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Youth, Reborn Through Hardships

Three square meals a day is something many youths in poor Filipino communities have never known, and is one of the enticements of the Bukang Liwayway Education Assistance program’s summer camp.

Set on the island of Mindoro, the Bible College where the camp is held offers the welcome change of fresh air, open space, and the opportunity for physical activity for those accustomed to crowded, dirty living. Stuck in a life of poverty and immorality, where Christians are abused and ridiculed by family and friends, youth attending the camp hear about the hope that a relationship with Jesus Christ can bring.

Coming from hard places such as Welfareville, Balic-Balic, Malaben, Cogeo, and Calapan, scholarships provide education for poverty-stricken kids who would otherwise be unable to attend school. The summer camp is a continuation of a series of Bible studies, workshops and value lessons given to students each weekend of the school year.

The most recent camp was held in August. Led mostly by former students trained by OMF workers in the Philippines, the camp focused on themes such as freedom in Christ, family life, dating relationships and conflict management. Youth were challenged to examine their lives and look for any empty spots in their hearts, anything keeping them from completely knowing Christ.

After a sermon delivered by a pastor ministering in Cogeo, many youth raised their voices, singing “Lord I Offer My Life to You” in Tagalog, and accepted Christ that night. The seminar contained movie clips from Indiana Jones and Finding Nemo with an evangelical spin, and also a shortened chronological Bible story depicting the world’s need for a Savior.

Those who committed to Christ at the end of the seminar wrote their names on a paper heart and attached it to a cross at the front of the room. Nearly 30 people came to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior through the course of the camp. Praise God for each one saved, and pray for their difficult future, that they will stay strong and lead others to salvation with them.