Last February 2023, we travelled for hours on a long and winding road to visit 9 families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and former OFW. We praise God for the warm welcome they gave us, and how they opened their abode for us to stay for the night, and how they shared their meals with us. We visited them to see how the former OFW and their families are doing and also to share God’s word and pray for the family. We also took the opportunity to inquire if they have found a local church where they and their families can be connected, develop a relationship with the Lord, and later on serve in the ministry.
Hearing stories of God’s goodness in the lives of former OFWs were inspiring. Most of them have gone back to their hometown after they had been working abroad for a long time - either due to sickness, due to visa issues, or even because of the pandemic where they lost their jobs. Even with the difficulties that they are encountering being back in the Philippines, they have experienced God’s goodness and grace as they continue to walk with the Lord.
Struggles are real for former OFWs and their families as having returned to the Philippines (whether prepared or unprepared), enormous difficulties in life awaits them. Do pray for them, that as they strive in life for their daily needs, they will continue to be faithful to the Lord and serve Him. At present, KMI is facilitating an online Care Group for former OFW and their families that are not connected to a local church or active in any ministry. Do pray for the following:
- The individuals who belong to this group will be hungry for the Lord.
- Availability of schedule of everybody
- Good internet connection for everyone to be able to access Zoom.
For the current OFWs, we thank God that the needs of their families are being provided. We have seen that most of the families of the current OFWs are not connected to a local church. However, we know that many of the OFWs are praying that their families will be able to have a relationship with God. Let us pray with them and also for the OFWs to not just pray but to do something about it. KMI is assisting OFWs and their families to start bible studies in their homes as an introduction to Christianity and then connect them to a local church near their location.
“The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty.” —John Piper