May-June

Samaritana and CCAC Engage in Prayer Activity                     
Samaritana and the Capital City Alliance Church (CCAC) organized an interactive seminar and period of intercession on May 16, which was also joined by representatives from Faith Baptist Church and Barangay South Triangle. The prayer time, which was adapted from the Salvation Army USA prayer guide (see their website, www.salvationarmyusa.org and follow the links to prayer and fasting resources where the file “interactive intercession – prayer walk instructions” is downloadable), was solemn, informative, and moving. Statistics on human trafficking and prostitution, as well as Samaritana women’s insights and testimonies were interspersed with the reading of God’s word and prayer. Samaritana and CCAC hope to replicate the activity with other churches. Special thanks to CCAC member Cecille Quisquirin, also a member of Samaritana’s board of trustees, who helped organized the event.

Women Nurture Relationships with Children
Sixteen Samaritana women and 14 childrenheaded to Villa Monica Resort in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal on May 23 for a family day. Everyone joined games that paired mothers and their children, done both in water and on land. It also became a time for the women to help and serve one another as the leaders took charge of carrying out most of the activities while some committed to look after their children. Towards the end of the day, Mildred Zamar gave an interactive talk on what the Bible says about thecommands and promises of God for children and their parents.

Several weeks ago we were visited by a wonderful group of friends from the Tampa Underground in Florida.  Representatives from this faith community stayed in Manila several years ago and particularly some of the young ladies from their group helped Samaritana in different ways.  How exciting it was to meet Joann again and hear from her how, upon returning to Tampa, they began a new ministry reaching out to the women on their streets (www.createdwomen.com)!  And how humbling to learn that the seeds of their vision and passion God planted in their hearts while they were with us at Samaritana!  These compassionate and courageous young women (and men) are going out and befriending the women on their neighborhood’s streets at night, and have begun a small home ministry for those who need a place to stay after they leave jail.

What amazes me is not so much the connection of Created to Samaritana, but all the ways God is on the move in the hearts of women and men in different places, drawing them near to that divine heartbeat which is so strong on behalf of those who are lost and forgotten, used and abused.  I believe Samaritana’s community is in step with God’s movement among and on half of marginalized women, and friends like you who pray for us, support us financially, and volunteer and help in various ways are in step as well.  Thank you!