Construction Update
We are making good progress on the floor and wall tile for the first children’s home! The porch railings are also currently being installed.
We have almost completed the exterior painting! The painter is waiting for the tile layers to finish the porch areas so he can complete his work.
The Guard house roof has also been completed! Other work on the guard house continues including finish work, and the installation of CCTV.
We are also making some progress on the water storage tower. The footings have been poured and the support columns have been formed and are ready for concrete.
We are awaiting final approval from the electric company to initiate the work of providing permanent electrical supply to the property. A local electrical engineer is assisting us with the electrical distribution plans for the entire facility.
Why is the Construction Taking so Long?
We are now completing many tasks, but reaching this point has taken a lot longer than we expected. So why has it taken so long? Many factors have played a part.
While we usually have financial means to keep construction going, we have had to “slow down” the work on a few occasions when funds were low. The skill level of our workers is less than most “western” tradesmen. They also lack tools and experience compared to construction workers in the US and elsewhere. We are also requiring them to meet a higher standard of construction than they normally would do … so tasks take longer. We also often have difficulties finding the correct materials and quantities we need and then we have the logistics of delivery. Getting things on an island has its challenges! Also, if you have ever vacationed on an island then you have probably experienced that “island life” just moves at a slower pace … regardless of how fast you want things to be accomplished!
Be aware that we are just as anxious as you for Casa Esperanza of Angels to be operational and we are working hard every day to make that happen! Thank you for your continued support!
Jesus – An Example of Patience
Hebrews 12 says of Jesus’ death on the cross that it was something He “endured.” While His crucifixion was for our salvation, the Bible says His death is also an example for our lives. When we are worn down during our daily tasks we are reminded in Hebrews 12:2, 3, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
Before Jesus arrived at the cross He patiently trained the disciples. Even after His miracles and proclamations of being the Son of God, the disciples were often confused as to who Jesus was. Today we think of the disciples as being mature men of faith. But as we read through the gospel accounts, Jesus was still trying to teach them how to persevere in prayer up until the moment He was taken in the garden to be crucified.
Patience for Us Too
Whatever the task is that God has called us to, we need to continue doing the work even if we don’t see the progress we would like to see. Even Jesus was teaching His disciples until the moment of His death. Jesus is an example of patience for us.
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Our Sincere thanks and God’s Blessings to you all,
Ronald and Georgia Brown
Tanjay City, Philippines
June 2018 Newsletter
Volume 4 Issue 42
Read the April 2018 and May 2018 issues of this newsletter.