What started out as a vision of the small group last year to reach out the communities around UP, especially the disadvantaged sector, has become a reality last October 20, 2008. The team, together with volunteers who have similar heart for the community, started Kids Ministry in Pook Arboretum. About 54 kids showed up for the "Kids Church".
Pook Arboretum, for the unitiated, is a 12-hectare man-made forest inside the UP initiated Commonwealth Property Development Plan conceived in 1996 by the UP Administration in collaboration with private and other government agencies. The thrust of the development plan is to develop the area commercially. The UP-Ayala Technohub is part of the 101-hectare UP intends to develop. The Arboretum serves as open area of the development, in addition to a 5-hectare open space that will serve as buffer for the forest park.
Just like other barangays in UP, Pook Arboretum is host to informal settlers living at the edge or under the lush vegetation of the forest. About 2000 informal settlers live inside the 12-hectare forest.
The team's initial encounter with the community on September 20, 2008, as relayed by the Purok Leader Clarita Bautista, revealed that current concerns of the area include drug addiction, prostitution, sexual abuse of minors, theft, assault on women, lack of livelihood activities, gambling, peace and order situation, and the threat of displacement because of Quezon City government’s plan to transform the area into a wildlife and flora sanctuary.
The team envisions to be God's witness to the community through livelihood, sports, training on leadership, and other endeavors that will address the people's concerns.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:8
More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanregalado/sets/72157608344982866/
2 kids sleeping at the McDonald's across from Pook Arboretum
Pops and Yon greet the kids
Pooh does icebreaker and game with the kids
Song and dance with the kids
Playing Noah Says with the kids
Pons telling the story of the Prodigal Son to the kids
Kids using their new crayons to color a sheet about the Prodigal Son
Felipe and James say bye and smile for the camera
2 comments:
Looks like you are bringing tremendous joy into the lives of many young children!
Thank you Eric. Let me know if there is a way to assist in your efforts for bringing awareness to the issues in Darfur.
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