December 2020 Updates
Dear <<First Name>>,
In January, we were off to a great start. We prayed about and set many goals for the 2020 year. Feeding programs were expanding; the REST House was at capacity. We had a visitor with us for two months and we were planning for other team visits. Our involvement with surgeries had increased; Bibles were being distributed in many new areas. Our calendars were fully packed with end of school year events. It looked to be a "banner" year.
Then things suddenly came to a stop in mid-March when the country shutdown. I was not allowed out of the house for 59 days and learned a new way to communicate - Zoom Meetings - many times a week. I even gave an online commencement address for the Marilog High School of Agriculture.
After reopening in May, we found ourselves at a crossroad, as to continue on or to temporarily shut down some or all of the ministries. Praise God, that we were able to regroup during the shutdown and continue on with a new plan for 2020, a plan which has been adjusted many times.
Now, nine months into the pandemic, we are cautiously operational in about 80% of our ministry areas, even amid the recent increased restrictions due to the rapid spike in COVID cases in our region. Today, a nationwide announcement was made which requires the wearing of a face mask and face shield if outside of the house - not an advisory, a mandatory requirement. Operational doesn't mean doing things the same way as before and it seems each week brings new challenges as well as opportunities.
Due to restrictions, we no longer gather with the families inside of the hospital but instead, our meeting point is at the back in the laundry sorting area and emergency exit. While this is not the most comfortable place to wait, it gives us an opportunity to meet longer with the families and pray with them during their appointments at the Tebow Cure Hospital.
It has become a standard practice to engage and pray with the families before we transport them to their houses or drop off points. During these times, we often hear stories from the mothers and some of the older children on how they look forward to returning to their communities and being treated differently.
Bullying is a huge problem for both the mothers and children. Many of the older children have not gone to school or have dropped out due to bullying. Some of the younger children are with their younger mothers. It is common to have a less than a one year old baby with a mother under the age of 20. Most are frightened and need a lot of reassurance and hand holding, at a time when we cannot hold hands or give them a hug. For many of them, we have already had extensive phone conversations and sometimes even a field visit to their home, prior to coming to the hospital.
Here are sample of the very amazing results from recent cleft and palate surgeries. Some of the faces may look familiar, as this is their second surgery, for those with both cleft and palate issues.
In the past weeks, we have transported around 40 cases per week (most are round trips). We have provided housing for 38 families and typically arrange for appointments for 6-9 surgeries each week.
Life is still very hard for the put-put drivers and their families. During this challenging time, their bonds grow stronger and frankly their faith too is tested. Gathering for a meal three times a week and for a time of Bible study on Fridays, is a great help and encouragement for them.
One of the leaders of the Bible study is Teddy (left below). We celebrate his healing after falling from a coconut tree. Originally, there was concern of not being able to walk and/or of multiple broken bones. Praises that he finally was able to get x-rays done and all was deemed to be OK. He is now walking but still a few weeks away from going back to work as a put-put operator. He is very grateful for your prayers and financial assistance. Other drivers during this time of fewer passengers, have been redoing their units. Shown below is the Abe Braun unit, now five years old and still looking great Pastor Jojo is the operator of the unit. A nice catch of tuna was reported today from one of our pump boat families.
Compassion Philippines continues to bless the 350 families in their program in Palompon. SOD staff oversees this program in partnership with the local church. Whenever blessings are received, SOD staff and volunteers quickly mobilize -- this week to give rice and eggs to families.
It was great to see a photo of Cyndi, from when Pastor Jonas and Disserie were able to visit her for the first time in ten months. Pastor Jonas has also been invited to be the speaker at several church Thanksgiving events. These are in churches which were rebuilt after the Super Typhoon, seven years ago. It is so good to see them functioning again but with face masks and social distancing and other protocols in place.
We have been blessed by OneMeal packets through Cure International. We are distributing the packets at several sites and the feeding often leads to an opportunity for a time of sharing from the Bible.
Bible distributions are starting up again but with less fellowship time with the pastors. Three distributions are planned for January, all in tribal areas. The Tebow Cure Hospital is joining in on all distributions in 2021.
Last week, we visited with some of the scholars from the Marilog High School of Agriculture. Representatives expressed their thanks to the donors who are standing with them as they do their modular and online studies. Getting an internet signal in the mountains is one of their struggles. We appreciate the assistance of Pastor Jun Rey in overseeing the distribution of the scholarship funds and maintaining contact with especially the college students.
Thanks for staying connected with us during this different time. It is very encouraging to hear from you to also let us know what is going on in your lives. Your prayers and financial support are helping many here and we know that sacrifices are being made to keep the ministries going.
Peter Cowles for the SOD Boards and all the grateful recipients of your prayers and blessings
2 Thessalonians 3:1 ....we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.
