The year 2007 was indeed a challenging one for the Foundation. We lost our dear accountant, Nora, in October due to asthma. She was such an efficient worker that it seemed impossible to take over the various tasks she was doing. Coupled with this, our two missionaries went on a three month break to have more time listening to the Lord.

As we look back at the year past, we acknowledge the greatness of God Almighty in all that was accomplished by the Foundation. We conducted prayer meetings/formation for our young kids as part of their scholarship requirement. The Wednesday prayer meetings for the parents of our scholars went on as scheduled, both in the Center and in Montalban. On top of these, 6 new bible study groups were set up in 6 different areas under our care.

The physical well-being of the children was monitored by a doctor who was available on Saturdays at the Center and for the children of Montalban on Wednesdays.  This was made possible by a brother in Christ based in the States who shouldered the stipend for the doctor.  An optometrist from a Catholic Community made herself free on Fridays for anyone who needed her help.

In Montalban, the mothers started with box making training and eventually got some orders from Switzerland.  Here at the Center, work has begun for the first order of boxes from Papemelroti. This is our newest addition to our product line - which includes jewelry, notebooks, crochet, sewing, die cut, wire designs, bag silk-screening and metal works. But the biggest success story in terms of providing livelihood is the Micro financing which started in May.

With an initial capital of only P50,000 from a Canadian donor, the micro financing scheme reached 175 members by yearend. Thanks to an Irish brother in Christ who put in fresh capital during the third quarter. He also supported the Back to School scholarship program.

Much work was done in the Back to school Program where the educational needs of our 134 scholars were met. New sponsors, both here and abroad, lent support and enabled 55 new kids to go back to school... Praise God for their generosity.

These kids received spiritual formation on Saturdays during their General Assembly. Bro. Joe Dean preached the Word of God while other volunteers creatively shared bible stories and tapes. But the biggest treat was the delicious lunch served at the Center after each session. Bro. Joe Dean learned to concoct his own recipes using hotdogs and corned beef from our regular sponsor, CDO. Saturday afternoons were devoted to tutorials given by volunteers. The Youth gathered in the late afternoons for their spiritual formation.

The Household designed to house 10 kids is ever so busy. The kids did very well in school. In fact, Reggie landed in the Top 10 in his class. Who would ever imagine that once upon a time he was a scavenger! The rest of his housemates passed all their subjects.

The entire 2007 was a story of miracles and God’s providence. God used so many people as vessels of His blessings for the poor. He touched the hearts of friends and even total strangers to help us accomplish His plans. Yes! The work is overwhelming. But let us all together rejoice and thank God for having been called by Him to make a difference in the lives of the least of our brethren. To God be the Glory!