Read the latest Shofar Mission Cebu update and learn what we have been up to!
As of this writing, the Inter-Agency Task Force along with President Duterte downgraded Cebu City to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. The wearing of face masks, social distancing, and quarantine passes continue to be required by law. Despite the government requiring students under the age of 21 to stay at home and mass gatherings prohibited, we have continued to minister.
STREET LEVEL MINISTRIES
We have had to get creative when it comes to reaching college students. On March 13, classes in all levels were suspended. Students rushed to the province before the borders to the city closed on March 28. The words “digital,” “virtual,” and “online” continue to be part of our vocabulary! At the beginning of June, we started a digital small group with three SLM members. Thankfully, we’ve been able to meet on a weekly basis, despite fluctuating quarantine statuses! The latest issue of Word on the Street Magazine has been written with all digital communication. 5 students from 3 cities / 2 islands collaborated to put the Philippines version of Issue 83 together! Stay tuned to the WOTS website for the digital release next month.
EXPLORING CREATION SCIENCE
Virtual Exploring Creation Science summer classes have continued for students in grades 4-12. One lesson we have continued to learn is that students are night owls – the older students prefer to tune in for the afternoon lessons! This month, we also started Daily Bible Reading posts for students in grades 4-6 and 7-12 (different sets for each grade level). These are posted to the Exploring Creation Science Facebook page. Students have either watched the lessons and read the posts on Facebook, or school staff have grabbed the lessons and posts for students to view using their online platforms. Watch a preview of these virtual lessons on the Exploring Creation Science webpage.
COMMUNITY
Since we’re still under a pretty strict quarantine, we have been soaking up as much fellowship time as we can. We’re thankful for the small community God has put us in and have been seeking to get to know our neighbors better. The truth of Acts 17:26-27 is indeed a great reality for us right now… We’ve also taken advantage of opportunities to join Wednesday evening small group discussions with Believers City Church and video chats with fellowship ministries.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- We continue to plan for a digital start to the 2020-2021 school year at all levels. Pray that we would continue to get creative and seek out various platforms to help us reach students!
- Pray for wisdom and discernment for government leaders. They are still in the process of deciding quarantine statuses and possible hard localized lockdowns.
- For church leaders especially those that have moved into church compounds to be with the rest of their staff to make sure church services and online class preparations continue as the borders to the city closed.