NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS

Halfway Through the School Year—Hearts Full of Gratitude

It’s amazing to think that half the school year has already passed. October was a wonderful month for POCCA—filled with hard work, joy, and the kind of unity that reminds us why this ministry matters. We opened the month by joining the district sports competition, (only our second year to participate) alongside both public and private schools.

Our students were thrilled. Seeing them proudly wear their uniforms, giving their best on the field, and cheering each other on was a blessing in itself.

Two students even brought home medals in Arnis, a Filipino martial art. But the greatest victory was watching our whole school family come together—parents preparing healthy meals and hand-delivering them to each venue, teachers coaching tirelessly and students encouraging one another. It felt like one big, joyful celebration of community.

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We also held our “Half-Time Huddle,” a time where the teachers and I paused after mid-year exams to reflect, give thanks, and realign our hearts. I personally left that meeting deeply moved. Our teachers—who could easily work elsewhere for much higher pay—choose instead to stay, serve, and love our students because they believe God has placed them here. Their passion and faithfulness continue to inspire me.

Another significant milestone this month was the long-awaited inspection from the Department of Education’s regional office. For years we have operated on annual permits as we worked toward full recognition—a journey that led us to launch the ‘Give Me This Mountain’ project.

The preparation for the visit became a testimony to the strength of our community. Parents, students, teachers, and even local authorities came together for a full campus clean-up. Overgrown areas were cleared, classrooms refreshed, safety signs installed, and everyone worked shoulder to shoulder. Some even brought bread and drinks to share with the team. It was a beautiful.

During the inspection, the officials were especially touched by our teachers’ longevity—seven, eight, even eleven years of faithful service. This is rare in private schools here, and it showed them that something special is happening at POCCA. While the visit went wonderfully, we still have a few final requirements to complete in our science lab and library before the certificate of recognition can be granted. The team encouraged us that once these upgrades—tables, chairs, paint, shelving, basin tiles, a whiteboard, and roof repairs—are completed, they will gladly issue the certificate. We are almost there just a little more to climb. Please continue to pray with us for strength, provision, and God’s favor as we take this final step.

Baby News!
We’re delighted to share that our baby boy is healthy and growing well. We’re deeply grateful to the Lord for giving Paula such a smooth pregnancy. She’s now in her final month of work and pregnancy she continues to do both wonderfully. Our days are full 5am mornings to drop her to work then going to my own and picking her up after, also with church and home responsibilities but God has been sustaining us. God willing, we will be to introducing our little one to you next month! Until then may the Lord richly bless you!

- Aaron Perillo

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FROM HALF TO WHOLE

his past month, our organization faced one of the most difficult financial challenges we’ve seen in a long time.

Due to unexpectedly low support, we found ourselves in a position where we could only promise half salaries to our dedicated team.
It was a heavy moment. And yet, something amazing happened. Instead of complaining or giving up, our team gathered together and prayed. They chose to trust God for His provision.

They kept showing up, serving faithfully, and believing that somehow, God would make a way. And He did.
Through unexpected gifts and the faithfulness of a few generous donors, we were able to pay every employee their full salary.

What looked impossible became a testimony to God's care for His people. We’re so deeply thankful — not just for the provision, but for the hearts of our team, and for those of you who continue to walk with us, pray for us, and support this mission.

Would you continue to pray for us as we navigate the months ahead? We still need steady support to keep moving forward without delays or deficits.

- Monique

prayer requests

“Please pray for Provision for our buildings’ URGENT repairs and maintenance, also a Project Manager for the new School Building”

THE CHILDREN'S HOME

This past month has been especially busy—but also incredibly meaningful—as we continue working toward full compliance with the requirements of the Social Services for licensing and registration of the homes.

One of the major requirements this year has been ensuring that all our children receive comprehensive medical checkups.

With a total of 47 children, this process required organisation, patience, and teamwork. To make it manageable, we arranged the checkups in batches, coordinating transportation, and follow-ups for each group. You can possibly imagine the chaos of trying to get all the kids injections for blood work, kudos to our staff for handling it very well. The kids got a little treat at Jollibee (Philippine Equivalent of McDonald’s) afterwards..

These checkups would have been very expensive if we had to pay for it ourselves. Thanks to our Mayor and Congressman, we were able to get all the tests done for free.

In addition to the children’s appointments, our staff team also completed their required medical checkups. This step is crucial in demonstrating that our caregivers are healthy, capable, and equipped to care for our kids.

Compliance also includes ensuring that our physical environment meets all safety, sanitation, and quality standards. As i mentioned in the last newsletter there are alot of repairs that are needed to be done. Over the past several weeks, we have been able to accomplish some, but we are still undergoing some repairs. Slowly but surely (by the grace of God) we will get all done before the next inspection.

Behind the scenes, our social workers have been hard at work completing the extensive paperwork and documentation required for licensing and registration. Although time-consuming, this process is essential. It ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with all social service regulations. This dedication moves us one step closer to achieving full licensing status. While the process has been demanding, it has also strengthened our operations and brought our team closer together. We are proud of the progress made and grateful to everyone staff and supporters who are helping to make it possible. We do value much of your prayers, although the Social Services seem quite positive in their dealings with us. We do need Gods favor and provision in accomplishing all of this.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

- Monique Sagal

MORE UPDATES

Nathanael and I are now back safely in the Philippines.

We hit the road running, as our dear friend and prison minister, Gillian was already here and had started the Christianity Explored course in the jail at 164 and we are expecting visitors at the end of November too.

Thank you to all those who prayed for my mum. I thank the Lord and my family that they allowed me to spend time with her and to care for her before she was admitted to hospital. The NHS have promised that when mum is discharged they will be providing at least 5 hours assistance every day for life!!!. I praise God for that, because it meant that I could leave dad knowing that he will have professional help as well as help from family. God is so good!!

Christmas is approaching very quickly and we are always in the position of making plans with no resources, trusting that the Lord will meet the need, but He has never failed us yet. As is our POCM tradition, we will take the children out for the

day on December 25, so that workers, (and their children too), can enjoy their day even while on duty caring for our kids.

We usually give the children pocket money so they can go to the shops and choose something for themselves (a treat that only comes to them once a year).

Inmates get nothing for Christmas, so we plan to have our traditional Christmas programmes in each of the 4 jails, where the inmates will have a talent contest, using performing arts to portray “`Jesus is the reason for the Season”.. with cash prizes to go towards the Christmas Party in their cell, to bring them some joy. We also prepare 100’s prize packs (packs of toiletries; as jails don’t supply them) for each of the jails.

We also like to have a special party for our workers, who serve tirelessly in the school, children’s homes and jails . We like to bless them too, as they serve at great personal sacrifice.

So we would value your prayers for all these planned events that we will have the opportunity to spread the love of Christ to those in need during the coming Christmas season.