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Project H.E.A.R.T. 2009
Testimonies
By Phil Clark
For me our trip to the Philippines started with much anticipation and excitement. This was my first trip to the Philippines and actually my first overseas trip anywhere. While the mission was what prompted us to go on the trip we added on some extra time to visit with Jene’s family and vacation with our friends from church. After spending five days in Jene’s home town of Inicbulan, Batangas we spent time in Pansol and Manila before traveling to Davao for the mission work.
Upon our arrival in Davao we were greeted by members of the local Project Heart project team and gathered at Pastors house before having our welcome lunch. We experienced this type of hospitality during our entire trip. Both of our mission locations were about 2 hours from Davao. While we were squeezed tight in the vans but nobody complained.
In my mind I expected to see depressed people whom felt like life had dealt them a bad hand. But what I saw were happy people with smiles on their face and a strong will despite their lack of money and assistance. I could sense their need and appreciation for the medical services we could bring them. As I held the head of those having teeth removed I am amazed by their threshold for pain and gratefulness for the mission team’s help.
Our great God works in amazing ways. This trip made me realize how fortunate I am for the gifts and blessings our Lord has provided for me. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in the 2009 Project H.E.A.R.T. Mission and I was honored to work side by side with dedicated volunteers.
By Amery Javier
Well first of all, I knew that being apart of PROJECT HEART was a good opportunity for me. I thought it was also a good time to just see different provinces and their ways of life. Before all of this, I used to always take things for granted, but when I saw all of the people at Davao, it made me think and be thankful for all the blessings God has given to me. The people over there were thankful for the things that we wouldn’t really be thankful for. Even things like toothbrushes, medicine, and candy made them really happy. It just helped me understand how fortunate I am that I get to eat, get clothes, and live in a house. I remember the Appreciation Dinner after the first day of mission. Although I didn’t understand their dialect, I can see them just pouring their hearts out in worshipping the Lord. It made me realize that even if they might not get everything they want, they still have faith and trust in the Lord. I could see that everyone was thankful and the fact that we got to see them smile and let them hear the word of God really got to me. On Sunday we got to attend the church service at Immanuel Baptist Church. It was very fun and interesting to go there and see how they do their Sunday services. I got to see their amazing choir and we got to talk and bond with some of the members attending there. Then it was the second day of mission. It was at a school and there were many students who came for the medical services. I remember all the little kids running toward us and trying to get a lot of the candy we were handing out. We had to make them all go in a circle so that we could give each kid at least one candy. Many of the students had no parents but they wanted to get treated so the teachers acted as guardians because some of the children’s parents weren’t there. We couldn’t treat everyone and give all their needs but the most important thing is that we got to spread the gospel and show how truly great out GOD is. I encourage the Youth and C&C to be a part of PROJECT HEART. It really is a great experience and a way to help and reach out to others in need.. You will be a great addition to our team! These experiences lead me to a more open mind and a better understanding of how life is in the Philippines. It is not that easy because it requires financial needs but start saving money now and just pray for it. After all of this, I had to ask myself this question, “What is it that I learned from PROJECT HEART?” It is to reflect all the good things that God has blessed all of us and that we really have to thank him everyday and not take things for granted. Another lesson I learned is that God has a plan for each and every one of us. It doesn’t matter if we are going through trials or hardships. What matters is that we should have faith in him and also believe that he will provide because with God nothing is impossible. I would like to thank God for always being there and letting me experience this opportunity. I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to PROJECT HEART and gave time out of their busy schedules to be apart of this mission. I would like to conclude with this verse from Mark 16:15 “He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”