By Donna Marable
Our Father’s Heart Outreach has partnered with a team in the Philippines to distribute food and Balikbayan Boxes which contain clothing, children’s Christian and educational books, DVDs, blankets, powdered milk, dried foods . . . and love. An outreach to the native children and families in the city of Mabalacat, Pampanga Province, is a monthly event. The team, with ‘boots on the ground’ in the Philippines, cooks spaghetti and distributes various nonperishable foods that are purchased in their local area via donations from Our Father’s Heart Outreach on the Gulf of Mexico Alabama coast in America. The meals and the distributions are done in the Clark City Park and in a camp under a Mabalacat bridge. The trackable boxes of love are shipped via UMAC Express Cargo from the Babayan Grocery store in Pensacola, Florida.
The Filipino team leader, Maricel Larawan partners with Gulf Shores founder Stephen Johnson and his son Caleb – who is full of ideas and known as “the creative think tank”. Their common vision and passion is: “Showing the love of Jesus Christ and the Heart of Father God by the power of the Holy Spirit through tangible giving”. The Mission’s name grew out of Stephen’s recognition that the Mission was not from HIS OWN heart, BUT directly from THE FATHER’S heart working through him and the team. Keeping their thoughts and focus on the Bible verses I John 3:17 and Hebrews 13:16, they have experienced the favor of God with stability and growth. Their progress may be followed on the website: www.ourfathersheartoutreach.org
Besides performing practical acts of love to the children and families in the Philippines, Stephen’s desire is to let the recipients know that no matter what background they come from, God has a purpose and a plan for their lives. He is expecting God and the Mission to encourage and enable the family members to recognize their God-given talents and giftings in practical ways as Stephen knows that their gifts are attached to their purpose. On his next trip over Stephen hopes to shower crowns and tiaras on each of the children, demonstrating they are kings and princesses in God’s eyes. The last Balikbayan Box shipment arrived in August. 2022. To help with the next shipment, planned for inbound December, 2022, or future shipments in 2023, please contact ourfathersheart7@gmail.com or jim.curtis.connect@gmail.com or Stephen at (770) 771-3664.
This monthly, tangible example of the Father’s love is possible through the provision of thoughtful items and generous monetary donations from the members of Connect Church in Foley, Alabama and by others around the U.S. After speaking with the Founder, it is easy to understand the joy of the Lord in his expressions and on his face as he explained this passion birthed out of his lifelong experiences. There are other locations in the Philippines on which Stephen has his eye – anticipating future shipments there as the Lord networks and opens doors – – ‘job well done, faithful servant’ and – Glory be to Our Father!
The ministry is expanding to partner with Jesus Saves Ministries Inc. – Cavite Outreach, in Dasmariñas, Philippines, under the leadership of Assistant Pastor Andrea Morden.
https://www.connectchurch.faith – www.ourfathersheartoutreach.org – www.facebook.com/JSMCavite
