Lessons Learned in 2009

Lessons Learned in 2009.

2009 had a lot to teach us. Here are the highlights of what God had taught us at MEANS:

1. FEBIAS College of Bible Scholars – We learned to trust God. We committed to help finance Gilbert Yanson and Jessie Torres’ study at FEBIAS College of Bible. God has been faithful in providing this need. We will be able to send support for school year of 2009/2010.
Jessie Torres was a former Batasan Hills gang member and leader who committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ through a bible study conducted by ISACC staff in the area. As he grew in faith, he expressed a desire to study at a bible school. He was able to get a high school certificate which helped him to enroll at FEBIAS.
By the grace of God, Jessie and Gilbert are doing well in their studies. Both are expecting to graduate in 2011, by God’s grace. On weekends, Jessie is helping his home church in Batasan Hills, while Gilbert is helping Cornerstone Bible Christian Fellowship Church in Quezon City.

2.Typhoon Ondoy – We learned to respond! The devastation brought about by Ketsana (typhoon Ondoy) to the Philippines in September 2009 mobilized many NGOs and Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world to help those who were affected. MEANS, by God’s grace, was able to help by sending Balikbayan boxes to Samaritana and IVCF Philippines and financial help to staff of some of our ministry partners including ISACC, Help Ministries International, Samaritana, Diliman Campus Bible Church and Food for the Hungry.

We also helped Cornerstone Bible Church as they conducted a medical mission in an area affected by Ondoy. With the help of MEANS, they provided antibiotics, cough medicines and vitamins. About 224 received medical consultation. They were also able to share the gospel in the area.

3.Leadership training – Coach and Train. We learned that we can do it! One of our dreams is to help in training future Christian leaders in the Philippines. God has opened this opportunity for us.
ISCF Bible Camp – MEANS sponsored 15 high school students from Good Shepherd Orphanage and Academy in Guimaras, Iloilo to attend a week long bible camp last summer. The students who came from indigent families of farmers and orphans received training in basic Christian disciplines like having a daily quiet time with God, praying, studying the bible and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
ISCF Thanksgiving Party- The IVCF Iloilo Leaders’ Council together with some students & graduates coordinated the Thanksgiving Event at Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy. MEANS gave 100 bibles to high school and college students of Good Shepherd.
IVCF Philippines National Conference 2009 – MEANS sent a student delegate from Iloilo to this convention. The convention’s theme “New Horizon God With Us” challenges both students and graduates to become bold witnesses of the Gospel wherever God has put them, whether in the market place or in the student world.
Care for Creation: Seminar on Environmental Stewardship – MEANS sponsored 18 leaders from our ministry partners including pastors and NGO leaders and some seminary leaders to the seminar. The seminar was very timely after typhoons Pepeng and Ondoy. Hosted by ISACC, the seminar was held at Breadcom Center, Mandaluyong City from Nov. 8-10, 2009. Ed Brown, founder of Care for Creation and author of Our Father’s World, was the speaker.
Global Leadership Summit – Eleven delegates (11) from MEANS ministry partners attended the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Manila from November 6-7, 2010. The GLS was set up in cooperation with Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, IL. GLS is an excellent conference on leadership training for pastors, NGO leaders and Christian workers.