HYC Philippines: The lasting impact of HYC

Good news from the Philippines! The story of how a couple reached out to during HOPE Youth Corps last Christmas undergo a transformation.

God uses our service for His good. He uses it to reach people. They see Jesus when they see us serve and be humble. Sometimes serving, loving and helping is a more effective witness than handing out church cards, or inviting someone to Bible talk. HOPE Youth Corps and other Volunteer Corps have an impact beyond the service projects we get involved in. Again and again, people turn to God because of what they see, not because of what we tell. Last December, a group of about 80 volunteers served for two weeks in Daanbantayan, a part of the Philippines that was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan three years ago. There were volunteers of all ages, but predominantly teens and students, and they came from all over the world. Most had never met before but bonded during their time in Daanbantayan, whilst serving a community in need. They painted fishing boats, they taught children, five homes were built, they visited and spent time with families, they ate the local food, had quiet times together in the mornings and daily devotionals and discipleship groups. They laughed, they danced, and yes, they also cried.

The local people were watching. It was clear that this group was special; they had given up their Christmas to travel to the other side of the world and serve a people they did not know. Aimee Sericon was one of the local women. When she saw this large group serving, she came forward and offered to help also. On Christmas Day we had a party for the children of the daycare center run by HOPE worldwide. Aimee helped to serve the food. Some of the sisters on the trip started talking to Aimee, in particular Jo Donado (Melbourne, Australia) and Isa Gonzales Araneo (San Diego, USA). Both of them are originally Filipino and were able to talk and connect to Aimee. They began studying the Bible with her that same day and went on to meet every day until the end of the trip.