying very hard to give support to the street children to become better citizens and not failing to see their full potential. Here is a great challenge. We have set up programs for the teens and young ones and have now started the Youth Leadership Program. Here, we gather the children of all ages together at the park and give them as much awareness regarding social issues and biblical life applications to each of these issues.
The group is then divided into different age groups and play together with various set of games that would involve everyone and participate as members of their respective teams. The kids will earn their rewards in the form of food or sweets. They will then be given snacks just before the team leaves.
We also have chosen leaders for every team but working on their attitudes first which is not an easy task.This ministry is also working on getting classrooms at the park where teaching is more conducive and appropriate. There are lots of challenges facing us and still many things to work on. So please remember us in your prayers.
Children's changes
The first time I saw the children, it was chaos! The kids and I soon established a trusting relationship although some were still pessimistic this is going to be a long term thing.
I then found a Christian team from our church in Davao that is committed. We have one vision and that is for these kids to grow as loving, law-abiding, and productive citizens of the nation instead of what seems to be their only way to become...criminals, poverty-stricken and deprived of formal education.
The kids were clamorous, boisterous, stubborn, restless, bullies, violent-hungry and would NEVER tell the truth. But the kids we saw before are different from the kids we see now although they are the same group of kids. But the change in their attitudes and character is so visible and heart-warming! No amount of money can buy the joy of seeing the young people's lives changed! Even a little change.
Founder
Eva@project1434.org
