2015  January 20 AM.   Gardening in the mountains is a new experience for me.  So much to learn.     To plant a seed and watch it grow.   Praise God for the soil.  Thanks Jon Fripp, Chapin Living Waters, for the bucket irrigation kits to catch and distribute rain water. 

2015  January 20.  As an individual volunteer in mission, I am  blessed each and every day to be able to share and teach (when I can) for empowerment of those within the community.   I also remind myself of Pastor Kevin Otto's comments to St Stephens UMC's church members each Sunday "...and use words as necessary.."  This photo is from the Natural Foliar Fertilizer training class where we were making fertilizer from Squash.   I was amazed and learned so much that day.
  

2015  January 19.   This past year has been an amazing period of growth.  The women of the Upper Javier community continue to amaze me, while I take a step back to pause in humility.  I have so much to learn from them as we continue down this path. 

During the last visit to Upper Javier a simple Crochet pattern was shared with the women sewers.  Within one day the women were hand-crafting items from crocheting colorful grocery bags.  I must add that their handcraft work is far superior than mine.  It reminded me that when God is with us, all things are possible. 

Vacation Church School was also held for preK & elementary school children for one week, and they had a wonderful time.  Approx 100 children attended.  Though the budget for daily snax during VCS was tight, we were able to feed all the children each and every day.. down to the last drop of soup in the kettle.  God will provide.

2014 March 7:  Today's Lent reading covers Mark 1:29-45.  As I finished the reading, I was drawn to the church program I placed in my bible from J.L. Valencia Chapel in Taytay dated June 2, 2013. Following is the short prayer from that program:
"Imno Ng Pagtatalaa at Pasasalamat"  "Where He leads me I will follow"

"Si Jesus ay tumatawag, Ito ang isinasaad; Krus mo'y pasani't lumakad, sa aki'y sumunod ka agad. Kung saan ako akayin, Ay duon ako lalakad, Hanggang sa aking sapitin, Ang hangganan ng Kanyang landas. Amen"

Informal translation, "Jesus is calling, it is stated: Thy Cross walking the path.  May the path I follow, have similarities as I walk, until I reach, the boundaries of His path.  Amen."

2014 February 13:   After weeks of prayer for God's direction, I am planning a mission trip to Upper Javier this spring. 

I kicked off my fundraising today to sponsor children's Vacation Bible school activities at Upper Javier.  I am also hopeful to lead another Sewing class and will purchase material locally for 8-10 women sewers, approx 4 yards per sewer.  Of course, feeding the children is always a priority too.  Upper Javier's Missions Pastor will lead the activities with assistance of Deaconess students from Harris Memorial College.  Included below is one of my favorite pictures from the 2013 trip!

I ask you to consider contributing to this worthy cause.  Reading stories and singing with the  children is such a humbling experience.  Contributing to the work livelihood sewing program is changing lives and families one at a time.  Please direct your contribution to the 501c charity organization, Together in Hope, Houston, TX.  The link to their website is shown on the blog homepage (on the right margin).   Note, include the notation:  2014 Upper Javier - Elizabeth Jackson.

Your generous support is appreciated.   God bless     Elizabeth

   

Dec-24 at 11:AM:  Maligayang Pasko. Kapayapaan ay sa iyo.  Merry Christmas Upper Javier, and Peace be with you.   Philippines is 13 hours ahead of Houston, thus it is early morning Christmas Day in Upper Javier now.  

Hangad ko'y Joy, Faith, at Hope sa ito kahanga-hangang Christmas Day. Narito, isang Kristo bata ay ipinanganak sa araw na ito. Ipaalam sa amin magalak. Noel.  I wish you Joy, Faith, and Hope on this wonderful Christmas Day.  Behold, a Christ child was born on this day.   Let us Rejoice.  Noel.

Dec-22:  I woke up thinking of Upper Javier this morning as I frequently do, and longing for the word of God.  I pray for the Upper Javier community.  Today’s church service focused on Mary’s humility, Luke 1: 46-52.  I was also reading Zechariah’s Song, Luke 1:76-79, in summary..   The child will be called a prophet of the Most High God. He will go ahead to prepare the way for the Lord. He will tell people how they can be saved and that their sins can be forgiven.…

May His light shine ever so brightly in this world as it did one night so long ago.  Merry Christmas and God bless Upper Javier, Dr Angie Broncano and the Community Development team of Harris Memorial College including Rubylin, Tonette, Eduard, Olivia.   A very special Merry Christmas to
Virgene at Upper Javier from St Stephens United Methodist Church.   We pray that God wraps his love and grace around her as she continues to fight serious health concerns.
 

Three days remain til Christmas.