Mid January Report

Mark Anthony's New Home

Since Mark Anthony's release from the hospital we have been praying and considering what options were available for him to get the best care physically and emotionally. Though he has come a long way, his body is still fragile and chances of reinfection are very high. Within the day it became clear and we felt God's peace to receive Mark Anthony at Hope For The Island. All of the staff understanding the responsibility and special care involved in accepting him at HIF, joyfully and unanimously agreed. When sharing this option to those close to Mark Anthony, they all felt it was in his best interest as well. Mark Anthony interjected in his excitement saying that "Hope For The Island is where I want to live!" He soon had all his belongings packed in a small bag and we picked him up to bring him home!

Despite being afraid and crying at times, he has adjusted well to being in an environment filled with love. He has quite the personality and has a great sense of humor! He enjoys conversing with anyone who will sit down and give him an ear. Mentally he is very alert and has a gift of drawing and coloring pictures. Seeing the sparkle in his eye when he is affirmed, stirs my heart with unspeakable joy. I am so thankful to God for allowing us to be a part of bringing life back to an orphan who had no hope. Continue to pray for God's protection and complete healing over Mark Anthony!

San Mateo - HIF Extension Ministry!

HIF has been conducting monthly outreaches within the barangay (village) of San Mateo for the past year. During
our first medical mission in San Mateo we encountered people of all ages with many sicknesses and diseases. It is hard to believe that this barangay only 5 km from HIF is considered one of the most destitute and impoverished areas within the Philippines. People have been dying in the face of disease all the time with no one sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them! Despite warnings to avoid this area especially known for the disease Schistosomiasis (this is the disease that almost took Mark Anthony's life), we pursued God's heart to bring light to an area oppressed in darkness. Each visit HIF made drew curious crowds. They were amazed that HIF even visited the area never mind with a desire to serve them. With medical kits in hand, our staff made their way around cleaning wounds, skin diseases and cutting children's dirty finger nails. Our staff distributed soap and taught on proper hygiene and disease prevention.

Through prayer and persistence we saw a great change and a progressive decrease in infections during each follow up visit. Our monthly visits turned into bi-weekly visits because of the responsiveness to the gospel. As the people gathered, we shared the word of God with children, youth and adults who attentively listened. Many have been saved, yet still follow a number of different pagan practices. After reaching out to this neglected area for some time, God started stirring Ben and Grace's heart with a heavy burden for the people and needs of San Mateo. Not wanting to ignore what God was doing in their hearts, they prayed and asked God for direction. After our HIF prayer intercession one afternoon, Ben said that he had something to share. He looked up with tears welling up in his eyes and said, "God is calling me to move to San Mateo!" It was as though I was hearing myself speaking back when God gave us the vision for HIF. Ben went on to explain how this all doesn't make sense to him, but he knows without a doubt that this is God's leading! As shocked as we all were with this news, we rejoiced at how God was calling Ben and Grace out in faith to carry the vision of bringing God's hope to the hopeless! As Ben and Grace's friend and leader, I am excited to look back at these past few years to see how God has prepared and developed them for such a time as this. Even looking at the circumstances of doors closing for them to return to Canada makes sense viewing it from the perspective of this new calling.

God recently provided a small lot and the funds needed for them to build a mission house in San Mateo. With the help of the visiting YWAM team, construction has now began! Men, women and children all lend a helping hand to get the project underway.

Please continue to pray for Ben and Grace during this time of transition.

Pray for God's protection against injury and disease for all involved during the process of building.
Pray that relationships would strengthen with people in the community.
Pray for HIF goals of helping establish a safe drinking water station to help reduce risk of disease and a Community Garden to encourage proper nutrition.
Pray for the ongoing children's, youth and adults ministry.

Pray for God to fill the void that will be left with Ben and Grace being in San

Mateo.
Pray for the God of the harvest to send more workers into the
harvest field