Month: April 2021

Categories
Activities Church Events

Dental Mission 2018

Photography By: Gabby Manabat

Every family has their own tradition. For Faith Family Church doing acts of kindness without strings attached is a tradition and they have shared this love for serving the community through three dentists. On April 22, 2018 another dental mission took place in Silang, Cavite in the community of Magnagon. Dr. Eloi, Dr. Grace and Dr. Glenda didn’t mind the trip to Cavite to serve the community. The dentists from Jeremiah 3017 dental clinic have always been finding ways to give back to the community by conducting dental missions. This is something that they have been doing for a long time now. Faith Family Church always endeavours to be able to organize events like the Dental Mission. The Dental Mission usually takes place in Faith Family Church but this year the dentists were brought to the community. The Young Adult Ministry took on the challenge of organizing the dental mission.

Photography By: Gabby Manabat

Most spend their summers swimming away in beaches but everyone in the hall chose to hustle for the community. As the day got hotter, more people began arriving. All people of all sorts of ages and sizes came to avail the free tooth extraction. There were several funny moments with different patients like how there was a mother who didn’t want her son to go through with the tooth extraction because her son will play basketball the next day. There was also a child who cried not because he was in pain but more of because how he can’t eat ice cream because his mother is taking too long with the dentist. The community was warm and welcoming. It made serving them a joy. The heat only created a warm atmosphere for everyone all around. 64 patients were served in total. Some of them only came to have a check up and some didn’t need to have their tooth extracted immediately. It was another successful dental mission. By 4pm everyone started packing up so that they can huddle in for pictures. As another memory of serving the community is tucked in safely everyone said their prayers before going home. All in a day’s work.

Categories
Activities

School Supplies Distribution

At the beginning of each school year, the Faith Family Foundation endeavors to support the studies of needy schoolchildren by providing school supplies to students of public schools who would otherwise not have this “luxury,’ as their scant funds would be spent on tuition and other fees. Priority, however, is given to students being supported by the Foundation . In June , 2016 the Faith Family Foundation decided to distribute school supplies to the students who are members of Faith Family Church.

At the beginning of each school year, the Faith Family Foundation endeavors to support the studies of needy schoolchildren by providing school supplies to students of public schools who would otherwise not have this “luxury,’ as their scant funds would be spent on tuition and other fees. Priority, however, is given to students being supported by the Foundation . In June , 2016 the Faith Family Foundation decided to distribute school supplies to the students who are members of Faith Family Church.

Scholars receiving their school supplies

They also received school uniforms, socks , bags and other essentials for their studies. The joy in the students and parents hearts was palpable, as they eagerly and gratefully queed up and received the very supplies that they had been praying for.Some students even compared the color of the notebooks that they got and talked about how they were excited to use their new materials for the coming school year. Some parents were more excited than the students themselves.

The Foundation is currently supporting 120 students under this project. The Faith Family Foundation hopes that they could extend the same kind of sui[pport, if not more, in the coming years, as they see this a a very practical way of helping and supporting students of the community. The Foundation extended its thanks to the donors of this activity, particularly the officers and Staff of the Philippine Mission to ASEAN , based in Jakarta Indonesia.

Categories
Activities

Financial Assistance to Scholars

Every school year students from Faith Family Church are given an opportunity to pursue their studies. Students are given a maximum of Php 10,000 each which they are free to use – either in augmenting their tuition or other school fees, buying books or simply to help them with their day-to-day needs.. Most of them do not have the resources to pay for their tuition fee or afford having an allowance.

Scholars receiving ther school supplies

The Foundation is currently supporting 5 elementary students, 8 high school students, 4 grade 11 students and 11 college students. Elementary students are given 3,000 Philippine pesos, High school students and Grade 11 are given 5,000 pesos, and finally College students are given 10,000 pesos. The amount of money distributed to the scholars increases as they advance their academic studies because their needs also increase. Many became hopeful because of the support given by the Foundation.

Some scholars are taking up Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology and Hotel and Restaurant Management. Receiving support from the Foundation boosted their motivation to finish their studies. Scholars have several requirements that they must fulfill if they want to be able to apply or keep their scholarship. The scholars are required to attend their cell group meetings and church regularly; they are scheduled to help in cleaning the Church as a way of giving back, they should maintain a certain average grade and they cannot have any failing grade. Scholars are also discouraged from having a girlfriend and boyfriend to ensure that would not be distracted in their studies. The Foundation hopes that the students would not only be provided financial help, but they would also be molded with values.

Categories
Activities

Faith Family Foundation Provides Free Dental Services to 100 Patients

Say aaaah!

Faith Family Church saw its grounds packed with patients as another dental mission, conducted by the Faith Family Foundation, was held on October 7, 2017. Hailing from Jeremiah 3017 Dental Clinic, Dr. Eloi Crisostomo, Dr. Glenda Clamar, and Dr. Louis Clyde Bautista, along with their assistants, graciously lent their services to help 100 patients. Free medicine was also distributed to patients. Around 20 volunteers were also present to assist in various matters, such as registration, cleaning of medical supplies, checking the patients’ vital signs, and providing help to the dentists.

As early as 6:30 AM, patients had started to line up to avail of the free dental services provided by doctors from Jeremiah 3017 Dental Clinic. Patients of all ages registered, but a vast majority of them were young children, accompanied by their parents. For most of the patients, travelling to the dental mission was not difficult as many of them live in areas near the church. Dental missions like these are the only opportunity that some of the patients get to visit a dentist. Salvacion Bautista, 44 and mother of two, expressed her gratitude that events like these occur. “Yung dentista kasi doon pa sa may GMA. Mahirap pumunta at mahal pa magpabunot. Kaya pag naririnig ko na may ganito sa Faith, talagang pumupunta kami ng mga anak ko.” (I have to go to GMA to visit a dentist. It is hard to go there and the cost of tooth extraction is too high. Whenever I hear that Faith Family Foundation conducts events like these, I make sure to bring my children.) Others, like Christian (19) and Wilson (52), usually wait for dental missions to have their teeth extracted. They talked about how convenient and helpful dental missions were because they do not have to spend what little money they earn. Many of the patients had either been to past dental missions or had heard from friends and family members who had previously gone to dental missions.

The children, on the other hand, had nothing but smiles ready for the dentists. A few of them were nervous and scared to see the dentists, but were soon consoled by the promise of free ice cream. Peter Mupas, an ice cream vendor, set up his ice cream cart outside the make-shift clinic to console patients who had just had their teeth extracted. Alumni of the Faith Family Foundation pooled their resources together to hire Mr. Peter for the day. The ice cream cart surely made for a comforting sight after a bout of pain.

Patients get their treats after teeth extractions.

The dentists, veterans of dental missions, were nothing but professional, managing to do their tasks efficiently and effectively. Their bright attitudes also shone through while joking with patients to calm them down. Dr. Glenda stated, “This is my way to give back the glory to the Lord. I am thankful for His blessings and His faithfulness, so I want to give back. It is also fulfilling to serve in line with my profession.” Fulfillment is a big part of the dental mission for them, as Dr. Clyde mentions that his exhaustion is only second to the feeling of fulfillment and doing God’s work. Their success in their field is a gift from God, as Dr. Eloi says. “I believe God has called me to bless others because He has gifted me with this profession. I can use my profession to let others feel the love of God.” The dentists and their assistants have indeed let others feel the love of God through their excellent dental services that served 100 people.

Happy Faces All. Despite their exhausting whole day work, Doctors, volunteers and church leaders share a light moment at the close of the dental Mission.
Categories
Stories of Scholars

Testimony – Gladys Dagondong

Hi, Im Gladys Dagongdong, 20 years old, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Computer Science sa Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology Cavite Campus. My father Domingo Dagongdong is a company employee while my mother Fidela Dagongdog is a housewife.

One of those who helped me realize this dream was GMA Faith Family Church. I was invited to teach children in church and I really enjoyed it. I am currently a volunteer in the Children Ministry of Faith Family Church.

The foundation was a great help to me because aside from financial support, they also helped me become responsible. As a scholar, I had to follow rules in the foundation. One of these rules include arriving on time and on schedule when we are assigned to clean the church. I learned to be responsible with the tasks assigned to me.

Now that I have graduated, I consider myself a product of GMA Faith Family Foundation. I will strive to help my family as well as other students who want to finish their studies but lack financial means.

Thank you to all the supporters of GMA Faith Family Church. Without your help, I would not be able to finish my studies and I would not have become a Degree holder and now an IT Staff/ Marketing Executive in a private company. Thank you very much!

To GOD be the glory and God bless us all!



GLADYS DAGONGDONG
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
AY:2013-2017

Categories
Stories of Scholars

Testimony – Christian Historillo

Hi! My name is Christian, I’ve been a scholar of the foundation since 2013 when I was a freshman in college. It’s a great burden for my parents to send me to school because at that time my father didn’t have a job so sometimes I had to find ways to get money for my tuition fee and allowance. My expenses in school usually add up to our other expenses in the house and in our life as a family which is why sometimes we don’t even have money to buy food.

That is why the foundation has been a great help in my life. I dream of having a career as a “Web Developer”. I’m really passionate about anything related to technology which is why I chose to study Information Technology. Because of the goodness of God, the GMA Faith Family foundation gave me the opportunity to study. My financial needs as a student were provided for and I also developed my spiritual growth and relationship with the Lord through cell groups.

Now that I’ve graduated I was influenced by the foundation to be generous to others. The foundation showed me how the Lord works in the life of every person so as much as possible I want to show the same kindness towards others if not more. I also want to help other students who are struggling financially in their studies according to my own capacity. I also learned how to become a good leader to others and I want to impart a similar kind of leadership to other students besides the financial help. I’m also able to share my knowledge to other students who struggle with the program I took as a college student.

Categories
Stories of Scholars

Testimony – Patrecia Louise D. Solocasa

Good day!

I am Patrecia Louise D. Solocasa, 22 years old, and now a graduate of BS Electronics Engineering from Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite. I have been a scholar of the Faith Family Foundation since high school. The Foundation has been a great help for me and my family, especially when my family and I went through financial hardships, like the time the company my father worked at was closed down.

My journey as an engineering student was tough and I encountered a lot of struggles. I even came to a point where I wanted to give up. The Foundation was not only a source of financial help, but of spiritual help. I was constantly reminded that it is through God, who gives me strength, that I am able to finish my studies. I am also appreciative towards the people who believed in me, encouraged me, and gave me love and support even as I struggled to finish my degree.

Because I have experienced firsthand how the Foundation has helped me, once I finish my board exam, I want to help and share my blessings to the Foundation so other students are able to finish their studies.

Thank you, and God bless you all!

Categories
Stories of Scholars - Main

Testimony – Leosy Catucod

I would like to praise our God, Almighty Father, without whom I would not be where I am now. By His grace and blessing, I stood there proudly on my graduation day- something I have never imagined would happen in my life. In all the years of my studies, I have experienced many trials, including persecutions from other people. It is not easy to be a student in a Bible School studying the Bible. People asked me – of what use is this degree? Can it help me find a job later on? Will this line of work be enough to provide for my and my family’s needs ? On the other hand, there is so much expectation from people. People ask- what right have I got over others teaching about the Bible? Am I better than they are? Do I have the moral ascendancy to preach to others about the Bible later on? And many similar questions.

Day after day, week after week, many trials confronted me, not to mention the financial difficulty of my family. Tatay had no job and my mother had to struggle to make ends meet. There are—of us sibling competing for the meager family income that is not even enough to buy our basic needs. But I continued my studies , confident that God would be with me every step of the way. During moments when I was about to give up because of the extreme difficulties and pressure , God would revive me with fresh courage and strength. God gave me wisdom to see the end of the tunnel and never be defeated by what I encounter along the way.

I also thank the Faith Family Foundation which helped me along the way, providing not only financial resources to fund my studies but also creating an atmosphere to build my character and prepare me for the responsibility ahead after graduation. Their help and those of other supporters gave me inspiration to strive and do my best in my studies- finishing cum laude – beyond my wildest dreams! I glorify God for this honor and return to Him all praise I received. To the supporters of the Faith Family Foundation- I do not know who youa re but God will reward you for helping me.

I know that more responsibilities and expectations await me in the future. But having experienced the grace of God in whatever circumstance in my life, I am confident that I will succeed in realizing God’s plan for me. In the end, what I chose to study will be used to glorify God and do His will in my life.

May this short testimony of mine serve as motivation to other scholars to do their best as well and just continue trusting God with everything. turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding . Proverbs 2:2

Categories
Stories of Scholars - Main

Testimony – Donna Dagondong

Hello! I’m Donna Fe Rosquites Dagongdong, 22 years old, A proud graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Aministration Major in Management, from Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology Cavite Campus. I am the eldest among three siblings. My father Mr. Domingo Dagongdong works as a Company Employee/Welder, and my mother Mrs. Fidela Dagongdong is a House wife.

I started entering college, I really wanted to take up Hotel and Restaurant Management because I wanted to work in a prestigious Hotel or Restaurant and become a successful manager of my own business because I know that is where I will enjoy. However, I was not qualified in the school where I applied for that course, which is why I took a different course. I was sad at first, but I was encouraged by Faith Family Foundation to pursue my ambition.

I realized that I can still achieve my dreams in a different way or in a different course. They (the foundation) helped me realize that the ways of the Lord are greater than my ways, and I know that the Lord has a wonderful plan for my life. I am very grateful to the Lord and to the foundation because aside from the financial help, they also helped me become responsible through the tasks assigned to me whenever there are activities and events organized by the foundation. Most of all, the continuous prayers given to us scholars by Faith Family Foundation helped me finish my studies.

Now that I’ve graduated and currently working I am planning to support financially in whatever way I can. In this way, I could also help other students finish their studies and impart blessings to the Foundation that helped me graduate.

Categories
Stories of Scholars - Main

Testimony – Asbert Beronia

Greetings in Christ’s name!

I’m Mr. Asbert Beronia, 24 yrs old. I was 16 yrs old when I accepted Jesus Christ in my life as my Lord and Savior. I’m the only child of my parents, but my dad has a family before my mom. He works as a foreman in a construction site for more than 20 yrs, he’s the bread winner in our family. When I started college, my dad was too old to work, he was already 70 yrs old by then. My mom couldn’t work also because she has a physical illness, anemia, a heart problem and with one kidney remaining. We’re not stable financially but we do have a little business by selling charcoals just for our daily needs. It wasn’t enough to take me to college.

GMA Faith Family Foundation was part of that dream, they gave me not only financial support but guided me to a Godly life and encouraged me to move forward to pursue my dreamed career by having Faith in God. I’m very thankful and truly blessed to be part of this foundation and owe it all to God.

I am now working in an IT Company in Makati City as a Business Analyst. Through this wonderful opportunity, I am now able to help my parents. I’m so Blessed. As I am going through this career, I’m also looking forward to helping other students to pursue their dreams by giving financial donations and other support they need. As of now, I am helping the foundation to raise funds by using my skills as an IT professional.

There are many young people who are less fortunate in our community just like me before, they have dreams that they want to pursue and a life to look forward to. With the support of Faith Family Foundation these young people will be given proper guidance as they grow physically, emotionally, mentally and most of all spiritually. That’s the foundation’s mission to our community and you can be part of this.

I hope and pray, if God is touching your heart to help this young generation to pursue their dreams you may also bless them by giving any support you have.

Thank you very much for reading my story.
God Bless you!

“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” – C.S. Lewis