Philippines Update – January 24th

January 24, 2012

This morning we have visited two barrios near Sikatuna – which is northwest of our barrio by several miles (kilometers).  The “Balilihan” barrio captain was very receptive and several of the barangay officials greeted us.  We studied the statistics posted on the wall of the barangay hall wall that listed the number of families, the number of children, the number of carabo, pigs, dogs (even!) – which ones were vaccinated and which were not, the health workers names, those homes who have water, etc.  Very interesting and well done – all by hand – no computer, no typewriter.  The barrio captain really felt the biggest needs of his barrio were agricultural related.  He has land that he is willing to let the barrio use.  It was discussed to have a common garden plot with each family tending their own space.  They felt that a single garden spot would necessary to provide the much needed water.  We also discussed how to get water to 24 homes lacking availability. There are 120 families in the barrio. The Day Care center is in need of paint on the interior and exterior.  They are also wanting to build a small church where a pastor from the FCF Tagbilaran has posted a pastor.

After lunch we visited another barrio near by where we were greeted by Pastor Felix’s good friend Pastor Sammy and his wife Paz.  The big need in this barrio is water for several homes, job training and several homes.  Apparently several families have no home and are living together with other families – sometimes three families to a tiny house.  Pretty tight.  Raising pigs, chickens and vegetables are the main stay of this barrio.

Unfortunately Pastor Sammy is a sick man.  We could tell that he was having trouble breathing and inquired why.  He told us that it was his heart.  I could hear his rattled breathing from across the room and knew that he was in congestive heart failure.  I thought it might be a defective heart value and he said that it was.  He’s 46 years old and needs help.  He hasn’t been to a doctor since April of 2011 and doesn’t take any medication due to lack of funds.  Pastor Felix is good friends with the cardiologist here in Tagbilaran and we have insisted that Pastor Sammy go to see her and find out what needs to be done to get him feeling better.  If he needs valve replacement then he would have to go to Cebu (another island) and heart surgery for valve replacement would cost up to $20,000.  Before we left we all gathered around him and placed our hands on him and prayed for him and for God’s mercy and help.  We’ll be waiting to see what the doctor says and what The Lord does.

Tomorrow we will visit Ugpong and Canlasid to survey to determine possible projects for visiting teams.   We know that these barrios are very needy.

Blessings to all.   Denny and Ellen