FHI/Philippines
Semi-Annual Report
Period from July to December 2004
Food for the Hungry International/Philippines in partnership with the churches and the local leadership have conducted the following activities to help achieve the Vision of Community (VOC)
Parents Regular Bible Studies
Through the different strategies planned by BS teachers, participants are encouraged and motivated to attend the regular bible study/value formation sessions for parents and guardians of CDP children. It was also noted that in some communities, father’s attendance is increasing. Bible studies are held either in the church or in the home of our CDP members.
We are always encouraged to see spiritual growth in our participants. Some are giving testimonies on their personal experiences with the Lord, some are able to teach and others lead in prayer.
The newly started Bible Study in Parola (Tondo) was an answer to prayer because this area is known to be a dangerous place. FHI mothers lead the study and this is fruit of the discipleship training we had. Those who attend the said bible study always look forward to the next meeting. This is a good sign that people in the area are thirsty for the Word of God.
2. Men and Women Fellowships
Just like the children, church members and FHI parents are also encouraged to have fellowship together, building the bridge between the perceived rich and poor.
Many of our centers are trying creative ways to encourage active participation by CDP fathers but there are many obstacles including work, vices and lack of interest. In Pila, wives of attending husbands are noticing changes in their husbands. They are becoming more responsible at home and active in church. Sunday visitations are conducted in Caloocan to encourage more fathers. Sixteen couples attended the Couples Fellowship in Fairview and the wives are now seeing big changes in their husband’s attitudes! Some attend Bible studies now and are requesting more fellowships. The church saw that the fathers are thirsty for the Word of God and are considering a regular couple’s fellowship, four times a year.
Young people, parents and community leaders were invited to an evangelistic Sports Fest in Pila. Local leaders noticed the sportsmanship among the players and commented that this activity is a positive option to using illegal drugs and vices. This is a good way of developing closer relationship among people in the community.
Health
¨ CDP mothers participate in ongoing health training through programs initiated by our Hunger Corps health manager, Charity Campomanes. For this quarter, training was focused on Breast Cancer and Physical Assessment.
¨ Cooking demonstrations on how to prepare simple, but nutritious meals using special food supplements helped mothers in several communities find new ways to help feed children despite the hardships of life.
¨ The “Under 5” feeding program continues to help children gain normal weight through nutritious snacks 5 days a week. Mothers are asked to volunteer to prepare food once a week. But in addition to the physical food, spiritual food is offered and the children are learning to pray and listen to Bible stories. Simple alphabet lessons will help the children when they begin school.
Livelihood
In Nueva Ecija, 35 mothers learned different food preservation methods they can use for their livelihood to supplement family income. A cook fest was held in Pila that found the mothers developing their cooking skills, sharing and learning new recipes as well as participating in a cooking contest too!
Work Teams
Korea sent two teams of 5 and 19 during July and August to serve at New Century Church in Los Banos. They prayed, fellowship, and home stayed with church and FHI families. They were encouraged and challenged by what they saw, heard, and witnessed from the people in the community. FHI and church members were used to touch these team members’ hearts to realize that they have a capacity to be a blessing to others, too.
Phase Out Plans
We are working together to ensure that pending phase outs in most of our centers will be a positive experience for all. Different strategies are being discussed in meetings between churches, families and community leaders.
Regular Activities
¨ Meetings – Area leaders and parents have opportunities to meet and report about their current circumstances. These meetings serve also to answer any questions or concerns they may have about our CDP program.
¨ Home visits – Visits in the homes of our FHI families provide more personal interaction and allow our CLS and area leaders to observe home life and meet other members of the family. In this “safe” environment, parents can share their problems and “unload” some of their burdens. In this more intimate setting, FHI staff can pray personally with them too. Church workers join or do their own home visits also.
P.O Box 3022, Manila 2800 Philippines
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