Last week was a celebration at the Pasuk Project! Together with our students, parents and the Pasuk staff, we celebrated the 9-year anniversary of the cooperation between Pasuk and Cebu Bible Church. A joyous moment for the entire Pasuk family!
Zhyche's testimony
A highlight of the day was former student Zhyche's testimony. Last summer, after 15 years as a Pasuk scholar, she retired and began her studies in accountancy at the "University of Cebu. We are tremendously grateful that Zhyche has come to faith - the Lord is also her Savior and Redeemer! Now she has a desire to serve as a volunteer in the Pasuk program herself.
In her testimony, Zhyche encouraged the younger Pasuk children to pay close attention during lessons at the project. She called them to believe in Jesus Christ because only His blood cleanses us from all sin. She also reminded them to value their time at Pasuk and the friendships they develop as a precious gift.
See an impression of the anniversary celebration in the video below, with a voice-over by Zhyche. Following the rest of the text are some photos.
Great gratitude
We were allowed to look back together on the many intense situations in which God proved His endless goodness and faithfulness. For example, we remember super typhoon Odette (December 2021), after which Pasuk was allowed to help rebuild the homes of Pasuk children. The terrible fire in Duljo slum is also still fresh in our memories. Then we were able to build 12 new houses for the affected Pasuk children and staff members. Yet for many children and parents, gratitude for the weekly home visits and food assistance during the Covid lockdowns is at the top of the list. That period was extremely hard on the families; the lack of work and income meant there was hardly any food. But God miraculously provided, and we were then able to distribute food packages for 19 weeks during the most severe lockdowns.
"My God will provide you with everything you need according to His riches, in glory, through Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:19
Close friendships
During the cozy anniversary celebration in CBC's church hall, which felt like a family gathering, there was plenty of room for games, singing, dancing and delicious food. It is wonderful to see the children develop close friendships and enjoy the fine, safe social environment. Bonding is also growing among parents, with them increasingly supportive of each other. For example, a number of mothers help wash dishes weekly after the Saturday project.
