The Philippines is a country made up of islands. It has a tropical climate with monsoon rains every year, and its location also makes it prone to earthquakes and typhoons. The capital city of Manila, located on the island of Luzon, is the most densely populated city in the world, and millions of people in the city live in slums where there is no electricity or running water. Over the years, high population growth, widespread corruption, social and political unrest, guerrilla wars, and several natural disasters have hurt the economy. Many parents struggle to find steady jobs that can support their families, and their children face malnutrition and disease. The Philippines was a Spanish colony from 1568 to 1898, which is reflected in the many Spanish customs that are still a part of Filipino culture today. The Philippines is also Asia’s only majority Catholic country.

Grace Family Helper Project began in 1992 and was the first Children of Promise sponsorship ministry to be established in the world. More than 500 sponsored children live in 12 different areas on the main island of Luzon. Marlene Viray Navarro and her staff and volunteers help identify the needs of the children and help them gain access to food, clothing, medical care, and the opportunity to go to school. Churches in each area help the children learn about Jesus, grow spiritually, and experience God’s love in a Christian community.

Your sponsorship helps bring nutrition, education, health care, discipleship, and wholeness to a child in the Philippines.