Some of Our
Children in the Philippines
Maricel Micabalo – 13
years old (above right), and Marlita Micabalo – 10 years
old (above left)
We met Maricel four years ago the first time
we went to the dumpsite at Lapu Lapu City. She had never
attended school. She was dirty, malnourished and carried a naked
baby on her hip, but she had a beautiful winning smile that
captured our hearts. When her mother was approached about us
helping Maricel attend school, she said no. Maricel was the
oldest child of several and was needed at home to care for the
younger ones. Maricel was disappointed, but was accustomed to
this feeling of “no hope.” The next year, the mother was
approached again. Would she allow Maricel to attend pre-school?
It was only half a day. The mother said yes. Maricel was so
excited. Her younger sister Marlita (above right) came with her.
After a year in pre-school, her mother said yes to elementary
school and the girls started first grade. They were full of joy
and did well. At the end of that year, Maricel was on the first
grade honor roll and her teacher was very proud of her progress.
This year, Maricel and Marlita are in 3rd grade and continue to
do well. We were there last February on Maricel’s 13th birthday
when the above photo was taken. We celebrated that birthday with
decorated Dunkin Donuts for the whole group and a special
birthday gift for her from her sponsor.
Arman Denzo and Elvyn Febrero are
best friends. In the photo Elvyn is taking a splinter out of his
friend’s hand. The boys attended the pre-school at the dumpsite
which prepared them for public school. When they entered first
grade, both boys made the honor roll in their class. This is a
significant achievement for children like these boys who live in
extreme poverty. The boys attend church at Life Center Dumpsite
Church. Often other family members attend with them. Arman
dreams of becoming an airline pilot. Elvyn has not decided yet
what he wants to be.
Everyday Jemuel (pronounced like Samuel with a “J”)
Equipelag asked, “Can I go to school today?” or “When can I
go to school?” His family was a new arrival to the dumpsite and
Jemuel had never been to school. In June he was one of more than
40 new students in the dumpsite pre-school. Next year he will be
ready for first grade. He is a fun, out-going young man who is
already dreaming about his future. His older sister Janice is
also one of our sponsored students this year.
Elmar Sumalinog, age 9,
was abandoned by his parents and living on the streets. His
elderly and disabled grandparents have taken him into their
home, but they have no money to send him to school. He began 1st
grade this year as one of our new sponsored children. In the
photo above left, he is with his grandparents. On the right, he
is showing off his new school uniform and shoes and book bag.
Mark
Anthony Senerpida, 14 years old. Mark is an orphan, living
at the dumpsite in Lapu Lapu City. An uncle was named his
guardian, but the uncle has been recently released from jail.
Mark is pretty much on his own, but he goes to school which is
very good. When the church building was built at the dumpsite,
some of the older “orphans” began to sleep inside the shelter
because they feel safe there. The pastor, who lives in the
church building ministers to the boys.
The church building of Life Center Fellowship at the Lapu
Lapu City Dumpsite (photos below) has a dirt and rock floor and
no running water. In addition to being a church, it is the
location for the half-day pre-school, a feeding station, living
quarters for the pastor and a safe sleeping place for some of
the orphans in the area. Because the building is on public land,
it will soon be taken down and re-built on a permanent location.
Feeding the Children:
Give To Children's Ministry / Sponsor A Child
