Buwan Ng Wika
In the Philippines, the month of August is designated as Buwan ng Wika. It’s a time where Filipinos celebrate and promote their national language. Typhoons and monsoon rains caused a two week delay in our celebrations but the costume designs, dances, poster designs and food were worth the wait. Click here to view our latest photos.
Connected to Buwan ng Wika celebrations is the local Government celebration/competition of the Iloko language called Tagiben iti Kannawidan. Competing against 9 public schools and 4 private schools our students achieved 1st, 4th and 5th placings. Fantastic result and very proud of our team.
Sports Feast
During the first week of September our school, for the first time, participated in the Municipal Sports Meet. It involves 100’s of kids from both Public and Private schools competing in a variety of team sports as well as track and field events. Our team did incredibly well by winning 3 golds, a silver and 2 bronze medals. Those who won the gold medals now have the opportunity to compete in the provincials. We have also just completed our own school sports fest. Click here to view photos
Savings Program
Hands of Hope Faith Academy was excited to receive an invitation to be part of Savings Literacy Fund. This program emphasises the importance of saving. A bank account is opened for each child with a starting balance of 20peso. The children are then encouraged to make weekly deposits of 1peso and above. Thank you to the La Union MPC and Mrs Rexie Orencia for your kind invitation.
Facilities
We continue to make improvements at the school with the construction of a covered walk way and seating area for parents.
Ministry
Services are going well. We have seen the Holy Spirit touch people in a wonderful way, new people are coming and a number of people are responding to salvation.
We have just started a 6-month Bible College with the purpose of solidifying people’s foundations as well as raising up new leaders. A good number have enrolled and every second Sunday we get together and discuss their completed reading material and assignments.
Rod Harris arrived on the 16th for two weeks. He will be involved heavily at the school with teacher assessments and teacher training among a number of other things. On the ministry front, he will be conducting leadership training, sharing on Sundays and other ministry related tasks.
Crops
We are full swing into rainy season so a lot of water around. We have managed to plant rice on one of the smaller lots and cassava on another. To make use of another lot during this time of year we constructed a fish pond.
Family Update
Last weekend Joseph had a school trip to Manila as part of the Model United Nation’s Delegates where he won an award. This is also his final year at Brent and he is preparing to submit his enrolment form to Auckland University for 2020 year second semester. Jenny leaves for NZ on Friday for a month long loccum in Tauranga.
