September 2022 Photo and Ministry Updates

Dear <<First Name>>,    

Forty persons from the boat villages and twenty-five from among the put put drivers were baptized in recent weeks.  We rejoice how God continues to use these projects to build churches and bring people into a relationship with Him. 
















The village churches built in 2022, have grown steadily in numbers and are becoming a center of village life.


Construction is ongoing for a new church in the Parilla Village where several families have recently been blessed with fishing boats.  The church families are doing most of the labor on a volunteer basis.  SOD has been providing materials for the church, after the members secured the land for a building.


Four new boats have been dedicated and released to families in the villages.  We expect a delivery this month of three more boats. 


 
















The William O boat was refurbished along with all of the other fishing boats. This has been provided through grant funds.  We are very grateful to the donor who is helping us on many projects.

Three additional put puts were dedicated and released.  We praise God that the income for the drivers is increasing now that schools are open for some face to face classes (after two years)



The Friday fellowship and discipleship times continue with the put put drivers. Feeding has been reduced to two noon meals each week as their income options are starting to increase.

Moving on to the REST House in Davao....Bibles studies, focused activities and times for prayer happen through the week.  This is new for many of the mothers and children too.

The REST House is becoming overcrowded on certain days.  We are trying to open a second facility in the coming weeks, so we can help more families with housing.  This is a picture from a couple of weeks ago. Today, when I was there, ten families were at the house.

As some families stay for more than two months, we celebrate birthdays and other special occasions while they are away from the rest of their family. 

It is a joy to watch the children enjoy the toys, books and even empty banana boxes.  

Regulations allow for more freedom for the mothers and children to travel around on the streets near the REST House.  On these short trips, the wearing of facemasks is relaxed.  They are still required in all public areas. 

Transportation to and from the Tebow Cure Hospital is a big part of what we are doing, seven days a week.  The growing number of surgeries accomplished each week requires more support for transportation and housing.

A new vehicle was recently dedicated to replace one of our well used vehicles. The roads are really hard on the vehicles, especially when we travel in rural areas.

We are so excited to announce that three of our long-term scholars graduated from college in July.  They are products of the seven year relationship God has established with the Marilog High School of Agriculture.  We have 30 scholars at present in senior high school and college from the school. 

The partnership feeding program continues at the high school. This is a student led program and is part of their vocational curriculum.  This is the only meal many of the students consume while they are at the school.  Many walk long distances of up to 4 hours to/from the school each day.

We rejoice at all the things God is allowing us to do and are so grateful for your consistent prayers and financial support. We are blessed to be still very active during the pandemic and are preparing for more activities as the restrictions are lessened.

For the board members and the many grateful recipients of the blessings which come from God through SOD.

Peter


Psalm 37:3 
Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness.    (Amplified Bible)