During our eight weeks in the Philippines we spent almost two weeks in Iligan City. During that time we lived with our Filipino translators in one building of about 2500 square feet. It was about forty of us altogether. It was the most wonderful time of our outreach; we became fast friends with so many of our Filipino brothers and sisters.
One of the neatest things that happened during that time was watching a 23-year old girl fall in love with our six-year old son, Keaton. We really didn’t fully understand it at first, but Keaton and Alna Grace Campo became friends in no time. During any down time you could find them playing cards, chess, or just laughing together. It was truly a gift from God.
It wasn’t until after we left Iligan and returned to CDO (Cagayan De Oro) that she told Tara something that helped us understand why she cherished Keaton so. I may get some of the story wrong because I heard it second hand, but she checks my blog and can help me out if I did. 🙂 She is the oldest of four children, three girls and a boy. When she left for college her little brother was only six years old, Keaton’s age. She didn’t see him again. One day at the age of nine he pushed another child out of the way of a speeding vehicle and saved the other boy’s life, but his own ended. He died a hero.
Her best memories of her little brother were of him at the age of six. Keaton captured her heart because he was much like her little brother (and, yes, I could see him helping a friend like that, too). God planned for Alna Grace and Keaton to meet in the Philippines. What an amazing God He is.
Alna Grace is still working as a YWAM volunteer at the Cagayan De Oro base. She is entirely dependent on the support of others. She is a Filipino reaching out to Filipinos and making a huge impact across the island of Mindanao, working not only in CDO but also in places like Butuan City. You can visit her website here. There is a contact page there where you could write and encourage her. I’m sure she could also send you information about how to send her financial support. Or, I would be happy to receive finances at FJ Ministries and earmark them for her, 100% (and probably adding a little). Please contact me for information about how to do that! Even a little money can go a long ways there.
And, no matter whether you feel God leading you to give to help support Alna Grace or not, please pray for her and her ministry there on Mindanao!