Greetings!
Greetings from Soggy Hills, otherwise known as LaTrinidad/Baguio City, Philippines. With almost 2 months of rain and August’s rainfall of 112 inches it’s easy to understand the ground is a bit spongy. When I first arrived here many years ago that was the norm. Well, I won’t blame climate change, but it has been a long time since we have had this monsoon cycle. I won’t be disappointed that by the time you receive this newsletter, the sun decides to shine.
I am so grateful for the privilege of working alongside various Ministries in Continental Asia and the Indo-Pacific regions. It’s such a joy to visit nations and witness firsthand the impact we have through your generosity. Many countries, many needs, and with the world‘s largest populations; the common factor they share is less than 3% of their populations are Christians. That may sound like an overwhelming challenge, but we have the incredible privilege of demonstrating Jesus love and compassion through the various ministries of People To People.
Child Sponsorship
Just a few weeks ago the 24th anniversary of IPHC Bangladesh was celebrated at Holiness Academy. Missionary Aparanjani Balla commented, “We remember the past when and how it all began, and gave thanks to God and also to those who were with us on this journey at every step!” PTP celebrates with them as we recall the TEAM outreaches and the current children sponsored as they attend Holiness Academy as boarding students. Praising God to see the fruit in the lives of so many children impacted daily; the Muslim community’s children are also attending the school. If you would like to sponsor a child, visit iphc.org/ptp/sponsor today!
Feed the Hungry
One exciting aspect of this ministry has been to open community outreaches to children. Parents are so open to allow their children to join activities which includes a hot freshly cooked meal. Week after week facilitators share the changes they see not just in the children but the parents. It’s also been beneficial to assist pastors in opening areas for church planting. Thank you to those giving toward this ministry. If you'd like be a part, visit iphc.org/ptp/feeding-programs/
A Universal Observation
With c
ertain age groups of people I’ve found one of the easiest conversation openers is to ask questions about their family (I’m referring to those with a positive response). Then I’m pretty much off the hook of having to say much more and especially if I throw in another question, “Do you have grandkids?” But do you want to know the part I enjoy, it’s seeing their faces light up and the stories that follow. Family is such a gift. A Christian heritage is an even greater gift because life experiences in faith impact us in so many ways, a prayer covering for that moment we invite Jesus into our heart.
Can you image a big percentage of PTP kids don’t have that blessing? Isn’t it wonderful that through out so many nations God continues to display His love and assurance, “I see you, I know you, and someone else sees you too! The sponsored child you write and those you feed experience Jesus’ love.
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I feel the impact of your prayers and support.
~Debra Crook
