Picture perfect

My camera was a window into a world many of you will never see first hand. I wish I could share every single picture I took with every single person I know. But we all know that won't happen. So I will share some here. Please know there are more where these came from! So if you catch me with my computer in hand then I insist you ask to see them all!!!!

As my trip has come to an end, my love for Christ has not. The people from the ministry tell me I helped soooo much. But to me, so much was gained. I grew in so many ways. I matured as a woman; stepping out and taking on new adventures, and I grew as a Christian. I feel as though God took me by the hand and led me to new heights. I believe this is just the beginning of my journey. I don't know where God will take me next, but I will go. And God, I wouldn't be upset in the least bit if you went me back to Boracay!

Hurom-Hurom Springs and Parasailing

When groups aren't here time may go by a little but more slow, but this only leaves more opportunity for exploration. Exploration of God's beauty that surrounds us everyday. Last week we got to visit Hurom-Hurom cold springs. The spring is located on Panay. So we had to take the boat over to Caticlan, then a jeepney to the turn off, then a trike up the dirt road to the springs. Completely worth the trek if you ask me!

Oh so different form the hot springs of Colorado. What a refreshing plunge into the ice cold water of the springs! It was nice to get away with some of the other ministry members. After many dips in the water, we got to enjoy grilled pork chops made by our chef, Pastor Rolando!

Amanda and I also got to enjoy a sunset parasail one evening. We took Pastora Teresa up with us.  God is great! What an amazing view of Boracay, surrounding islands, the ocean stretched far away and God's wondrous sunset. It is so quiet up there. You can barely make out the mutter of the boat motor. Other than that...... I kinda wish I went up by myself and had a quiet time with God. I felt so close to him at that moment;-)

Meet the Resurrecion Family

How happy do you think God is to hear his people take a stand for their home and family? "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15). This so happens to be a favorite verse of Mylene Resurrecion, wife to Jimer, mother to Jeremiah. They live, breath, drink and eat the Word of God everyday. The Lord is surely rejoicing in Heaven!

The Resurrecion family has a special place within the Church on the Rock family. Mylene was the first paid employee of the ministry. Since then, they have spread God's word and love to many people on the island of Boracay.

Jimer grew up in Capiz, a province on the local island Panay. Mylene grew up on Romblon, another small island located just north of Boracay. Later her family moved to Boracay. God brought them to the same place at a youth camp in Antique Panay. You know how the story goes....... they lived happily ever after! They eventually both moved to Boracay where they have been together for the last 10 years.

When Mylen's family moved to Boracay they searched for a church and found Church on the Rock. When Jimer and Mylene moved to Boracay together they continued to go to the church and they eventually  joined the worship band, which they are still apart of today. They have seen the ministry grow throughout the years. Now they have a 9 year old son named Jeremiah. He is a product of two people who love God and have a heart for serving others. It is so clear in his calm manner and his ability to recite many Bible verses.

Their biggest priority is with the feeding sites. They have 4 feeding sites of their own, reaching a very large sum of kids. While Mylene works with the kids, Jimer takes the parents and preaches to them. They love to use the feeding sites to reach more adults and further the ministry. Jeremiah attends many of these feeding sites too. So he is sometimes exposed to the Word three or four times a week. Maybe this is why he can spit out Bible verses like some kids spit out rap lyrics.

Jimer also enjoys getting together with his 4 cell groups and one small group. This gives him the opportunity to preach and expose others to God's wonders. While Mylene's passion is with the children, Jimer loves to open the hearts of adults. His biggest goal is to reach out to the people of Boracay and to teach them the way they should go. They want to get them to church and teach them about Jesus.

The family sees God's love most in the things he provides in their life on a daily basis. He has always provided financially for their family. They have been blessed with health and find joy that is unexplainable.

When I asked them what their favorite Bible verses were, they had troubles answering because they all three had so many! Mylene's favorite is Joshua 24:15. One of Jimer's favorites is Psalms 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." He also loves Romans 15:20, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation." Jeremiah also has a favorite. Psalms 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Outreach site

At one of the Resurrecion feeding sites they have started an outreach building. Currently the building only has a rooftop. The family is eager to finish the outreach site so they can further his kingdom in more ways. They started the building in November 2008. They are renting the land for 1,000 pesos a month. They would like to finish the building as soon as possible.

The site will be used as a sheltered feeding site for the rainy season. It will be a place of fellowship for the people in the area. It will also be a meeting place for mid-week services. This is the family's first step in expanding the Church on the Rock facilities. But they still need walls and flooring to finish the site. So funding is still needed.

In order to finish the walls they will need about 15,000 pesos (~300 dollars). The flooring will cost about 20,000 pesos (~400 dollars). They need help, and there are people out there that are willing. So if you are one of those people, can you help them finish this project? If so, please let me know.

Pictures of the feeding site located under the outreach building.

May God bless the Resurrecion family!

In the mean time...

I got a haircut for 50 pesos. For those of you that don't know..... that's 1 dollar! They didn't even get my hair wet. Then the hair dresser had the nerve to tell me that my hair was really unhealthy and dry and my roots were coming in really dark. I'm sorry that I don't have this beautiful, black, silky hair like the Filipino women!  Plus, I hadn't had a hair cut since right before Carly and Tim's wedding. That's 6 months my friends! So I got a trim that will get me by until I come home and can get a real hair cut!

This is how we get around Boracay. Watch where you're going!

This week God sent me a couple gifts.......

#1 He spoke to my heart about my future. I've been waiting for this for awhile! It's been hard for me to figure out what I am going to do with my future. I have a degree in Health and Exercise Science, but what am I going to do with that? I know that I want to teach, but I'm not ready for more school. So what? 

On March 16th God put conviction in my heart during my quiet time. It was so sudden and powerful I knew immediately that it was from God. During my trip he has took a VERY large part of my heart and dedicated it to children and teaching them the Word of God. I know that this trip was to show me that I need to be involved with building up God's kingdom. I don't think that I am the right person to live permanently on the mission field in another country, but I need to be working constantly to glorify His kingdom. I'm not sure if this is a career that will happen right when I get back..... but I know it is in my future! And this...... knowing this...... makes my heart leap in my chest! I love knowing where I am headed!

#2 God sent me Americans! Yeah! The 17th through the 19th there was a retreat here called "Frontline Shepherds." It was lead by Global Advance and Calvary Church. Global Advance is an organization based out of Dallas Texas. Their mission is to help fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ by empowering national church leaders and business leaders to evangelize and disciple their own surrounding nations. Let's just say that after finding what my future holds, this seminar just pounded it in my heart what my part in the Great Commission will be.

The American women who spoke at the conference saw my American face and immediately introduced themselves. They opened their arms, love, knowledge, and even some finances for Amanda and I. I have been blessed by what I learned the last few days. I feel like God sent these people just for me...... but in reality they were here to empower the Filipinos! Thank you Global Advance for leaving some special words in my heart!

Check out Global Advance https://www.globaladvance.org

Check out Brad Howard from Lake Shore Church in Texas http://www.lakeshorechurch.net

He was a very amazing speaker that brought a lot of conviction with his message!

God Bless!!!!!

HKIS is living in a barn! Oh, and my Amanda!!!!!!

(Back row: David, Scott, JT, Ethan, Rob, Ryan, Tech, Kristen, and Pat. Front row: Na Hyun, Erica, Flora,  Kristel, Carolyn, Andrew, Janine, Michelle, Jenifer, and Jonathan)

I'll start off by saying...... I hope Christ touched their hearts!

Hong Kong International School was the second group of my trip. What a fun-spirited group they were. At first they were a little standoffish, but it didn't take long for them to jump in and fully immerses themselves with the love of the ministry. They brought new insights to loving children. (I didn't know kids could love bubbles so much!)

Their work ethic at the construction site was of mere perfection. I don't think I heard a kid complain once. They worked hard and seemed to enjoy it.  HKIS students take one of these trips every year during their high school career. They get to write down their top five destination choices, and then they randomly draw for one of those five. They can chose between cultural, adventure or service trips. So the fact that these kids put down a service trip as one of their top choices says a lot about them and their desires to help others and enjoy themselves at the same time. 

There were 19 kids ranging from freshmen to seniors. Their principal, Pat Klekamp and their athletic director, Scott Johnson were the adult leaders. The control they had over the large number of kids was rather astonishing ;-) 

During their visit they got to visit Boracay Island Global Academy. We split into two groups and went into some high school classrooms. In one of the rooms there was a student that had a guitar. So one of the HKIS students played a song while his fellow classmates sang along with the Global students. It was great to see two cultures enjoy a common love; music. After that we went into the courtyard and played a few four-on-four basketball games and a soccer game against the Global students. I played in the first basketball game. Let's just say...... it's been awhile. But I enjoyed running around and working up a good sweat. Many of the HKIS students made friends while they were spectating. Some of the Global students met up with the group later on in the week.

The boys had a running joke about the "barn." On their first day one of the boys left the room without shutting the door. Mr. Johnson yelled, "What, do you live in a barn?" The boys didn't get the joke at first. So he had to explain. After that, anytime someone left the door open you would hear about five boys yell, "What, do you live in a barn?" On the last day of their trip some of the boys got henna tattoos with the phrase. The youngest boy, who really had troubles shutting the door, got "I live in a barn." Then Mr. Johnson got "I own the barn." Ha ha, I'm still laughing!

And the brightest news of all....... God brought me a mission companion for the remaining time I am here. Amanda Beck grew up in the Philippines at Faith Academy in Manila. Amanda played basketball for Dan Beaver. After graduating high school she took off to live in Chicago for about four years. She has been back in Manila since August. Before she heads back to Chicago for school in June, she wanted to explore the Philippines a little more and serve the Lord at the same time. The Beavers wanted to find a mission companion for me since I would be here by myself. So it worked out perfectly to have Amanda serve the same time as me!

(Me and Amanda with our new slippers from HKIS)

What a gift from God. We have a lot in common. We are both athletic and love to stay active. Also, out Christian walk has  a lot of similarities. I think we will enjoy our time together and use each other to grow more. And Amanda, I'm bringing you home to Colorado with me. Come on everyone, tell her how much better Colorado is then Chicago Illinois!

Brown out, Mount Luho, and more visitors......

I just chuckle a little whenever they refer to a power-outing as a "brown out." They asked me what we call it, and when I told them "black out" they laughed too. Just thought I would leave you all with this thought. He he! There has been a few brown outs while I am here. I guess it is pretty common and just something you live with. But it sure does stink when it's night, and hot, and your fan doesn't work! But boy is it great to wake up and your fan is on!

Jessica took me to Mount Luho a few days ago. Yes, just a mere hill when compared to Colorado, but amazing none the less. You can see in every direction with nothing obstructing your view. So I could see the other side of the island that I haven't got a chance to see much of. You could also see all the neighboring islands. 

By the way, I'm pretty sure I found the island from Lost. It moved right next to Boracay and some have mistaken it for Panay!!! haha, I'm silly today!

They have a little zoo at Mount Luho too. Very little. They have some monkeys that are tied up and out in the open, and hilarious. They ones that are caged up are what they call the "crazy" ones, and the ones tied up are the "loving" ones that like people....... and puppies! One monkey was holding a little puppy and getting all the fleas off it. The cutest thing I have ever seen! I guess he hangs out with the chicken too!

We had more visitors this week. They were visiting the Philippines from Chicago. Tracy was a missionary in Manila for 16 years and met her husband there. Her husband, Don was a missionary in Manila for 5 years. They brought their friend from Chicago, Rita. They visited old friends in Manila, then took a short getaway trip to Boracay. And while they were here they wanted to check out the ministry. God is just sending people to see this amazing ministry.

(Back row: ?, Mylene, Pastor Rolando, Visitor Rita, Teresa, Visitor Don, and Visitor Tracy.

Front row: Candy and Jimer)

Today the next group comes in from Hong Kong. New challenges face the ministry today. Some of the kids from the group aren't Christians. So it is our goal to expose them to God's love. We hope to make a change in their life this week. We hope they can be moved by this ministry and give their life to Jesus. So please pray for this group. Pray that they will come to the Lord while they are here. 

So what the heck do I do when the groups aren't here?

One of the things that I am concentrating on right now is getting lessons ready for Sunday school and for the kids at the feeding sites. It's nice because you can teach the same lesson everyday for one week. So it requires some creativity on my part. Ahhhhh! So I make one large visual aide and a large bible verse to go along with the lesson. I also make memory verse cards with every lesson. They can hand these out to the kids to take home and learn for the next week. I also make a coloring sheet for Sunday School. With all this I need some kind of organization so when I leave the teachers understand what exactly I was getting at when putting these together.

The first lesson I made was on the Fruit of the Spirit. I drew a big tree and cut out fruit with 

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control written on them. I had the kids stick the fruit on the tree. All the ministry staff were like, "oh Jess, you are such an amazing artist!" ha ha ha ha ha ha. Little do they know, it took me like 2 hours to make it because I am absolutely terrible at drawing! Just a perfectionists. 

So there lies my concentration when the groups aren't here. I hope to make lessons for 30 weeks out, but I will get done more if I can. For me to be able to do this, more time is opened up for the ministry staff to concentrate on other things.

Also, you see the post about the Atienzas? I will be doing these for all the people of the ministry staff and some other people on the island. These blogs will eventually go on the ministry website so people can get closer to the ministry and the people behind the scenes. Another project I am excited about taking on is getting pictures of the kids who aren't sponsored yet. I guess I am like the tech person. AGAIN ha ha ha ha ha ha HA! But I will use the knowledge I do have and use it for the ministry. Thanks God!

Everyday I get to go to the feeding sites and this is my absolute favorite part. I love getting to help the kids and bandage up their wounds. To the TCIS people reading this...... they LOVE the shark song, banana song, and Mercy is falling. Many of the kids are singing the songs when we arrive, and then they are begging us to sing them!!!!! Good job TCIS!

Thank you for reading..... may God bless you all!

Meet Pastor Rolando and Teresa Atienza

Open arms. That's how Pastor Rolando and Teresa will greet you when you come to their home on Boracay Island. They started On the Rock Ministries with nothing but the "grace, mercy and love of God," says Pastor. And those are the possessions that continue to carry the ministry throughout the years.

Rolando and Teresa both grew up on Capiz, a province located on the northeast portion of Panay. They met while going to Bible School on the island. They were both pastoring at different churches at the time. Their love for God was apparent, so they combined that love into one holy matrimony. After seventeen years of marriage they have three children of their own, and one adopted son who truly represents what their mission on Boracay is all about. 

Their eldest, Jedidiah, is seventeen years old and living in Manila. Dan and Tori Beaver sponsor Jedidiah so  he can go to Hope Academy and get a solid education. Their only daughter is Micah Joy who is fifteen years old, and Jethro is fourteen. They adopted their youngest, Jared, almost two years ago. The story of this little four year old will without a doubt make your heart melt. Jared lived with is mother and attended a feeding site led by On the Rock Ministries. Two years ago his mother passed away from cancer. Since there was no father present, Jared was without a home. The Atienzas have a heart for the kids of Boracay, so they welcomed Jared into their family without ever looking back.

Rolando and Teresa moved to Boracay and stared On the Rock Ministries in October of 1996. It started out as a church with four adults committed to God. They preached God's word under a mango tree to shelter them from the intense Boracay sun. From there they used a vacant space. Then for seven months they rented out a nightclub on Sunday mornings. Currently, the church meets at Faith Village where they rent an auditorium for 200 pesos an hour. This space will have to do for the time being; considering their new ministry center is in the process of being built. What started out as four people under a mango tree-is now a ministry reaching about 300 adults and nearly 800 children on the island. They have six full time workers for the ministry. And after partnership with First Love International, they also have many visitors who help build up the ministry center and spread God's love all over the island.

Right now their biggest focus is the ministry center, which will enable them to reach more people. They hope to have the first floor of the building done by September so they can open their school doors. The second and third floors of the building will be committed to a Bible School and a medical and dental clinic. The rooftop will be a full-size basketball court to allow for sports outreach, a place for fellowship, and it will serve as their church on Sunday mornings. Eventually, they would like to have a shelter for neglected children. In many ways this shelter will be like an orphanage. They would also like to offer livelihood-training classes for adults who are struggling in the workforce.

Although the ministry center is a big focus, their true love lies with the kids. When asked what their favorite part of the ministry is, Rolando answers with no hesitation what-so-ever, "children! Feeding children, reaching parents." Teresa spells it out, "we will not make people come to the church building, we will take the church to them." They now have fifteen sites spread out across the island. They have a small army feeding, singing, preaching, teaching, loving and mending wounds for the children. And right over those kids' shoulders are their patents. They believe that if they can reach these kids at a young age they will truly know God, and their parents can see the unconditional love that God and On the Rock can offer them. Parents can be moved by the joy in their child's heart.

What they still need?

Every mission needs support, and this is true when it comes to this mission. With the ministry center being built, they are still in need of funds. Supplies still need to be purchased in order to make this project possible. Come September their need will be focused on teachers. They hope to have missionaries come serve as teachers so their tuition costs for the kids can be next to nothing. Can you come serve for a semester, a year, or longer? They are also in need of transportation, like a motocab. A lot of church members can't afford the fare across the island, and many of the kids will need help getting to and from school. Medical supplies, doctors, nurses, teachers, vitamins, computers, printers, if you can provide it; the ministry can use it! What can you give?

Come to Boracay to see for yourself....

Both Rolando and Teresa want you to come join in on the fun! They would love for you to come and join the On the Rock family and get mission experience. Come and enjoy Boracay in two ways; serving God and a beautiful vacation! After all, have you seen the beach?

Favorite Bible verse? You all have one! So do the Atienzas. Rolando says his favorite verse is John 3:16 because it is the heart of the Bible. "For God loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Teresa also goes with a verse out of the book of John. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except thorugh me." -John 14:6. She says this verse is what their ministry is all about. After all, their ministry shirts say "Lahay Kay Christ," which mean "All for Jesus!"