Redeeming Zoe In Action
What a journey the month of August was. It was a busy month but we didn’t mind. In fact, it means Redeeming Zoe is in action! #RedeemingZoeInAction is now one of the tag lines we love to call our island ministries and outreaches. We are so grateful for your support and prayer for us throughout this month. So many victories from our Philippines team this month!
MONTHLY WINS:
Class reopening - After two years Filipino children are finally returning to face-to-face classes with their teachers and friends. We couldn’t be happier and we celebrate it with our CK children through face-to-face gatherings and giving of school supplies.
Additional Staff - Since Redeeming Zoe started it has been composed of only two full-time employees, and just this month we officially have a third staff working full time. Erlyn has been a wonderful addition to the team, she takes care of Admin tasks, and our previous Administrator Nerissa stepped into a Program Director role.
Island Outreach - 7 child advocates, 40 mothers, and over a hundred children were ministered to and educated about child safety this month on a remote Island that has a strong internet connection but little police involvement. Our team gave the children a delicious meal, taught them body safety, and gave out vitamins, milk, and rice packs. For the adults, we talked about what is human trafficking, the risk factors of abuse, what child exploitation looks like, and how to report it when they see it. None of the parents have heard of such things before and they said it is good to know the information especially now that their island has become a tourist destination for foreigners.
Training - We did a human trafficking awareness training for an organization that does child sponsorship programs. 90 adults who work directly with children were there. We also introduced them to our curriculum so that they may be interested to use it in their programs in the future. We are so grateful for this opportunity because, with all the adults who attended, they have access to over 500 children under their care. 500 children are being empowered to stand up against exploitation.
Women’s Bible Study - Prayers and sharing of God’s word to the Club Kinabuhi mothers continued this month as we talked about casting our cares to the Lord in the book of Philippians. It is a big win for us when one of the mothers asked to pray for healing for the daughter of a mother who wasn’t able to attend. We see faith and friendship flourish as we continue to gather monthly.
WHAT’S TO COME:
Booklet training continues for our children
Club Kinabuhi gathering for children and parents
Island ministry follow-ups
Child safety trainings
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray we build more connections and partnerships
Pray that we will have more training opportunities for teachers now that face-to-face classes are resuming
Pray for a safe adjustment for children who are coming back to school after two years of being isolated at home
Pray for a stronger justice system in the Philippines with the new administration who took office in July
Pray for continued financial resources for our founders Hillary and Becca to both return for a visit to Cebu