HELP International

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Philippines

It’s been more than two years since there was no state school due to Covid restrictions. It wasn’t easy, especially for those kids who couldn’t attend school online. And now they’re expected to just jump straight into school again even though they missed so many lessons?

There must be a solution and suddenly there was a man, a professional teacher who would invest his free time to train and teach the kids on »Smokey Mountain«! And imagine he was not the only one.

Suddenly Everyone was a Teacher

We still had two weeks until our summer school would start on August 1st. Our living room was packed with people. Some of the parents from Smokey Mountain were being trained with us. Mr Emil has been a teacher for over 30 years. It is his heart’s desire to pass on his knowledge and experience. So he became a great blessing for us in the middle of Tondo.



We wanted to have a three weeks summer school just before the government schools were to reopen after two years of pandemic. Mr. Emil taught us how to teach the children the Alphabet, reading and writing.

So we all became teachers in those three weeks. Every morning the children were waiting for us in the classroom. They were nicely dressed and squeaky clean.

Coming from Germany it was great for me to see with how much joy the children and teachers focused on the task. »It’s more fun in the Philippines«: That is the Philippines’ slogan. I can only recommend a visit, so you can find out the truth of that for yourself.

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After God´s Heart

We had 34 pupils, divided in two approx. even groups according to age. One was for five to ten year old kids, the other for ten to twelve year olds. Each group was taught for two hours. There was a break and some food in-between.



Classes were held in our service sanctuary. We were able to build great relationships with our students, to pray for them, tell them about Jesus and share His love.

WONDERfull

One of our young coworkers, Patrick, who experienced Jesus and got set free of drugs in our rehabilitaion center, became the children’s favorite. Patrick certainly would not have expected to teach classes in school! He is great at motivating the children to study and everyone does it with lots of fun. Also the parents and children did a great job!



On the last Friday of our three-weeks-school we had a graduation celebration. It was a great event. Children and parents were dressed in their best clothes. There were performances, e.g. some children had prepared a dance. Everyone had a good time with great food.
All children received a certificate of participation, so each child was particularly honored for their effort. Also, a gift of pens and other school utensils were given to all of them.

A Way of Transformation

Our vision at HELP Tondo is to see this place transformed through sharing God’s love. That looks like: holding services, times of worship, providing education, distributing food, and fellowship…
With the summer school we were able to contribute to that vision. We are so thankful for all God is doing in this place!

Get Active: Take over Sponsorship or Go...

Do you want to help a child to get an education? Change one life as you become school sponsor for one child:

• Education & care = 35 $ per month
• Education, care & nutrition = 55 $ per month

You are interested to go on outreaches with us or want to help as volunteer? Contact us: here.

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Children are a gift from the LORD; a productive womb, the LORD’s reward. As arrows in the hand of the warrior, so also are children born during one’s youth. Psalm 127:3-4 ISV

HELP english »  

Philippines

This young, lively fellowship is just thriving on top of the remains of Manila´s trash - on the notorious »Smokey Mountain«.




Being one of the poorest and most densely populated places of the planet, the former garbage dump used to be home to thousands of families that scavenged here to make a small living. This landmark however got shut down in 1995. But this did not change everything.



Nowadays covered with a thin layer of scrubby green, many of the homeless of Tondo scrambled together some wood, bamboo and plastic sheets for little makeshift shelters on top of this looming mass of trash. Some are even growing sweet potatoes and spinach next to their shacks. That sounds actually nice but the people still strive to survive and people around the garbage dump live on garbage and try to earn money with it. It got a bit more green but their hearts still cry for change and help!



On our regular outreaches to Tondo we have been always stopping over at Smokey Mountain to worship, pray and prophesy over this huge slum area. At times we would spontaneously have kid´s church and pray for people. This is how we got to known so many of the people living here back then.

Jesus Mountain Church is born!

Since May 2019, after we sent out a residential pioneer team to Tondo, the friendship with the »mountain-folks« deepened. Adults and children alike are facing tremendous needs every day. As hardly anyone has a regular income, the fight for mere survival never ends: malnutrition, disease, domestic violence, gambling, addiction, crime and abuse are omnipresent. Many here are desperate for hope and find it in Jesus. Drawn by a love they never experienced, they gladly receive salvation and new life in HIM.



During our now regular visits we began teaching them from the bible and worshipped Jesus together. As Jesus became so real to many, they could not but share their encounters with God and the miracles they experienced with neighbours and friends who started to join us too. Since the fellowship grew, we met weekly at fixed times. We brought some wood with us and the men on the spot helped us making benches. A plastic sheet serves as a roof protecting us against rain and heat of the sun. That´s how »Jesus Moutain Church« came into being.



Since a year now 30 to 40 people regularly meet. Some women start cooking early morning so that everyone joining the service enjoys a good lunch and fellowship as well. A little chicken project helps with the Sunday meals.

Signs and wonders!

At every meeting young believers volunteer sharing testimonies from their daily life, how Jesus helped them to overcome difficult situations. Many people got already baptized. One mother said, after her baptism she was able stop drinking and a neighbour confirmed this with a huge smile. A man received healing and was instantly released from hospital. After two days we saw him working his field again.



A young couple broke up after a fierce conflict. But two weeks later were reunited as they had found a little fish selling business to support their family. The shack of a single mother got improved as we put in a proper door for her and the 3 daughter´s safety. Before the rainy season started, we were able to fix many of the little roofs so that the multigenerational families could enjoy rainproof shelters.

It´s such a joy to see people open and hungry for more of God. People really get changed: One man wanted to quit drinking. He made a clear cut and was admitted to the Set Free Center (our rehab). Three siblings (5 to 10 years old) who had witnessed their father stabbing their mother could be taken into our Father´s House. Thank God the mother survived and now is cared for by the church.

Hungry disciples!

A small group meets regularly on Mondays for Bible study and discipleship and since this January we started a leadership training. Some of the new disciples join the outreaches regularly to implement what they have learned. We want to train them to pass on the gospel, to heal the sick and to set the captives free. Yes, Jesus qualified all of us to bring his light into darkness!



As more and more kids were joining, we started a separate kids church. With their running noses and dirty little feet these gorgeous little ones just cannot sit still but are running around everywhere eager to join every new game we play with them. Their laughter and happiness reflects the love of a Creator who has good plans for them.

Come and celebrate the goodness of our Lord!

It was like a small fair: Christmas Celebration! Arrayed in their best outfit, some had prepared dance performances, others presented songs and shared testimonies. People where touched to tears. The atmosphere was filled with joy and thanksgiving. An old grandfather was very proud when he won a cooking pot in a raffle. The kids clinged to their little Christmas gifts, their faces beaming with big smiles. Happiness just flooded the place!
Yes, that was Christmas at its best!




That is the story of the »Jesus Mountain Church«. It is a story after God´s heart. He loves these people so much, that He gave his only Son for each of them. It is a story that is not finished – This is just the beginning!

HELP english »  

Philippines

In 1984, Jun, a young boy at the age of 14, from the province of Davao del Sur, tried his luck and went to mega city, Metro Manila in the hopes of lifting his family from poverty. Without knowing anyone in the city, he was able to find a job while studying but soon learned vices.  From smoking to drinking alcoholic beverages which soon escalated to drug addiction, from being bad, everything became worse. For almost 30 years residing and being away from his family, this has been Jun’s life, a cycle of bondage and hopelessness and he became a prodigal son and stayed in the slum area of Tondo.

Way out?!

Fast forward to 2021, broken and desperate, Jun began to realize the error of his ways, straighten his life and began seeking help. Through a pastor, they were able to connect to »Set Free Center.« Jun voluntarily went for a recovery program in the center. As God encountered him in such a way that he never experienced before, he accepted and received Jesus as his Savior and Lord of his life.

Miracles

God has proven His miracles over Jun’s life. While in the midst of his program, God made a way for him to reconnect with his family that he had long forgotten for almost two decades. First, he had a chance to speak and see his parents and relatives through video call and afterwards, we had planned for his long awaited homecoming.
Last February 2022, Jun was able to come home to Davao del Sur. It was a very special moment when we arrived at their place. His family and relatives were eagerly waiting for him. As soon as he went down from the tricycle, his mother went straight to welcome him and his father was next. No word has been uttered at first, only their tears and embrace gave meaning to it. Precious moment and was a clear picture of our Father’s faithfulness that is written in Luke 15.



Truly a homecoming and a great reason to celebrate and rejoice! Our Father never got tired of waiting for us to come back to him.

Today, Jun is enjoying a peaceful and drug-free life with his family, enjoying the new life that God had provided.

HELP english »  

Philippines

Lately the Philippines were hit by two very strong Typhoons within one week. One brought very strong winds and destroyed or damaged a lot of houses and farmlands. Storm Ulysses followed with lots of rain. Areas near riverbanks where severely flooded. We brought immediate help to three different places near the Marikina River and visited different communities. As we brought food, tools, electric wire and new testaments, we were always able to share the good news and prayed for many.

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As there were still funds remaining, we decided to drive further away where the needs still seemed bigger. After we connected with a young Pastor, we prepared our car for a 10-12hour`s drive to the southeast of Manila all the way down to Bicol province.

Open Doors & Open hearts

We are so grateful of how God arranged our time in Bicol. It was Him who made the connections that led us the Arise and Shine Fellowship in Bicol Albay. Through Pastor Elijah John Reyes congregation we were given much favour and opportunities to distribute some relief goods and to share the good news with so many different people groups. All of them were encouraged through our life testimonies and the power of the Holy Spirit was at work. We were able to pray with big groups and individuals in different locations!

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The on site situation

Compared with the situation in parts of Metro Manila the effects of last year´s flood in Bicol were even worse: Here it was not only the water, that destroyed houses and took the lives of many people but there were devastating mudslides and scree avalanches rushing down from the Mayon Volcano that buried countless houses.

While walking around, giving out some construction tools and praying with the disaster victims, we heard many testimonies how God saved their lives miraculously!

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You could feel the lingering heaviness and sadness around as most of those families even at this time of pandemic had no place to live in, nor did they have any clue how to get started with their lives again.

Would you help us to pray for all of these depraved families? Many elderly people even suffer from disabilities caused by the desaster. Sometimes we say that our life is hard, but how much harder it is for this community!

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Thank you & continuation!

Thank you very much for all your prayers and donations towards this mission. You have touched and reached many lives. May God bless you abundantly!

This is His promise to us: »And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.« Isaiah 58:10

We ourselves got encouraged to see many teens and young people beeing on fire for Jesus, loving the Lord and serving others. As we got to know pastor Reyes personally now, we might have more outreaches to that community in the future.

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HELP english »  

Philippines

Unwanted, beaten but found - a street child turns into a bearer of hope:

Raised up next to pigs

My name is Melanie (36 years) and I grew up in a very poor, troubled family in the Philippines (Quezon City). I am the fourth of seven siblings. My mother tried to abort me because she was so angry with my father but I held on to life. My father was a taxi driver, an alcoholic, and a gambler. Most of his profit from driving went straight to his vices, which caused most of the chaos in our house. Often there wasn't enough food on the table, so my mother started to raise pigs that lived with us in the house. To feed the pigs, my mother and I would push a wooden cart to collect food scraps from garbage dumps of restaurants and fast food houses; I was about 6-7 years old to that time. Food scraps collected were not just for our pigs though, we also had some of the better pieces ourselves after washing and recooking them. Every time my father came home drunk and broke, he would beat our pigs, but one day he even went to stabbing them. All we did was run and hide in fear that we might be next. Only one of the pigs survived and we could sell it later on.

Violence violence violence - God, where are you?

My father carried weapons like a knife or an ice pick all the time. My parents fought every day; it became normal for them. One day while they were in heated discussion, my father hit my mother on her cheek with an ice pick while I was there, seeing it all. I ran shouting towards my parents who were both on the floor, grabbed my father’s feet and pulled him away from my mother. My mother was crying in shock. She had to treat her wound on her own. Whenever my father came home drunk, we would immediately squeeze ourselves in a corner shaking with fear that he would shout our names, demanding us to show up. I’ve heard my father curse my mother to die in child birth. He would throw bottles at us or whip us with chains to make us comply with what he wanted. He would shame and belittle us in front of many people and threaten to put our house on fire. Evidence of his violence was seen on our wall and broken house items.



As a child, I felt a great regret that he was my father, questioning God why He put my father in our family. We just received adversity and suffered under him. It came to the point when I cursed my papa to death. To that time I really meant it. I even thought of poisoning him to end our struggle with him. There was no peace in our home. We were always in fear.
Most of our relatives and neighbors avoided us because they didn't want to be involved with our family's troubles. They chose to ignore what was happening, fearing what my father might do to them.

A bullied, dirty, smelly street child

One night, he kicked us out of our house, so we had to sleep in the streets. That soon led to more days and nights in the street. We learned and started »street-jobs« like selling cleaning rags and flowers in the streets. I learned to jump into moving jeepneys to dust off the shoes of passengers for any amount; I partnered with a blind man to approach cars in traffic and beg from the drivers. The streets became a »safe refuge« from the threatened life with our father. But he found us even there and joined our activities, shouting and belittling us in front of many people. He would throw our merchandise into the streets. People passing, as well as the other street vendors and dwellers - who became our friends and comfort - would just stare and watch; they were also afraid to get involved, knowing what my father could do.

In spite of all that was happening in my family, I still pursued my studies. After my »vending and guiding« job in the morning, I would go to school. But school was no escape from being bullied. I was called names as »batang kalye«- street child, a dirty, smelly, poor and crazy child.

On the ground

At times, I felt that I had no place in this world, being nothing, completely useless. I couldn't imagine to be ever able to do something that could make me proud. I had no confidence and no hope.
My life in the streets was not easy; I needed to deal with different »street people« like snatchers, drug addicts and others. Danger was always near, but several years of street life had taught me to harden my heart, to stay tough and strong. I pretended to be lesbian to prove it. I was growing up, not knowing that my heart was becoming hardened and numb.

I got found

One day a group of foreigners and Filipinos came under the flyover where we were staying. They called themselves »missionaries«. Every week they would come to the same place to sing and share bible stories. At first, I laughed and called them crazy: Why would they do this?! I'd observe them but would not join their bible story group. For me it was just a waste of time, meaning fewer sales for my rags and flowers. But slowly I started listening to their stories. Every time they came, I stashed my goods away to join their worship and bible story gatherings. They would pray for us and when they did, I could not help but cry, no matter how I tried to be tough. I then learned to share about our life with our father and also talked about the anger and hatred I felt toward him. The challenge of forgiving my father was too hard for me after all that he had done to us. So many bad things had already been planted and grown in my heart that it had turned toxic. I was convinced I would never forgive my father as long as he lived.

Heavenly experience!

Together with the other kids in the street, I continued to join and participate in their street service. Gradually, I felt different: »lightness and satisfaction« was something I had never experienced before. God was doing something in my heart! I tried praying for my father, wanting to forgive him, but it was just too hard. Seeing him entertaining his vices every day kept fueling my anger. I didn’t know how to pray and tell God about my problems and struggles, since I was just used to keeping it all to myself. But God did not stop. One day the missionaries came to pray for me again. Surprisingly, there and then I could give my anger to God. The tears that just poured out, were a complete surprise to me. That was the first time I could really surrender everything to God. I felt relieved and free. I had learned to yield to God and he was there to help me.

Finding Home

In 2002, the missionaries invited me and a group of kids to a beach outing. I did not know that there would be a water baptism and had no understanding of it anyway. So they explained to us what it means to leave your old life and become a new creation. I did not know God that deeply but decided to give up my life to him. I just poured out my heart and was crying in joy as I felt God's forgiveness for me. The same year – I was in 4th grade of high school - they invited me to live with them in their place called Father's House. With my mother’s blessing, I joined them and since then many things have happened to me. As I kept on praying for my father, my heart was slowly softening for him. Whenever I visited my family I brought a present for him and started to communicate with him without contempt. I noticed a lot of changes with him. He was calm in our conversations; he stopped drinking alcohol. Once he even joined our worship service and for the first time I could pray for him face to face and even hug him! He was in tears and that was the first time I saw him cry. God was leading me into a process of mending my relationship with my father. There was hope. But more than anything, I received healing and love from our Heavenly Father.

Leaving old streets of life

In July 2004 I traveled to Germany and Holland. It was a privilege and an exciting experience. As a former street child, it would have never occurred to me that I would travel anywhere but in the streets of my old life. God showed me things that I could do if I stayed with him. He gave me big dreams. I finished high school and decided to take up a nursing degree. It was overwhelming and challenging. In my third year of college, I jumped into a relationship with a guy but kept it secret. I got pregnant and eventually told my family about it. My Father’s House family accepted and supported me still. I ended my relationship with my boyfriend and continued my studies until my son was born in May 2008. For two years I took a break from studying to look after my son. Finally, I picked it up again and graduated in March of 2011 with a degree in nursing.

But when I went back to school, I had contact with my son's father. We reconnected and continued our relationship, but again in hiding. I loved him and prayed that we could really be together as a family. Finally, I had the courage to talk to my leaders. I confessed my continued relationship with the man and what I felt for him. I also talked to my son’s father, encouraging him to volunteer at our rehab center. In 2015 he was accepted by the rehab center while I continued to serve in the Father’s House with my son. God continued to work in each of our lives. The relationship that we had started in our own way, in hiding and lies, was being fixed and realigned by God. In April 2016 we got married and in February 2017 I gave birth to our second son. We then both served in the Father’s House as staff.

God´s mercy restores

God has taken care of many things in my life, my family and my relationship with my husband. We also took steps to repent of our sins, particularly the lies we had kept secret for so long. We received forgiveness from everybody we had lied to. So we were delivered and freed from the sins that had weighed us down and had prevented us from getting deeper in our relationship with God.

Now I am send!

We are grateful for the great things God is doing in my family and in our lives to this day.
In 2019, we joined another family in pioneering our “Tondo Base” and we moved there. I am so grateful to God for giving me a happy and blessed family. Aside from my family God is using us to minister to the broken and needy. He is using our story to inspire others!


All praise to Jesus!

HELP english »  

Philippines

Young and Craving for Freedom

»I, Jayson T. Belleza, was a captive to drugs for more than 10 years. I had my first taste of marijuana when I was 11 years old. I gave in because of peer pressure. At first, I did not like it because it made me dizzy, but I eventually liked it because it made me numb and gave me temporary satisfaction. In high school, I smoked regularly, sniffed glue, was introduced to shabu, and then got addicted. I finished high school and enrolled at a college, but my addiction grew worse. I dropped out of college. This made me happy because I wanted to enjoy FREEDOM. I wanted to be free to do everything I wanted!

Enslaved and Lost

I grew up in in a family of five in Lilo-an, Cebu, as the eldest of two brothers. My mother was a school teacher and my father did not have a regular job. My father was a drug addict. I saw in him the bad effects of drugs like being irritable, violent, irresponsible, selfish; plus, he was stealing and manipulating the people around him.
I ended up just like him. »Naging totoo nga ang kasabihan« »Like father like son.«
I sold drugs with my father and my brother. Both of them were in and out of prison except me. At home, there were always fights and shouting, causing shame to our family. Despite having all the reasons to leave us, my mother never left. She was such a blessing!
My life revolved around drug addiction and its lifestyle. Every day, I was looking forward to my next hit, forgetting the dreams I once had in my life. When I was a child, I dreamt to become a Catholic priest. I also wanted to become a teacher, but this evolved to wanting to become a seaman so I could earn money, buy more drugs, and have women. »Ang dami kong pangarap!« »I had a lot of dreams!«

Addiction had a full grip on me, so much so that I ended up lying and hurting my friends and my family. I stole and cheated from many people. I engaged in immoral sexual relationships with homosexuals, prostitutes, and even a married woman. I was depressed. I had low self-esteem, and no one trusted me anymore. I was also hooked on gambling (Kara Krus), and it made my life worse.
I still believed in God. I sometimes prayed when I was drunk and high on drugs. I was asking God to give me a chance. I was praying to have my life back, but I felt like it was all in vain. Thoughts of committing suicide were normal. One incident happened when I was alone in my room. I was high, drunk, hopeless, and lonely. I had a gun under my pillow and was thinking of killing myself to end the emptiness I felt. It just so happened that I had some reservations. Was dying painful? I thought to myself. Would my death create a scandal for my family? My physical and mental states were deteriorating. I was so skinny. I started hearing voices. But praise God, I did not snap!

Waking Up

The turning point in my life came when my father was shot and murdered on October 20, 2012, at nine in the evening. As my father was buying cigarettes and smoking beside a basketball court, an unknown gunman fired at him using a .45 caliber pistol. When I heard the gunshot, I went out of our house and saw our neighbor carrying my father.
My father was shot in the stomach. I thought he would live because in the movies, people shot in the stomach often survived. As we were carrying him, my father asked us to stop. He looked at the sky and said, »Lord, forgive me for my sins.«
Looking back at that moment, I believe my father made his peace with God.
The reason behind the murder was drug-related as we were involved in selling drugs. I was extremely scared and afraid, confused, and angry at the same time. I was with my father in the hospital during his last moments. I turned to God and prayed, asking Him to give my father another chance to live. But I also said to God that if my father wasn’t going to make it, I’d rather He take him away peacefully.



While my father lay dying, I promised him that I would change and be a good example to my siblings. I didn’t know why I said that. It was God’s grace that I had the chance to say sorry to my father for all my failures. It was my father’s dream that I would NOT end up like him. It was also the first and only time that I said, “I love you” to him. I wish I had told him that more often.

The Road to Recovery

After my father’s death, my family agreed to send me to a rehabilitation center. I said yes. I thought I was going to Cebu for this, but I ended up in Antipolo. My family booked round trip tickets for themselves, not for me. I felt they really wanted to get rid of me! But I understood since I had caused them so much trouble and pain.
I was admitted to the Set Free Center of Help International Philippines, a Christ-centered institution that helped people with addiction problems. It was November 9, 2012, when I arrived. The house leader met me and took my luggage. He welcomed me and gave me a tight embrace, uttering the words I would never forget: »Welcome Home.« It was like the voice of God the Father Himself telling me, »Welcome Home.« At that moment, I felt peace that I had never felt before. It was a homecoming. I had been running away from God for a long time, but it was now time to give CHANGE a CHANCE.

Giving CHANGE a CHANCE

At the Set Free Center, I met Christians who told me that Jesus loved me and that it wasn’t an accident that I was there. I had an idea about rehab centers because of my father’s stories, but this place was different. Something was out of the ordinary! Later on, I discovered that these people at the center loved Jesus so much that they laid down the agenda of their lives for His purposes. I learned to trust them because I felt their authenticity in helping me. They always told me that Jesus loved me, and that God had plans for my life. They listened and treated me as part of their family, not as a sick person.
After 3 days of setting foot in the center, I surrendered my life to Jesus.
The Set Free family also celebrated my personhood. In my junkie life, I did not celebrate my birthday, although my parents and siblings would prepare something special because I shared the same birthday as my Lola (grandmother). At the Set Free Center, I was given sweets, birthday cards, and a simple celebration. This touched my heart so deeply.


My Set Free family

My initial plan had been to stay for 3 months in the rehab, gain weight, go back to Cebu, and then sell drugs again. I had wanted to take revenge on those who killed my father. But the 3 month plan was ruined as Jesus encountered me in a deep way that it changed my perspective. I had a change of heart and mind. I experienced repentance.



My cravings for drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes were gone in my first month at the rehab center. The environment played a big role in that. At Set Free, we talked about Jesus every day and we had worship. The atmosphere was so different!
It’s really true: when Jesus is in the room, everything changes! When I arrived at the center, the folks there gave me a pen, a notebook, and a Bible.
In the beginning, I was just reading the Bible out of boredom (and also to make me sleepy!). But eventually, it created a hunger inside me to know Jesus. The Word became alive and active, leading me to confess my sins and repent.

Experiencing the Father’s Love

I experienced repentance because of God’s goodness manifesting through the people around me. His goodness led me to repentance. In many of our morning devotions, the Holy Spirit would convict me of my sins, and it always brought me to tears.
But there was one moment I would never forget: In my sixth month at the rehab center, our morning devotion was about the »Father Heart of God.« This was a sensitive topic for me, and it always made me cry because I lost my father in a tragic way.
During the worship and ministry time, I was sobbing. I sensed that God wanted to move inside me and do »heart surgery.« He wanted to give me a new heart— a heart of flesh. Abba Father wanted to release me from my unforgiveness and hatred. He wanted to give me my true identity in Him as His child. As I felt His love pour over me, I started screaming and crying intensely as the staff held me. They prayed over me, and after that, I felt so much peace and lightness in my body. It was the time I made a firm decision that I would go »ALL IN« for Jesus! As I was delivered from the demons inside me, I was filled with Jesus’ Presence.

I was a new creation. I was born again!
Little did I know that God was only beginning to change my life for the better. He was about to surprise me with His plans for my life.


My life for the better. Again, with my Set Free Family

Dreaming for my Family

I started to dream of a life free from strife, violence, and hopelessness. I was able to release forgiveness to those who killed my father, and I started to dream good things for my family back in Cebu. I wanted them to know and receive Jesus, too.
During my rehabilitation, I prayed for my family, especially for my brother who was in prison. I declared Acts 16:31 over my family, which says, »Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.«
My brother eventually came to the Set Free Center for rehabilitation, and he was set free from his drug addiction. And at this moment of writing, my whole family has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!


Leading worship

Dreaming to Serve God

As I surrendered my life to God, many new things happened to me, just as He promised in Revelations 21:5: »I am making everything new!« When I received Jesus, my appetite for drugs disappeared, while my appetite for His Presence increased! I discovered that I was a worshipper!
There’s so much freedom in worshiping God. I realized that I could spend hours in worship without getting bored. As I cultivated this lifestyle of worship, I started to dream of serving God. When I was a child, I had wanted to be a priest. Not that I was older, and with a better understanding of God, perhaps I could do something actively for Him?
I could feel God calling me to be a light for people with addiction problems. Hence, after my rehabilitation, I decided to volunteer at the Set Free Center.

Going to Germany with God

After a year of volunteering, I became a regular staff-member at the Set Free Center. An amazing opportunity came. The leadership asked me, if I wanted to go to HELP International’s Revival School in Germany.
I wanted to go! I wanted to learn and be equipped, but I had to raise my own funds for school fees and for my flight. I was able to get a passport and a VISA. Afterwards, I prayed hard and asked Daddy God for His provision. He touched the hearts of random people, friends, and family to give generously to me. I wrote a newsletter about my desire to go to Germany, and many people responded. God provided for me through them! Before I flew to Germany, the money needed for Revival school was complete!
My Daddy God is indeed rich. I’m a rich kid! Me, a former drunken, drug addict and a glue sniffer, granted a VISA, about to enter school in a foreign country, and about to travel to a different nation? Yes!
Back in my old life, I never could imagine that I would own a passport and travel. The only thing that I expected before was a warrant of arrest.
This could only be God. He made the impossible possible! Our God is full of surprises!


Prison Outreach

Serving to Save the Lost

After three years of being a staff-member, I am now co-leading the Set Free Center. God has brought me to my destiny and my calling, as written in Isaiah 61. God has led me to preach the Good News in streets and in prison. I have also been given the opportunity to minister to a jail facility in Cainta.
I witness hope rise in the midst of hopelessness. I’ve seen God’s light shining in the darkness!

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God has opened doors for me in the Body of Christ. I now have a lot of friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, around the world. One of the best things that happened to me was that I became a part of the UPRISING family where I got to know wonderful people. God has also blessed me with someone who can be a future wife, and she is beyond what I prayed for. To have a wife and eventually a family, is also a dream of mine.
I used to say that I don’t deserve all these things, but now I can say that I can claim God’s goodness because God has made me His child! We have a good, good Father. He wants to give us only the best.

If change and goodness happened to me, they can happen to you, too!
All glory to the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!«

Jayson T. Belleza

HELP english »  

Philippines

»It brings me great joy to see how entire lives, families, and regions have been transformed by the power of God. Yes, Jesus’ love is victorious. It's this same power which has touched and changed our staff, my family, and myself. What a privilege it is to leave our past completely behind us — from addiction, brokenness, humanism and other ways of life in which we were lost. In return, we have been  undeservingly given a great purpose and a destiny far beyond our imagination.

We are currently in the process of buying a house which the REVIVAL SCHOOL will call home. It will be a place where young people with burning hearts for Jesus find their destiny and identity. We are convinced that every person is unique and has an important role to play in Jesus’ wonderful redemption plan.

Now, we welcome you to jump in with us and read on. And by the way, you’re welcome to come visit us at HELP International Philippines anytime.«
Jonathan Pieren
Chairman of HELP International Christian Missionary Community, Inc.

The Missions Training Center’s Vision

It is a joy for us to see people find their identity and destiny in Jesus. Christians who love Jesus and are ready to totally lay down their lives and go into all the world, to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God, and to make disciples of all nations.

We want to see young people on fire for Jesus with a passion and compassion for the lost. We want to see pioneers emerge and go to new places, islands, and nations to spread the gospel. We envision new houses of God’s mercy open for the broken to heal. Believers shall be so consumed by the love of Jesus that they bring it to a broken and depraved world.

Mission - Making Jesus Known

The Missions Training Center will be integrated into the HELP International community. The REVIVAL SCHOOL students will participate in the existing ministry opportunities in order to learn and practice what is being taught in the classroom. That includes e.g. regular street and slum outreaches, sharing the Gospel of Jesus one-to-one, prayer walks or worshiping Jesus in public places, discipleship training, teachings and practical application at our drug rehab, children´s home, prison ministry etc., doing short-term mission outreaches and so on.

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The Project

We are very thankful for the property we have found. The quiet, easily accessible location is an ideal base for our Missions Training Center. The current buildings have space for 12 to 15 students, as well as staff members. There is a dining area, office space, and a place for our meetings and small events. We expect the school will grow and require more room. We have worked with an architect for several months to develop plans to suit these needs. Now, we are excited to present the project plan to you and take you into it.

Stage 1: Purchase of the property and renovation of the present buildings.
Stage 2: Conversion of the attic in the present main building to a complete third floor.
Stage 3: An additional 3-story building on back lot (meeting hall, office space, living space, prayer room)

Plans & Schedule of Purchase and Development

The property we have found has 890 m2 across three lots. One of the lots has a 15-year-old two-story building with a spacious attic. The second lot is currently a beautiful garden, and the third has a large covered car parking area and generous workers’ quarters-- a fairly large living space.

Our immediate plans:

• The main house is in good shape and will mainly need to be repainted.
• The restrooms need to be re-done to suit the needs of the community.
• The workers’ quarters need overall renovation.

Further on:

• In 3 years, we plan to convert the attic of the main building into a third floor.
• In 6 years, we want to build a second house on the lot where the parking lot and the workers’ units currently are.

Be part of this vision

Making this Missions Training Center come in existence...together with you!

1. By praying: You may join one of our prayer chat groups.
2. Visit us: As HELP Philippines, we host outreaches, welcome volunteers, and also embrace shorter visits for mutual encouragement.
3. Finances: God loves a cheerful giver, and it is another vital part to advance God's Kingdom. (Regular donation or one-time donation)
4. Fundraising: Share this project with your church, family, friends etc.

Thank you for your friendship, your support in prayer and finances. It gives us great joy when you stand with us, as we take a leap of faith.

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Statements

»Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 applies to all disciples of Jesus Christ. It was this Great Commission that led us to the Philippines many years ago. The Holy Spirit and leaders of various churches called us to come and serve the poor and needy in this beautiful nation and to train and equip the Body of Christ to do the same. Over the years, our local ministry in Manila has grown and developed greatly, and now we are about to purchase another house -- and we are doing so by faith. Please pray with us and support us financially, so we can soon purchase this beautiful house in order to fulfill our commission even more effectively.«
Walter Heidenreich
President of HELP International and FCJG Lüdenscheid


»HELP’s mission history is over 25 years old and is inseparably connected to the prayer, “Lord, send workers into your harvest!” As a missions organization, it is our goal to fulfill the commission God has given us in the nations. To accomplish this, it takes people who willingly lay down their lives without any time limit. With this in mind, our REVIVAL SCHOOLs train people for full time ministry in the nations and send them to make Jesus known everywhere and to demonstrate the Gospel in power. Let it be to drug addicts or street kids, when we feed the hungry or comfort the mourning, or preach God’s love, Jesus, to the people. As the body of Christ, we are called to go and bring the Good News to the lost— today!«
Petra Feddersen
Chairwoman of HELP International, Inc. 

Contact

HELP International Christian Missionary Community, Inc.
495 Chicago street, Brookside Hills Subdivision,
1900 Cainta, Rizal, Philippines
eMail us
www.helpphilippines.org/en
Facebook: Revival School Philippines
Main office: +63(2)7752 7235

Banking Details

Donations in the US:
Make checks payable to:
Help Int’l Philippines,
℅ Globe International,
PO Box 3040, Pensacola,
FL 32516-3040

Or pay by credit card:
GLOBE MISSION

Donations in the Philippines:
Metropolitan Bank and Trust,
HELP International Christian Missionary Community Inc.
Swift Code: Metrobank MBTC PHMMXXX
Please designate on your deposit: Revival school housing
Use this account number: 276-327-680-167-9

HELP english »  

Philippines

Here at the Father's House, we couldn't go out for the last four months, because of the lockdown. However, we did other acitvities inside our home. Besides three weeks of homeschooling our kids, we did workshops to develop their talents. The kids could bake cookies and bread to bless the community and the frontliners of our village. Painting and sketching skills were enhanced. Building their desks and shelves from scratch was a good experience. Movie making and filming were fun.

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Paintings of Hope

The three big paintings were made by kids of the Father's House, and they all carry a message of hope. HEAVEN IS REAL - our perspective should always be eternal life. OVERCOMER - we can overcome everthing through Jesus. GOD LOVES ALL THE NATIONS - the gosple remains the same and must be preached, for God so loves the world that he sent Jesus.

Backyard Camping

In the beginning of this year, we planned to go camping out in the woods. The kids were looking forward to it exictedly, but how could we do it when driving in and out of town was discouraged and restricted due to the lockdown! Any idea? How about our empty backyard! Besides learning survival skills like building a tent, making fire, butchering a chicken, filtering water, we also had good times in worship and learned about the kingdom of God. It was a great camp with God in our midst!

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HELP english »  

Philippines

In our kids home recently great sounds, beautiful music can be heard. Do you know why?

In the last year the teenagers of the Father's House have spend much time playing guitar and teaching themselves to play piano. It often happened spontaneously that they began to play worship songs. They became better and better and learned a lot of new songs.

With the idea to create a music video for a former staff of the Father's House we formed a worship group. First we made a simple video, then we made another one to bless the whole community, after that we had a worship afternoon at our gate for people in our street and finally we went to a mountain to worship over our city Manila. Something new was born: »CHOSEN GENERATION« - a band named by the teenagers. Yes, these youths are a chosen generation and God will use them in His kingdom.

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Called to ...?

At Christmas they made their own band T-shirts with their name and a verse out of the bible, 1.Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.



Meanwhile the teenager band has stepped forward even more. They were leading worship in our community and did it very well. It was not easy to overcome fear and nervousness but they made it. Boldly they sang into the microphone, played guitar, drums, keyboard and bass.

Great experiences!

One of the teenagers shares what he learned: »I experienced a lot in this time. We got to know us better as we had community, watched a movie, prayed and worshipped together. The best experience was to lead worship in our big community devotion. It was a great privilege to lead people into the presence of God. I learned as well to make clips about our band. We will continue to move on with our team and I pray, that more and more teens at different places will be used by God like us.«



A girl of the band said: »Actually I was really shy and would never sing in front of people. But through the »CHOSEN GENERATION« band I grew bolder. I sensed how God helped me to overcome.«

A great future!

This year they joined as a group even an online training for worship bands and -leaders. The topic was »The Heart of a Worshipper«. We are really excited to see what will happen in the future with this band and we are sure that God will use them with their talent.

HELP english »  

Philippines

How to share Jesus’ love during the lockdown?

From one day to the next, the city was placed under lockdown, and we were forced to stay at home. Although we initially expected it to last for only a few weeks, it continued to stretch longer and longer. We searched for the Lord, and a number of different ideas came to our hearts. We began by greeting the neighbours with cinnamon rolls and praying for them. Someone painted a Bible verse on our garage door so that everyone could read the truth. The Father's House kids baked some delicious bread and brought it to the Barangay officials to bless them. Others wrote text messages to check on people individually, to see how they were doing.

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We are thankful!

Overall we can be so thankful for our homes, that we have enough food and the privilege of living in community. Our internet connections became even more important as the need for homeschooling arose. We deeply appreciate the ability to communicate around the globe, to read news and to listen to inspiring messages and songs. We are thankful that we have more time to pray and seek the Lord every day. There’s even time left to do some of the work that is always left behind.

The poor are most affected

As usual, it is the poor that are most affected by catastrophe. Many in this country eat with money earned on a day-to-day basis, rather than long-term employment. With the current quarantine situation, their source of income is gone, and so many families promptly have no more money, no food, and an additional challenge. Our team in Tondo went to buy food right away and began to distribute food in places they know well, especially among the less fortunate families. They have greatly contributed to relief efforts and partnered with the Barangay and other churches, working in unison.

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A fire, in the midst of the disaster

As if one challenge had not been enough for the families in Tondo, a fire burned near the oceanside and left over a thousand families without homes. This has brought many new challenges.



How are they to maintain social distancing when crowded on basketball courts together? How will their children stay calm, or how can the elderly maintain their routines? Our team immediately asked for permission to help provide for some of the families’ most basic needs. They’ve helped by distributing buckets, basins, first-aid supplies, vitamins, and diapers. The first families have already begun rebuilding their homes, even if just with a tarp. Already, some have been able to buy building material, and we are thankful for all the donations that came in, and have allowed them to flow directly to the affected people. Please pray for wisdom and protection for our team, that they may be guided to serve the right families.

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It´s so simple to reach out!

Just before the lockdown was implemented, we had the opportunity to move into evangelism with our Revival School students. We prayed together, split into two teams, and asked the Holy Spirit to lead us. Sharen, one of the students, went straight to some mothers that were sitting in a circle. She greeted them, shared how she got to know Jesus, and was able to pray for them. We passed on prophetic words, and listened to people’s concerns, hopes, and blessings. As we moved on, walking through the narrow streets, we prayed for the area.

As weeks passes by...

We are busy in our homes and look forward to a reduction in the quarantine requirements of the lockdown, and returning to service. Instead, though, everything continues to be further extended. In prayer we were reminded of this same area (that we visited with the Revival School), and wanted to reach out again. We communicated within our community and collected information about how many families were situated in this area. After a number of challenges, we were allowed to buy food in bulk, to order Bibles and evangelistic booklets. Even the kids got involved in packing and writing individual cards for the families.

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A day of blessing and hope

Finally, we gathered for prayer and preparation. In small groups we moved out to meet the families from a number of small communities. Many received the gifts with immense gratitude. We had the chance to go to them and ask them: “How are you? Can we pray for you?” We received so many prayer requests, and we believe that there will be many answers to prayers too.



Sharen recognized one of the mothers and was able to pray for her and her children. A shy young teenage girl opened her door when we came by, as she was home alone. Her mother is a front-line worker, and is out of the house most of the day. I sensed God’s calling upon her life. She is going to be a blessing to many. I wrote her name in a Bible and gave it to her as a gift. I pray that, since everyone has lots of time on their hands, she will take the time to read in the book and allow herself to be stirred up by the words, hungry for more of Jesus. My friend was introduced to a grandmother who had recently suffered a stroke, and we declared healing over her. God’s presence filled the room, and his peace came upon the place. Her son surrendered his life to Jesus. Richard met some kids with whom he had played Basketball before. We had amazing local guides who led us to each house individually.

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All this happened only shortly after the beginning of hot season, and after only a few hours of carrying, sweating, and praying, we were finished, leaving our surplus goods at the Barangay office. We still think of the people we talked to that day, and continue to pray for them. We pray that they read the booklets. Seeds have been sown, may the ground they fall on be good, and may the seeds spring up and grow.

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