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NEWS
SAD REALITY
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One of the hardest things for us as leaders of POC Children’s Homes, is that once the Government Social Workers (DSWD) approve for our children to be re-integrated into their birth family homes, we are powerless to stop it.
As our Children’s Homes focus largely on the children of inmates and abandoned, or neglected children, our children are particularly vulnerable, and unless the children themselves are eager to go back to their parents, we try not to encourage it (based on the premise that if a child does not want to go back with their birth families, there must be a serious reason). However if parents are persistent in trying to get their children back and the DSWD deem them suitable, we cannot legally prevent the children returning to their families without physical proof that it is not in the best interest of the child.
So was the case with D. When D (5) and his little brother were first admitted to POCCH, there were clear signs of neglect. D’s brother (who was just a baby at that time) was covered in scabies and both brothers were malnourished. After they were with POCCH for a couple of years and both boys were healthy and D happy in school, the parents sought reintegration. D is not the easiest of children to care for as he shows clear signs of being quite hyper active and struggles to focus on tasks, so needs a little extra patience, care, love and attention (his brother shows similar signs too).
Unfortunately the DSWD approved for D to return to his family though his little brother was denied as he is still undergoing medical treatment, which the parents cannot afford. So of course we were very devastated to see D leave. Sadly just a couple of weeks ago D made his own way up the hill to the Children’s Home. he looked so unkept, so painfully thin and he was breaking his heart sobbing as blood poured through his matted hair from a wound on his head. When he was asked by Sheena (our POCCH Social Worker), what had happened, he could hardly be heard between the sobs. He told them how his mother had hit him with a piece of wood and with a phone charger. He later went on to tell stories how he had been repeatedly beaten by both his parents. Praise God he is now rescued from that situation and is back safe in POCCH where he is well loved and treasured. D is happily reunited with his brother and back at school. The parents have been reported and there is an ongoing case of child abuse being pursued. Please pray for him that the Lord helps him continue to overcome the effects and scars that are usually caused by parental abuse BUT GOD!
- Monique Sagal
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click here for a downloadable version and for the previous issues
PRISON MINISTRY
It has been quite a tough few months in our prison ministry as we have been struggling without sound amplification. The jails used to provide us with some basic sound system that would help a little, but for some reason they have been used for other things and never returned. The good news is that our worship services are being regularly attended by more and more inmates in each of the jails in spite of the struggles. The downside of more attendees is that we need more assistance with the sound in order for the word of God to be heard by all. The rainy season has been particularly hard, as aside from the usual background sounds of the industrial electric fans, prison announcements and general chatter among non attendees, the heavy rain on the tin rooves just made it near impossible for us to be heard. Both Louie and I would struggle with our voices for all our other ministry commitments for the remainder of the week.
Last week we had our long time friend and supporter Bro. Bjorn from Norway join our prison ministry and he experienced first hand our situation. Yesterday he told us that he felt the Lord’s leading to purchase for us a first class PA system suited to our ministry. It is sufficient for outdoors also, which is the situation in Iba and 164. It really is a tremendous answer to prayer particularly for me, as my voice is not as strong as it used to be.. and when I have to lead the worship in the jails, it is as feeble as a mouse!!! I am so so grateful. God is so Good!!!
- Chrissy
prayer requests
We would value prayer
for continued financial
provision for the daily
needs of the whole of
POCM
We would still value
your prayers for a new
church lot and
building for Wea.
Plans and Provision
for Phase One (West
Wing) of the
renovation of the
Future POC Christian
Academy including
the roof repair.
POCCA
Here in the Philippines, August is considered “Buwan ng Wika” (Language Month). We celebrate the declaration of the Philippines’ national language which is Filipino. POC Christian Academy had our program on August 30th at our church. We saw many wonderful performances, many performed in traditional Filipino Costumes. Other creative activities and competitions were held beforehand so that on the day of the celebration the winners were announced and each received their awards. The students wrote essays, slogans, poems, short stories and songs in Filipino. Many of the children took the opportunity to insert their faith in the Lord Jesus in their performances too. It was really great to see and witness how much talent our students have and how much they enjoyed performing in front of the whole school.
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The parents, guests and teachers enjoyed seeing all the children being so brave and doing their best. It was also a wonderful opportunity for new parents to become acquainted with our church. It was a wonderful success. We look forward to future programs and activities we have planned for the students to showcase their talents and be able to practice and develop their gifts.
- Aaron Perillo
COLLEGE GRADUATION
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Hello, I’m Jenina Lei Alejandrino, 23 Years old. I was just 6 years old when I first arrived at the POC Children’s Home, with a heart full of uncertainty. I felt such despair at the loss of my mother and the disintegration of my family but then the warmth of the POC community began to ease my fears. Mrs. Christine Perillo, the kind-hearted founder welcomed me with a comforting smile. They provided a safe space for me to heal and grow. It was around this time too that I came to accept Jesus Christ into my life. I was very happy and thankful for the wonderful opportunity that God gave me. POC provided all my needs, especially for my studies, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams.
The POCM family was a great blessing in my life and it is because of them/you, that I have been able to complete my studies. There were so many challenges and problems but with the help of the Lord I made it. I graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management on July 25, 2024 in Lyceum of Subic Bay.
As the years passed my academic prowess blossomed, thanks to their unwavering support. On the day of my graduation I was able to stand with a sense of pride and accomplishment, with my diploma in hand. I knew that their belief in my had been the impulse of my success. Graduating college was more than just an achievement; it was a testament to the love and support I received from POC, proving that even in the face of adversity, dreams can come true with the right guidance and care.
COLLEGE GRADUATION
We are pleased to announce the recent wedding of Nephi, (who has worked as our POCCA school secretary for many years), and Dondie’s nephew Mark Anthony (Tonton) who grew up in POC and worked as a cook at POCCH for many years. Mark Anthony now has his own successful business as a photographer. We wish them all the best in their union together.
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My cousin Mike, who is our Project Manager, is very keen to help us at least get started on preparing the old hospital building ready for renovations for the new POCCA school, but is being hindered by various health issues. So we would greatly value your prayers for his health to be fully restored and for work on POCCA of tomorrow Phase 1 to begin. Lord willing Nathanael and I will be returning to the U.S. in mid October. So we are quite excited to see what the Lord has for us there, and looking forwarded to being reacquainted with old friends and church families from previous visits. We will post more details as we know them, for our U.S. readers to follow.
We would like to thank all those who really stepped in supporting us financially over recent months. It has been a very trying time, but Praise God, the Lord has never failed us yet. We are so appreciative of all those who sacrifice to support POCM both in prayer and finances. Our prayer is that the Lord will return it back to you a hundred fold.
Together Let’s Make a Difference!
Love in Christ God bless,
Chrissy, Dondie &
your POCM Family