Over the past years working in the Philippines, it has been obvious that the Filipino people are ripe for harvest. The small village of New Carmen (formerly known as Smoky Mountain, the city garbage dump) has been, with no doubt, a great harvest field. In the past, the community would "kahig" or scavenge though the dumpsite to sell whatever could be recycled. Everything from copper wire to plastic bottles were considered as gold. Their houses were built out of garbage and sat directly on top of the active dump site.

Income from this type of work was poor at best. Often, the men would bring home less than a dollar wage to feed their family of 5 or 6. The health and effects of families living and working within the dump site were devastating.

So much has changed since then! We now have a thriving community that has been relocated to a nearby piece of land. Starting with one small Bible study a few years ago, a growing church has now been planted. Cell groups, Sunday School classes, and various livelihood projects including farming and raising livestock are now meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the community. Even an elementary school, His Mission Academy, has been established and is now disciplining and educating over 60 children.

The fishpond is near completion but still needs $2000 dollars to complete the flooring, piping, and fencing. Once complete, the pond will be stocked with 1,500 Tilapia. The harvest of fish will be sold to nearby markets and the income will restock the pond with Tilapia and will help to sustain emergency needs within the community and to care for the widows, orphans, elderly and mentally and physically disabled.

Any and every donation is helpful and appreciated. This community has been greatly impacted by the gospel and we know the best is yet to come. The Lord has literally raised these families out of the garbage, given them a new heart and a new Spirit, and desires to send them as a royal priesthood to the nations. To GOD be the GLORY.