The world famous rice terraces in the mountains of Banaue, Philippines provide the setting and backdrop for a children’s home called ‘Noah’s Ark’, a place of safety and love for orphaned, neglected, abandoned, and special needs children.
For over 20 years a Canadian missionary from Guelph, Linda Veldhuizen, has given leadership and direction to this important work which has now seen children from birth through university graduation becoming productive citizens of their beloved country.
In April 2013 a team of members from Central Pentecostal Church in Elora were sent to Banaue to assist Veldhuizen and her staff giving leadership to a Vacation Bible School for about 150 children and a subsequent Youth Camp for about 180 youth, most of whom are sponsored by Canadians so they can attend school and receive education.
The trip was the third time a team has been sent from the church in the last seven years to the Philippines.
They spent about five months in preparation learning about each other, how to work together, preparing for both the camps they would lead, and raising funds for the costs involved.
Many local businesses in Fergus and Elora donated items and gift cards for a silent auction held last winter in support of this team which was greatly appreciated.
Used clothing was also collected, along with quilts, afghans, and ponchos that were made by local church members for the children in Noah’s Ark.
Seeds were also purchased at a discount from Gerrie’s Greenhouse farm for a new greenhouse project recently built at the home. Many other financial donations enabled this team to go and provide invaluable support.
Travelling for over 24 hours on three flights, arriving in Manila at 2:15am, with a 12 hour time change and a 12 hour bus drive up into the mountains of Ifugao province took its toll on everyone but they were ready to go when the kids arrived for camp.
Many new friendships were established and relationships cemented in the two weeks the team spent there. Ages of team members ranged from 15 to 85 years.
Staying in dormitory type rooms and eating rice twice a day was a new experience for many. Hiking on the mountainous rice terraces was a stretching experience. Being a blessing to others and learning to let people be a blessing to you was a new experience for some.
At the end of the adventure the team stopped for two days in Beijing where they toured the Great Wall, Olympic Village, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. And ate real Chinese food of course.
The group thanks the many people and businesses in our communities who helped support the teams that have been sent to Haiti, Kenya, the Philippines, and Sandy Lake, over the last several years, and hopes to continue these projects in the future.
