God is so good! He always has a bigger plan than anything we could ever do. His love is great and He is concerned with those in need—even in the little mountain town of Lidlidda.

One of the children looking at the new computer and educational software! They LOVED it!

I remember when I pastored previously at Myrtle Grove PFWB Church… We had a burden to help build children’s Christian schools for kids that were less fortunate and without many opportunities. We wanted to give them an opportunity for a good education with the basics to function in life but also where they could learn about the Lord. I remember sharing that with the church and they gave generously! We raised over $2600 towards the goal. You may remember an article that I wrote about the first school located in Isabella, Philippines (Aug 2007 edition)

God has taken that offering and made it into something so great… He transformed that offering into life-changing opportunities for children, siblings, parents and friends. An opportunity where the church could intertwine more with the community and become a place of ministry and hope for those less fortunate!

The schools are housed in the church during the week and the church is then transformed for services! It saves money and brings the church into a place where it becomes a central point of these small communities. It becomes a beacon of hope as a place for spiritual enrichment, renewing, education and fellowship. What better outreach can you have than that!

For the schools to be accredited so that the children can transfer their credits, they must go through a series of steps from the Department of Education. First, they must have certified teachers. Secondly, they must have certain physical characteristics—for example, they must have bathrooms, a small library, separate classrooms based on student size, a small playground and a computer.

As you can imagine, these can be expensive endeavors. A successful school also must be able to be self-sustaining. These schools are doing well but still needed some help with the computers, playground equip and basic books and supplies.

I am again pastoring (same church but a new name—New Beginnings Community Church). Rev. Joseph Benigno visited NBCC in August, 2008 and shared about the needs. NBCC again rose to the challenge and raised over $1900 that day! God is so good!

The town of Lidlidda (pop. 4000) is located in the province of Ilocos Sur on the main island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is a remote mountain community that farms and raises rice.

As I travelled to the Philippines in October, I had the opportunity to purchase the computer and other items and actually visit the newest school in Lidlidda. Everyone was so happy and thankful for the new computer—especially the children. See how a little giving can make a HUGE difference in someone else’s life? I am truly giving God the credit… No one at NBCC is rich or even well off.

Everyone simply gave a little and God multiplied that for His good. It is HUGE for those people in that community and the kids in that school.

What am I saying? Find a project and make a difference! Try GOD and see if He won’t pour out a blessing so big that you can’t contain it! Give to get, to give again! If you do, you’ll make a big difference in God’s kingdom—one soul at a time!

I saw a people who love the Lord and who were willing to make sacrifices to be a part of the church in their community. Most of the churches were unfinished. They didn't have air conditioning or fancy padded pews… Some didn't even have all the windows or even toilet facilities. Yet, the members were happy and proud to have a place to come and worship the Lord. Certainly, their hopes and prayers were that of being able to finish the church one day and that’s what they prayed.

Teachers Lemuel Sucat (R) and Vilma Garcia (L)with the children of Lidlidda PFWB Academy

School Canteen—used to raise money for teacher’s salaries and other needs.

Should any other church want to help out with building a church or any other project needs in the NORTHERN PHILIPPINES, please contact me at pastorraydavis@yahoo.com or the World Witness Department to make arrangements. You can also donate online.