July Mission Highlights: VBS Joy, Community Service, and Global Progress

As we reflect on July, our hearts are full. This past month has been a beautiful reminder of how God moves through people—through your prayers, your generosity, your hospitality, and your willingness to show up. From Haiti to the Philippines, from Vermont to our own local community, we’ve seen His faithfulness in both big and quiet ways. Whether it was through providing food for children at VBS, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply showing up with a home-cooked meal, every act of service is planting seeds of love and hope. We’re so thankful to be able to witness and be part of what God is doing through Encouraging Word and through all of you.

Here are a few of the things we’ve been a part of this month:

Vacation Bible School in Haiti

From July 15–19, Daybreak Community Church sponsored a Vacation Bible School in northwest Haiti—and it was an incredible week of joy, learning, and transformation. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to send $1,900.00 to help make it all happen. Over 120 children came to hear about Jesus, sing songs, do crafts, and experience God’s love in a tangible way. Most amazing of all, 123 children made the decision to follow Christ! Thank you for helping bring light, laughter, and the message of salvation to these young hearts. More photos can be viewed on Facebook.

Serving Locally: Daybreak Community in Action

On Monday, July 21st, Kim Anh Dinh prepared delicious Vietnamese food for the Celebrate Recovery group at Daybreak. A special thank-you to Tina and Tonnie for assisting in the kitchen—it was a joyful evening of community, good food, and fellowship!

Earlier that weekend, on Saturday, July 19th, a team of Daybreakers volunteered at the Scanlon residence, helping prepare their home and yard for Chris and Christina’s return from Boston following a heart transplant. We’re so proud of this church family showing up for one another.

Ongoing Construction: The Lighthouse Center in the Philippines

Construction continues on “The Lighthouse Center” in Panabo City, Mindanao, a Women’s and Children’s Center focused on serving women and children in vulnerable situations. Current efforts include building fencing and outside walls, finishing the upstairs rooms that will house both poor women and volunteers, and installing a central-air unit to provide relief from the extreme heat and humidity. Daybreak Community Church is generously contributing $5,000.00 toward this phase of the project. Thank you for investing in safe and dignified spaces for others.

Worship at United Christian Society, Vermont

We had the joy of speaking at United Christian Society in Belvidere, Vermont on Sunday, July 27th. Twenty-five people attended this time of worship, encouragement, and sharing about the mission work God is doing through EWI. A heartfelt thank-you to Valerie Gabbeitt for leading worship and to Kim Anh Dinh for giving a word of encouragement.

A Note from Oanh

Thank you so much to everyone who purchased one of the lily of the valley items I created—whether it was the “Here I am, send me” Isaiah 6:8 sticker, tote bag, or one of my crocheted keychains. Together, we’ve raised about $400 in support of Encouraging Word! The lily of the valley symbolizes hope, peace, and new beginnings. It’s my prayer that wherever these pieces go, they carry joy and remind you of the hope we have in Christ. Seeing the photos of children attending VBS and enjoying meals funded by these gifts brings me so much joy. It humbles me to know that something handmade with love can help in even a small way. My parents (Kim Anh and Lance) will be bringing more of these items as they travel, or you can check out more on my Etsy shop at withmarigold.etsy.com where 10% of every order goes directly back to support EWI’s mission.

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Let us continue to be a light in the places God sends us, whether that’s across the world or right next door. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!