News at HELP International

Greetings from the HfaN-team!

2012-01-23T13:22:00.001-08:00

We hope you finished last year well and have had a wonderful start to 2012.
Our high-light at the end of the year was definitely our Christmas party on the street.
What a wonderful atmosphere it was. People enjoyed the food, the presents and our fellowship. Old friends from the street showed up and it felt like we were having a family reunion right there on the street! Thanks to all of you who made this possible.

We are back in full swing, it's exciting what has already happened this year. Even on our very first outreach of the year, one of our homeless friends came by to the trailer. He told us that he would love to come and help out at the "LIFEHOUSE property" so that he could become more righteous towards God.
He felt so lost and was also fearful that Jesus would reject him because of his failures and addictions. He sought to gain favor through helping us. We told him Jesus accepts you as you are and that only through His grace can you receive salvation and eternal life. He could hardly believe this and was even more excited to hear that he could do it right there.
He gave his life to Jesus, what a wonderful moment it was. Where before agony and fear controlled his life, peace and rest entered and took hold of him. He then left happy and full of joy.

Two days later Michael joined our "LIFE Training" program. It's a joy and an honor to have him here with us. We are thrilled to see what God has in store for him.

Michael says

"I am a young man of 19 and I used to be homeless. I was not hooked on drugs or alcohol but I was lost and looking for God and answers to the questions of life.
I came to the "LIFEHOUSE Training Center" because a good friend advised me that they would help me in my quest. So, I came to the ranch and I discovered Jesus. He can help answer my questions and guide me in the way I should go in life."

As you can see 2012 has started off well for us and we have the expectation that there will be even more good news to share during this year!

Cream and Sugar trailer parking

For the past four years we were allowed to park our Cream and Sugar trailer on the University Baptist Church (UBC) parking lot in order to do our "outreaches".
We are very grateful for all the favor we have experienced with the staff of UBC.
Due to a building project we no longer are able to use this location for our outreaches. Now we are on the search for a new place close to the Drag where we can either park our mobile coffee shop or rent a facility that would serve our purpose.
If you become aware of any solution that meets this need we would appreciate it if you would contact us.

Healthy Food for the Soul

2011-11-15T15:02:00.001-08:00

"When does the Spice Up worship service start?"
We love this kind of question. Jenny wanted to be sure not to miss this opportunity to worship Jesus and listen to his words. It was obvious that this was an event she planed for in her schedule that day. During the whole sermon she listened attentively to what was being said. She reminded us of a parched sponge absorbing every single drop of water that is poured on it.

Christy loves to sing but still she was very skeptical when we handed out the song booklets. Her previous experiences in worshiping God were very much associated with boredom . After the second song she exclaimed with an excited voice:"Let's sing one more song." She just couldn't believe how life-giving it can be to sing for God.
While she was listening to the preaching she often would think out loud and try to grasp what was said. At one point she said in a voice that was both awe struck and kind of bitter at the same time:" Why was I taught so wrong in the past?"

This is the purpose of our Spice Up worship service that we hold every Monday evening at the Cream and Sugar trailer. We want to provide the opportunity for our young friends from the streets to meet the living God. After several years ministering to them we realized that the conventional pattern of
1. Evangelism
2. Conversion
3. Discipleship
doesn't work so well on the streets. We first need to disciple them in order to lead them to the cross. Often homeless people know the bible inside out and are fed up with religious and boring preachings. Their understanding about God and his word is very much perverted and we noticed the need for healthy, defined and life-giving spiritual teachings that are made alive through the Holy Spirit

Constant dripping wears the stone; we are convinced that many of these young people will eventually break through and find real life in Jesus.

On a journey with God!

2011-10-17T09:40:00.001-07:00

Hello, my name is Tim, I am 19 years old and come from Lüdenscheid, Germany and I am a member of the "FCJG" (the parent ministry of HELP for all Nations) over there. In the beginning of August I came to Austin to start ten-months of volunteer service with the HELP for all Nations team.Already in these two months I have had many experiences with the ministry. Even upon entering the country I witnessed a little miracle, after a lot of back and forth I finally had my visa for 12 months in my hands.

The first thing I noticed, leaving the airport was the, literally, "breathtaking" weather. The following months were constantly hot and dry which lead to fires, of which you may have read in one of the last issues of "inside". That was a really extreme situation for me, because I never experienced something like this before and it really felt a bit surreal to be that close to such a disaster. I noticed one more time that it is very important to realize that God is bigger than all of this, and to trust him in this situation.

A constant part of my daily life are the outreaches with the "Cream and Sugar" trailer in Austin. Every outreach is something special to me and it is awesome to spend time with the homeless, listen to their stories and to share something myself. I remember one situation during my first outreach when a man, who joins us on a regular basis, said he experienced God for the first time during the worship service. This "little" incident showed me that we really have great opportunities and that God is using us in order to change hearts and lives.

It is very helpful for me to live with Chris. He is a participant of the "LIFE-Training". He joined us one year ago, left his old life on the streets and started anew again. Besides the outreaches, I spend most of my working time with him. At the moment we are renovating our new "community house", taking out the floor and fixing the walls. Although the work requires a lot of patience sometimes it is really fun to work there with a view of the end-result.
In this time God has lead me to new depths and meets me in new ways. For me it is awesome to invest in a year for God, not being distracted but being focused. It is great to experience how God stands with me in my decision to be here.Gods influence has been apparent in getting my visa, finding friends and feeling totally comfortable.
I also have been blessed financially. I recently received approval for a German financial support program, which is really helping me. I previously have enjoyed blessings in regards to finances. This is truly awesome! It is really encouraging to me.It is so great to be on a journey with God!

Thank you!

We're so excited about God's faithfulness and your support! End of July we moved the new community house onto our property and today we already have half of the finances we need for the renovation and the set up of the infrastructure. This is so encouraging.
A big THANK YOU for your generosity and continual assistance in that project!

Your HELP for all Nations Team

God's Compassion for the Ones Who Suffer

2011-09-16T12:49:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, September 4, 2011, a slew wildfires broke out in the Bastrop area. After just a short time several merged into one big fire that would eventually burn down almost 1600 homes and destroy an area of 34,000 acres. 5000 homes had to be evacuated. Several shelters and donation centers were opened to meet the needs of the victims. It ended up being the single most destructive wildfire in Texas history and president Obama declared a state of emergency.

At a certain point one of the fires also threatened our "LIFEHOUSE" property. We took the proper measures to be ready for evacuation but by the grace of God our place was spared and we were able to stay at home.
We spent the following several days at the main donation center helping sort the masses of goods people dropped off. We were astonished by the generosity of the people and the willingness to serve. Several people who served alongside of us had lost their homes and still were more concerned about the well being of others than their own needs. The presence of God was in that place. It left a profound impression on us, that will have its effect for the rest of our lives.

This is the third disaster that occurred during the history of our ministry. We had the privilege to serve Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike victims and each time we experienced God's compassion for the ones who suffer. We feel honored to be part of the bigger picture in Gods Kingdom.

We would like to thank everybody who prayed for us during this difficult time. It is an amazing experience if you are aware of the fact that there are people across the globe interceding on behalf of you.

Prayer Support Team

For the past year we have published prayer updates regarding our ministry on a monthly basis. We call it the "Prayer Support Team". If you would like to receive our prayer request e-mail, please "sign up here".

Japan – aid for the region of Sendai

2011-09-01T00:44:00.000-07:00

Six months after the massive tsunami in Japan, still thousands of people are suffering from the aftermath of the disaster in the region around the seaport Sendai. Even though for many families the house itself remained standing, the entire household has been destroyed or washed away.

Now we have a real opportunity to bring relief into this situation. From 9 - 28 September a team from Lüdenscheid will travel to the distressed area of Sendai. In cooperation with local christians, they will visit the strucked families and equip them with basic essentials. (The basic equipment for one home comes around at approximately € 2500.)
We would be very grateful for financial support of the Japan relief effort!

Donations:

HELP International e.V.

Deutsche Bank PGK Hagen

BLZ 450 700 24, Account no.: 26 26 26 5

IBAN: DE50 4507 0024 0262 6265 00

SWIFT-BIC: DEUT DE DB450
Purpose: Tsunami Japan

Contact:
HELP International, Phone.: +49 23 51 / 2 00 49

The following video shows the extent of the disaster, what has happened so far and how the team is going to help (partly in german).

The house has arrived!

2011-08-17T08:27:00.001-07:00

This past month was a very exciting time for us. On July 27th our new Community House was moved to our "LIFEHOUSE" property. The house endured the 40 mile drive from Round Rock to Cedar Creek very well. Once again we were amazed at the size of the building. It measures 76' x 28', has four bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a huge kitchen and a big living room area. It perfectly fits our needs and it will be a great blessing for a lot of needy people who will find a new home at the "LIFEHOUSE". One more time we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who made this possible - you are wonderful!
We feel that we have reached a significant milestone in the history of our ministry. Not only do new possibilities open up, but through the new building we start to develop the rest of the property. Due to the location of the new Community House we need to set up the infrastructure like water, sewage system and electricity. At the same time this will make that part of the property accessible for further construction and additional buildings.
This means we are once again challenged to believe for finances that will enable us to renovate the new Community House and to set up the water, the sewage system and electricity. We expect costs to be approximately $30,000. It is our prayer that we will be able to accomplish these things within a short period of time so that we can make use of the new building as soon as possible.

We are very grateful for any kind of help and support. In the past we experienced so many miracles in regards of God's provision and we are confident that this is just a glimpse of what lays ahead of us.

Again, thanks for standing with us!

May God bless you,

The HELP for all Nations - Team

Video of the transport

More than just coffee ...

2011-07-19T08:27:00.001-07:00

My Name is Ole, I'm from Germany and I've been volunteering for eight months with HELP for all Nations.
A while ago, on one of those warm Texas afternoons in Austin, one of our homeless friends surprised us with some terrible news: A friend of his died.
It took me a few minutes to understand who he was talking about, but when I finally did, it hit me like a blow to the head!
I knew the young lady! She was just sitting with us in our "Cream and Sugar"trailer a week ago and now the street has taken here life away. Although I didn't even know much about her, I totally didn't expect this news.
The fact that I had hardly talked to her, didn't help me, on the contrary, as I had handed her a water, or poured coffee, I could have told her about our brilliant God who loves here so much.
Of course it makes no sense to beat my self up about it now, but this experience has thought me something : Our outreaches are not about providing coffee for people in need, but saving lives, particularly the eternal life! It's about people learning of their Creator, and of his longing to live with us in a close and everlasting relationship.
To provide Coffee and Water for the homeless, can be a good way to show them they are loved, but in addition to the giving, the love should be reflected through words, through words that can save lives!
If I talk to someone in our trailer today, I remember the fact that a word too much about Jesus, is much better than one too little.

Ready to go ...

We have scheduled to move our new "Community House" on July 25th. We are very excited about it and we appreciate your prayer for a smooth move. Thank you very much for all your support in this matter!

Serving alongside the team

2011-06-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

I'm a graduate student at Michigan State University but originally I'm from Germany. There, I used to go to the "church" that sent out the "HfaN"-team. I had always heard many good things about this ministry and so this summer I had the opportunity to come down to Austin and serve alongside the team for two weeks.
Pursuing a doctorate degree like I do, it is easy to get caught up in research and live detached from the real world. This is why I decided that I wanted to do something different this summer. Although I didn't have much time to spare, I saw this outreach as a chance to do something meaningful and help out with practical jobs on the "LIFEHOUSE" property and outreaches into the city.
During the outreaches I could see the fruit of the team's going to the streets for many years as they have been able to establish friendships with many of the homeless people. I never saw anyone react hostile to our presence or talk badly about the "Cream and Sugar Ministry". Instead, conversations in the trailer were always cheerful and I got to know some of the folks that otherwise I may have seen as a nuisance and passed rather quickly.
Now these faces have names like Crazy Boy, 21, travelling the country without a destiny, or Dave who may appear somewhat crazy on first sight but who turns out to have the sweetest spirit.
When they shared snippets from their lives, it would often be stories of despair and hopelessness. In the Cream and Sugar trailer, though, they can experience a time of rest and peace and see that there is another way. Some people come only to get a bottle of cold water or a snack, others stick around and chat for a while. The team and volunteers are always ready to listen and pray when people are open.

I guess two weeks is really too short and I wish I could have stayed longer but nevertheless I had a great time and I hope that I was of help to the team. For me it was encouraging to spend time with other believers and to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of life as a graduate student and I left more refreshed than after a vacation trip.

-Jens-

Thank you!

In our last newsletters we told you about the new community house that we were given. To be able to move the house to our property, we asked you for your financial support and many of you have responded generously.
And praise God! The necessary funds have come in and now we'll be able to transport the house as soon as it's ready for the move. Thank you for your generosity.
We'll keep you posted...
your HELP for all Nations-team

The forgotten Generation of America

2011-05-23T08:09:00.001-07:00

Statistics state that there are approximately 3 million young people (ages 16-24) living on the streets of America. Some of them ran away from their families and others were forced to leave their homes.
A lot of these "kids" experienced physical or emotional abuse and suffered from broken homes. One in every seven youth runs away from home by the age of 18.
In their struggle to survive many of them end up in prostitution and criminal activities. 15% of the street youth sell their body in exchange for money, food, accommodation or drugs.

They face violence, abuse and all kinds of health threats through various diseases. Many of them are at risk of getting infected with HIV or venereal diseases. About 50% of the girls at that age have been pregnant at least once.
Drug and alcohol abuse is an essential part of their lifestyle and it helps them to escape from the real world for a moment. The mortality rates have been found to be up to 40 times higher than that of the general population and 32% of the runaway and homeless youth have attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
There is a subculture of young homeless and traveling people in America that is barely noticed by society. In San Francisco alone there is a population of around 5000 young homeless people.
We received the call to care for these wonderful young people and to tell them about the good news of Jesus. Our hearts beat for these "kids" and we are convinced that God is about to use them in mighty ways.

Close to the Finish Line

It was overwhelming to see all the support pouring out regarding the transportation of the new community house. Thank you very much for your generosity!
Now there is only $ 700 missing. We are close to the finish line and are grateful for any donation.
We still plan to move the house in the end of May, or beginning of June.

'Creamandsugar' Work with homeless people in Texas

2011-04-20T07:11:00.001-07:00

A man reports:
What does Creamandsugar mean to me?
My day always brightens when they show up on the Drag in Austin. Good conversations, friendship and COFFEE!!!
They've never made me feel uncomfortable by pushing religion down my throat. They do not judge.
My good friend Chris is now involved with "Creamandsugar" and he is doing really great. He seems more focused.
They genuinely care about us and are there to listen when we're having a hard time. They are really a great group of guys. I'm blessed to know them.
-Shea-
More about HELP Texas >>

HELP Texas - At the LIFE Training

2011-03-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

The following report is not edited and unabbreviated. It is from a young man who formerly lived on the streets and now takes part in the so called "Life Training" of HELP Texas. You will find more information through the links in the text. "I've spent the last seven months here at the "LIFEHOUSE" property. I arrived with a heavy burden of ashes, the fruit of a life squandered in darkness, broken and alone. My mind twisted against the future and reeling from the past, tormented by demons the likes of witch I care not to fathom.
As a guest in the "LIFE Training" program I have been gently guided through the process of bringing these ashes to Jesus accepting his grace, trusting in his word and drawing closer to God.
Throughout any given week there are times set aside for getting to know more about God and his purposes for us. We gather together for worship services where we sing praises to the Lord, share impressions and prayers, and just bask in the goodness of his presence. We have regularly scheduled times for bible studies where we look into God's word and speak encouragement into each others lives. Three times a week we go to the drag in Austin to share the love of Jesus with others on the street, developing a better understanding of the Lord's character by being a blessing to others.
There is also much practical work to be done here on the "LIFEHOUSE" property. Weather it's grounds keeping, cleaning, building or vehicle maintenance, there seems to always be something to do. Regardless of the current project the atmosphere is consistently inviting me to share the time with God. Some projects also provide a sense of accomplishment and wonder in God's presence (such as raising a thirty foot cross made of telephone poles).

Within this "LIFE Training" program I have found myself inspired to open my heart to God in new ways. I have learned to respect God's decrees in my life, realizing that they are not for his benefit, they are what is good for my life. The staff takes a genuine interest in my soul searching, guiding me as to what the bible has to say about my life issues. They also help me take practical steps toward recovery from my life's brokenness. I have experienced miraculous healing and growth through the presence of Jesus in my life and have witnessed the power of evoking his name in times of need.
To be honest I still don't really know what it is that I'm doing, but I am sure that it is a whole lot closer to what God want's from me, than whatever it is that I was doing a year ago. I know that if I am to experience true peace in my life, I will have to continue to develop my faith. Faith that God has a plan for me. Faith that God loves me. Faith that God is on my side (that I am on Gods side). Faith that I understand God's will and faith that somehow this is all a good thing. I am very thankful for Jesus' presence in my life and look forward to growing in his grace and knowledge."

-Chris

Ulan Bator – my ministry to the coldest capital city on earth

2011-03-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Jona with his ‘morin khuur ‘- a traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument.

Jona is currently undertaking „Alternative service abroad” with HELP International Mongolia instead of military services in Germany. Below he describes his recent personal experiences.

For now more than six month I live here - in the country of wild horses and rambling nature. But for now I mainly live in the coldest capital city of the world at its coldest time of the year:
The crazy traffic, the dust, the winter smog which fades the sun red in the morning and makes it hard to breath. The Ger areas (Mongolian round tents) with its inscrutable roads, the straying dogs digging in the garbage at the side of the road, children queuing with their canister at the water houses and thousands of corner shops – It seems I already got used to all of that.

Than there is the ‘Зах’, a market where you literally can buy everything. But after two hours shopping, one flees because of the cold, and I ask myself how the sales man can bare that hour by hour and day by day without freezing to death.

’100-аль’ and ‚Цайц’ are DIY stores where we often buy construction material, they work like a flee market, at every stand they pile up numerous things, and if they can’t find what you are looking for, they run through the iles to find it for you at someone else's stand. There are also supermarkets like ‘Home Plaza’ where you have a familiar ring because the shelves are filled with common reasonable priced branded goods – even though they are not particular favorable here.
My every-day work is to help in our alcohol-rehab and to help to care for homeless people. I like this work. We see the thankfulness of the people and sometimes we really see, how a life is changed.

More about HELP Mongolia >>

New Community House

2011-02-25T07:19:00.001-08:00

There has been some great news concerning the development of the LIFEHOUSE Training Center. A few months back we started clearing out an undeveloped part of the LIFEHOUSE property. We felt that this was a spiritual act, as well as a practical one, to prepare the land and allow for the future development of LIFEHOUSE.

While we were seeking the Lord about the best strategy for moving forward in our ministry, we were approached by a generous couple. They have decided to donate a four bedroom mobile home to our ministry. The house itself seems to be in good condition. It's a double wide that has exactly the floor plan we wanted for the new community house.

God is really amazing. He is making the way and we are following after him.

The Community House will enable us to welcome more guests into our LIFE Training program. This building will provide a dedicated space for worship and prayer times as well as bible studies and fellowship gatherings. It will also create room for outreach teams and interns, that will help us in our ministry.

We will need to move the building from its current location in Round Rock to the LIFEHOUSE property in Cedar Creek. The estimated cost, for this 40 mile relocation, is about $5,000. Your donations will be needed and would be appreciated to help us cover this cost.

If you would like to help support this project, please visit our website to make your contribution.

Once on the property we plan on setting up the utilities and renovating the building. This will be a great opportunity for our LIFE Training participants to acquire practical skills. Working alongside us and experiencing the Lord's presence, will provide them with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@hfan.org or call our office at 512.985.6833.

Your HELP for all Nations Team

Mongolia - Impressions from the Children's house

2011-02-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

In the children's house of HELP International

Sometimes, the young people in our children's house in Mongolia come out of very desperate circumstances. Some of them e.g. lived in the underground heater duct of the capital Ulan Bator. Our staff trys to give them a better future. See this small gallery to get some impressions of the children's house. Go to the gallery >>

First Spice Up Worship Service

2011-02-08T08:30:00.001-08:00

On Monday January 31st, we had our first "Spice Up" Worship Service on the street. This unique service is our latest addition to our "Cream And Sugar" street outreaches.
It was a great experience and the presence of the Lord was very tangible. It was encouraging for everyone who was there and it also gave us the opportunity to pray for people.

"Spice Up" is about Jesus. For many years we have wanted to give our friends from the street an opportunity to worship the Lord with us. Some of them are very interested in that.
They would like to hear from God's word. They are looking for a place where they can get encouraged and strengthened in their faith. We pray that will have an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ and that they will find the strength and courage to follow him.

Many of our young homeless friends could not see themselves inside of a church building. That's why "Spice Up" is the right place for them. It is a church without walls, it is not about a certain church or group.
We hope and pray that "Spice Up" will be a spiritual home for many.

Spice Up is about fellowship. After the "Spice Up" Service we have a special time of hanging out where we talk about the things we have heard and we can meet our guests on a very personal level. Here we set aside time to pray for people and answer questions.

Starting in March, we will be holding the "Spice Up" Service every other week. If you would like to join us or would like to volunteer, please get in touch with us.

Manila - ♫Better is one day in your house ... ♫

2011-02-07T03:41:00.000-08:00

Two boys from the Father's House

Some notes of an associate of the HELP ministry for street kids in manila.
’My alarm clock goes off at 4.30am – it is my turn on the early shift today. Around 5am I have to start getting the kids out of bed – peace and quiet are over now. Until 6am, fourteen children have to get ready for school and to shower with soap (boys at a certain age tend to forget)! The younger girls need help with their hair, I give out medicine, search for lost properties - breakfast. Every minute counts.....
We are on time, when a little girl explains to me, that she needs to bring sand or mud for a project at school today. Equiped with a shovel I crawl into he dark garden…Finally we have them all happily in the car – ready to go. The driver is a bit late today and after a few minute the van unexpectedly returns – two kids forgotten their school ID. No ID, no Entry!
Now it is time to wake up the smaller children – they can sleep until 6am – what a luxury! I have my second breakfast with the three nursery school kids and my third breakfast with the rest of the staff and the other kids who start school later.

At 8am we have our staff meeting. We don´t want to be just a ministry, but we want to share our lives – this is what makes it special for me. We are not only talking about the ministry but about how we feel – challenges, frustration, joyful moments and our hopes and dreams for the future. We laugh together, care for one another and pray for each other. God is there and we really feel encouraged.
After that we talk through the practical stuff and some tell us about the outreach yesterday. They met three brothers of a girl, who is living with us. Their father has been shoot a long time ago and their mother is gone insane. Another brother is in jail. The boys are all on their own and even the youngest (he is about seven) is sniffing glue. I can hardly believe how terrible the situation for the kids is – should we not at least take up the two youngest boys?
More about the Father's House >>

Flood relief for Pakistan - The construction cost for one brick house is € 350,00

2011-01-28T01:04:00.000-08:00

This family received a new house

HELP International keeps on forwarding donations for the flood victims to Bishop Yaqub in Lahore.

Since the beginning of winter Bishop Yaqub and his co workers from ‘Christ for Pakistan Ministries’ are engaged in construction work, building small brick houses for the flood victims. As these houses can be very easily constructed, quite a number of them have already been finished and handed over to families that lost everything in the flood.

Bishop Yaqub is a man of integrity and cautiousness who is devoted to help his people. HELP International is grateful to be in contact with him since he knows best where one should help first and is not afraid of getting his hands dirty.

The United Nations has rated the floods in Pakistan as the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history with more people affected than the South-East Asian tsunami and the recent earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti combined (Neil Tweedie, ‘Pakistan floods: disaster is the worst in the UN's history’, The Telegraph 09.August 2010)

Months after the floods many families still are homeless. Especially children, elderly and sick people are suffering from the cold temperatures during winter time.

Each brick house that can be built will serve as a shelter for a whole family.

In the name of Bishop Yaqub and Pakistan’s flood victims we would like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for your donation!

Bank Account:

HELP International e.V.

Deutsche Bank PGK Hagen

BLZ 450 700 24

Konto 26 26 26 5

IBAN: DE50 4507 0024 0262 6265 00

SWIFT-BIC: DEUT DE DB450

Reference: Flood Relief Pakistan

Manila - To us it is a miracle

2011-01-27T01:55:00.000-08:00

To care for little children that were not wanted in this world – this is what they do at „Noah's Arc“, a ministry of HELP Philippines. Sometimes those kids are just left behind at a parking lot or being found at the garbage damp.

Jeannie at the beginning

A while ago, we had a difficult time at Noah's Arc, especially because some of the kids were seriously ill. For example there was little Jeannie (name changed). She was in poor health condition right from the start and even had to spend some days at the hospital. Though she took on weight quickly and became happier each day, a severe pneumonia and her asthma worried us. Sometime later we also found out that she has tuberculosis, this explained why she was in such a poor condition. Now she is been treated with well tolerated medicine.

Jeannie (on the left) now

We hope that we can soon reduce the asthma medication. Jeannie has such a cheerful nature and finds her own way with the two boys being the same age as her. To us it is a miracle seeing her having survived this difficult time of sickness.

Go to Noah's Arc >>

Passion To Serve

2011-01-21T12:25:00.001-08:00

Here at HELP for all Nations we share God's love with those who areshunned by society and have nowhere to go. The broken, the needy, thelonely ones.That's why it is so important for us to spend a lot of time out on the streets servingpeople. Even on Christmas Day.
There is not much going on for the homeless on Christmas. Although thereare usually a lot of feedings and "special events" leading up toChristmas but when the day finally hits, life on the streets becomesvery quiet and in fact quite lonely.
So on December 25th we threw a party at the RenaissanceMarket. This is a little square adjacent to the University Of Texas atAustin. This is where a lot of our homeless friends usually hang out. We have been doing thisevent for the past seven years and it's always been a special highlight for us and for everyone who is there.
We served hot soup and had a large selection of pies and other sweets for desert. The hot mealwas especially welcome in the cold weather. Although the sun was shining, there was an icy windthat even cut thru our many layers of warm clothing. Still, everyone wasenjoying themselves and was in a very relaxed and festivemood.
Like every year, we had a lot of volunteers who helped us in making thisevent possible. From the wrapping of gifts, the serving of food, on tothe distributing of clothing and warm blankets. Volunteers havehelped us in many ways.A big thank you to everyone who was there. We couldnot have done it without you.
The party on Christmas Day is just one of the many aspects of ourministry. Every week, we serve many, mostly young, homeless in our"Cream And Sugar" trailer. Especially when the recent cold fronthit, they were glad to have a place to stay warm, savor astrong cup of coffee and enjoy fellowship.
We just love to do this. Each and everyone of them is special to Jesus andit is our privilege to serve them.

Omsk - A gift from heaven

2011-01-13T03:40:00.000-08:00

From our team in Siberia. Sergei, 49 years old, who has been living with us in the drug rehab for two month already was in urgent need of some warm winter boots but he didn't tell anybody about it. Some days later, when he walked to work at the market garden with two other rehabilitation guests, a pair of winter boots -nearly new- was simply sitting at the side of the road. It had a note next to it saying: Size 43, take it! Nobody of us knew how it got there but the shoes were exactly his size... thank you Jesus!

We are still supporting Rita and her poor family, practically and materially. Every morning Aurelle is picking up the eight years old Rita at her home, helps her to get ready and brings her neat and clean to school. Aurelle also bought her the long needed pair of glases, is doing the laundry for her and her fifteen years old brother (he attents the cadet school in Omsk), assists their mother with the public authorities, purchases necessary winter clothes as well as groceries, ect. Since the dilapidated multi-family house will soon be demolished, each family got a new flat assigned by the authorities. These flats are in a much better condition than the 'stable' they are in at present. We bought some second-hand furniture for the new apartment and took care of some other nesessaties so that the family of five could move in in the beginning of December. Because of the long Sibirian winter they are still in need for more fire wood for the oven, a hot-water boiler and a washing machine. We would really appreciate it if you could help us with that.
More about HELP Siberia >>

In Mongolia - One of the most exiting ministries of HELP

2011-01-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

Provided with food from Germany - Jona Friede

Jona Friede is currently undertaking „Alternative service abroad” with HELP International Mongolia instead of military services in Germany. Below he describes his recent personal experiences.

It is winter time. It took quite while but now the winter has arrived. The average day temperature goes down to -5°F and at nights down to -13°F. This appears to be nothing compared to the time when there will constantly -13°F during day time. I’ll see how I am going to cope with it. Playing soccer in the snow at such a temperature is not that much fun any more, but it works. To live or even sleep outside does not seem to be imaginable any more..

There are a lot of homeless people on the streets of Ulaanbaatar, usually alcoholics, mostly men, but sometimes even women and children. Some of them work on the black market during the day, and for the night they crawl into holes in the canalisation system and the district heating tunnels. In case they fall asleep drunken on the streets, they often never weak up again. As far as I know, the government does not do an awful lot about it, anyway what can be done at all. One of the most exiting and - as I see it - one of the most challenging ministries of HELP comes in here. Three days a week they provide a place for those people.

The smell is awful and gets even worse while the room is getting crowded. Around 50 men and a few women find a place to sleep here. On mats on the floor they prepare their bed. Nobody has clothes to change but at least it is warm so they can take off their coats. I sit down with them. The best thing I can do is to talk to people, just simply show them that I care. To be honest I don´t understand much of what they say, but I get the impression that talking is some kind of a comfort for them. During the last two days there was somebody who spoke a few words of English. So we just talked about sports, horse riding and the length of my stay.

He told me that he, or was it a friend of him, once worked as a DJ in a famous club. He lost everything because of the alcohol - a great power here in Mongolia. People here know, that it is wrong how they life their live, but very few are willing to do something against it. A lot of them are happily singing along when we start to worship and listen carefully, when we tell them that people can be freed and changed by the power of God, just as it is happening in our rehabilitation centre. Only a few are grabbing our helping hand and are willing to trade their current lives. After the message they have food, people can take a shower, undergo medical treatment and then it is time to sleep. It is a short night, talking of me.

One night, my friend Sebastian an I stayed for the night. Our little room had no door and constantly people were passing by to see the bathroom. I hardy slept. As early as 6 in the morning they have breakfast, which had to be prepared. After that, people leave to disappear into the cold. Our turn is cleaning now. Even though it is tiring, there is nothing more beautiful and important than to share the love of God with those people. I would really like to talk to them properly, but I don´t think this will happen this year. Maybe I'm going to help out in a similar project in Germany.
More about HELP Mongolia >>

Manila – Full house in the Set Free Centre

2011-01-05T01:16:00.001-08:00

The HELP drug rehabilitation centre in Manila – While the streets of Manila were filled with opulent Christmas decoration and lights, each and every room at the drug rehab was filled as well. So the “shack” was really crowded for Christmas and we celebrated in a big group. A short while ago, we took on a family of 6, which we knew for quite a while. Mother and Father, they both are struggling with drugs. We also plan to take in more rehab guests.

There is Jeffrey
Some time ago, 29 year old Jeffrey has come to us. Already at the age of 13 he began to take drugs. His father and his brother were doing drugs as well. With age, he also dealt drugs. While his father and his brother could make it years ago, he stayed on drugs. A few weeks ago his brother has made it clear to him that there is a way out of the hell of drugs. Jeffrey took courage and has decided to take up a therapy with us. He feels at home now. Even though the separation of his family is not always easy, upcoming Christmas is full of hope for him.
More on HELP Philippines>>

Merry Christmas

2010-12-14T14:02:00.001-08:00

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9,6
It has been an amazing year for us. Once more we could experience the Lords blessing in our ministry. In the past months we have been able to complete the renovation of all the existing buildings at our "LIFEHOUSE Training Center". We also celebrated our ministries 7 year anniversary, here on our new property.
Every week we are able to touch the lives of countless runaways and young homeless through our "Cream And Sugar" outreaches.
In the winter life on the streets is hard. We are grateful that we are able to help so many people by welcoming them into our Cream And Sugar Trailer.
Please help us by donating warm clothes. Hoodies, sweaters, jackets, sleeping bags and blankets are especially needed. Please e-Mail us at info@hfan.org or call 512-985-6833 to schedule pickup.
On Christmas Day we will have a huge party on the street. This is always a highlight for our homeless friends and they are looking forward to it. Like every year we will serve homemade goulasch soup and desert, give away clothes and presents, share the word of God and pray for people.
All of this would not be possible without your continuing support, prayers and friendship. Thank you very, very much.
To you and your family we wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Manila – Full house in the Set Free Centre

2010-12-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Stuff and guests of the Set Free Centre in Manila

The HELP drugrehabilitation centre in Manila – While the streets of Manila aregetting filled with opulent Christmas decoration and lights, each andevery room at the drug rehab is filled as well. So the “shack”will be really crowded for Christmas and we are looking forwardcelebrating Christmas in a big group. Last week we took on a familyof 6, which we have know for quite a while. Mother and Father, theyboth are struggling with drugs. During the following days weplan to take in more rehab guests.

Thereis Jeffrey

3 weeks ago the 29year old Jeffrey has come to us. Alreadyat the age of 13 he began to take drugs. His father and his brotherwere doing drugs as well. With age, he also dealt drugs. While hisfather and his brother could make it years ago, he stayed on drugs. Afew weeks ago his brother has made it clear to him that there is away out of the hell of drugs. Jeffrey took courage and has decidedto take up a therapy with us. He feels at home now. Even though theseparation of his family is not always easy upcoming Christmas isfull of hope for him.

Dhondhon - A personal story

2010-11-30T01:20:00.000-08:00

From our drug-rehab-team of the 'SET FREE CENTER' on the Philippines:During our fundraising tour in Germany this last summer, we talked in many places about Dhondhon, who had just finished the rehab. After the rehab he would have loved to study social work but his knee thwart his plans.

An old bullet wound
Because of an old bullet wound his leg was very much damaged and he had to undergo several operations. Time and again the doctors even spoke of the necessity of an amputation which was never carried out until now.

The knee remained moveable
By now his problems became so big that he decided on an amputation. The good thing was that the doctors changed their minds and operated below the knee, not above as they had said before.This way Dhondhon’s knee would keep its normal function .

No longer permanent painDhondhon got over the operation very well and does not need to live with permanent pain or constant open wounds any more. Soon he will receive his artificial limb and with the help of it will learn to walk again.We are very thankful for the financial support, for without it he never could have paid for the expensive operation.

Now, let Dhondhon speak for himself:“The last weeks brought me closer to God. I felt like being in the story where Jesus and his disciples were in the boat. Jesus was sitting in the boat with me. Before the operation I but knew one thing: ‘Jesus, I will hang on to your arm. I am completely yours.’ There was wind, storm and sunshine. Once again I could learn to fully trust in Jesus. And I’ll trust him that he will take me to the other side of the shore.”
More about HELP Philippines >>

Siberia - A new self-esteem

2010-11-22T02:20:00.000-08:00

From HELP-Omsk. Recently we told you about a poorfamily, who is living in a very deprived area of the town underdegrading conditions. Thanks to the support of donors we were able toprovide the most necessary things such as clothing and groceries forthem.

The older son, age 15, can now continuethe school for cadets, in Omsk. For the three years old boy we founda place in the kindergarten. And every morning we pick up the eightyears old girl so that she can take a shower in our home. Afterbreakfast we take her to school, by then she got all dressed up withclean clothes, a pink satchel and a new self-esteem ...

Her teacher is absolutely amazed andsaid that she became a completely different girl. She even gets muchbetter marks now! Also the classmates respect her now and want tobecome her friends.

More about HELP Omsk >>

A Year For God

2010-11-16T14:34:00.001-08:00

My name is Ole Eicker, I am 19 years old and I grew up in the northern part of Germany. I have come to Austin to join the HELP for all Nations team as a volunteer for the next ten months. I just got here, about a week ago, but I am certain that this will be an incredible year!
I am staying on the LIFEHOUSE property and I am sharing an appartment with another young man. We share meals, work and live together.
Despite the hard work, I still have a lot of spare time that I can spend alone with God. I believe that this is not only a time when I can help support this ministry, but also a time that will be very important for the rest of my life. Here I can learn how to live 100% for God.
I had actually never intended to come to America for such a long time, but the Lord has led me here and now I am glad that I came. Austin itself has so many things to see and to explore. Everything is different, the people, nature, supermarkets, wildlife and especially the weather.
It's nice to get to know a completely different culture. For me, everything is still new and challenging. For example, the language is still a challenge.
At first I was a little nervous about the outreaches with the "Cream and Sugar" trailer. I have never worked with homeless people before. But this is exactly what Jesus did. He did not necessarily go to the rich and wealthy. He went to the poor, the needy and the sick.
I am impressed to see how the staff members here put their trust in God. This is very inspiring. I'm also learning to trust in God, no matter what situation I find myself in.
I am looking forward to the next months and I know that a lot of new friends, adventures, experiences and also challenges are waiting for me. The Lord will be with me in all of this. I am convinced that it is no coincidence that I am here. God wants to use me and change me, so that I can get to know him better.

Time To Celebrate

2010-11-03T07:07:00.001-07:00

On 16 October, we celebrated "7 Years HELP for all Nations" on our new LIFEHOUSE property here in Cedar Creek, Texas. We have been looking forward to this day for a long time and in the past weeks we have been extremely busy in getting everything ready for this event. Everything was worth while and it has been an amazing day with a lot of worship music, homemade goulash soup, hot dogs and a large children's program. It's been a real party.

Everyone had a good time and it was especially nice to see many of our good friends. Some whom we had not seen in years. There are so many people that have helped us through the years and the list of invited guests was very long. This is why we were glad that so many could come and make time in their busy schedules.

All in all there have been 120 guests who joined us as we celebrated God's goodness and faithfulness. Among them were 15 of our young homeless friends that we know through our outreaches with the "Cream and Sugar" trailer. For them it was especially moving to experience God's presence in the prayer and worship times.

One part of the worship time was led by our team and the other part by a band from the Thunder School in Nashville, Tennessee. They opened the heavens with their prophetic worship and God's presence was really tangible.

In the evening we had the official dedication of our LIFEHOUSE property. At first we had a time of worship that was followed by a series of speeches, prophetic words and prayers of dedication. Among the speakers were Beth Alves, Scott McLeod, Ron Parrish and Walter Heidenreich. They all have been involved in helping our ministry grow to what it is today and they confirmed the vision that the Lord has given us.

We believe that the Lord wants to spark a new Jesus-Movement among the youth of this nation, especially among those on the brink of society.
In the past seven years we have been able to touch countless lives with God's love and we are looking forward to everything that He has prepared for us in the years to come.

Start - Worship & Mission

2010-10-29T03:02:00.000-07:00

2010-10-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

Florian Joos with a guest of HELP Texas

Florian Joos just finished his community service at HELP Texas. Shortly before his flight home to Germany he wrote this article. We publish it qite directly without a lot of editorial changes.

I am happy to have been here. It was worth it! Could learn a lot. E.g. I learned to care for my own things, washing my clothes, cleaning, cooking (there is more) and much more. Isn't that something? =) Could also experience God more. His strong love for me.This is so cool.

In the last weeks, I also had the possibility to come to know some nice people. Two candidates for the community service wer here and now I live together with three germans who are in a school for missions and do their outreach here.

Furthermore, since 3 weeks, an ex-streetsleeper is living with us. Neat! He's a great guy and God really restores his life step by step. So cool to see how he is changing. Wow!But it's also a shock to see, how broken a person can be e.g. because of a bad childhood.But for God, nothing is impossible.

Now, I'm preparing for my trip home to Germany. Many things, I do for the last time. Sad, to leave the place here but I'm also looking forward to go home again. I will be able to sleep without aircon and there will be no fear to step on snakes during the night. But you can get used to these things too. :-)
More about HELP Texas >>

Manila - A full Father's House

2010-10-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

Co-workers of the Father's House on a street outreach

From City Mission/Father's House, a HELP ministry for streetchildren on the Philippines. In the past weeks we were able to takein some new children. One of them isLisa *name changed (10 years), who likemany other street children had neverslept in a bed or eat at a table.Her whole family livedon the street. After her father was shot by the police,her mother went crazy. Lisa had no protection andnever went to school. After she trusted us enough,because of many visits to the street, she decidedto come with us to Father‘s house. Lisa is now avery happy girl who goes to school with greatenthusiasm.
More about the HELP Father's House >>

Pakistan - Relief Work Update

2010-10-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Short Update fromthe relief work of Pastor Yaqub, October 3^rd Pictures of a relief good transport >>

OnOctober 3^rdat midnight a team of 5 left with a truck full of relief goodsas there was an urgent call for help from 100 christian families thatare flood effected and in severe need.

ShelterBuilding
Pictures of the situation >>

Aswinter has started in Pakistan, people who have lost their homes needshelters to live in! Pastor Yaqub has started a house buildingproject in the city of Kot Addu. “We start with building 8 homes …we have bought 26 thousand bricks and employ 16 masons.”

Banking Account:

HELP International e.V.

Deutsche Bank PGK Hagen

BLZ 450 700 24

Konto 26 26 26 5

IBAN: DE50 4507 0024 0262 6265 00

SWIFT-BIC: DEUT DE DB450

Intended Purpose: Flood Relief Pakistan

Thank you very much for your financial help!

Chris' Testimony

2010-09-21T14:44:00.001-07:00

From HELP Texas. Chris has been staying with us at the LIFEHOUSE Training Center since early September. This is his story in his own words...

It is so frustrating to me, to by organizing my thoughts into text, with the idea that someone would care to read them. After being on the streets and being through what it took to get there, it is still so very hard to imagine that I have anything of value to offer to the world.
This prevailing sense of hopelessness, worthlessness and apathy is a hard thing to shake.
So many in society would regard the street people as worthless-throw-aways...
I have however, through these adversities found people who carry with them the most amazing thing; The love of Jesus. Among this category I found those in the Cream And Sugar trailer providing so much more than snacks and coffee. A sense that someone cared about me, was genuinely interested in my life. The more I came to know these people, the more I came to know Jesus as the architect of such loving kindness. It had become a highlight of my week when their trailer would pull up unto the drag.
So there I was, sitting in the Cream And Sugar trailer once again enjoying the coffee, snacks and fellowship. Then Kurt, who is a staff member at Cream And Sugar, got a phone call and after an exciting conversation, he explained that they had gotten a good deal on some sheds. But they needed to move quickly and would be cutting their visit short. It was apparent that they faced a daunting task. This seemed to spark in me a spirit of adventure and I felt moved to offer my help.
What I originally thought would be a day of adventuresque opportunity to help my friends through hard work became so much more than anything I could understand.

Giving Up Smoking

After having worked for several hours I realized I had'nt had a cigarette. I looked into my pocket to find my cigarette pack wet with sweat - it tore as I opened it but it also revealing a few smokable pieces.
I lit a cigarette and started to think, as I often had, "this is poison". At that moment I caught Marcus' eyes and I could sense something powerful - Jesus' love - this is not worthy of one loved by Christ. I crushed the remaining pieces in the wet-torn pack and threw it away. Many days later I realized that had quit smoking.
Often in the days that followed accomplishing this task (with the sheds), I was amazed at the spirit with which we approached so many obstacles. I found myself inspired by the attitude of those at my side that though often we did'nt seem to understand how we were going to progress we went at it with faith and a sense of purpose. That purpose remained central and not the doubt or the obstical. Sure enough piece-by-piece we brought down 3 large sheds, packed-em up and dropped off all with a certain amount of grace.
I witnessed in the coming days the way they treated each other with respect and love and that there is a sense of community and purpose that prevails when they live together, pray together, worship together they are constantly representative of God's patience, grace and promise to those who put their life in His hands.

A Sense Of Purpose

I often find myself questioning the very nature of progress. It may be that I am used to witnessing the works of men in a way that for every problem they solve, it seems two more are being created. I was stubbornly ignorant to the ways of God for most part; all of my life pursuing wisdom for its own glory. I had found much in the ways of the world, but it never seemed complete.

As I witnessed more and more the nature of God in those who submit their will to him, I finally found the wisdom I have been searching for.
It has been 4 weeks now since I first came to stay here. In many ways it became more apparent that God has a purpose for my life. This is such a miracle that, through Jesus, I can share pupouse with God. And that the example of his perfect love is so well represented by those who follow him and fill their lives with the things of Christ.
It is with the many little things, the tender care with which these people approach their lives, that God will not forget.
Our purpose with God remains central and we push forward, keep working at it and at the end of each day, we have a most precious thing; shared success with God and his people through Jesus who brings us all closer together. I am honored to count myself among them.

- Chris

Manila - Hey, lady!

2010-09-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

"Hey, lady!", someone called behind me with a scraggly, yet youthful voice: "Take me home with you!" As I turned around to see, I couldn't think of anything to reply. "I can't take a child home with me like a stray dog!", I was thinking in my mind. I replied with shaky Tagalog and uncertainty in my voice: "I can't take you home with me. I bet your mom would be very upset if you were to be gone!" The child replied : "No way, lady! She'd be glad. She has so many children, she would not even notice if I were gone!" At that time, such rough circumstances were hard for me to take. We had been in the Philippines for about a year, and from time to time I went to walk under a bridge with some people to get to know some street kids. Kikay (meaning "light girl" in Tagalog) was one of the first kids I got to know and spend time with. She was seven years old, bold as brass, always filthy and talked like a waterfall. Her voice was deep, her laughter irresistible.
At that time, we were not capable to take children in, but the vision of the Father's House was birthed during that time. We came to realize that it wasn't enough to simply tell the kids nice stories about a loving God, give them something to eat and then say: "We'll see you next week, God will take care of you!", and leave them to fend for themselves.
We kept in touch with Kikay, and when the day came that we were able to take in children, she was one of the first kids to come live with us. Though many years had passed by since she first asked me to come home with me. In the meantime, Kikay had grown to be a teenager, and the years on the street left their marks. She ran away, came back, ran away again and returned pregnant. She was only 16 years of age. The child's father lived on the streets and did not want to have anything to do with the baby. We took Kikay in again, and attended to her during her pregnancy. Mariana got to be there at the baby's birth. It was a cute girl. But Kikay had itchy feet and ran away again with her child. We were really disappointed, for years we had been hoping to get Kikay to a breakthrough. Now they both ended up on the street, mother and child.

One of the biggest challenges in my ministry has been to learn to let go. Followed by getting back up, to believe and to hope. This is only possible with the one who is love in person: God!
Two weeks ago, Kikay sat by the street during an outreach and wept her eyes out. She grew up to be a woman of now over 20 years of age and has three children. "Please take my daughter with you! She's gone through enough. She'll be safe and loved with you!" Almost the same plea she had begged for 18 years ago. Only this time it was for her daughter, almost the same age as Kikay was when I met her for the first time. The little girl has been staying with us for two weeks now, and it seems as if she knows and trusts us, because of what her mother told her about the secureness she had once experienced at the Father's House.

Good start for our help in Pakistan

2010-09-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to everybody, who helped us with our request for Pakistan! Here is a first reaction from pastor Yaqub Masih, who is coordinating the help on site. Read about the beginning >>

“From the money you’ve sent, we loaded a truck with food, water, medicines, clothes, shoes & pots. On the 30th of August we’d got a call from Pastor Warus from Kasur District. He asked us to visit that area which is effected by the River Sutlej. So we went there. On the way our truck was stuck in the mud, but guardian angels were with us and we made it!

We saw water everywhere in that place. We visited different villages and distributed all what we had; we saw the joy on the faces of the people. They were so thankful!

We prayed for all the donators and we shared the word of God with the people who were Muslims and Christians. Everybody received a food package, a bag of clothes, shoes and pots for eating. Through this the families can survive for one week.

Whenever we receice money, we just run to the market without wasting time, to buy relief goods and then go to the effected areas. We are travelling day and night. The whole church is always at service to putting together the relief packages.

I recently received a phone call from South Pakistan from a friend, Pastor Tariq, who is crying for help. He is busy with feeding 136 families.
Thank you for your prayers and your financial support for Pakistan!”

Omsk: From an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan!

2010-08-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

An aquaintance told me of an eight-year-old girl, a second grader going to the same school as her son, who appeared to be in a very neglected and unkempt state.
At graduation day, all the children were dressed up nicely, except for this little girl. She was sitting all alone in a corner with her dirty clothes on. For days this story persued me in my head, and again and again I had to think of this child in prayer. So I went to the class teacher, where I found out that this girl is very poor. She said it would already be a big help to buy her notebooks and pencils, and to pay for homework supervision in school. That way she could spend more time in school, and would be served lunch there.
That same day I got to meet the little girl, filthy from head to toe, hair matted, old shoes way too big for her, she stood in front of me, eyes to the ground. A friend of mine and I tried to talk to her mother. She and the girl live in a disreputable slum in a town where a lot of families with alcohol problems live.
We entered the broken down place, which looked more like an animal shed than anything else, knocked on the leaning door, and went inside when nobody came to the door. What a horrific sight awaited us inside. We trampled our way through heaps of garbage to find an old grandma on a bed in the last room, clothed in rags. Next to her was a boy of about two years of age, seated on a pile of trash on the floor with an old pan containing indefinable muck.
When we offered help to the old lady, she responded quite aggressively and said she did not need any help. Somewhat shocked we left and contacted child protective services. There we were told that there was not much they could do, since our little friend was going to school regularly, and her mom was not a known alcoholic.
During my next visit, I got to meet the mother in person and offered help, which she accepted after some hesitance. Together with Oliver, a new staff from Germany, and two rehab guests we got down to work, armed with mops, brooms, and trash bags. The piles of garbage, and old matresses that were housing huge rats and were still used for sleeping were thrown out.
The smell made our stomachs turn upside down, but it got better after a while. After the dirt was cleaned, and the electric cables repaired, we got dishes, bed sheets, new matresses and some used furniture. The little girl and her 15 year-old brother were watching us with big eyes and exclaimed " We now have so much room compared to before!"
Since they did not have running water, I invited the girl over to my home and gave her a good soak in my bathtub. By now, she visits us everyday. I bought her some nice clothes in her favorite color pink, took her to the barber, and got to watch the ugly duckling turn into a beautiful swan!

Manila - One happy boy

2010-08-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

From Petra Erkens, HELP Manila. Once again I am absolutly amazed at how simple things can really make a difference. H is now with us for a while and his thankfulness knows no end and neither his expression for it. He now considers himself "rich" because he has enough to eat and a proper bed to sleep in. He loves to study and never fails to smile.

His attitude of blessing others seems to be deeply rooted in him. Last week we had a wedding from two of our young people. H was the most excited about this event. He wanted to bless the bride and spent his pocket money on a little item he thought she would like.

When he gave it to her, she freaked out for joy and surprize. Just on that day she thought of buying the same thing and didn't do it, because she didn't want to "waste" money so short before the great event. Obviously God didn't think it was a waste and made H bless her with it.

It amazes me how this little boy blesses people. I remember the toy he gave me when he was still in the streets. Yesterday I took the chance to give him something. He was talking about how he loved my daughters sport watch. I found a cheaper model and got it fo him. His eyes didn't stop to sparkle and he wears it now like a treasure.
More about HELP Manila >>

Vienna - Spots from the rehab

2010-08-05T07:09:00.000-07:00


Fellowship at HELP Vienna

Some notices about the normal life in the HELP drug-rehab in Vienna: Every day things like laughing, sleeping. working, eating together and sport do have such a big significance!
It is said that children, who eat three times a week with their parents, receive a greater confidence in their lifes. These small every day things have a big impact in our lives.

Work

Paul Maurer is the leader of the rehab.
He believes: "Activity restores the ability
to concentrate and to deal with conflicts.
The people in our rehab come to know
their practical skills and create something
visible. This helps to get a vision for the success
in the working environment."

Free time and sport

Achim, who is responsible for sport activitys

says:" It is interesting to see how people, who

first don't like sport, do have more and more

fun with it, the longer they do it." They learn

that they can achieve goals and this gives them

confidence for other areas of life too.

If you are interested in more information about our ministry in Vienna, you can find their contact-data here: http://krz.ch/vienna

Mongolia - Big Reunion in the Kid's House

2010-07-12T02:57:00.000-07:00

By HELPER/ Kids House Mongolia

It’s Sunday afternoon. The house has been cleaned from top to bottom.
The tables in the family units are neatly set. A mouth watering smell out of the kitchen is floating through the house.
The kids are running around with excitement.
The great day has come at last: Family visiting!
Fathers, mothers, and siblings, if there are, are invited to join us for a time of fellowship.
For days the kids have been looking forward to this time with excitement.
But most of them are fearfully asking themselves:” Will there be someone coming for me?”
They all have had their painful experiences.

But apart from Ariuna, whose mom lives far away in the countryside, everyone has at least one visitor.
The house is packed with people. The kids proudly show their rooms to their relatives, sing songs, perform a play, recite poems.
They are absolutely thrilled. But some parents are in tears.
In spite of all the joy that a reunion brings, some of the fathers or mothers painfully realise the loss of that great treasure – Family – through alcoholism or other issues in their lives.

That was true for Batbaatar’s mother. She has been an alcoholic and lived a chaotic life.
But on this afternoon after a conversation with a staff member she spontaneously decides
to enter a rehabilitation programme.
Just a quick phone call to such a rehab and they could directly take her there.
She didn’t pass by at home, because the guy she is living with would not allow her to leave.
Enkusch’s father, who just was released from prison last winter, has tears in his eyes
as he reunites with his happy son in the safety of his new home.
Another child and his mother are in tears embracing each other. Reconciliation is taking place. This is exactly one of our goals: giving a hand with the restoration of family relationships and reintegration of the kids into their families.
We do believe that this great day was one big step into this direction.
More about Help Mongolia >>>

Set Free Center - Garage Sale

2010-06-30T02:41:00.000-07:00

From the 'Set Free Center', the drug rehab of HELP Philippines in Manila. "As we opened our gate for the garage sale a short time ago, an eager an excited crowd of people rushed in and filled the whole place, expecting to get a good bargain. It was really great! Not only because we raised 22,000 Pesos, but we saw in the smiling faces that everyone was leaving happy !

More about HELP Philippines >>

A Huge Blessing

2010-06-15T13:06:00.001-07:00

Even though I am not living on the streets, the HELP for all Nations team has been such a blessing to me. I am a 23 years old, from Austin and have gone to church with the german team, since they first arrived eight years ago.
When I first started college, I was struggling to follow God and one of the women on the team, mentored me and helped me through the tough times.
Over the years I have helped them with the homeless ministry, and have enjoyed their company at church. Last summer, I worked with them and a team from their mission school in Germany, on fixing up their new property. Every time I am with them, I am so encouraged and touched. They are a huge blessing to everyone they meet.
At Cream and Sugar we talk with the people who live on the street, play games, hang out, encourage them, meet their needs in practical ways with cookies, coffee and clothing. It is tough to persevere when the progress is slow with the people we interact with but, the missionaries are faithful.
While working with the street kids, I have realized that they are like me in a lot of ways.
Some of them graduated from high school the same year as me, some even grew up here in Austin. They have dreams and gifting's that are most impressive but they have been crippled by drugs and painful memories. They play guitar, sing, tell jokes and stories about places they have traveled and speak about the things they have experienced. Some of the events they have been through are so traumatic it breaks my heart. They are people who need Jesus and that is our message at Cream And Sugar. Hope that will not disappoint. We share with them about Jesus, who has a plan for their lives and can heal their broken hearts.
I now can honestly say that working with the homeless has become more than just a good deed to me. I feel like this is what God has specifically called me to do. Working at Cream And Sugar is the high point of my week and I can't wait to see all that God has in store for this ministry.

HELP Thailand - Boiling Point

2010-06-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

Directly reported from HELP-Thailand (the Shelter). A summertime like this as well as the political temperature in the country that almost hit the boiling point may have made many feel unhappy. Although, there is good news ; that suffering is the tool God often uses to equip us, and here we are ; Thailand and the Thai churches are right in the middle of it.

Here at the Shelter, our second summer in this house is both hot and unsteady as most of the people in Bangkok have experienced. But since we are more adjusted to the climate, we are now starting to see our agricultural project take shape.

We have many catfishes ; enough for eating, selling, and giving away, and also several kinds of vegetables. Since we are more settled now,we started to attend a church regularly. It is a young church with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our pastors and members of the church stand side by side and are willing to help us display the Body of Christ to our guys, so they can learn about Jesus and grow up in a wider context.
More about HELP Thailand >>

Starting Over

2010-05-13T13:41:00.001-07:00

While serving many young homeless on the streets of Austin, we are always encouraged when some decide to start a new life with Jesus. One of them is Paul, who is a guest at our LIFEHOUSE Training Center. He just came off heroin two weeks ago and desperately needs help. We are glad to have him stay with us and it is a great joy to see his hunger for God.
During the day Paul works with us on the property. At the moment we are renovating a residence for staff members and since we are all working together in one place, it is a great opportunity to answer his questions and to share our testimonies. The Lord has transformed all our lives mightily and Paul is greatly encouraged when he hears our stories.
In the evenings we hang out together. A lot of times we read the Bible and talk about what it says. Paul is eager to learn more about Jesus and what it means to follow Him.

Something Good is Happening!

In our Cream And Sugar trailer, we have a sign saying "Ask Us For Prayer." Some of our homeless friends do that a lot. One of them is Frank. He has been on the street for a long time but he has been doing a little better in recent months. Despite the fact that he is living on the streets, he is attending Austin Community College to get his GED. This is quite an achievement. Going to school without knowing where to take a shower is hard! Fortunately he is able to get clean clothes at Cream And Sugar since we have had a lot of clothes given to us. This is of great importance for the people on the street. Whether you go to school, apply for a job or for housing, it's important to look presentable.
Frank is always asking us for prayer. He says that every time we pray for him, something good is happening. Frank is also studying the Bible a lot and he has some interesting questions. It is just a great encouragement to see the Lord move in his life.
Another young man came to the Cream And Sugar trailer and was coughing a lot. He also said that he had a lot of pain in his lungs and that he was afraid that he would develop a case of pneumonia. We laid hands on him and asked to Lord to touch and heal him. After we had stopped praying we suggested that he could also do some inhalations with camomille tea. He said: "No, I don't have to do this. I am actually feeling much better right now. You have prayed for me and now it's all good."

AMONG THE WOLVES

2010-05-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

posted by Petra Erkens HELP MANILA
I am on my way to Germany. As I am sitting in the airplane somewhere between Manila and Frankfurt my thoughts go back to our staff meeting this morning. Mariana is very concerned about Jay, a boy whose mother we know since she was a teenager. She grew up in the streets and had a loud voice that underlined the naughtiness of her words. She had to be tough to survive. I don’t know if it was her first boy friend who got her pregnant with Jay when she was not even yet a grown up. The relationship didn’t last. She had other kids with a new guy and earned some extra money in bars. Jay was used to beg in the streets, he grew up as a bread winner for his half siblings and his Mom.
His biological father was a well known snatcher and no stranger to the police. One day he got picked up and carried into custody like pig to slaughter. Someone had pointed a robbery to him, but this time he was apparently innocent. In jail he got locked up with the traitor. We learned this week that he killed the guy in the bathroom of the prison. Despite his initial innocence in the case he was locked up for, he became a murderer and got locked up for good. The tragedy in his story is, that on the day he got picked up by the police, he was supposed to come to our drug rehab for a new start in his life. Of course he never arrived at our center.

On Monday we had an outreach at the street corner, where Jay hangs out. We showed up with loud speakers, good food and an evangelistic program.
The kids were happy to see us and many gottouched by God’s presence. Our eyes looked around to find Jay in the crowd. He was no where to be found. As we packed already our stuff to leave, he showed up, beaten up and totally high on glue. The bigger boys ganged up on him and banged his head against the cement. His face was swollen up.
“Where is your Mom?” we asked concerned.
“They left to the province!” he stuttered.
“Why are you still here then?”
was the next question, knowing that Jay was just ten years old. “Kasi, matigas daw ang ulo ko (because I am stubborn)” replied the little boy.
Our hearts broke as he looked at us, the word REJECTION written all over him.
He wants to come to us to the Father’s House. We decided that we will take him despite of the lack of beds for boys at the moment.
I am hoping to see him soon in our house when I get back to Manila in three weeks.
JAY is NOT rejected…HE IS ACCEPTED AND LOVED BY HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN WHO HAS A PLAN AND A DESTINY FOR HIM. The Father’s House is a of refuge for children in need like Jay.
More about City Mission >>

“HELP IS ON THE WAY”

2010-04-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

School in our village
Posted by HELPER - Omsk
The Bleiles, leaders of the HELP Drug Rehab in Siberia report:
The public awareness and openness of the government with regards to our ministry has increased drastically.
This is – in part – due to the tremendous ever increasing need in a
country with huge drug and alcohol problems.
”How can I become free from drug addiction?” That’s the burning question for many people.
Lately there were many open doors for sharing our experiences with people living around us.
Invited by the mayor of our village our men shared at the local school of how God healed them from addiction and how He meets their hunger for real life.
Accompanied by a medical doctor we are going to tour other schools too, in order to meet with even more youth. The vocational training school in Omsk invited us to share about Jesus in all classes.

Vitali’s story is getting famous in our area
There is a little Christian booklet given out in our area.
It contains Vital’s story – telling how his life as a former addict got changed through Jesus. He is one of our “old guys” and lives with his wife in our village where he started a house church. Through passing on the little booklet with Vitali’s story we are able to invite interested people of our village to start a life with God.

Eleven men moved on to second stage
We are very happy to see eleven of our men moving on, each of them provided with a job, facing the challenges of everyday life and growing in God. We were able to rent a second flat in a residential area for them, where they live on their own and independent from the rehab, but still enjoying the support of the community.

HELP The Ark – Hope for unwanted babies

2010-04-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

Posted by helper Noah's Ark
Our HELP ministry The Ark on the Philippines cares for unwanted or abandoned kids.
They share: ”Mid-February the Ark’s big exodus began.
Since we said farewell to 5 children.
We released each one of them into a new family.
These moments are always emotional peaks – for the kids and their new parents. We normally take two days to pass on a child to its new family. First of all the family comes for a couple of hours to get to know their child. Up to that point they only saw at photos and reports of the child.
The second day we organize a little party with everybody at The Ark to make it easier to leave and also to express our gratitude. It’s hard to let a child go, however, passing on the responsibility usually means a relief to us. After getting over the pain of saying good bye, there is new room in our hearts and in The Arch for new kids.

When we started with The Ark nine years ago we thought, that each child would grow up with us. But the Philippine government does not allow this for toddlers. So we abandoned that approach. In this way we can have more children and have room for emergency cases.

There are lots of government controls without previous appointments and statistics to be filled in preventing us from such ideas. Despite of this regulation, it’s an advantage for the children if their papers are not processed by the official departments so quickly. This gives them time to get healed in several areas of their young lives and to get used to live in The Ark. The average time for a child to live with us is a year and a half.”
More about HELP Philippines>>

Live from our Shelter in Mongolia's capital

2010-03-31T01:32:00.000-07:00

By HELP Mongolia (Silke Schurr)
Sometimes we are facing turbulent days at our emergency sleeping spot in Ulan Bataar.
A blend of about fifty homeless people – men and women, old and young, talented and frail ones, people who at some point had been “someone”in society, and those who were “nobodies” all along, come to stay overnight.
They are indeed God’s creation, every single one with a name,
a history and with a hope for a better future. Please join us for a live impression of an evening in the Shelter and a touching testimony.
More>>

Newly opened Rehab has 10 men already !

2010-03-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

By HELP-Mongolia staff of the new
rehab for alcoholics in Ulan Bataar

Whe are excited that shortly after the opening of our Rehab
we are already able to share our lives with 10 former addicts.
„Sharing our lives“ means that we live like a family, facing the
ups and downs of every day life together.
All of that takes place in a peaceful atmosphere.

Most of our ten new people used to live in the streets in a very tough
environment.
But we are encouraged to see changes in them every day.
As we ourselves found help and change by believing in God, we can
pass on our experiences to them.
More than half of the men made a choice already to go for what we have .
We can't wait to see how this story will go on...

More about HELP Mongolia > >

It needs hope for change

2010-03-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

My name is Simon and for the past seven years I have been living in Lüdenscheid/Germany. In 2003, I underwent therapy for drug addiction at Wiedenhof Rehabilitation Center and have been living in the FCJG fellowship since then.
When our team in the U.S. moved to their new property last year, they asked for people who would come and help them in building the LIFEHOUSE Training Center. I was very interested in helping and I made up my mind to come to America for a few months to support this ministry. At the same time, despite the economic crisis, I got a well-paying job through which I could save the money for this mission trip.
At home in Germany I regularly go with a team from the City Mission to the drug scene, where we build relationships with drug addicts and share the love of Christ with them. Most of them are in the methadone program and they dream of someday being clean. Many have great plans for their future.
Here in Austin, the drug scene seems to be different; sometimes very young runaways have chosen a life on the streets. It is their identity and goal in life to travel the country and live "free" without any restrictions or responsibilities. Many of them seem to have no desire for change. This is also reflected by their appearance. Yesterday, a 25 year old young man was with us in the Cream and Sugar Trailer. His whole face was covered with tattoos. I just thought, "What if he ever wants to live an normal life?" I have the impression that most of them want no change in their lives. This makes me very sad.
Another young man, who has been living on the streets for many years and is also an alcoholic, has been thinking about moving into our LIFEHOUSE Training Center to recover from his addiction and to begin a new life. Although we have reminded him repeatedly, he never wanted to come along and always had something else to do. Yesterday he was attacked and his sleeping bag was stolen. But instead of coming with us, he now wants to move on to another town. We hope and pray that God is with him and will protect him wherever he goes.
It is great to see what a love our team has for the runaways, homeless and drug addicts. Behind the tough facade and tattoos hide people who seek only a listening ear or a hug. They just want to be loved. This is a major priority of this ministry. To bring God's love to those who are not loved at all.
I was particularly impressed with the vision that our team has for the LIFEHOUSE Training Center and for the ministry with Cream and Sugar on the street. They are implementing, step by step, all that God has shown them. Here on the property they are making a lot of progress and it is great to see what they have accomplished in the last year.
I like being here a lot and I am glad that I can still be here a few more weeks.

HELP Philippines - Action in the Father's House

2010-03-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

Action in and around the Father‘s House
Posted by HELPer in Help Phillipines, City Mission/Father’s House

Summer and Winter
While Europe was going through a harsh winter time, summer spread
all about the Philippines. After the devastating storms and sweeping
floods last year, the country is suffering now from a severe drought.
Water supply is getting short and so food and electricity prices are
going up.
The nation is shaken. With the presidential elections coming up in
May, the Philippines are anything but peaceful.

Relief through HELP
Because of the generous donations after the flood (tropical storm
Ketsana) we were able to help many families. Houses were being
rebuilt and now weare supporting families with school fees for
their kids and assist some families in laying a foundation for their
lively -hood.
A big THANK YOU to all donors!

Inside
In the Father’s house we are preparing for the upcoming summer
holidays, starting in April. We are grateful for all the progresses we
see in the lives of the kids. Our two new girls (10 and 12 years old)
settled in very well.

The new Father’s House
Recently the Philippine Youth Welfare Service came to us for the
renewal of our official approval. The officer was really impressed
with the new Father’s House because her last visit had been to
the old building in Cubao. The new premises are a real gift from
God indeed, ideal for the kids. After an extension of our lease
agreement, the final purchase contract is due to be signed in
December this year.
Our leader together with a team, one German and two native
co-workers, will go on a tour through Germany from May 8
to May 30 to introduce and share about our ministry in a creative
way.
If you want to know more about the tour, dates, cities etc. please
contact our HELP office in Lüdenscheid (+49 (0) 2351 20049)

More about the HELP Father’s House>>>

HELP Mongolia - Good News from HENTI

2010-03-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Nothing is impossible with God
We went for an outreach to Henti in the Northeast of Mongolia. In the past, co-workers of HELP International evangelized here, and now it seems that the seed springs up.
First we started in a shack using pieces of firewood as seats. In spite of a snowstorm, we hat 20 guests the first evening. The next evening there were 40, then 80. Once there were 200 children and grown-ups to watch the Jesus movie. That was the only time in my life that I prayed for people to stop from flocking in ... At the end of that week we had 80 people testifying that they wanted to follow Jesus. We just knew we had to be there for them. And that’s how the work in Henti started.
More >>

“Set Free Center” - Open House

2010-03-03T01:11:00.000-08:00

Posted by HELPer in HELP-Philippines, Set Free Center

Come and gain some insight into every day life in
„Set Free Center“ in Manila Philippines!
Just click one photo in order to see it enlarged in a new window.

More about HELP Philippines >>

HELP MONGOLIA - OPENING OF NEW REHAB

2010-03-02T05:59:00.000-08:00

70 Guests at Opening - Party
Recently we celebrated the official inauguration of our new rehab for alcohol addicted people wanting to come off.

More than seventy invited guests joined us. Most of them were working in similar ministries and churches in Ulan Bataar. In the end we took up an offering for another Mongolian rehab. We were exited to be able to bless our brothers with a generous offering.

Looking back on this day fills us with gratitude and encouragement. Last week a Christian TV station called us. They invited us into their program.

The interview was broadcasted several times, which called more and more people’s attention to the rehab, which presently hosts five guests (persons undergoing rehabilitation). Our rehab team is facing already a number of challenges, however, we notice a very positive development and are looking forward to the future ahead of us.
More about HELP Mongolia >>

Three Months In Austin

2010-02-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Peter.
For the past 10 years I have been living in Lüdenscheid, Germany and am a member of the FCJG fellowship. I have always wanted to make a mission trip abroad and find out what it is like to live as a missionary.

So that's why I decided to come to the United States for three months to serve alongside the HELP for all Nations team. Since July 2009 our team has been living on a large property about 20 miles outside of Austin where HFAN is building the LIFEHOUSE Training Center.

This place offers a lot of practical work. In the last three months we have done so much. Last week we finished a 550 yard fence. That was pretty hard work!

We also take the Cream And Sugar trailer to the streets of Austin three times a week to serve the homeless and drug addicts. I myself was a heroin addict for many years but I have been set free by the power of Jesus. I was very surprised that there are so many young and also elderly people who live on the street. We serve those people in a very practical way. We build relationships and welcome them just as they are. Most of them are very grateful and love to visit us at Cream And Sugar.

On the LIFEHOUSE property we are now at the point where we are able to take in guests fromthe street. I will not be able to see this for myself because I'm leaving in a few days. However, I am very excited about what God is doing here. For me it was a very good time with many challenges. It is wonderful to see how this ministry is developing. This trip has definitely been worth it! What I learned most is to trust God with everything. I was able to see how the team is trusting God and how the Lord is providing for them.

To find out more about internships at HELP for all Nations, visit: http://www.hfan.org/internship/. If you would like to make a donation, you cando it here.

Mongolia - Enerel for "compassion"

2010-02-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

A young German serving his civil service in Ulan Bataar reports:

‘Enerel‘ is our shelter in Ulan Bataar, where homeless or drunk people can stay overnight.
Enerel means “mercy, compassion”.
“Once a week I am doing a night shift at the ENEREL. It is always challenging and tiring, however at the same time a very fulfilling ministry. We start at 7.30 pm with prayer and open the doors at 8 pm.
Our leader Bataarsuch always welcomes the freezing people into the warm rooms. Supper is already cooked. Many are drunk, but all are kind, still able to walk on their own.
This is what happened the other Saturday:
The police had already called and asked us to pick up some drunken people, whom they had collected from the huge black market.
This time it’s my turn to be the bus driver. On our way back we pick up another man.
Back at the Enerel I put all of them to bed ...that’s the time you realise how heavy a man can be!
Most of them immediately fall into a deep sleep. Before supper there is still time to take care of wounds. The bad hygiene on the streets leads to some nasty ones. Today two people had to be taken to hospital. Sadly one needs to get his toes amputated.
During supper a fight was close to spark: one of the guys got furious over a small issue, another grabed a stool ready to smash it into his face. Fortunately I am quite tall – that helps gaining some authority in spite of only being a “Duu” (little brother) age wise.
I just took the stool away and asked the trouble makers to leave. Our little devotion started. This time people were not as concentrated as usual.
After washing and disinfecting the dishes it’s bedtime.
It’s almost like sleeping next to the toilet in a train with people getting up, complaining, someone lighting another cigarette ...
Morning started with breakfast. The men we picked up last night asked what had happened and who took them here. After a while, when everyone left, I am on duty to clean up the place.
Even though I am totally exhausted, I had a great time! Some lives might have even been saved!
More about HELP - Mongolia >>

Father’s House (Help Philippines): Outing to the Island Mindorro

2010-02-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

Former street kids and the staff of Father’s House are going to the beach

“ Saturday early morning 5.30 am we set out to Tamaraw Beach.
40 people, 5 cars a lot of luggage.
After a two hours drive and a boat ride –when everybody fell asleep
we reached our destiny: the island Mindorro
Someone took us directly to the beach and our holiday started right away.
Although there was a fresh breeze the small kids couldn’t get enough of playing in the water.

Apart from enjoying the sea, we had lots of games like a treasure hunt,
sand castle competition and ”Olympics”.
Another highlight was a ride on a “glass bottom boat” . We could watch
colourful corals and fishes and even a turtle.

The girl’s ride on a banana boat came to an sudden end. No gasoline! So they had to be saved by the glass bottom boat. That looked very funny.

A very special event was the baptism of 3 of our girls – in the sea of course.
The last evening we had a campfire and barbecue roasting sausages Marshmallows and shrimps.
We had 3 fantastic days. Everyone, including some Filipinos had a sun burn.
No one was ready to go home.
But- as life isn’t just Mango shakes and sunshine, there was no choice, we had to go back to Manila."

Philippines - So happy

2010-01-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

The ministry of Help international “ City Mission/Father’s House” is reaching out to street kids in Manila:
Just before Christmas we where able to take Jeralyn (10) into the Father’s House.
We knew her from our outreaches in the streets.

She already was smoking and sniffing glue. Her father had died some months ago. So there was nothing left that could keep her at “home” any more. ( Home meaning a little room in a slum hut ) Off she where struggling to survive on the streets.
Now living with us in the Father’s House she enjoys being able to live as a child again.

Thankfully she appreciates any attention given to her. She is so excited that she already learned how to ride a bicycle and roller skate. Every single morning she is happily leaving for school.
After I bought her some new clothes the other day to my surprise she did not put them on, but neatly tucked them away in a wardrobe. When I asked her if she didn’t like them.

Her answer was: “ Of course I like them, but they are too nice to wear them.”
When we prayed over her the other night she wasn’t able to stop crying. Afterwards she shared with us how God ‘s love and comfort had touched her deeply.
It’s wonderful just to see Jenalyn being so happy in the Father’s House and watching her thrive in this place.
More about HELP Philippines >>

Mongolia - New alcohol-rehab

2010-01-18T02:20:00.000-08:00

These are families on staff of our new rehab for alcohol addicted people at HELP Mongolia.

For weeks they were busy with construction, renovation and planning. Finally everything is ready and they’ve just started with the rehab. Our staff reports:

“Yesterday we took in our first rehab guest, his name is Tuwschen. He is 27 years old, was trained as a biologist and worked for some years in his job.

The booze destroyed almost everything in his life: his family, the job ...
The past months have been a sole frenzy, spent in drunkenness. He wants to quit. He seems to be honest and at ease. We are very keen to see his further development. From own experience we know that by God’s help so much is possible – even in this area.”

Orphans - The Year 2009 in Noah's Ark

2010-01-06T01:16:00.000-08:00

From Noah’s Ark, HELP Philippines

At a home like Noah’s Ark it’s always buzzing, and sometimes we wished for some more peace and rest. Looking back on 2009, however, we see many happy and changed kids and that’s worth the trouble!
We can say from the depths of our heart that we have the best job in the world and are recalling the past year with gratefulness.

And this was 2009 in short:
On average per day with 13 children in the house:
- we changed and washed 110 diapers
- fed 50 bottles and 25 cups of milk
- consumed about 30 kg of rice (rice pudding, steamed rice, rice soup, baby food ...)

Five children have been adopted from abroad, five kids could be reintegrated into their families, 12 kids are waiting to be adopted, one boy’s health condition is improving, and he will go back to his family. We were able to arrange for three kids to have surgery for their cleft palate.

Philippines - Christmas was all around

2009-12-25T04:29:00.000-08:00

See the picture- gallery with pictures from the christmas-partys for streetkids >>

From the team of HELP "Father`s House - City Mission" Manila.
Since weeks the preparations were running at full speed. Christmas season is a very active and exciting time for us as it is for many others on this planet.
This year we split up our celebrations. We were going out to different places in town, loaded with presents, schoolbags, sweets, food and T-shirts to celebrate Christmas with the street kids we’d been visiting regularly. We were playing, singing and laughing together. Needless to say that we read a Christmas story to them and prayed for them. Last but not least we were having a feast with fried chicken and spaghetti.

More than 300 street kids and their families at various dates and places had been with us.
A special highlight was our Kids Church meeting one Saturday.
We’d especially invited those families hit by the terrible storms some months ago. In all those years I’ve been living on the Philippines I’d never heard the word “thank you!” as often as this one Saturday.
Children and their relatives were deeply touched by the help they received, made possible through your and other peoples’ donations.
A big “thank you” to all of you who gave towards these Christmas celebrations and the typhoon victims - you made it all possible.
It was a really happy Christmas this year for many of our friends from the streets and the slums!
More about HELP Philippines >>

Streetkids - Speechless in Manila

2009-12-17T03:46:00.000-08:00

“Ate (big sister), our friend has died.” The little girls welcomed me with this bad news. They are sitting at a street corner where we regularly visit street kids. The girls are squatting on a piece of carton. “What happened?” I asked them being shocked myself. A group of street kids went for a swim in a river the day before. One boy, who was fairly new in this gang of children, boldly jumped from a higher cliff. However, he didn’t surface after diving into the water. His friends looked for him desperately, but could only secure his dead body. I am sitting there on this piece of carton with these little girls – shocked and speechless. The kids are huddling up against me, trying to be close after this traumatic event. Jenalyn (11 years old and already hooked on sniffing glue) says: “Maybe I can come and live with you one day?” That’s what the Father’s House is for: to take care of kids like her who have nobody caring for them. I say: ”Yes!” hoping that she won’t change her mind.

Bangkok - New beginning for Ant

2009-12-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

By the HELP drug rehab center in Thailand.
Ant has gone through lots of trouble. He lived in our rehab center for five months, but then left and had a relapse. Now he is back again and we are really glad about it. His ‘old’ lifestyle might have killed him in the end.
This is his story:

I can hardly recall any memories of my father. He left us when I was five. My mom told me that he is a heroin addict. He used to beat her and my little brother often, my little brother eventually died due to the injuries. When my mom remarried I felt offended. This new husband got all the attention I was supposed to get! My mom realized that I was hurting and began to spoil me. However, my demands kept growing constantly.
As a young adult I only did what I wanted. I took tobacco, hashish, booze, spent nights in discos. At the age of seventeen I was involved in a brawl in which someone was shot. I escaped and stayed with relatives in the countryside until the case was cleared. This was also the end of my schooling and I slipped down further.
My family was convinced that strict religion would help me to become a better person. Over a period of 15 years I made several attempts to change for the better in Buddhist monasteries.
Each time I left a monastery it got worse. I was in prison four times, and I also went in and out of hospitals and drug rehabs. One day I had a controversy with my mom and resorted to my grandma’s place in order to find help. Since my grandma was a born again Christian she told me about Jesus and I opened my heart. My grandma took me to the rehab of HELP.
When I arrived at the rehab center I felt quite uneasy thinking of the upcoming agonies of a cold turkey. To my surprise I had hardly any pain and made quick progress. In spite of my relapse I see changes in my life: I have calmed down and become much more patient.
If I have problems with something, I’ll try to talk things over. In the past I couldn’t face conflicts and used to run away, but Jesus changed me. Now there is joy in my life and I feel confident about the future!
Ant

Manila - Mother gone lost between two storms

2009-12-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

“We are right in the middle of some relief projects helping some families to get back on their feet after the flood. It’s harder on some people than on others.
We’ve just come back from visiting four teenagers who lost their mom between two storms.

Their hut and all their belongings were swept off as typhoon ‘Ketsana’ hit Manila. Their mother (52), who was suffering of severe TB, died last week. The coffin is laid out on a pile of mud under a provisional tent. Her children are living behind some planks, just a few meters beside it.

We’ve known and come along this family for many years and are grateful to be able to practically help thanks to the donations. We are going to rebuild the hut for the teenagers and will attend to their emotional and spiritual needs as far as we can. The two younger kids are still going to school and we are supporting them with their education. The four siblings are sticking together although they don’t have parents any more.”
More about HELP City Mission / Father's House Philippines >>

Mongolia - Views of the ministry

2009-12-03T02:46:00.000-08:00

One of our staff from HELP Mongolia, who is serving Mongolians in various ways (helping the homeless, sidewalk café, etc.) has put together a little picture gallery. These depict both, impressions of the country and personal encounters between HELP staff and locals (click on the pictur to enlarge).

More about HELP Mongolia >>

Manila - Training in spite of the storm

2009-11-27T06:08:00.000-08:00

Our ‘Set Free Training’, a training course for fulltime staff in social missionary ministries, was carried out by HELP Philippines in the midst of the challenging typhoons.

Our team reports:

“Four weeks of intense community life, conjoint outreaches and a lot of good teachings drew to a close with a yummy barbecue and good fellowship in the evening. It was great to get together from so many different nations (we’ve represented 8 different nations).

After the first week of training typhoon Ketsana raged over the city as we reported earlier. One of our experiences: We were on our way to teach at the training and had to stop in front of a bridge, because it was flowed by the river.
Being cut off from the way back we couldn’t drive home until the next day.

With all participants of the training we went on outreaches to the most severely hit areas. We could help to clean up, rebuilt huts and distributed relief supplies.
The participants were all deeply moved by the distress and the positive attitude of the Filipinos in spite of it! We had an extraordinary afternoon when we celebrated a worship service for the people right there in the midst of the chaos and the mud.

We were blessed with great guest speakers (i.e. Walter Heidenreich and Bernd & Susanne Mette), who have been leading ministries for years.
Besides, we were able to learn a lot from each other and enjoyed the fellowship very much. Thanks to all of you who have contributed and supported this training!”

Manila - Reaching out to the street kids

2009-11-16T00:22:00.000-08:00

While the authorities haven’t announced a storm all-clear, our City Mission team is again reaching out to the street kids. A participant reports: ”Tonight we are finally heading for that well known street corner again, where we usually meet with the street kids, drug addicts and prostitutes and spend time with them. First we’ve only met the smaller kids, the older ones kept away since a group of soldiers was within sight.

The kids missed us already and wanted to see the pictures that I took last time. I had to promise to hand out the pictures till Christmas. We had a really cool time with the kids. Rose, a Filipino staff, brought some picture books which we read to the kids. We also played together and I had to take more pictures of them.

One of the kids was very interested in the Father’s House and when we showed him some pictures of the Father’s House he said straight away: “Can you take me there, please!” A little while later, after the soldiers had left, the older boys and girls came, too. We had the opportunity to talk to some of them.

Unfortunately, I was very busy taking pictures, because every minute somebody new asked me to take a picture. Nevertheless, it was great to be involved and I can downright “sense” how much Jesus loves these kids. I’m convinced that he has other plans for them than living on the streets.”
More about the Father's House >>

Mongolia - The end of a long journey

2009-11-05T01:43:00.000-08:00

By HELP Mongolia. We have known Enkusch (9) for seven years. When we first met him, he lived on a garbage dump and came to our shelter for the homeless, together with his parents and his older brother.

Later we bought a Mongolian yurt for them and they tried a new beginning.
Unfortunately alcohol became a stumbling block thus the family lost everything they had. Quarrels and violence were the order of the day, bare necessities were always lacking...

In June we learned that Enkusch’s dad was in prison and his mom gone off with her boy friend. His brother went to live with his grandma who took good care of him. However, Enkusch went back and forth from one relative to the other.

In the end they asked us, if we were willing to take him in and we loved to.
Enkusch shall find a new home in our children’s home family where he is welcomed and accepted.
More about HELP Mongolia >>

Tropical storms over the Philippines - Outreach

2009-10-29T02:52:00.000-07:00

One of our HELP interns reports:
Today I have had the opportunity to visit Ketsana victims again. In the morning we stuffed around 70 bags with clothing we’ve received from a nearby church. And off we went in the afternoon to places well-known to us.
Many of them looked much better than the last time we visited.

What we didn’t like though was that they had just opened a new garbage dump right there in the slum area. The garbage trucks were all standing in line in front of it. What if the area gets hit by another flood? It would be littered all over with garbage again.
The people were all very busy and many are actually paid to help clean up. However, the way of clearing the area from the dirt was funny. The Filipinos use anything to carry a small pile of mud to another street corner: empty baskets, sliced water containers, the grid cover of a fan ... they attach it to a piece of string and trail it behind.

Siberia - Tough boys help

2009-10-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

HELP Drug Rehabilitation at Omsk:
“In mid-September we had the potato harvest season here. Anna Andrewna, an elderly lady, who is living in a little cottage together with her sick father and her invalid brother, didn’t know how to cop with this heavy task on her own.

When some of our rehab participants offered to help her for free, she was deeply moved. Even though our guys had to sacrifice their free afternoon and flopped dead tired into bed afterwards, they were satisfied as well. It’s simply true: 'There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.' (Acts 20, 35 b)

A wedding
Vitali has finished his rehab program two years ago and has brought in many more drug addicts by being a good example ever since. He got married on September 20th and is living with his wife only 200 meters away from our center. We are happy for them and curious about the further development of our relationship."
More about HELP Siberia >>

Philippines - The tropical storms

2009-10-14T02:27:00.000-07:00

Still, the people on the Philippines are suffering from the aftermath of the two tropical storms "Ketsana" and "Parma". Many have lost their homes and are surrounded by mud and debris. The teams of HELP International weren't affected so deeply. Their challenge is now to keep up their ministries (i.e. care for streetchildren and drug-rehab)and aside from that to see if there are possibilities to help. HELP staff already supported some families in reconstructing. Former article >>

I am going to buy the Father’s House!

2009-10-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

From HELP City Mission / Father's House, Manila.

As a little baby Jonathan was abandoned by his mom. He grew up knowing nothing about emotional attention for his first years in life. That’s why he was a very disturbed kid.

For several years now he has found a new home in the Father’s House and is flourishing. His grandma, who is working in Greece, just found out about this other grandson in May this year. When she was visiting the Philippines, she stopped by at the Father’s House to visit Jonathan. Both of them were so happy to finally get to know each other. Jonathan’s Grandma couldn’t stop crying for joy and thanked us again and again for taking good care of her grandson.

She is now back in Greece, working, but she regularly calls Jonathan to talk to him at the phone. Last week she forwarded 30 Euro so that Jonathan can buy something nice for himself. Never in his life had Jonathan seen so much money at one go; he grinned like a Cheshire cat and said: “Now I am going to buy the Father’s House for us!” (We will certainly save this money for Jonathan and help him to spend it on something nice for himself.)
More about City Mission / Father's House in Manila >>

Philippines - After the storm

2009-10-07T03:45:00.001-07:00

Review of the actual situation on the Philippines. Our team from the City Mission reports:
“The streets are filled with huge piles of garbage from thousands of swamped houses. Furniture, electrical appliances, toys, clothing, books, ... all beyond remedy. Mud and ooze are everywhere, a moldy smell is hovering in the air, ... nevertheless: the Filipinos are tirelessly scooping mud and they are praising God for still being alive! Many are helping to clean up the mess wherever and how they can – and they are cheerful and thankful while doing it. What a great people! Poor or rich!

In the face of these typhoons the Filipinos have proved themselves courageous.
During the next weeks small teams will go on to help wherever they can. They will buy building material, give out food, encourage and pray!

A SMS from the principal
The school which the kids of the Father’s House are attending was completely swamped as well and all the books and toys were destroyed. We helped with the cleaning work and received the following SMS from the principal afterwards:

“We are still cleaning up. Despite the storm and the tragedy I will always have fond memories of this incident because of all you did for us.
We are always glad and thankful for your help and your concern. Many have been praying for us, but you have been the answer to our prayers! The children in the Father’s House are blessed to have you. Sincere thanks to all of you who helped. You are definitely living up to your ministry’s name: ‘HELP International’.”

Manila - New Kids

2009-09-10T02:52:00.000-07:00

From the latest newsletter of HELP Father's House / City Mission, Philippines.
"A___ was heavily abused and urgently needed a safe refuge. She came to us in June at the age of thirteen. She did not have the opportunity to go to school regularly so she has to start again in the first grade.

It does not bother her at all that she is the biggest girl in class. She’s just so grateful to be in a safe place, to live a normal life and to be able to go to school. She’s a fast learner and may be able to catch up in the next years.

The next ‘new’ boy is M___ whose family we know for a long time through our street outreaches. He literally grew up in the streets and at eleven, has not completed first grade. His father who died recently was an abusive alcoholic and his mother never cared for the children. He looks forward to an orderly life. We hope, that he will be able to adjust to community life after so many years of independence on the road."
More about HELP City Mission / Father's House >>

Outreach - Not there please

2009-09-02T03:03:00.001-07:00

Parts of a report of a man who is on outreach with our team in the US.
'I often wonder about people who have everything perfectly planned. I am not one of them. My name is Bernhard Brunner, I come from Austria and I am a social worker there. In my home town, I am in charge of a drop-in center for young people who have been thrown out their homes.

Through a TV report, I heard about the work of HELP International in Mongolia and got in touch with the main office in Lüdenscheid (Germany). I was very interested to learn more about the diffenrent ministries of HELP around the world and so I followed an invitation to a so called "Vision for Mission" - weekend.

Here I met the people behind the ministries. I had a growing desire to join one of HELP's ministries and experience first hand what the Lord is doing among them. Guided by my faith in God, I threw all my plans for my long-awaited vacation over board and asked for a possibility for an outreach.

I wanted to go where I was needed most (well, honestly, I had sent a quick prayer to heaven, anywhere but not to Texas...). A few days passed. I was back home and had already some doubts. Maybe they did not need my help after all. These thoughts came to an abrupt end when I found a message on my voicemail.

My knees shook when I heard what was on the tape. I listened to it several times but still could not believe it, they offered me an outreach to Texas! I think, we have to be receptive and listen to the words that God speaks into our lifes and for me that was God.

When I accepted it, I got a deep joy in my heart. I felt, that the Lord was leading me this way. A few days later I was on my way to Texas. In this ministry, God works in many ways, and it seems to me that it has a special blessing.

As few examples are the good contacts, friendships, connections and the way they serve the young homeless. Full of joy, I am excited and grateful and I am looking forward to my remaining time here.'
More about HELP Texas >>

HELP Philippines

2009-08-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

Actually, "Noah's Ark" is caring for small orphans. But there's a lot more going on:

"Junior is one of the teenagers who comes to our house on Saturdays to earn some money with gardening. He is coming from a very poor family. Recently we heard that he has been shot when climbing on a mango tree (which belongs to his family!) to pick some fruits. A former police man misjudged the situation, pulled his gun and shot Junior, injuring both upper arms.

Later, in the hospital, the doctors detected that one of the bones was affected, too. No doctor wanted to operate on him since his family couldn’t afford a 1000-Euro-surgery. When we visited Junior he was running a fever and was in great pain. I asked if he wanted us to pray for him. It became very quiet in the little shack: Everybody was listening attentively to our prayers. God intervened indeed and healed Junior! He came back to work in the garden only a month later and was able to use both his arms without restriction."
More about Noah's Ark >>

Mission Romanticism?

2009-08-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

The leaders of our drug rehabilitation center on the Philippines, family Pieren, report:
"On our search for preparation for the mission field, we’ve landed here in Lüdenscheid in the FCJG, where we visited the ‘School for Evangelism and World Missions’.
Afterwards we joined a little team to pioneer a ministry in Africa. We were brought back down to earth very quickly ... all our romantic perceptions about missions disappeared when we shared our lives with some street boys from Uganda.

After three years we came back to Germany and our third child was born.
There was so much more we had to learn, but yet we couldn’t stop thinking about the mission field. Our rehab center on the Philippines desperately needed new staff and we as family decided to move to a foreign country once more.
Meanwhile we have been living on the Philippines for three years and we know we are at the right spot. Our kids are happy and well-balanced and we ourselves are very happy to be in the right place at the right time."
Family Pieren from Switzerland
More about the Set Free Center >>

Philippines

2009-08-10T01:39:00.000-07:00

HELP Set Free Center, Philippines. "Right now we are having some young people living with us who come from a very miserable background. They have hardly been taught any values. Their feeling of worthlessness is overwhelming. Living meant: Booze, drugs, gambling ... They come to us being prickly and fragile at the same time. They are looking for appreciation, identity and a life worth living for.

Jesus said: “Come to me, I will give you rest and a meaning in life. I mean well and I will give you only light burdens (freely adapted from Matthew 11, 28+29). It’s not easy for our boys to believe that there is someone who really loves them the way they are and wants to meet their needs. But whoever gets involved with Jesus, who confides in him, will witness a miracle: he will receive new life."
More about the Set Free Center >>

Philippines - Amazing Devotions

2009-08-04T02:40:00.000-07:00

HELP City Mission/Father’s House, Manila
“During summer break we had daily devotions for the children of the Father’s House. We talked about Jesus being the good shepherd who cares about us, that God adopted us into his family and such things.

One time the kids wrote letters to a Chinese family whose father is serving time in prison because he “sells Bibles”. They were really shocked about the fact that one could end up in prison on account of his faith.

Another time we told them that it is not right to hide sin in your heart. During the time of prayer that followed one boy asked for forgiveness because he was lying very often, was always hiding toys (which drives the other boys crazy) and had smashed the cup of one of the staff and tried to conceal it.
Those moments are of cause very precious to us and the kids will surely treasure one or the other devotion for a long time.”
More about HELP City Mission/Father’s House >>

Philippines - The gamecock was more important

2009-07-28T02:03:00.000-07:00

City Mission - Father’s House
The staff of the City Mission is visiting kids on the streets of Manila regularly to help them in their desolate situation. If possible, they take the kids to the Father’s House, where they can grow up in a save environment. A young lady named Lilibeth, a former street kid, grew up in the Father’s House and is meanwhile on staff there with her small family. Not long ago she had the following special experience:

The relationship with her father was quite unharmonious, since he spend more money on his gamecocks (which are very valuable here) than on his kids. Once Lilibeth nearly died because her dad didn’t want to buy the necessary medicine.
When he was put in prison, due to a robbery, Lilibeth ended up living on the streets until we took her in.
After starting to believe in Jesus she felt that she was supposed to forgive her father, who was already out of prison back then.

Lilibeth was able to forgive her father and was set free from the hate and bitterness against him. However, that doesn’t meant that he was going to change. Later on he became very ill, he had water in his lungs and bleeding gastric ulcers among other things. One Saturday after the church service Lilibeth felt compelled to visit her father. Till then she actually had no clue how seriously ill he was.

When she and her husband arrived at her father’s shack he was sitting inside miserably, not able to take in any food. Lilibeth’s young husband took heart and prayed with his father in law who just then gave his life to Jesus, prayed himself and cried. After that they went out to look for Lilibeth’s siblings. When they came back to the shack Lilibeth’s father had already died.
Lilibeth is very glad, in spite of her grief, for the reconciliation with her father and that he made peace with God at the very last moment!

Mongolia - The right people for the right time

2009-06-25T03:37:00.000-07:00

It takes five whole days in a truck or three whole days in a car, driving over streets and grass runways to move from Ulan Bator to the outermost west of Mongolia. One of our couples from HELP Mongolia just made this move to the west to serve the Kazakhs who comprise most of the population there. They want to train them in English and handicraft. They report:

"Since the elections last year the emergency to build-up good vocational schools and to improve the quality of vocational training in handicraft is on everyone’s lips. That’s where we want to help and we actually got a hearing at the ministry of education:

Our first talk to a Kazakh professor at the university in Ulan Bator went very well. She said: “You are the right people at the right time for that place!” Our papers were sent to the city and the governor of the province was informed about us immediately.
We were encouraged once more when we called the director of the vocational school there: “That’s exactly what we need!”, he proclaimed. “Practical tutorial is exactly what we need! And, why wait with the language course till after the summer break – we can start with summer school right away!” ...

“In the Thick of it”
We believe that we will have good opportunities as teachers to not only teach knowledge and mechanical skills but will also be able to influence the students positively. We want to live out and impart biblical established values and are hoping to win the hearts of the people. We are very fond of the youth, would like to moot questions about a Christian way of life and want to play an active part in the Mongolian society – and now we got a place in the thick of it!
Who knows how many other opportunities will open up?"
More about HELP Mongolia >>

Drinking - Healing in a family

2009-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

From HELP Mongolia. Seeing Borko, you wouldn’t believe that she is already 22 years old. She looks and dresses herself like a 16-year-old. When she was still a baby her mother died. Her father never remarried. So she and her brother grew up with a father who was severely addicted to alcohol and extremely violent.

As we heard about the miserable conditions at her small home we asked Borko if she wanted to live with us for a while. I had to visit the father early in the morning in order to meet him in his sober moments. He gave his permission and Borko moved in with us. To everyone’s amazement her father stopped drinking for several days. That had not happened in years! We visited him again and told him about Jesus and the Christian faith. A week later he came to one of our churches and gave his life to Jesus shortly after.

Meanwhile Borko is living at home again. She needs to assist her slightly disabled father in practical ways. Now and then she stays with us, however she never minds to go back home since the atmosphere there has changed completely:
Her father has drunk hardly anything during the last month, he is happy and peaceful. He loves to go to church and even brings in new people.
Just recently Borko came down with something and her father asked her:
“Shall I try to pray for you?” And he prayed!

HELP Texas - The New Ground

2009-05-28T03:37:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 11 2009 we finally got a permanent facility for our ministry. By God's grace, we are moving to a 10 acre property in the greater Austin area.

We are calling it: LIFEHOUSE.

This property will enable us to fulfill the vision that the Lord has placed on our hearts. It will provide facilities for our LIFE Training program and also housing for staff members and interns.

LIFE Training provides an environment where young homeless people can begin their journey off the streets, receive personal healing, grow in their relationship with God and discover God's calling on their lives.

A key to LIFE Training is that young people who used to live on the streets stay with us, become a part of our fellowship andparticipate in our daily activities. We encourage them to embrace the Christian faith. When they do so, their lives are transformed and they find true meaning and purpose. All those who have participated in LIFE training have seen a tremendous change in their lives and relationships.

LIFEHOUSE will be our ministry's headquarter, where in addition to our administrative offices we will train short team outreach teams that will be sent to other US cities as well as to foreign countries.

We are excited about all the wonderful things that are happening, and to see that the vision that the Lord has given us many years ago is becoming a reality.
However, there is still a lot of work to do. The existing buildings need repair and renovations. We plan to purchase additional mobile homes for housing LIFE Training participants, as well as staff members.

For detailed information of how you can help, go to http://www.hfan.org/lifehouse

Mongolia - Help for alcoholics

2009-05-22T00:42:00.000-07:00

Our HELP Team im Mongolia started a course for alcoholics which is quite successfull. They do it in a church in "Suchbaatar" and it is also done in several other churches in the country.

During 12 meetings, the participants learn how to get free from alcohol and get the most important foundations of christian faith.

Gerel… (30), who is a maths teacher and Osoch are two of the participants who finished the course. Now, they help others who have the same problems. Actually, Gerel... was employed in his old school again.
More about HELP Mongolia >>

Philippines - Visit at the palace

2009-05-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

HELP Manila, Noah's Arc Children Ministry. A short while ago, the staff of ''Noah's Arc'' received an invitation from the president of the Philippines! The commencement of a new law was going to be celebrated, which ought to minimize corruption during adoption procedure.

Until now the final adjudication whether a child could be adopted or not was in the hands of judges. And everybody knew, that without palm greasing (bribery) nothing was going to happen at all.
Since our ministry, ''Noah's Arc'', refused to pay bribes, some of the children stayed in the orphanage for years, although they could have been adopted long ago. Their papers were just sitting on the desks and never dealt with.

This problem was one of our frequent prayer requests.
Just now the government effectively commenced the new law which says that the child protective service is solely responsible for the whole adoption process.

We are thrilled and believe that this is God's intervention!
To mark the occasion several staff from different orphanages were invited to the presidential palace to witness the passing of the new bill.
More about "Noah's Arc" >>

Philippines - Filthy and stoned

2009-04-07T02:17:00.000-07:00

HELP City Mission/Father's House Manila
During one of our outreaches we met MariVic. She staggered towards us completely filthy and stoned, the glue still sticking to her nose. When she came closer I finally realized that she was a little girl. A bunch of older guys stumbled after her, mocking her. We started to talk and invited the whole group of fifteen kids, all full of lice and very filthy, to dinner at McDonalds.

After talking to the manager, we were finally allowed to take the whole group inside to sit at a table in a remote corner. They were as pleased as Punch, since they haven’t had anything to eat yet. It didn’t take long to discover that MariVic was an orphan trying to eke out a living on the streets. I invited her to come and stay with us in the Father’s House. She came with us without thinking twice. Since she didn’t know what to expect, she looked about scared.

The only thing she knew was a life on the streets, so she preferred to sleep in a corner on the floor for the first night. The bed with fresh linen in the girl’s room was just too odd:-). Meanwhile she feels at ease and we are happy to have her as a new member in our Father’s House family. Right now we have space for 24 kids and youngsters and have only little room left.
Petra Erkens

Philippines

2009-04-02T02:39:00.000-07:00

Dondon is from Davao City where he spent some time with “Youth with a Mission” before he came to stay with us.
He is under regular medical treatment, because a pistol shot crippled his foot.
Last time he went to the see the doctor, the doctor said:
“It’s a real miracle that there was no need to amputate your lower leg until now.
Let’s pray that the infection in your bone (ostitis) will respond well to the new antibiotic!”
Dondon is still in need for a healing intervention by God and still needs our prayers. Because what’s impossible with man is still possible with God!

Manuel just finished his rehabilitation program. He is in after-care and looking for a job. We know Manuel since eight years, he needed several attempts to get off the hook of drug addiction. We are grateful for the big changes in his life all the more. Now, it is his challenge to find a job.
More about the Set-Free Center >>

Manila – Children Are Non-returnable

2009-04-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

From “Noah’s Arc”, HELP Philippines

This girl is just a year old, yet had to experience awful things in her life. She was sold by her mom, who tried to claim her back later on.

The buyers tried to find help at the social department and were quite surprised to learn that they might be sent down, charged with child trafficking.

Right now, the public authorities are examining, if the parents are able to care for the little girl at all. And for the time being she will be at home in Noah’s Arc.
More about Noah’s Arc >>

Philippines - War against the children

2009-03-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

From the “City Mission/Father’s House”-Ministry in Manila:
On the streets of Manila, we meet many children in need. One of them was Richard.

One year ago, the young teenager and his ten year old sister were left back by their mother. They still had a grandmother but most of the time, they were on the streets. They survived by selling flowers and begging like thousands of other streetchildren.

Because of our reguler visits on the streets, we got in contact with them and could gain their trust. We also heard bad things. Richard had been hurt at a knifing and later was hit by a car.

When we were again on the street a short time ago, we heard the shocking news that Richard was dead. With a fresh bullet wound, he had been swimming with his friends in the river and had been perished by drowning. We were really struck by this!

Some times, these things seem to be like a war against the children. We are here in Manila to win this war for as many children as possible. Our weapons are prayer, love and commitment.

More about the "Father's House"-Ministry >>

Impressions from HELP-Manila

2009-03-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

Happy in the "Father's House":

Many times, the children come from here:

The "Father's House"-Compound:

Pictures from the HELP-Drug-Rehab "Set Free Center":

More about HELP Philippines >>

Cream and Sugar - In the swamp

2009-03-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

In addition to the "National Rainbow Gathering", which happens always around the 4th of July, there are also smaller, regional gatherings. For a long time we had planned to visit the Regional Gathering in Ocala, Florida, which always takes place in February.

This time we did not bring our "CreamAndSugar" - Caravan. We knew that we could reach more people if we had a large tent closer to "main circle". We had been warned that the Ocala Gathering could be rough and violent at times. However, the more troublesome people are usually close to the parking lot. This is why the main camp, which is about a one hour hike away, is pretty safe.

Now don't imagine a well-kept vacation campground! These festivals are always somewhere in the wilderness. Our camp was on the edge of a large swamp, complete with alligators, frogs, and all sorts of other bird, animal, and insect life. It was a long hike, and we carried every single thing on our backs by hiking, even our water and other ministry supplies needed every day.
On the first night, we arrived after dark and had to complete our hiking and pitching camp by flashlight. However, the next day we knew that we had made the right decision!
While we are still setting up our ministry tent, some people came over for coffee. Everyone seemed to know about Cream and Sugar. We were treated with great respect and love, becoming a recognized "camp kitchen" of our own. Sometimes we had no time to eat ourselves, because the people waited in a long queue to grab breakfast.

We were astonished about how open people were in our many discussions. They were always pleasant; there was never a disagreement or dispute. We were able to pray for people often, and some would have been happy to come back to Austin with us and get their lives back together with God's help. In the future, people will be able to stay with us in ourLifeHouse Training Center.

We were able to distribute a lot of our handouts, and most people immediately began to read them. We call this the "Roadmap", and it contains several very moving testimonies and life reports from our team. Again and again, visitors came up to us to share how much they had been touched these stories.
The Rainbow Gatherings were started over 30 years ago and a considerable group of founding members is still coming each year. The meetings also draw gutter punks, travelers, homeless, war veterans, cults and as many sorts of people as you can imagine. They are all people who are looking for something: for God, for enlightenment or a supernatural source they can tap into, be it through meditation, drugs or simply through harmony, love and peace.

"He had deep sympathy with the many people who came to him, because they had great troubles and did not know whom they could ask for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd." Mt 9, 36

This verse is guiding us while we are ministering at the Gathering. Jesus wants to satisfy their desire and to give them hope and new life. That is why we were there: to show God's love practically and to lead them to Jesus, the source of life.

Alex

Alex is in his mid-forties, has five children, lives separated from his wife and is addicted to heroin. He was never at a Rainbow Gathering before, and did not know why exactly he was there. He suspected that during this time, he would get some sort of guidance for his chaotic life.
Alex was one of the first people to come into our camp. I saw that he was in need of help right away. As soon as he saw us four Europeans giving away coffee and telling people about Jesus, he seemed to feel an desire to stay. Immediately he seemed to open his heart to me. I told him a lot about the wonderful plans God for his life and prayed for him. Alex received new hope and learned about the love of God. He said,

"The reason why I'm here is that I have met you guys!"

I pray that Alex will break through to Jesus, and I hope that our paths will cross once again.

Mongolia - Like a War Hospital?

2009-03-06T02:01:00.000-08:00

From HELP Mongolia: Our church in Scharhad just opened a shelter for homeless people in their fellowship hall.
Ten people showed up during the first week – meantime thirty and more homeless people visit regularly. Most of them are primed, lousy and very dirty; quite a number of them are injured by brawlings or suffer from burns. Time and again scuffles brake out calling for drastic measures.

After their arriving at the shelter we spray an disinfection agent on them. Thereafter we make them wash their face, hands and feet. Later on we dress their injuries and then there is soup and a word from the Bible. Many a man needs to be admitted to hospital, because a finger or leg has to be amputed due to frostbites or infections. One could almost think he is standing in a war hospital ...

Those people have lost their indentification cards and worse, all their dignity. They are despised by society and shunned by their families. We are hoping that they will get a new start by believing in Jesus, because he is the only one that can change their lives permanently.
More about HELP-Mongolia >>

Philippines - Mobile Kids Church

2009-02-27T00:29:00.000-08:00

Every week. the team of the "City Mission" of HELP International Philippines helds services in the street. They report: "The joy of the children is always big when we arrive monday afternoon in Tumana (a district of Manila). As soon as they see us, they come running and welcome us exitedly. In this slum, hundreds of familys live in minimal space in very simple huts. Accordingly, many children come together.

Because the most of them cannot afford a trip to another part of the town, we go there with our Mobile Kids Church. They love to sing songs or to listen to a story. Later, when we have to leave, they accompany us to the road and wave to us for a long while.
More about the City Mission in Manila >>

Philippines - Garage Sale at the Set Free Center

2009-02-11T02:52:00.000-08:00

Finances are always a point for our teams. The co-workers of the Set Free Center in Manila (HELP-drugrehab) now had a garage sale. They report: "We looked in all of our rooms and put away everything which didn't serve us any longer. Also, some friends gave us things that they didn't need anymore. Many people came and we sold quite a few things. This is again a little help for us and we are encouraged and thankful.
See a small gallery >>
More about the Set Free Center >>

Christmas On The Street

2009-01-27T03:29:00.000-08:00

From HELP Texas: "On December 25th we had our anual Christmas Party for our homeless friends. Held on the Renaissance Market in Austin, this is always the highlight of the holiday season for them.
This is also a very special day for us. Instead of unwrapping Christmas Presents, we get together to prepare goulash soup (a hearty and spicy beef and vegetable soup) for about 80 people.
It is a special and even odd feeling to drive into town on Dec. 25th because there is no traffic at all. All the usual crowds are home. No people are walking around. You wait for what seams like ages at a stop light and there isn't another vehicle in sight. Austin is like a ghost town.
However when we roll up to the square there is always a huge crowd of homeless friends waiting for us. One Lady told us many years ago:

"If you really want to find out who is homeless and who not, just come here on Christmas day and see for yourself."

Everyone sat all over the square in small groups and were very open to conversation. Normally, the homeless are crowded into the back corner of the square because of foot traffic and vendors, but on Christmas day they could sit where they liked and spread out all over the area. It was a diverse crowd of beautiful people very much at ease. The young travellers in their Carheart overalls with their huge backpacks and dogs, older homeless people and some folks who just seem to have nothing else to do, no place to go. Besides our Cream And Sugar Trailer (which only served as a base station that day because we also could spread out all over the square) we brought a couple of tables to serve, soup, donuts softs drinks, cookies and hot chocolate to the people as well as a Christmas tree. Unfortunately we had not received many donations of clothes so we were just able to give away a couple of blankets and socks.
Every year we give away a Christmas present to everyone who is there. We always look for something that is useful, that can make being on the street a little easier for our young friends. This year we gave each of them a small LED flashlight and a P38 can opener. These famous and popular can openers fit on a key chain and are referred to as "The Army's best invention." No need to mention that the people were very excited about these special gifts.
While the people were eating, one of our staff members shared a encouraging message about how the Lord want's to surprise us with his goodness and love even when we don't expect it. The guests listened very quietly and attentive. It has always been like this. Every time when we shared God's word during this event, the people have been very respectful and opened their hearts and listened to what we have to say.
During the afternoon there were always people coming and going and it was good that we had enough food for everyone. People were sitting all over the square in little groups and talking. Some received prayer, and everybody was in a pleasant and festive mood.
As we left the square in the early evening, many people expressed their gratefulness and gratitute. We did bless them indeed by bringing God's love to the streets on Christmas day.
Lastly, we would like to thank the many volunteers who joined us for this event. About 15 people from all sorts of Austin churches and groups joined us. These volunteers were of great help and made everything go smoothly. We are sure their Christmas was made a little more special by taking the afternoon to serve the homeless in Austin."

If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved in a ministry like ours please let us know. You will find more information at www.hfan.org/volunteer/.

HELP-Austria - Conversion in Vienna

2009-01-14T01:19:00.000-08:00

Our Team from HELP-Austria (FCJG-Vienna) reports: " Some weeks ago, we had a very good and special time. We had a group of 14 young swiss people with us, who helped us to convert our attic. They came the long way from Adelboden (very nice for skiing) in Switzerland to support us with our project.

Many of them took an extra vacation to have the opportunity to be here. With us, they shared our community-live, the collective meals, the work, the devotions and the leisure. We are really thankful that they were here and would gladly welcome a nice team (or a single person) like them again.

More about HELP-Vienna (german) >>

Philippines - Update from 'Noah's Arc'

2009-01-09T00:44:00.000-08:00

The staff of our 'Noah's Arc'-children-ministry sent us a little update about their 'crew'.

"This three and a half year old girl is with us since two years. At the moment, we look for parents for her."

"He is with us since March. A bright boy who, with his four years, gives us a lot of joy."

"Despite her handicap, this little girl keeps us in motion. She is now three years old and she is with us since her birth."

These were only three of the little inhabitants of the 'arc'. Upcoming, we will introduce some more.

The team of the 'arc'. "Just now, we celebrated our seventh birthday. Some of our staff are here since the beginning. We are looking forward to enter the next year with all of them."

Learn more about 'Noah's Arc' >>

Christmas in Manila

2009-01-05T03:24:00.000-08:00

Would you like to know, how our team of the City Mission in manila celebrates Christmas? They made a wonderfull gallery which you can watch here. See the gallery >>

Mongolia - A new kid in our house

2009-01-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

A new entrant has been added to our kid's house: Erdenbatgal, 16 years old. He comes from a little town, 500 kilometer away from Ulaa Baatar. We met him there during a conference.

Erdenbatgal has been living on the streets for two years when he scorched his face awfully with hot water while sleeping in the central heating pipe system. Now, a year later, his wounds are still ulcerous and badly swollen.

He ran away from the first hospital, where he received skin grafting. We found another hospital which is willing to treat him. We really need to find a good place for surgery in order to see his deformed face restored to its health. During the phases without treatment we will take care of him in our kid's house.
More about HELP-Mongolia >>

Prayer: Thanks for the food and don't let us have fuss!

2008-12-19T01:30:00.000-08:00

From our ministry for little children and babies of the street in Manila/Philippines:

A typical way of saying grace in our children's home 'Noah's Arc' might sound like this:
“Thank you Jesus for this good food! We really hope that this day will pass without any great fuss (such as ..., ...), and please, no more asthma and no more sickness.“ Afterwards one can hear a loud, combined AMEN!

We are actually praying for one special girl quite often who has deformities in her brain. She is a big challenge for anybody who has to deal with her.
Even though she has developed amazingly, her antics can drive the staff nuts. She continually refuses to cooperate during her speech-and ergotherapy, even though she's got all the attention right then she is craving for.

Other times, all she wants to do is to bite the other kids, take away their toys or destroy their little toy-buildings. You can never know wether you will be hugged or beaten in the next moment.

She is not the only child in our home with a very tragic background. At the same time we are really glad about all the positive, encouraging developments we can see in our little ones.
So many have been placed in good, caring families by the social department after going through a time of restoration and healing in our home.”
More about 'Noah's Arc' >>

HELP USA - Thankful for Grace

2008-12-16T02:17:00.000-08:00

From HELP Texas: "Mark was sitting on the bench of the trailer when I went in. He was an older man, rough and rugged looking, but very thin and slight. He smiled but didn't say much to me. He followed the conversations but didn't tell any stories of his own.

When it was time for him to go, he asked for prayers. Everyone else was working to clean the trailer at closing time, so I asked Mark to step outside. I asked him what he would like me to pray for. He answered that his children needed prayer. One was about to lose his home. One was about to have a baby. And one was not in touch.

He asked that the parents-to-be would be a better parent than he had been to his children. I asked Mark if he was Christian, and he responded yes without hesitation. I asked if his kids were Christian, and he confirmed they were. So I laid hands on Mark, and he grabbed my hand as I prayed. I first prayed as he had asked me to, but I was overcome with the need to pray for Mark to forgive himself and to receive healing.
As I prayed about how Jesus has forgiven Mark of his troubled past as a parent, he began to cry openly. I prayed for reunification within his family, for strength and protection, and most of all for forgiveness and healing between them all -- grace enough to cover them all. We finished and he gave me a big hug.

I heard yesterday that his daughter unexpectedly called Mark and that he is on his way to see her!

I am thankful for the grace of God, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit -- they are all that separate us from disaster. And they are what brings joy into our lives, making it more than survival but true living."
More about HELP Texas >>