Read about what God has been doing through Shofar Mission in the Philippines.
A Look Back…..
Since October is right around the corner, I cannot help but be reminded it is almost three years since our preparations to move to the Philippines to plant Street Level Ministries Cebu and continue publishing Word On the Street Magazine began and what a ride it has been.
It all began with a Bible study. When we arrived in Cebu, we began looking for a location to have a weekly Bible study while waiting to hear back from a university where we presented Street Level Ministries. In the meantime, we found a coffeehouse to meet at and began co-teaching a Bible study every Tuesday evening. We stepped into editing and writing for Word On the Street and started passing out the ‘zine to students outside university campuses.
After we were unable to meet on campus at two other universities, we decided it was time for a new approach. We planned a recruitment gathering using Word on the Street as our advertisement. After setting a date and printing 700 copies of the issue, we hit the streets to get the word out. Three students from the University of the Visayas attended and Street Level Ministries began. We started meeting at Elicon House for a weekly dinner and Bible study. Street Level Radio was also installed in February of 2018 at two locations. In June of 2018 we held our first Street Level Radio Live Broadcast.
In November of 2017, the first Shofar Creation Science class was taught. Preparations for this branch of Shofar Mission began in June of 2017 with curriculum development. We decided the science class would be every Wednesday. Lessons were taught at two different schools alternating weeks and once per month at another school on Friday. The February 2018 team was also able to attend a lesson.
We Have Much To Be Thankful For
In June of 2019, God provided an office space to serve as the headquarters for Street Level Ministries. This has allowed for two meeting times per week so the students can choose the time that fits their schedule. The office also allows for one-on-one meetings to take place and a chance to go through a book together with a student. We also started Street Level membership, which gives students the option to volunteer in either Street Level Radio or Word on the Street Magazine. Most recently, we were approved to be an official organization at the University of the Visayas. In light of this, we will be participating in Intramurals and having a recruitment gathering for UV students to learn more about Street Level Ministries.
We had an opportunity to work with three new schools and maintain a teaching schedule at two others teaching Shofar Creation Science lessons during the 2018-2019 school year. Our schedule also allowed for classes to be offered twice a week. In June, a new name and logo were designed. The July 2019 team was able to attend a couple of lessons and engage with the students. At this time, information is being presented to public school staff offering the lessons to their schools.
We have also had the opportunity to prepare the way for missions teams to come over, like Shofar Camp and Ministry Training Institute classes.
It is neat to look back at all that God has allowed us to be a part of! It is also times like these that I am reminded, “Never forget where you came from!”
-Laura
