8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, – Philippians 1:8-9 ESV
Greetings dear faithful brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, I pray that everyone is doing well and in good spirits. We are slowly settling into our new home in Manila, having purchased some furniture and appliances. We will be staying here until mid-June 2025, and after that, we will resettle to Angeles City (1 & 1/2 hour NW of Manila) as our permanent residence.
First off, Thanks to your prayers, we received our permanent Philippines Visa mid-month and the boxes we shipped from Virginia finally arrived about 10 days ago. The most anticipated item in the boxes was my computer, which allows me freedom from relying on my cell phone for everything online, to include these updates. ^^
My mother (Maria Sea – Jasmine’s grandmother) came to visit us from Tacoma, Washington and she just left to head back home today. We’re so grateful that she still has the strength and stamina to make the trip for someone who’s 86 years young ^^. We pray that God will continue to bless her with good health for many years to come.
She arrived with her church members from Tacoma New Life Presbyterian Church, who came for their Summer Short Term Mission at Rainbow New Life Mission Church in Pampanga (Missionary Lee, Kyung Soo).
We made a surprise visit to treat the STM members, especially the middle and high schoolers, to some pizza and pasta. Through my conversation with the students, they expressed their newfound gratitude for the life they live in the U.S. Their evangelical mission had them visiting the Aeta Indigenous Tribes around the mountains as well as poverty stricken areas and meeting with the children.
Super Typhoon Carina, which did not make landfall, but brought heavy rain throughout the Philippines on 23-24 July. The torrential downpour of rain brought flooding throughout the entire Luzon Island, causing landslides in the mountainous area and flooding in and around Metro Manila. A church members home was also flooded causing them to be rescued by boat from their 2nd story home. They have since returned and are cleaning up from the flooding.
On a sad note, one family (mother, father, & child) that used to live along the riverbed in Angeles City where the feeding program occurs has unfortunately been swept away by the flooding and have all perished.
Yesterday, 30-July-2024, I had the privilege to join in the relief efforts. Jinju was unable to participate as she was taking care of my mother. In the wake of the devastating Super Typhoon Carina, Sorok Uni Foundation swiftly mobilized to bring much-needed relief to the affected families in Tondo, Manila. Our team distributed essential non-food items to 447 beneficiaries, each receiving a thoughtfully prepared kit to provide comfort and support during these challenging times.
A warm blanket to ward off the cold
A durable sleeping mat for a restful sleep
Essential toiletries to maintain hygiene
6 litres of clean water to quench their thirst
Preloved Clothes
Tondo is a district in Manila, Philippines, and the largest and second most densely populated district in the city. It’s located on the outskirts of Metro Manila and is known for being a community of hope and the birthplace of many noble heroes. However, it’s also known as one of the worst slums in the country and is home to an estimated 750,000 people. Many homes that were built above the waters were washed away but thankfully, all the people that lived in that area were placed in evacuation centers prior to the full brunt of the flooding.
Through much thoughtful prayer, Carleton has enrolled in part-time Seminary (PTS College & Advanced Studies) to pursue an M.A. in Biblical Exposition. School begins 12-August-2024, with an anticipated graduation date in 2028.
We ask for your continued support and prayers for the following:
1. For God’s presence to those affected by the recent flooding in the Philippines and for them to be able to persevere through their hardships and rebuild their lives.
2. For passion and love for Christ and our mission to share the Gospel.
3. For Carleton’s preparation to start seminary in 2 weeks.
4. For God’s guidance and direction to setup the Sorok UNI “Good Neighbor Orphanage”.
5. For God to provide His protection, good health and strength.
Sorokuni.blog 