Tag: Shofar Mission Cebu

Shofar Mission Cebu Update

March 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

Campus Outreach

For many university students, summer vacation is a week away. But that doesn’t mean we are taking a break – some universities did not start classes until August, so they will be in session until May. We continued to reach out to one or two universities per week to invite students to Street Level meetings and pass out the latest issue of Word On the Street Magazine. Live Radio Broadcasts have continued to be another way to promote Street Level Radio and SLM events. We were also able to do a student poll for the next edition of WOTS at the last live broadcast. We asked students if they could go anywhere in the world where would they go and why. It was neat to hear what they had to say and to interview them on the radio.

As the school year comes to an end, I am reminded we have known the core Architecture students from the University of the Visayas two years at the end of July. It is during these times, that I think about all that God has done in my life.

Science Creation Curriculum

For many years, March has signaled the end of the school year for students since classes normally start in June. This year, as schools move toward a mid August start date some students will be in class until May. Science Lessons wrapped up for the school year with a visit to Southern Bethany to reconnect with them and share a new curriculum with students in grades 7 & 8. Two new schools that we worked with the second semester have asked about the next school year. With classes out for the summer soon there have been a few possible summer options talked about. More curriculum continues to be developed and current curriculum edited as schools and class sizes change.

Relationships

Lately, we have been reminded of two phrases: “People, not projects” and Relationships matter.” On March 15, we had a pizza and movie night at Street Level. As I watched the movie and ate pizza that night I couldn’t help but remember where I came from. You see, I started walking with God after college. Often times, as we eat dinner and practice our Cebuano before the bible study I am reminded to never, ever lose sight of where I came from. Later that night I was thinking about friendship and life in general and was reminded how important friendship is. Earlier that week, I got coffee with a friend and we took a jeep home to make food and watch a movie. On our walk from the jeep stop to our apartment, we talked about books we have read, ministry and life.

I recently read a quote by Charles Spurgeon, “Friendship seems as necessary an element of a comfortable existence in this world as fire or water, or even air itself. A man may drag along a miserable existence in proud solitary dignity, but his life is scarce life, it is nothing but an existence.” The author goes on to say, “If you want to call friendship a luxury, that’s fine. But then make sure you also call air a luxury. There are few true necessities in life. Friendship is one of them.”

Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for all the students as they wrap up the school year. Pray that they would continue putting God first in their lives. Also, we have been working on several tasks for the two missions teams that will be here this coming May and August. We ask that you pray for all we have been in contact with in regards to the summer missions team plans. Also, for safety as we finish up our last couple weeks here before we join everyone again for a short break. –Laura

A World Without Snow Actually Exists?

February 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

Greetings from the Philippines! Read the latest update about what God is doing in Cebu. And if you need a break from all the snow, it’s just a short 24-36 hour trip to come and visit us…

Street Level Ministries

We continue to meet weekly on Friday nights for a free dinner and bible study with students from various universities throughout the city. We are currently working our way through Tim Keller’s Gospel in Life series, which has resulted in quite a few though-provoking discussions! Attendance at some meetings nearly fills our conference room, while other meetings are with only one or two students. Regardless of how many students attend, we continue to be faithful to what God has called us to, trusting that He knows what He’s doing and His plans are better than ours! Next month, we will take a break from our series on one Friday for a fellowship night – free pizza and an outdoor movie!

Word on the Street Magazine

In February, we released a new issue of WOTS and have been distributing at local churches, businesses, and schools. God has allowed us to put a magazine rack on campus in the library at the University of the Visayas, as well as at the Cebu City Public Library! As always, we are looking for new writers and Filipino content submissions. In fact, we recently had the opportunity to present WOTS at a local gathering of pastors and people who minister to young people throughout the city. We’re hoping new writers will come through this networking opportunity!

Street Level Radio

As the Philippines is becoming more and more digitally connected, our wi-fi radio station is turning out to be a great way to connect with students. We host live radio broadcasts on the streets about 2-3 times per month. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we gave away free heart-shaped donuts to students who would answer trivia on the air. We had a few students take us up on the offer! We have also started a weekly radio show on Fridays for students who may be looking for something to listen to during their lunch break. We’re always seeking to expand and make the station better, so we are on the lookout and praying for a place to install a third antenna array.

Science Creation Curriculum

Local primary and secondary schools have been very receptive to Shofar’s Science Creation curriculum. This week, lessons will end at one school and begin at another! In fact, for the first time ever, Laura will start teaching a 3-week series using the NUA curriculum to seventh and eighth graders. Summer school curriculum is currently in the ideation phase, since quite a few schools will be holding classes during the summer.

Prayer Requests

Pray that God would work in the hearts and minds of the Street Level students to put Jesus first in everything they do
Pray for the development of new science curriculum and plans for summer school
Please pray for open doors to minister and direction in planning for the teams that will come this summer

— Britt

You Are Listening To Street Level Radio!

January 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read the latest update about what God is doing in Cebu City, Philippines.

CAMPUS OUTREACH

In an effort to get the word out about Street Level Ministries Cebu, we
continue putting up posters in and around the “campus zone.” We also
plan to have more live radio broadcasts this year to get the word out about
Street Level Radio and promote SLM bible studies and events. A new addition to the radio is a weekly show called Simple Gospel Friday (SGF). This show will talk life, Jesus, college, & everything in between. A new issue of Word on the Street will be printed within the few weeks. We will distribute the magazine to various churches, youth organizations, and on the streets near universities. WOTS has proven to be a fruitful avenue to share the gospel and get students connected to SLM.

SCIENCE CREATION CURRICULUM

We said goodbye for now to the students and staff at the Inayawan Nazarene School earlier this month. Lessons have started at two new schools since we have returned to Cebu. The new curriculum continues to be put together – I am hoping to utilize the NUA Curriculum within the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to continuing to get to know the staff and students at the new schools. Last week, a student asked me why she learned in Science class that earth was formed millions of years ago. The Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) standards dictate what teachers need to teach each year.

A LOOK BACK

We spent some of our trip to Wisconsin taking a look at the last few months
and looking ahead to the future. It is always a good time to reflect on what
worked, what didn’t and what we would like to add to the ministries. Our time back in Wisconsin also provided an opportunity for us to join fellowship ministries and various church events. It was great to be back for them and we look forward to seeing how God will use JF Believers & Shofar Mission in 2019!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Street Level Ministries – for the Gospel In Life Series that will start
this week and that students would put Jesus first amid family pressure to go
home or spend the time doing other things.

2. Continued relationships with the new schools and for the staff and
students we will have a chance to meet. Along with continued curriculum
development.

3. 2019 Team Preparation. That God would be working in the hearts and minds of those we are trying to reach out to as we plan and prepare.

Thanks for the prayers and for stopping by to say hi on Skype…we
appreciate it. –Laura

Maayong Pasko sa tanan!

December 25, 2018 Shofar Missions Cebu

If you can’t find a real pine tree… just make one!

(that means “Merry Christmas Everyone’ in Cebuano)

Did you know that Christmas is the Philippines’ favorite holiday? Celebrations begin in September and last until January! I always love to see how creative Filipinos get with their decorations. You can see a variety of Christmas trees made out of recycled bottles, fast food soda cups, cd’s, and whatever else one can get their hands on!

Since our last news update, we held our first-ever SLM Conference in the city. We gathered on the rooftop of Teofel Hostel for a day of video teachings, small group discussions, games, and of course, lots of snacks and coffee. We had one new student attend because of an ad he saw on the back of WOTS and five students who have come to SLM meetings in the past. Student feedback was encouraging; most of them had been pondering the topics we covered and were greatly challenged to consider why they believe what they believe. We covered the final session of the series at our last Friday night meeting and encouraged the students to keep discussing what they learned over Christmas break.

Home for the Holidays

Exploring nature during the Kindred Retreat

Aside from getting our fill of ice cream and iced coffee when we come back to the USA, we truly enjoy spending time with the church in fellowship groups and various ministries. Laura was able to join the Kindred Ministry for their annual retreat. I heard she was still a bit jet lagged and spoke in foreign languages at times! I have enjoyed being a part of Street Level’s happenings, including fellowship with OneLife (Jenae’s team was the true Pictionary winner) and a Monday dinner and worship night. We also joined the WOTS writers from Menomonie, River Falls, and Duluth for pizza and peer revisions.

Over the next couple weeks, we plan to visit our families, take a trip to JFB Duluth, and celebrate the new year in true JFB fashion at the annual NYE bash (one of our favorite JFB events). Thanks to everyone for welcoming us back like no time has passed. We are always blessed to be a part of you guys in person!

The saying that “you can’t see the forest through the trees” is very true. It has been nice to step away to dream, plan, and pray about what God is leading us to do next year. We have been asking questions like, “What are the needs of the people we are serving? How can we meet those needs? What hole can only we fill? What is the best use of our time? How can we work with others to build the Kingdom?” We have lots of ideas and are excited to see what God will do next year. We can make our plans but ultimately it is Him who determines our steps.

Prayer Requests

As we head into another season in Cebu, would you please join us in praying for the following:

That we would rest well and return to Cebu with renewed strength and energy.
For God’s direction and vision as we plan for 2019.
That the students we have been able to minister to would desire to know God more and put Him first in their lives… and that their families and pressures of the world would not hinder them from following God.

-Brittany

And So It Begins…

September 25, 2018 Shofar Missions Cebu

Home Again

Britt and I returned to Cebu August 30 ready to hit it hard again! We appreciated the opportunity to return for the Ministry Retreat and Church Camp-Out! As always it is great to hear what God is doing in Menomonie, Duluth, and River Falls. Our trip back included spending 13 hours in the Chicago Airport but we did get some work done…a conference poster designed, lesson prep and various emails taken care of 🙂

Our first Monday back we caught up with the UV students for the start of intramural week. This was a great opportunity to spend some time with them and meet some of their friends. Before things actually got started for the day we were able to hang out with them in one of the Architecture classrooms.

Street Level

Since being back, we have continued setting up the bi-fold outside of a campus we are targeting. Rain or shine, we get out at least once a week with the intent of getting into conversations with students. On the days when its raining or we second guess going for one reason or another, we are reminded the students that attended the study would not have come unless they met us standing outside of their university! The month will end with a Live Street Level Radio Broadcast at Elicon House to promote the new BS Series and an upcoming movie night. We will pop some popcorn and watch “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on the Roofdeck at Teofel Hostel.

Science Curriculum

When we returned I continued Science Curriculum at Southern Bethany and started lessons at the Nazarene School.

Lessons with students at Southern Bethany will finish at the end of September and I am looking forward to starting at a new school the first week of October! Mid-October I will be prepping materials to leave at a few new schools that talk about the curriculum and offering to meet with administrators to further discuss an opportunity to teach the lessons at their school. As I continue teaching at various schools I look forward to seeing how God will use this and how it could connect to other Shofar Mission ministries.

Please pray for the following:

The SLM One-Day Conference on November 30. That students would attend, a guest speaker, and preparation.
SLM Office Space. That we would continue looking and seeking God and where He wants the location to be.
That we would continue meeting students to promote the Bible Study, Word On the Street, and Street Level Radio Station. Also, for the current students attending that they would continue to seek God amid the family pressures.
Science Curriculum. Starting at a new school October 3 and visiting potential schools mid-October.

As we continue the mission, each day I am reminded not only that time is short, but God can and will intentionally put people in our path that He wants us to meet. We often comment that today’s plans become tomorrows to do’s and nothing ever goes as planned, but God is always faithful to remind us of His timing.

–Laura