Pave the way for the children to play

We all know, whether we’re parents or not, the need for our children to have a safe and secure place to learn, play and just be kids.  We take this for granted and think that a basic need such as this is available everywhere.  On Olango Island, in the Philippines, this is not the case.  But with your support, it can be!

The Church of God is working on Olango Island in the Philippines and you can be a part of this opportunity to build into their lives.  Olanga island is adjacent to Mactan Island and it is part of the Visayas Region, which consists of one quarter of the Philippine Islands.  It is a very poor community, with many families earning only US$1 (R7.00) per day, of which they need to feed, clothe, educate, and accommodate their families.  Because of this economic condition, many young people enter prostitution.

Olango Island is a peaceful and beautiful island, but it’s citizens are lost without Christ.    A small team of workers are planting a church and maintaining a thriving pre-school, reaching many for Christ at a very young age.  Unfortunately there is not enough space for all the children, but they are aching to be a part of the activities. The Children’s Camping Grounds will bring about more opportunities for all the children on Olango Island who do not yet know Christ.  This will be done through free formal education (kindergarten to elementary school), skills training for the parents, feeding programs, medical/dental aid and supplying clothing and school uniforms.

This is the church building, with bamboo mat walls.

Two of the children reached in the pre-school. They carry the Light of Christ into their homes.

Southbound GCEX team will be on Olanga island from June 24^th-July 9^th 2011.  We will be doing construction work at the camp and therefore require a number of building materials and funds.  To start with, they need a security fence for the campsite and 5 classrooms, 7x7 meters (with water and septic tank).  As God provides funds, we will start with the security fence (4 layers of hollow blocks).

The materials needed include:

1000 pieces of hollow blocks ($0.20 each = $200 / R1 400)

            100 bags of cement ($6 each = $600 / R4 200)

            100 steel bars 10mm ($5 each = $500 / R3 500)

            2 trucks of gravel & sand ($200 each truck = $400 / R2 800)

Total money required = $1700 / R11 900

This is where you come in.  By pledging to this initiative, you can be a part of changing children’s lives with the Gospel of Christ and seeing Olanga Island changed.  The Gospel is their only hope.

Pledge initiatives you can choose to commit to:

1. $1 a day (R7) for the next month ($30 / R210)
2. Lump sum of materials = eg. buy 10 bags of cement for $60 (R420)
3. Donate an amount of your choice
4. Commit to pray for this project, that God will provide the necessary funds needed for the completion

To donate directly to this project use the details below:

Account name:  GCEX project

Account number:  9206963077

ABSA Bank

Branch code:  334515

Branch:  31 Da Gamma Road, Jeffreys Bay, 6330

SWIFT code:  ABSAZAJJ (For international payments)

Reference code:  Olango children

NPO Registration number:  066-651-NPO

Thank you for your support!  We will keep you up to date on the project.

GCEX Southbound