What we didn't see coming was the opportunity to become the ... As we look back
we can see God's hand, orchestrating things we couldn't see at the time. We.
Updating Volunteers on What’s Happening at Kids International
Volume 3 Issue 11
God’s Surprises We never know what God has in store when we obey by faith, but it sure is fun to look back and see how He has woven our lives to bring about His plans. Just one year ago, we (Mark and Ellie Hymes) came to the island of Mindanao "just to be a part" of whatever God was doing here with Kid's International Ministries at the New Faith Family Children's Home (Malaybalay) and Mt. Moriah Ministries. We have been very busy with this and that, teaching reading, a lot of driving for Awana and church, a lot of plumbing re‐ pairs, church building, more plumbing repairs, playing with kids, learning where to get stuff and how to avoid head‐on collisions, and did I say plumbing repairs? There were days we weren't sure just what we should be doing. But every day we were building relationships and acclimating to this culture so very different from our own, and, more importantly, earning respect and trust from the Filipinos we work with. What we didn't see coming was the opportunity to become the new directors of the Children's Home in Malaybalay. I guess all of the above activity plus the growth of these ministries set the stage for this op‐ portunity. As we look back we can see God's hand, orchestrating things we couldn't see at the time. We feel honored and humbled to be given this responsi‐ bility. Caring for these children is a daunting but very fulfilling task. We know God has a special place in his heart for orphans, so naturally He desires for our children's home to be the very best it can be. By His grace, we will work hard at helping to bring that about. We covet your prayers that we will be careful
November 2011
and wise in our dealings with the staff, respecting their culture and the hard work they have put into the home up to this point. Another thing we didn’t see coming was what our re‐ cent guest team cooked up for us. If you've been con‐ nected to KIM for long at all you've probably heard of the World Racers. These young men and women commit to an eleven‐month "race" around the world, spending one month in one of eleven countries, doing short‐term missions work. KIM has been the recipient of the energy, zeal and ad‐ venturesome spirit these teams bring. September brought us a World Race team that gets a gold star for initia‐ tive and creativity. They decided our kids needed a little fun and so organ‐ ized a Friday night Carni‐ val—the grand prize be‐ ing an opportunity by Toss the ring on the first, second and the bottle was one third place winners to of the games throw a pie at the face of World Racers inone lucky World troduced to the Racer! Another thing we kids at NFFCH. never knew was how much fun can be had with empty coke bottles, plastic cups, rubber bands and a few balls. I wish we could have them drop in for a visit every Friday night and pull more fun out of their creative hats! Thank you World Racers....the kids will not forget that carnival! —Mark and Ellie Hymes, Co-Directors, NFFCH, Malaybalay
An
Incredible Day of Firsts
One hundred eleven students, twelve teachers, three mini buses, two destina‐ tions, one awesome day. In October Cuatro Christian School had its first‐ever educational field trip. Desiring to give the students a real‐life encounter that built upon lessons they were learning in the classroom, the school planned an outing for our grades 2‐6 students. Eve‐ rything was ready but one—funding. Af‐ ter much prayer, God provided through several gracious gifts, and our students were on their way to a day of first‐time experiences. Climbing aboard air‐ conditioned motorized vehicles, the kids’ exuberance exploded with a cheer as they left the valley gate. What a start to a great day. First stop, Pasig Rain‐ forest and Zoo. For most of the students, it was their first time to visit the zoo. Knowing only about these animals through pictures and words in books, how could one imagine the height of an ostrich, or the texture of sheep’s wool, or the size of an alligator’s teeth? With the help of zoo guides, the students toured the Pasig Rainforest and Zoo, interacting with the animals in their natural environments and often Student takes time to stopping to take notes note insights gained. on their impressions and the new informa‐ tion they were learning. After the tour, students feasted on a special lunch prepared early that morning while it was still dark by some of the moms. The students’ zoo experience was concluded with a fun train ride around the zoo. Second stop, Pasig City Museum. Paintings, sculp‐ tures, historical artifacts—a whole new experience
for students living in an impoverished area. As they walked through the museum’s venerable halls and rooms, the CCS students were in awe of the collections displayed. More than newfound knowledge, the stu‐ dents gained an appreciation of manmade master‐ pieces, visually encountering artworks and sculptures of some of the country’s national, famous artists. All in all, the field trip was one awesome experi‐ ence for students and adults alike. But foremost, the day was a living testimony of God’s provision and overflowing blessings. Bring‐ ing CCS students to such an ex‐ perience was an impossible idea, but God proved to the CCS com‐ munity that nothing is im‐ possible to those whose hearts are trusting in Him.
—Nikulous J. Aranas, Cuatro Christian School Principal
Kids Kronicle is an extension of the ministries of Kids International Ministries. To support KIM and its ministries, go to www.kidsim.org and click on “How Can I Help?” Questions or Comments? Email editor Kaye Cherry,
[email protected]
