Frisco First Baptist Church, your generous launch support of the Light of Life Child Development Center in Cebu, Philippines, is having a positive impact. Your contribution enabled Light of Life Community Church to establish the new center, register 100 children and begin providing holistic care six to eight hours a week on Saturdays. Children are thriving physically and developing new social and cognitive skills, and they are responding to the message of God’s redeeming love and protection.
Pictured above: Program staff, the caseworker and Pastor Joselito thank you for your support in launching the child development center.
Ministry Progress at Light of Life
- 241 children registered.
- 231 children sponsored.
Milestones Achieved
- Health checkups completed.
- Monthly parent workshops conducted.
- Medical care and treatment for malnutrition provided, as needed.
Anticipated Outcomes for Children
- Up to 40% more likely to finish secondary school.
- Up to 80% more likely to graduate from college.
- Up to 18% more likely to have salaried employment.
- Up to 75% more likely to become community leaders.
Challenging Times
The number of people in Cebu Province living at subsistence levels or below nearly tripled from 259,960 people in 2018 to 732,320 in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic and super typhoon Odette in 2021 proved to be particularly difficult setbacks for people already living in poverty. Inflation caused the cost of living to jump more than 10% from 2023 to 2024, making it increasingly difficult for families to meet basic needs or save for the future.
Families in the community live on an average of $52 per month, less than the $2.15 per day that defines extreme poverty. Their dilemma is compounded by inadequate infrastructure, sanitation and clean water that contribute to diseases that often prevent them from working and debilitate children already weakened by malnutrition. Families need hope and a pathway out of the downward spiral of poverty. They also need a growing and personal relationship with God to experience true life transformation.
Working together, you, Compassion and Light of Life Community Church are giving 241 children and their families access to health, education and spiritual freedom in Christ. Caregivers are learning parenting, life and income-generation skills in monthly workshops. Families are growing healthier and more emotionally stable, and children are benefiting from educational support. As the program continues, we believe families will grow in their knowledge and faith in God and his purpose for their lives.
Greetings From Pastor Joselito
Dear Friends,
Greetings from the Light of Life Child Development Center. We are grateful for Compassion’s and your assistance in launching the center. I am happy to update you on some of our activities.
We celebrated Children’s Month and held a Christmas gathering at the center. We also held field trips for children ages 9 to 11 and hosted a seminar for caregivers, teaching them to care for and instruct their children.
Through the grace of our living God, we will keep striving to improve the participants’ and parents’ lives.
May God bless you and take care of you!
Sincerely,
Pastor Joselito
Staff and church leaders share how moved they were by spending a day in the life of participants and their families.
Recent Activities at Light of Life Child Development Center
Children’s programs are well underway at the center. Trained program staff provide creative activities to capture children’s imaginations and help them learn.
Outdoor games and activities give children plenty of opportunities to enjoy time with friends, play and laugh together.
Children draw pictures for their sponsors to show their love for them.
During the church’s fifth anniversary and Bible Month celebration, children perform a dance praising the Lord for his faithfulness.
During weekly learning activities, children practice eating healthy foods with a nutritious meal shared with their parents.
An Interview With a Student From the Center You Support
How do you get to the Light of Life center?
I walk there with my mother.
Why do you enjoy coming to the center?
I enjoy dancing with other children and listening to Bible stories. My favorite activities are drawing and coloring.
What have you learned at the center?
I’ve learned to sing, dance and pray.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to become a police officer like my uncle.
This young student enjoys learning and playing at the center.
Renewed Hope for Alma
Alma is thankful her 2-year-old daughter, Rosa, is in the home-based Child Sponsorship Program. Before she joined, Rosa was shy around other people, but she’s growing more confident as she gets to know program specialists and other caregivers and children. Alma appreciates the medical screening and learning materials she and her daughter receive. “I enjoy seeing my child growing and learning numbers and letters,” she said. “It really is a joy to be part of the program.”
Expressions of Thankfulness
Children at Light of Life Child Development Center draw pictures of family, friends, favorite foods and the center to thank you for your support.
Elicia
Lucas
Jobelle
Haileigh
Marie
With Deep Appreciation
Frisco First Baptist Church, we are so thankful you chose to join Light of Life Community Church and Compassion in helping an extremely impoverished community in the Philippines. You have given vulnerable children the opportunity to grow stronger, healthier and better able to forge a godly path forward in life. May God bless you for helping to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!
