The following is a short 8
minute video that depicts the lives of the incredible people of
Bantayan Island.
In 2006 a
Typhoon destroyed most of the homes of the peaceful fishermen of this
tiny island. Our ministry to these desperate people is to rebuild their
homes, provide food, clothing and medical supplies. If you are led to
consider coming alongside us in helping these precious people, this
short video will give you a greater look into their lives and how you
can help.
Our Second Video Showing How our Ministry Began on Bantayan Island
The people of Bantayan Island are Fishermen and Farmers by trade. They
live in simple Nipa Huts made from the elements of the Island. Woven
Coconut Palm Frawns, Bamboo, and Tin Roofs.
When we
first came to Bantayan Island we
walked along the beach at Santa Fe Municipality and went into the
fishing villages along the sea. We talked with the people and saw the
conditions that they were living under. Their homes are not what most
people would call a home.
These simple Island people have very little, yet they are a joyful and
loving people.
Their children
frolic and play along the beach. They attend schools made from
materials similar to their homes, also in need of repair.
Most homes have no running water, kitchens or restrooms. The children
relieve themselves on the sand and bury the waste. Mothers cook their
families simple diet of fish and rice on outdoor fire pits fueled from
native dried coconut shells.
Their clothes are old and tattered and they walk on bare feet or old
flip flops. There is no milk for children, no medical supplies, no
money to see a doctor if an illness or injury should occur.
$10.00 a month will buy enough rice to feed an entire family. $500.00
would purchase materials to build a new home. $1,000.00 would provide
medical care and medicine for 10 families.
We are a former pastor and wife team who ministered at two small
churches in Arizona for 14 years. A Part of the Calvary Chapel Movement
since 1975, Rob has served in various Calvary Chapel Ministries for
over 35 years.
Marissa is a native Filipino from Cebu who grew up not more than 50
miles from Bantayan Island. She speaks the language of the people of
Bantayan Island and has loved the time she has spent with the people of
the island. Marissa describes the people in the fishing villages and
very humble and loving. They are kind and considerate, and in most
cases they are hesitant to accept help from others.
There are many
physically and mentally disabled who have received no help from the
outside world whatsoever. The disabled we have had contact with are
extraordinarily beautiful in spirit, despite some of their debilitating
infirmities.
From our first visit to the island, and after a long period of prayer
in seeking the Lord in our next ministry opportunity, we came to
Bantayan Island with great excitement and anticipation. This is a
ministry opportunity unlike any other. Isolated from the world, even
from their own country, Bantayan Islanders live in a world that is 50
years behind even most Filipino's. They live much as they have for
hundreds of years, except that the fishing trade that supplies most of
their sustenance has greatly decreased over the past few years.
No longer able to provide as much fish or seafood as before, not having
money to buy rice, many families are now struggling to just survive day
by day.
We are asking you to
please consider coming along side of us in this great work to a
precious people. It does not take much to make life so much better for
these amazing people. Marissa and I have our own financial resources
that provide all of our personal needs. We are not asking anyone to
provide anything for us.
Our plea is for the people of Bantayan Island. No one is helping them,
we want to make a difference in their lives. We need monthly support
from hundreds of people around the world. A donation of even 10 or 20
dollars per month will go so far in helping these people who have
nothing. If you can make a one time gift of any amount, all the funds
that are given to the people of Bantayan Island, goes to them. There
are no administrative costs you will be paying for. No salaries or team
members that you will be supporting.
When you give to the people of Bantayan Island, it will be as if you
came here yourself personally and gave them a new home, food, clothing
or medical needs. This is one of the reasons that Marissa and I are
perfect for this island is that we do not need to ask you for help for
our needs, only that you would help the people on the island.
If you are moved to make a difference in the life of someone that will
never be able to repay you. If you understand that when you feed
someone in Jesus name, you are feeding Him. If you love someone in
Jesus name, you are loving Him. This is because Jesus has such a very
special place in His heart for the poor. He said that when you lend to
the poor you are lending to Him.
We hope that you will help us to minister to these wonderful people in
such need. You can click on the "Donate to Teach The Word" button below
which will take you to PayPal where we have set up a safe and secure
donation source to receive money for the people of Bantayan Island.
Your gifts are fully tax deductible as we are a church ministry
recognized by the United States Internal Revenue as a
Church, Religious, Non Profit Corporation.
