Hoping to Be Foster Parents...& Eventually Adopt

This was originally posted in Lynnette's personal blog (www.lynnettegarces.com):

HISTORY
Since I (Lynnette) was 12, I’ve always wanted to adopt and one day have my own orphanage. The passion started due to my up bringing as I grew up somewhat like an orphan living from different family to family. 

Now living in the Philippines, day in and day out we see so many street kids. The thought of fostering & adopting would linger in my heart quite often- When I see the street kids I just want to give them all a bath, feed them, & most importantly love on them… I want to love the kids and help raise them to be disciples of Jesus.

CURRENT
For some time now as a married couple DJ & I have been thinking of fostering to adopt but never really pursued it. We were really encouraged & inspired by reading our friends Charlotte & Alex's story of their fostering experience on Facebook. Soon after, we decided to pursue it as well.

As a side note: DJ & I have about 12% chance of conceiving. We were heavily contemplating whether to get checked here in the Philippines to pursue possible procedures, but the costs were too high. Our missionary insurance doesn’t cover the check ups or any possible procedures. The check ups alone are $300. However, we are not going to completely close that door…perhaps in the future we will pursue the check ups & possible procedures… if it’s God’s will. In the meantime fostering to adopt really speaks to our hearts.

Last week after researching on some fostering organizations, DJ & I emailed an organization to inquire about being possible foster parents to adopt.  We were not sure if we are even eligible being that we are US citizens, but in faith we sent them an email anyway and let God handle the rest. 

Recently, we got an email reply from the organization and notified us that a Social Worker will be contacting us to set up an orientation/interview/next step meeting. Receiving the email was exciting but super scary at the same time. We are not sure if this is the direction God wants us to take or even if it's the right time or season. But trusting in God to show us the way in all of this, as we are open to whichever direction He wants us to go. 

ORIENTATION/INTERVIEW
Happy to share that our orientation/interview has been set for today Sept. 21 at 10am. The day before my hubby's birthday. The organization didn't say whether we are approved or not so we are praying that God will close the door if it's not the direction at this initial meeting.

PRAYER REQUEST
Please keep us in prayer for God's hand to be all over this and to close the door if this is not the route. Praying for more confirmations and that this decision is not out of emotions as it is a HUGE life changing commitment to make. DJ & I will be committing to do intentional devotional & prayer time for this specific direction for the duration of 1 month.

 

Teaching Kids the Books of the New Testament

I (DJ) often forget how unusually gifted Lynnette is with teaching kids. This afternoon before church while preparing her lesson for Kids Venture (our church's children's ministry), she began making up some hand gestures that matched a rhythm to naming the 27 books of the New Testament. She was literally making it up on the spot and rehearsing it with me. She was confident that she could get the 5-10 year old children of Kids Venture to memorize all the books, in order, in the time span of a church service. If you're like me, then you're thinking "that's crazy!" probably because also like me, you can't do it either...in fact I'm sure most adult Christians can't. So who could blame me for being a little skeptical.

Fast forward to the end of our church service, when suddenly 15 kids march into the church lounge area, falling into formation and to the shock of everyone recited all 27 books of the New Testament in order. They weren't imitating or following along with the teacher, they just did it on their own. Of course when they were done everyone exploded in disbelief and cheers, and then probably like me, reflected for a moment on our own ignorance. 

Here's a glimpse of the kids in Kids Venture showing off their ability after Lynnette had somehow found the formula to get kids to remember books of the bible many people can't even pronounce. Oh, and did I mention that some of these kids don't even speak English! 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSOBDa5pACk?rel=0]

Kids Venture Movie outing to see "Brave"!

Lynnette hosted a Kids Venture movie event. She took kids from our church to see the movie "Brave". Its been on her heart to bless these kids, especially since some of them have never been in a movie theater before! 

A special thank you to Michelle Chinen, Derwin, & Quennie for sponsoring all the children & chaperones!! They all had fun!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-9rIaeZtbI?rel=0]

Our Experience at the Flood Relief Centers

Yesterday, the monsoon rains relented and we were able to experience some sunshine, much needed by this devastated city. Most of the water had receded and many of the roads are now drivable. As we watched the news, it was heart wrenching to hear that in Metro Manila alone there are over 44,000 people forced out of their homes by the waters, now living in 359 crowded evacuation centers. The amount of food and supplies needed to care for these people is overwhelming to think about.

Anxious to do something, Lynnette went online to look for ways that we could help. She found a government center that needed volunteers in packing relief bags for the evacuation centers. A few friends from church joined us and we headed out finding ourselves in a room too small to handle the amount of volunteers that were squeezed in with all the food and clothing.

It was encouraging to see all these people committed to volunteer, but the amount of people packed in that room seemed to actually slow down the relief packaging process. So, with difficulty, we packed some relief packages and then decided to jump in a jeepney and move to another relief center at the University of Philippines (UP), hoping we would be more of a help and less of a hindrance. 

Arriving at UP we entered a huge gymnasium, buzzing with action and young people. Each of us quickly jumped into helping in different areas, which included creating rice bags, sorting clothes, filling relief bags or simply falling into a chain line to move bags and boxes from one place to another. It was awesome to see the amount of donations that had come in and the amount of relief bags that were created by the hundreds of volunteers eager to help the flood victims. 

It was a tiring day, but we were blessed to help in the small way that we did. There's still so much that needs to be done for those impacted, and to rebuild/clean up the city. We continue to keep all those effected in our prayers. 

Check out the video that Lynnette made of our experience:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2URKQPjb68?rel=0]

Back in the Philippines From Pasadena

Just a little over two weeks ago I (DJ) boarded a non-stop 13.5 hour flight to Los Angeles from the Philippines to attend the two week on-campus seminar required for my Masters program at Fuller Seminary, in Pasadena. For those who are curious, it is the MAGL or Master of Arts in Global Leadership program. Yes...I know, its a mouthful but as cool as it may sound, it has nothing to do with preparing myself for some sort of world domination.

Actually, the MAGL is an excellent program that brings together a cohort of students from all over the world to learn aspects of Christian ministry and leadership from each other and professors, while still working in ministry from our various locations. It was a costly trip, fortunately we had started saving for this two years ago and were able to cover all the expenses, praise God! Thankfully, I am excited to say that I am only a couple of classes away from graduating! 

It was an inspiring two weeks to say the least. My faith was immensly encouraged by the stories and ministries of the people in my cohort. It was great to just hang out with these lifelong friends who've stuck together in our program over the past two years. 

Lynnette remained in the Philippines, and I have to say that I am really proud of her for sticking it out, and holding down our fort in a foreign land by herself. Of course, we have a great community of friends here that are always here for her as well.

Some Highlights:

1. Being around my cohort that is full of sharp minds from a variety of ministries in US, Rwanda, China, Sri Lanka, France, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Cambodia.
2. In-N-Out Burger
3. Visiting Homeboy Industries (in Chinatown), an organization committed to training, finding jobs and giving hope to former gang members in Los Angeles.
4. Visiting and analyzing Mosaic church in Hollywood, known for the creative arts that effectively speaks to that creative culture.
5. LA Mexican food 

Now that I am back in the motherland, it's time to put some of the lessons learned into practice!

DJ's Return From Pasadena

Just a little over two weeks ago I boarded a non-stop 13.5 hour flight to Los Angeles from the Philippines to attend the two week on campus seminar required for my Masters program at Fuller Seminary, in Pasadena. For those who are curious, it is the the MAGL or Master of Arts in Global Leadership program. Yes...I know, its a mouthful and probably sounds like I am preparing myself for some sort of world domination...which would be nice..

Actually, the MAGL is an excellent program that brings together a cohort of students from all over the world to learn aspects of Christian ministry and leadership from each other and professors, while still working in ministry from our various locations. It was a costly trip, fortunately we had started saving for this two years ago and were able to cover all the expenses. Thankfully, I am only about one quarter away from graduating!

Lynnette remained in the Philippines, and I have to say that I am really proud of her for sticking it out, and holding down our fort in a foreign land by herself. Of course, we have a great community of friends here that were there for her as well.

Some highlights include:

• Visiting and analyzing Mosaic church in Hollywood, known for the creative arts that effectively speaks to that creative culture.
• In-N-Out Burger
• Visiting Homeboy Industries, an organization committed to training, finding jobs and giving hope to former gang members in Los Angeles.
• Being around my cohort full that is full of sharp minds from a variety of ministries in US, Rwanda, China, Sri Lanka, France, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Cambodia.
• LA Mexican food Now that I am back in the motherland, it's time to put lessons learned into practice!

Hope Chapel Metro - 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

This past weekend we celebrated the one year anniversary of our church, Hope Chapel Metro! It's been inspiring to look back and see all that God has done in only the first year through this church plant. We had been anticipating and planning for this service for a couple of months. We knew that this would be a great opportunity for people to invite friends and family to join us in the celebration.

Before the service I (DJ) admit that I was nervous, and I wasn't even the one speaking that night! But I was nervous about the videos that I edited being any good, if we could set up everthing in time, if people would show up, and I was just nervously excited for what God would do.

The night was incredible, the place was full, 200 people attended and about 25% were first time guests joining us. We were blessed to see a friend, that Lynnette met and connected with through her youTube video blog, bring his entire family to celebrate with us for the first time. 

You could feel God's presence, the room was filled with joy and many were moved to tears by His love for them as they listened to the message given by Pastor Nolan and the stories of some church members whose lives had been transformed by God. Over 80 people responded to God that night by giving their lives to Jesus or rededicating their faith. It was powerful!

Then like a cherry on top of an already awesome sundae (and Sunday), we were able to raffle a brand new iPad, it was encouraging to see a yaya (nanny), accept her prize in tears. We were able to further serve the people with a giant 65", 600 slice pizza - the biggest in Quezon City!

For Lynnette and I, the past few weeks leading to the celebration have been busy, and crazy! Our days were filled with shopping for equipment and supplies, organizing teams, late night video editing, and countless other details. But it was all worth it to see lives changed, and Jesus glorified. In the end, without His strength and help, we couldn't have accomplished anything.

With the anniversary over, now the hard work begins! Now we must now focus our efforts in connecting with all the new people who joined us, to thank them, and to hopefully help them become a part of this awesome Hope Chapel Metro family!

 

Newsletter - May 2012 - Our New Home!

We were really blessed to find our new home in Quezon City! After many prayers and a connection through our good friend at church, God orchestrated everything to help us get this apartment/condo.

Check out the tour!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGJJ1ZJ3EKk]

Newsletter - May 2012 - Our New Home!

We were really blessed to find our new home in Quezon City! After many prayers and a connection through our good friend at church, God orchestrated everything to help us get this apartment/condo.

Check out the tour of our new place!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGJJ1ZJ3EKk?rel=0]

We Are Moving!!!

Crazy Week of Many Dilemma's & Answered Prayers 

It has been a crazy busy week for DJ & I as we are preparing to move to a condo in Timog (closer to the church). As some of you already know, our aunty in the Philippines blessed us to live at their condo for a year for free. This June will be the end of our year and in turn we will need to look for another place to live. 

Dilemma #1

As missionaries we were concerned about rent money, since our current financial support isn't sufficient enough to cover the upcoming monthly rent. On top of that we weren’t sure if our current supporters would continue their support for another year.

We are literally stepping out of faith. Our faith budget was $500/per month for a small studio. We were trusting that God will some how provide an extra $500 a month for the rent along with another year of support.

Answered Prayer

It is now end of April and God has answered our prayers. Another missionary who is leaving to another country had just bought a brand new condo unit. She too was praying for a married couple that is a missionary to occupy her unit. The unit owner and I crossed path through a mutual friend and she was willing to lease her unit to us. She even lowered her price of $400 to $300, which is well below our faith budget. Praise God. 

Dilemma #2

When we visited the unit, it was completely bare. There were no appliances, fixtures, furniture’s etc... it was literally completely bare. My heart dropped. There is no way we could afford this place if we have to purchase our own appliances, and furniture (which is a common thing in the Philippines)! 

Answered Prayer

Me being a bargaining person, I asked the unit owner if we can deduct the amount we spend on appliances and furniture off the rent. Without a hesitation she said yes! God is so good! We will not be paying rent for 8-10 months instead it will go towards the furniture & appliances.

Dilemma #3

Now, the 3rd dilemma was where are we going to get the money up front to purchase the furniture’s & appliances! Well, when God provides he really provides! 

Answered Prayer

My father-in-law who so kindly did our taxes just informed us that we would be getting a lot of money in "tax returns"! With the tax returns and our fundraiser money from HCWO, it will be more than enough to help us with the purchasing! I love it when everything just falls into place and God literally takes care of everything. When you are faithful with the little, God definitely blesses you with more.

So, now the fun of decorating, and purchasing brand new furniture, and appliances of my choice begins. However, the unit is 250 square feet, which is a super duper small 1 bedroom studio, I have a challenge of carefully purchasing furniture’s and appliances that will not make the already small studio smaller. 

I know God will continue to provide for us this upcoming year. 

 We are planning on moving in on May 1. I will post before and after pictures along with a video tour. 

 

A Taste of Hope Chapel Metro's New Venue

This past Sunday Hope Chapel Metro was excited to moved to Berting's Grill, a new location within the Timog area. It was a huge blessing to find this bar that is centrally located, just feet away from the main strip of clubs, bars and restaurants that make the nightlife of Timog so popular. 

This new venue is not only cheaper, but they also provide storage space for all our equipment. But what is even more encouraging is that the owner had been praying that some sort of religious group would come in and rent his space...and that was us! Although, as Pastor Nolan said, "we are far from being religious, we just love Jesus", and we're hoping he and the rest of this area will catch that vibe too and join us.  

We're are just thankful to God for His continued provision for our church. Here is a short 2 minute video highlighting our first night at our new venue!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClGRii5ElsI?rel=0]

Training the Faculty at Asian Theological Seminary

As many of you know, Lynnette and I continue to look for ways to help support ourselves on the mission field in addition to the generous support of the friends and family who have partnered with us. 

Recently, It was a shock at first to be offered the opportunity to be hired to train the Faculty at ATS, in using an internet application that allows them to offer their courses online for the first time. It was such a blessing and a privilege to work with this great group of people, who are crazy smart and fun to be around with. 

How did I end up with this opportunity?

Amazingly, three of my past expriences that are totally unrelated, converged together for this project. With my background in web development, as a trainer at Apple, and the fact that I am using the exact same web application (Moodle) for my online courses that I am taking at Fuller Seminary, God conveniently orchestrated my meeting with the President of ATS...and everything came together.

I am hoping that I will be able to continue a working relationship with the wonderful people at ATS.

 

Hope Chapel Metro's First Easter!

It was the first Easter at Hope Chapel Metro, and it was great to celebrate it with everyone out here. Just like Christmas, many people in our church, (and in Manila in general) travel outside of the city back to their provinces to spend the Easter holiday with their families. Although we missed them, it was great to see some new faces at the church, as well as people give their life to the Lord!

Here are a few photos Lynnette took of the night:

Hope Chapel Metro - Leaders Retreat

This past weekend from Friday to Saturday we gathered old and new leaders in Hope Chapel Metro for our weekend "Advance" (since God's people don't "retreat" we "advance" forward!, as Pastor Nolan reminded us). We stuffed 22 people in 2 vans and drove about 2-3 hours away to San Pablo in Laguna...that's how you do it in the Philippines!

It was a great time of building relationships, especially with new leaders. On Good Friday, we had a chance to take communion together and re-set our hearts on Christ. On Saturday, Pastor Nolan recasted vision as we looked at better ways of shepherding the people. After a good time of swimming, games and resting, we also had a chance to hear from Pastor Luckie. 

Pastor Luckie not only ministered to us for inner healing but also equipped us to be able to guide people through inner healing as well, with the help of the Holy Spirit. It was a powerful time, and very much needed as we anticipate a new season of growth in our church.
Below are some photos from our retreat:

 

MiniChurch Outreach - Eastwood Photos & Motion Portraits

This past month we were in a great message series at Hope Chapel Metro, called "Change the World", a great series encouraging people that they can make an impact in the world...if they simply listened to God, and their hearts, and take action. In conjunction with the series I had our Minichurches (small groups) accomplish missions each week. One of them was to bless and serve the community in some way, small or big. 

We had groups bring food to Barangay halls, visit orphanages, bring food and pray for guards, and one group even did a medical clinic in the streets! Our group was meeting in a nicer neighborhood and we hurt our brains trying to figure out how to bless people in this popular night spot.

We came up with this idea to bless the Eastwood people by offering to take free photos of them as well as a motion portrait (something I've been exprimenting with). Then we would hand them a card that informed them they could see their photos/videos by visiting the church site, and hopefully be blessed. Great idea!...Except, only two of us could make it, and both of us are introverts, who don't exactly enjoy approaching strangers.

So we saw it as a good challege to pull us out of our comfort zones. Since I was the photographer, Jonathan was the spokesperson and he did an awesome job approaching people, and making them feel comfortable...even though it is always awkard for everyone in those first few moments. We shared about our church, gave them a card and took the photo and video, and everyone had a good time. Below is the video of the motion portraits we did. You can see the photo gallery at Hope Chapel Metro website:
www.hopemetro.com/eastwoodgallery

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSSp9rmPySs?rel=0]

Showing love to the infants at CRIBS Foundation in Marikina City

Lynnette and her MiniChurch, from Hope Chapel Metro, went to serve the orphaned infants and toddlers at this foundation. CRIBS Foundation is where abandoned, neglected, surrendered children along with sexually abused young girls are sheltered.

To protect the children, they weren't allowed to film or take pictures of the kids, but here are there reflections after spending 2 hours with babies and toddlers. 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ONXSwB_zAw?rel=0]

Newsletter - March 2012 - Job, Blog and Tagalog Updates

Find out what's been going on in these past couple months. We got a job update, a new blog from Lynnette and we're learning Tagalog. Good stuff!

Check out Lynnette's Blog site here:
www.lynnetteunplugged.blogspot.com 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBQJ_H3IRAE?rel=0]

Birthing Something New in the Philippines!

We've been here in the Philippines now for about 9 months, and Lynnette is giving birth...but not to a baby! She is birthing a new and potentially powerful ministry opportunity.

Lynnette has discovered a creative way to build relationships with a young sub-culture of people that she can share the love of Jesus with, while doing something she enjoys. What is this creative ministry? It is a fashion and make-up video blog (or vlog) that focuses on the people, places and trends in the Philippines. 

The blog includes fashion interviews, trend discussions, and make-up tutorials...but what is awesome to see, is what is happening behind the scenes. Behind the camera, and the videos, she is building new friendships, networking with other bloggers, making new friends in stores and kiosks. In fact she has made more 'non-church' friends in the past few days than she has in the past 9 months! It has really inspired me to look for creative ways to connect with the Filipinos as well!

Please pray with us!

I really feel that God has has been giving her favor with people, in this sub-cutlure, in such a short time. Its a great way to help people see the heart of God, and a great way to connect them to Hope Chapel Metro. I am so excited to see how God will work through her and this unique ministry!

You can check out her new blog and youTube channel here:
youTube: http://www.youtube.com/lynnettegarces
(subscribe to her channel to support her!)
blog site: http://lynnetteunplugged.blogspot.com/

 

Back From Our 3 Week Trip to Hawaii

We just returned back to the Philippines from our 3 week trip to Hawaii. It has been about 8 months since we've moved to the Philippines, so it was great to reconnect with Hope Chapel West Oahu, our friends and our family. Lynnette may be taking a teaching job in Quezon City that would require a 3 year commitment, so it may be a while before we can come back to Hawaii. We're hoping and praying to be able to come back to visit again next year. 

It has been an encouraging trip, we feel refreshed and refueled...and full (DJ gained about 5lbs by stuffing his face with juicy steaks, burgers, plate lunches, sushi, shave ice, and Korean and Filipino home cooking). 

We hung out with a lot of people, sorry if we couldn't get to see some of you, and we wish we were able to spend more time with everyone we did see. We didn't always remember to take pictures of everyone we met up with or everything we did, but here are some that we managed to take.

Thank you to everyone for making our trip an incredible experience, we will really miss all of you!

In addition to the parties, dinners, lunches and coffees, there are also pics of BBQ and Valentines's Day with DJ's parents, Lynnette shooting a gun for the first time, sitting in staff meeting at Hope Chapel West Oahu, and the Kokohead head hike (where DJ proposed over 4 years ago). 

Praise Report (January 16, 2012)

1. We miraculously and officially recieved our missionary visa and ICard today (2yr. exemption)! A long awaited approval. (A special thank you to our friend for supporting our visa fees.) A tremendous answered prayer! 
2.  Got to IChat with my mommy and sister for the very first time today. It was hilarious (mom being a non computer person).
3. And ended our day with our first official session of Tagalog class of a 3 month (3 times a week) session! 

It was a long but prosperous day. :) Salamat Po for your continuous prayers and support. We are so very grateful for your generous love and support. 

Hope Chapel Metro - Minichurch Outreach Update

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_1-YS1ai1U?rel=0&hd=1]

Thanks so much to our friends in Hawaii and the Arise women's ministry at Hope Chapel West Oahu for donating hundreds of bags of toys and supplies for children. We were able to pass them all out in Timog area in Quezon City, Philippines, praying with the kids, and sharing God's love.

Newsletter 1.1.12 - Happy New Year Everyone!

Here are our top 5 highlights of the past year and some 2012 New Year's resolutions! Also, catch a glimpse of how some Filipinos celebrate New Year's Eve...it's insane.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl20YA0e0TM?rel=0&hd=1]