Missionary to the Philippines

The Latest on the Crisis in Manila!

Ten days ago life dramatically changed for hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children living in the Philippines. The National Capital Region (where nearly 16 million people live) was suddenly 80% under water following a storm called Ondoy, which dumped 14 inches of rain in 6 hours.

Hundreds quickly lost their lives. Untold numbers are still missing, and at least 400,000 people remain homeless.

While the waters are slowly receding, the challenges facing the people have really just begun.  Garbage and sewage now fills the streets and homes. Water supplies are contaminated. Disease is a real concern. 

Truthfully, economic and health challenges are not new to these lives. Every 5 minutes a Filipino newborn dies. Every 6 hours a mother dies, usually of very treatable problems.  For this reason, since 2003, Naomi Hamilton has been working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of the Philippines, providing nursing and midwifery care to those that have nothing.

Because desperate poverty produces those willing to exploit it, the Philippines is also home to half a million  women and children who have been trapped in the Asian sex industry. Injustice and virtual slavery is often a way of life.  To help victims of this abuse, Naomi established "Safe Refuge" in 2006.  Here, within walls of safety, women and children have escaped the threatening voices and evil desires of the exploiters. Women have received the Gospel and become new.. Children are becoming healed and walking in a new life.

Naomi's work is not new, and it did not begin with the Typhoon ten days ago. But the work has become more difficult with the great needs in this city.  The crisis certainly strained our already limited resources. But by God's Grace, we are believing for even more open doors to share God's love. .

If you are able to help, just click to donate:

Help is Still Needed

It is a testimony to be told!

By God's Grace, the second typhoon, Parma, failed to add significantly to the already flooded conditions in Manila. It turned to the north, sparing the city the worst.

Thank you for your many prayers.  We have heard from so many friends across the US and the world who told us they were praying. THANK YOU!

While devastation is all around, God protected the lives at Safe Refuge.  (It is well named!)

Naomi reports that interestingly, not one home was destroyed among the residents of Welfareville who attend her Bible study. This is remarkable considering the crude construction materials commonly used in the slums, and the overall damage that was common there.

There is a great deal of recovery to be done. Most importantly, the work of Safe Refuge is continuing.

Naomi is preparing for a short visit to the United States. She will arrive  in just a few days!  Her visit was already scheduled and she will be visiting some local churches. Marybeth will remain at Safe Refuge.

Pray for safe travel. It's very hard to leave right now, so Naomi's trip to the US will be very brief.  We will update you as to where and when you might be able to meet and hear Naomi while she is stateside.

Pray that God raises up friends and supporters of this ministry to stand with Naomi in the work.

 

 

 

 Pray About It!

  • Please pray for the children of Safe Refuge who have coughs right now. Most of our children have TB so it is dangerous for them to contract other respiratory illnesses.
  • Please pray against illness that could result from contaminated water or the garbage filled streets.
  • Please pray for strength and stamina for the staff and volunteers at Safe Refuge.
  • Please pray for the support necessary to house and feed all of the women and children being cared for at Safe Refuge and Grace House.
  • Please pray for a 14 year old resident who is 34 weeks pregnant and has not heard from her family since the storm.
  • Pray for safe travel and a productive visit for Naomi to the US beginning late this week.

 

Who is Naomi Hamilton?

Naomi G. Hamilton is a Registered Nurse and Certified Midwife who serves as a missionary among the poorest of the poor.

Since 2003, she has lived and worked among the slums of the Philippines.

 

What is "Safe Refuge"?
Safe Refuge is the only shelter in Metro Manila that houses both women and children. Started by Naomi in 2006, Safe Refuge rescues and shelters many women and children who are victims of the Asian sex industry.

 

 

Your help is:
 

  • Feeding needy children  Naomi equips and works with local Filipino believers to provide nutrition to hungry children, providing opportunities to win families to Christ.  
  • Primary Healthcare  Naomi is an RN providing medical care to the needy. Sometimes all that is needed to save a life in the slums is some simple attention.
  • Midwifery Missions  As a Certified Midwife, Naomi provides loving prenatal care and delivers babies for poor women who would otherwise receive no or limited treatment.
  • Safe Refuge Rescuing children and pregnant women who are victims of enslavement and abuse. Safe Refuge houses, feeds, disciples, and medically provides for women as they begin a new life.

 Visit www.missionofdestiny.com

 
Donations may be mailed to

Central Assembly/Naomi Hamilton  6767 20th Street  Vero Beach, FL  32966