Tag: Shofar TV

The Aftermath of Super Typhoon Odette

January 25, 2022 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read more about what God is doing in Cebu, Philippines.

More than a month has passed since Super Typhoon Odette struck Cebu, yet many people are still without electricity, water, internet, and rebuilding supplies. Life has returned to a sense of normalcy as people have adapted to the changes brought on by the storm. The staff of Word on the Street Magazine Philippines collected stories from young people living throughout Cebu about their experiences during Typhoon Odette. Read this early release from Issue 89 here.

Street Level Ministries

Between Typhoon Odette and a resurgence of COVID cases in Cebu, face-to-face classes have been delayed yet again. The Street Level students are spread throughout the island with intermittent data connections, so attendance at Friday night meetings has been hit-or-miss. We are aligning with some universities to restart the semester in February. Hopefully, by then, more students will have electricity and data signal. Starting January 28, we will be meeting on the last Friday of the month in Toledo City. We’re holding a recruitment meeting at Jalz Milk Tea, which is close to campus. Restrictions are less strict in the province, so we are going to heavily pursue the west side of the island this semester. We will continue to run ads on Facebook and are planning to release an app to help keep students connected, since so many are spread out throughout the island(s).

Exploring Creation Science

Classes for elementary and high school students will continue online this semester. Some schools have directed their students to download lessons and materials for offline use. Many students (and now parents due to the recent Cebu City Executive Order) have to find an internet connection to download and upload what they need, then return home where there is no electricity and/or signal. A few lessons will be adapted to be taught at local churches throughout the island for their kid’s church on Sundays. Also starting this semester, the “best of” Exploring Creation Science lessons will be produced to air on Shofar TV. We are looking forward to presenting this ministry to more schools on the west side of the island especially as our trips over there increase and restrictions are less strict. We had an opportunity to visit with a local pastor while we were in Toledo last week and leave him a USB with science lessons the teachers at the church’s school can copy and share with their students.

Building Up Local Churches

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been able to reconnect with local churches, assess their needs, pray with pastors, and donate relief packs to be distributed to local families. Three different churches have invited us to teach their kid’s church and youth groups. As a para church organization, our hearts are for the local churches to grow and thrive in their respective communities. The typhoon brought so much destruction, yet we see them continuing to stay hopeful and reach out to their neighbors. They may get knocked down, but they don’t get knocked out. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort and encourage them, for the gospel to be their motivating factor, and that the local churches could lead people to Jesus.

Expecting Great Things from God

August 24, 2021 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read more about what God is doing in the Philippines through Shofar Mission Cebu.

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.
– William Carey

As the Philippines continues to battle an unseen virus, we continue to battle an unseen foe. Due to rising COVID cases throughout the nation, restrictions on gatherings and movements have been heightened. But what the enemy means for evil, God uses for good. We’re planning for another semester (at minimum) online. However, after more than a year of doing the bulk of our ministry virtually, we’re confident that God will still use our feeble efforts for His glory. We’ve learned to adapt and exploit various methods of communication for the sake of the gospel… and He’s been gracious enough to show us some fruit from it all.

Street Level Ministries

We are gearing up for the start of school in September, so we’ll be meeting with the current members to regroup, cast vision, and pray for the upcoming semester. Over the past few weeks, God has brought in a few new students and recent graduates to our Friday night meetings. One young lady got connected by receiving a copy of WOTS from a local book store. A few others saw our videos and posts on Facebook. The Holy Spirit used to put students in our way randomly on the streets near universities. Now, He’s doing it on the busy roads of the internet. You can’t outrun the hound of Heaven…

Issue 87 of Word on the Street Magazine has been released both digitally and in print. We’ll be sending copies out to various church and student contacts throughout the Visayas. Since universities are locked down and UV isn’t sending modules out, we’re praying for other ways to distribute the magazines. Recently, we welcomed a new member and volunteer to Street Level Radio. She got trained in on the technology and basics of DJing. Next week, she’ll start going live on air!

Exploring Creation Science

Some schools have started the new school year already, so lessons will continue to be offered online. Students at multiple schools can learn about biblical creation science via Facebook Live lessons every week. A few new Explore booklets have been created. They are sent to students that can’t watch lessons online (or have limited access to internet). As the new school year starts, we’re hoping that a couple schools in Toledo will tune in for lessons. One of the schools (connected to a small local church) will receive Explore booklets for their students. Exciting news for Inayawan Nazarene – they’re adding grade 7 to their school this year!

We don’t know what the next few weeks or months will hold, but we are expecting God to show up. Thanks so much for praying for and supporting us… we miss you all and hope to see you soon. Until then, we’ll keep working the night shift on this side of the pond 🙂

Prayer Requests:

That the curve flattens throughout the Philippines, for travel & gatherings restrictions to ease up, and for vaccines to inoculate the population.
For the Holy Spirit’s guidance, strengthening, and empowering… and that our ministry will bear fruit that remains.
That the new SLM students get connected and for all the students to grow as disciples.
For continued and new relationships with schools. Pray that that students would stay engaged with another year of online classes.

Cebu Ministry

July 25, 2021 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read what is happening at Shofar Mission Cebu!

Street Level Ministries

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, virtual or modular learning, and many students studying from their hometowns, Street Level continues to meet digitally.

At the beginning of the month, we were blessed to spend the day together at a coffeehouse at Spring Park Mountain Resort. This was the first time three of the members saw each other in person since March 2020. The next day, we attended church with two of the SLM members. It was wonderful to meet the church and to fellowship with them! We journeyed by bus, car, and motorcycle, and look forward to the next time we can see each other in person. The digital community just isn’t the same as face-to-face. Please pray that students would see the value in reaching out to invite other students in.

Members can volunteer for Street Level Radio and Word on the Street Magazine. We are putting the finishing touches on Issue 87 and started writing drafts for Issue 88. In the next few weeks, we will continue updating the new WOTS website with local articles and finding ways to get the magazine in the hands of students. Despite being unable to meet in person, SLR volunteers are keeping the station fresh with new content and helping to record WOTS articles for the new website.

Exploring Creation Science

Exploring Creation Science lessons have continued. As the month of July comes to a close, we will start the 2021 school year soon. As of this writing, classes at all levels are to remain online or modular. To prepare for online and modular learning, Exploring Creation Science will print booklets for students that receive modular packets. Online lessons will be held for those that are enrolled in online learning. We also continue to provide lessons for specific schools we have worked with in the past as requested.

Other Ministry Updates

We continue getting the word out about Shofar TV and updating content. For those of you that may not be aware, Shofar TV broadcasts 24/7 on three cable TV stations throughout the island – one each in Toledo, Balamban/Asturias, and Metro Cebu.

Through Shofar Youth Network, we have provided curriculum to local youth groups that discuss some tough questions like “How Did We Get Here?” “Is the Bible True?” and “Who Created It All?” Several churches are trying to do youth events safely, so we have been able to share their postings to our social media pages also.

We have also had a chance to meet up with Dyreen, Orchids, & KC (in person!) to celebrate a couple of July birthdays!

June Ministry in Cebu

June 25, 2021 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read the latest updates from the mission field in Cebu, Philippines.

Domestic Mission Trip

At the end of May, we took a 3-day trip across the island to Toledo and Balamban. KC, one of the SLM members, came and assisted. We updated programming at both Shofar TV stations hung banners to promote the channels. We also caught up with a few pastors and distributed the latest Shofar newsletter. On the second day of the trip, we held a coffee giveaway for college students at Knockbucks Café. A few of the SLM members were able to help at the booth, and we met quite a few students. We also hit the streets with WOTS magazines and posters. At the end of the day, we regrouped at Yummio and caught up with the owner there. He has been a main contact with a couple of schools in the area, so we left Exploring Creation Science proposals with him to pass along to the administration. On the way back to the city, we journeyed through Cantabaco, visited Spring Park, and stopped at Southern Bethany. The trips out of the city are always a breath of fresh air (literally) and good for maintaining relationships and forming new ones.

Street Level Ministries

At the beginning of June, we started a new series called “FOCUS.” The summer can be a time that students “check out” so we thought it best to give it all we’ve got and encourage students to focus on what matters. Every week, we define key terms that every disciple needs to know. Check out the video promo to see all the terms we’ll cover this summer:

In addition to weekly bible discussions, SLM members continue to serve in WOTS and SLR. Final drafts have been submitted for Issue 87, so now we’re moving on to layout. Check out the video below to hear Fred read his Bisaya poem for the next issue. Last Saturday, we had a brainstorming meeting with Ruby, our only SLR DJ, to pray for the station and discuss ways we can keep serving remotely. On July 3, we are planning an in-person member meeting in Cantabaco. Since we’re still meeting virtually, we’re really looking forward to meeting in-person for a few hours on a Saturday.

Exploring Creation Science

In June, students in grades 4-6 and 7-12 got to learn all about forensic science and DNA during a 4-week series special. Students were able to look at fingerprints and learn how to do the experiments at home. How can one deny the existence of a creator when you look at how unique every person’s fingerprint is? Lessons will continue as schools keep teaching throughout the summer. Since lessons are online, it makes it easily accessible for students to keep learning. Schools will resume at different times (either July or August), so new Explore booklets will be developed and ready to go for the new semester next month.

Life & Other Things

We thank God for the opportunities to fellowship with people in-person. Although things are still pretty restricted, we’ve been able to attend Sunday services at local churches that we have relationships with. We’ve also been invited to attend one church’s young adults fellowship and are starting to form new friendships. We’ve also grilled out with neighbors and had a few visitors to the office. Zoom and Google Meet calls are still the bulk of our communication with people, so we snatch up any chance we can to be in-person!

Prayer Requests

Vision and wisdom for ministry as things continue online
True discipleship and gospel clarity among the SLM students
Continued relationships with schools and development of lessons for the upcoming year
For Filipinos to get vaccinated and for the country to open up to foreign tourists
Our upcoming trip to Cantabaco on July 3 – safety, for all the SLM members to attend, and for good fellowship

Ministry in Cebu

April 25, 2021 Shofar Missions Cebu

Keep reading for the latest update on life and ministry in Cebu.

Shofar TV

Thank you to everyone who has been faithfully praying for this ministry. God has done far more than we could imagine – just like He promised in Ephesians. At the end of March, He let us install Shofar TV at Toledo Cable. Viewers in Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungahan, Toledo City, Lutopan, and Balamban can watch on Channel 46. We had a great time getting to know the staff and technicians at Toledo Cable. Here’s what some of our viewers have said:

“Blessed day…I’m always watching Shofar on Cebu Cable.” – Cebu Cable Viewer, Carcar City

“Me and my wife are now viewing your programs. Thank you very much for the enlightening presentations for who God is…we like the Bible study every 5pm. God bless to your ministry.” – Toledo Cable TV Viewer

“I’m very glad that Shofar TV is now available on Toledo Cable. God bless.” – Toledo Cable TV Viewer

Ministry in Cebu Shofar TV staff with Toledo Cable staff

Street Level Ministries

On the same day we installed Shofar TV, we held an outreach to college students in the heart of Toledo City. Knockbucks Café graciously allowed us to set up our Street Level Ministries booth outside the coffee shop. Two SLM members and one of their friends spent the entire day with us. We gave away free coffee drinks and WOTS to UV students and fliers for Shofar TV for those passing by.

Since so much is online now, we’ve connected with the SLM groups in the USA. At the beginning of April, Ben and Sasha joined us for a Friday night meeting. This past Friday, SLM River Falls joined us and Justin led the Bible discussion. A couple of the Cebu students woke up early to connect with SLM Menomonie and Twin Ports for one of their Monday night meetings. We were also able to get together with all the WOTS writers for a Writing Workshop. A few non-WOTS writers from the Philippines even joined. Bantayan, Cebu, Luzon, and Panay Islands were represented!

Exploring Creation Science

While we were in Toledo, Laura was able to leave information about Exploring Creation Science and Explore booklets with the owner of Knockbucks, since his kids attend two different schools in the city. Hopefully, this will lead to new relationships and opportunities to teach lessons to students in Toledo. On the way back to the city, Laura got to catch up with Teacher Chinling at Southern Bethany.

Since schools still aren’t meeting in person, lessons continue online. In April, students learned “All About Weather.” In May, special lessons will be taught for students who in Grades 6 and 12. This lesson helps them to think about what challenges they’ll face as they move up or graduate. In June, lessons will be about examining the evidence (think: DNA hair samples and fingerprints). New Explore booklets will also be developed to supplement online lessons and/or as an option for those who can’t watch online.

Daily Life

It’s hard to believe that a year ago we were locked down – seriously, we couldn’t leave our house without a quarantine pass. Things aren’t that strict anymore (thank you, Lord), which has helped us do some of those “normal things” we used to do. We celebrated Laura’s birthday and even got a surprise visit from Orchids, a former WOTS writer, whom we haven’t seen in over a year. John, a former SLM member stopped by, so celebrated his birthday with KC.

Fellowship with Friends at Shofar Office

We still bike a lot. Sometimes we get caught in the rain. That’s okay. It makes you stop and look around at the things you get used to seeing all the time.

Here’s a new Bisaya word for you: “alimungawan” (ah-lee-moo-ngaw-on – 5 syllables). The literal translation is “absentminded” but it’s much deeper than that. It describes the disorientation you feel when you wake up – almost like sleepwalking. Just picture a little kid waking up from a nap and walking around (crying) looking for her mom.

Laura keeps planting things (cherry tomatoes soon!) and Brittany hasn’t stopped baking. Sometimes, we grill out with neighbors. We also got to go back to church for the first time since January!

Church at Living Word I.T. Park in Cebu City

Thanks for all your prayers. We’re praying for you, too. Kita ta unya, puhon (we’ll see you soon, Lord-willing).

“Padayon” – Keep Going

March 25, 2021 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read the latest news update from the mission field in the Philippines.

One of the joys (and challenges!) of the mission field is learning a new culture and language. One of my favorite phrases over the past year has been, “padayon” which means “keep going” or “carry on.” Another way to say it is “dasig lang” which is a much deeper Bisaya version of the phrase. “Laban lang” is the Tagalog version, which is also frequently used in the Visayas. All of them essentially translate to “keep fighting.” Whichever phrase you pick, it sums up much of the Christian life. We are to be faithful, consistent, and stubborn enough to keep going, knowing that Jesus is right there leading us through it all. As Elisabeth Elliot often reminded herself, “do the next thing.” Can you relate?

Here’s a brief summary of how we’ve put “padayon” into practice:

Exploring Creation Science Teaching Lessons Online

Laura has continued to expand this ministry in very creative ways despite being unable to meet with students physically. Interactive creation science lessons are taught online using props, experiments, videos, and more. During the month of March, a special lesson was taught via Google Meet to the Believers Church Homeschool students. There was also a special set of chemistry lessons taught via Facebook Live, along with the regularly schedule lessons every Thursday and Friday. As the school year wraps up, it’s time to dream, scheme, and coordinate schedules with churches / schools to prep for summer lessons and next school year.

Exploring Creation Science online lesson

Exploring Creation Science chemistry lessons

Street Level Ministries Reaching out to Universities

Universities still aren’t meeting in person, although most students have to go to campus to file paperwork, enroll, pay tuition, etc. Therefore, students are still spread throughout the region and doing their coursework remotely. This has made it challenging to meet new students and forced us to get pretty creative with reaching out. God allowed us to print 1,500 copies of the new issue of WOTS (the most we’ve ever printed!). We originally planned to include a copy in each student’s modules at UV, but the university’s plans changed, so we will be distributing at each of the 7 satellite campuses. God even provided a magazine rack for each campus (it’s not easy to find 7 of the same thing in this country).

WOTS Rack at the UV-Main Accounting Department

We have a small group of current students and recent graduates that join us on Google Meet each Friday for a Bible discussion. At the end of February, we hosted a virtual BINGO night which we also broadcasted live on Street Level Radio. Students continue to volunteer remotely for WOTS and SLR, and we’ve been able to see a couple of them in person at the office.

Street Level Ministries students at office

Street Level Ministries online BINGO night

Shofar Cable TV Broadcasting is Expanding!

We have some exciting news to share! At the end of the month, we will start broadcasting Shofar Cable TV on the west side of Cebu Island! Channel 46 on Toledo Cable TV will officially be “SHOFAR”! We thank God for answering our prayers to expand our broadcasting reach throughout the island. Now, the final frontiers are the deep south and far north. Please pray for a successful installation, for viewers, and kingdom fruit from this ministry!

Shofar Cable TV broadcasting on Cebu Island

Prayer Requests

To end the school year well and to have vision for the upcoming summer / school year.
For true discipleship and a heart to reach other students among the SLM students.
For churches throughout the island to be able to meet safely and be vigilant about safety protocols.
That God would open up the Philippines for a team (or two) to come to Cebu this year.
Gospel-centered relationships and conversations with the people in our home and office communities that we see everyday.