 Well, I meant to do this a long time ago, but a long time has passed and I realised I still hadn't. So now I thought I'd write a little article to keep you up-dated with what I’m doing at the moment.
After graduating in June I spent five months working with The Message Trust in Manchester. The gap-year course combined study of Christianity (theory, history and application) with practical placements working with disadvantaged young people and the homeless. It was an incredible experience, though certainly very challenging.
I was going to write an article about this but only remembered when I logged on to write this one and found it half-started. So if you wanna know more about that you'll just have to ask me.
Since Christmas I've been living back in Gloucester working in admin for a logistics company (sounds more interesting than it is) along with some Maths tutoring. However, in just two weeks time I shall be leaving this job to fly out to the Philippines to work with The Philippine Christian Trust Foundation (TPCT).
TPCT was founded in 1996 by Jane Walker (from Gloucester). It works with children and families who live and work on the rubbish tips of the capital city, Manila. Though only a small charity it has set up and runs several schools for those children employed as waste-pickers from as early as the age of five. If you're interested to know more check out www.thephilippinetrust.org
During the two months I plan to be there I will visit and help at the dump sites, the school and the feeding programs. A lot of my work is likely to be administrative, as the new school term starts in June. I also hope to link up with the local church (a recent church plant) and perhaps with the work of other charities in the area.
So the reason I'm posting is really to ask you to please pray for me as I prepare and whilst I am there over the coming months. Below are a few points to guide you with these prayers;
God’s provision – I still need a lot to happen before I fly on 29th May –I have yet to book flights/visas/insurance. Please pray that these practical things will be sorted in time.
My family – please pray for God's peace for them, as I may not be able to keep regular contact.
Effectiveness – pray that I will have plenty to do whilst I am there and that I will be able to be a help and a blessing to those I work with, rather than a hindrance.
Relationships/language – please pray that I will quickly build friendships in the local church and the school. Also for ease of communication and that I would be able to learn some of the language. (The official language is English but not everyone can speak it)
Returning home – once I return to the UK in mid-August I don't yet know what I'll be doing. Please pray that I'll be able to find a job and a place to live.
If you'd like more details or would like to receive email updates while I’m out there then please get in touch (I will try and update this site but no promises...).
With love and thanks for your support. | 