Rebuilt Trust: Elie and Shane Rebound
Meet Elie and Shane (privacy names) who live in Metro Manila. Their family once faced deep pain, separation and broken trust.
They live in a small home built in a parking lot, supported by Elie’s husband who works as a jeepney driver. Life has never been easy, yet they stand strong through faith and perseverance.
God used ER’s iBIKE staffers to guide Grandma Elie and her granddaughter Shane to build a Christ-centered family. Elie, a loving mother of four, encouraged Shane to join iBIKE after seeing how God first transformed her own life through the program.
By studying the Bible, Elie learned to forgive, heal,and trust God instead of living in fear and hurt.
By God’s grace, their family was restored in love and unity. Shane eagerly attends church and Sunday School.
As an iBIKE (mobile education) student, she is growing educationally and in understanding that Christ is the foundation of a strong and united family. She also is developing upstanding character and leadership.
Elie’s life message remains simple yet powerful: “Always put God first.”
Through this transformation, Shane has remained committed to iBIKE, excelling in school, and becoming one of the best students. She is motivated, confident and full of purpose.
Shane has learned that chaos, anger, and division do not come from God, but peace, forgiveness and unity are the fruit of a life rooted in Christ.
Read more about iBIKE.
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Jim and Donnalee Find Their Calling in South Africa
Jim and Donnalee Miller were intrigued.
In 2010, their daughter returned from her second mission trip to South Africa through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She shared her connection with long-time ER partner Living Hope. Inspired, the Millers started supporting Living Hope and developed a strong desire to visit the ministry in Fish Hoek.
The Millers attended Living Hope Partners Conferences in Brentwood, TN, hoping to join on a mission trip to South Africa. God had a different plan. Instead, He provided a connection through ER’s Communication Director Tim Fausch. They learned about short-term volunteering and jumped into action.
The couple joined three ER Christmas teams to South Africa from 2015-17. Feeling God’s calling to do more, they volunteered for six weeks at the Fish Hoek Dream Center in 2018.
“I was leery about being able to be away from home and in a different country for that long. It went by so fast. This trip sparked an interest to serve a longer time there,” Donnalee said.
They found so much fulfillment they began serving for three months beginning in 2019. They’ve now made 14 trips to South Africa! Most recently, they visited Brice and Sam Wilson at the Limpopo Dream Center, a partnership between ER and Jabulani Africa Ministries.
How They Serve
Donnalee works with the Littles (grades 1-3). The youngsters come to the Dream Center after school, which can be exhausting for them. “I keep them engaged, help with homework, and help them read. We do devotions with them every day,” Donnalee said.
Jim works in the kitchen. He serves the children their meals and he gets to see each child every day. He teases them and they love it. After lunch he cleans the kitchen and makes sure the lunch tables are sanitary. Jim listens to children read when it is part of their homework or they are doing the 100 Book Challenge.
At the end of each day, Jim and Donnalee play games with the kids until their pickup.
“The first time I went to South Africa I was out of my comfort zone,” Donnalee said. “I didn’t know anyone. It was my first time to travel to another country by myself. I roomed with someone I didn’t know. I was very apprehensive, but was quickly accepted. Everyone was welcoming. What impressed me the most was how everything was so well organized.
“I was especially impressed with how ER is set up and how they partner with local organizations that minister to the people. I’m inspired by ER’s staff, how much they love the children and want to see them do well. They give their time to give these students a better life, providing them with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.
“I also love the childrens’ enthusiasm. They are so loving and appreciative of all we do for them. They greet every adult every day with a hug or high five coming and going. We are an important part of their day! l have learned that serving others blesses my heart and soul with peace and contentment,” Donnalee said.
“What inspires me is the kids arrive with a smile,” Jim added. “It’s hard to believe, knowing some of these kids’ backgrounds. I learned that we go to show the love of God, being the hands and feet of Jesus. We believe we are going there to bless the people and WE end up being blessed beyond measure.”
Tips for Serving Cross-Culturally
“Before committing as a long-term volunteer, visit a few times,” Donnalee said. “Christmas outreaches are a good way to see what ER does. Then, consider a longer time of service.
“Don’t limit yourself. Explore. Join a church or small group. Make new friends. Jim and I read to the residents of a senior living facility. We walk daily and meet people along the way. The locals are as curious about us as we are about them.
“My biggest takeaway is the exceptional care and concern ER has as a whole. When we were stuck in South Africa in 2020 during the pandemic, ER did everything possible to help us be safe and cope until the US Embassy evacuation flights were organized,” Donnalee said. “My only regret is that we are not younger so we could commit to more trips!”
Thank you Jim and Donnalee for your selfless service and putting others first! Curious about serving with ER? Click here.
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Klaiross’ Life Is About To Change
My name is Klaiross Arma and I live in Metro Manila. I am a wife and a mom of two kids. I joined Golden Hands’ Dressmaking Program to learn new skills, support my family and improve our livelihood.
Growing up, I loved watching my grandmother sew clothes for my family. I was curious how she made those beautiful dresses. Those moments became a big inspiration to me.
During the training, I learned how to sew and by hand, make rugs, and crochet. I learned to measure and make clothes that fit well. Making my gown for the final project was hard and taught me perseverance, creativity, and attention to detail. With patience and effort, we can turn ideas into something beautiful.
We also participate in devotions and Bible studies, which greatly impacted me. I knew it was not a coincidence I joined the training — Jesus brought me here, and He has a purpose for why I am here.
This helped me understand God’s love more deeply. Week after week, I felt the Lord speaking to me — reminding me I am valued, He has a plan for my life, and with Him nothing is impossible. Through this program, I came to know Jesus personally not only as Lord, but as my provider, guide and strength.
I once tried to sew my own dress and realized I needed training to learn the craft. When I heard about ER’s Dressmaking Program, I felt God was giving me the opportunity I had always wanted.
Thank you ER donors. Your help gives us a chance to improve our lives. We appreciate your generosity!
Kudos to Klaiross who graduated our dressmaking course with many other trainees. She is now experiencing a new world of faith and opportunity.
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David Didn’t Want to Hear About God
Florita is one of the women who attended our workshop from the beginning. She accepted Christ and was baptized, and she shared this faith with her daughter Tania, who was also baptized in our church and serves in children’s ministry.
But for years, her son, David, whom his mother had shared about God with, often didn’t want to hear about Him. He declared himself an atheist. But his mother never stopped praying and knew that God would work. Many times she came to me and told me that her son didn’t want to listen. Many times I told her not to speak, but to show God’s love, and Florita did just that.
And we thank God that on Sunday, December 7, 2025, he was baptized in our church. It is the result of his mother’s prayer.
Jyelle and Nora Dive Deep
Jyelle and Nora (privacy names) have both been part of the Fish Hoek Dream Center since grade 1. Now as high school students, they participate regularly throughout the week, especially on Fridays for youth gatherings.
Nora accepted the Lord several years ago during a holiday club but did not pursue baptism at the time. Jyelle became a Christ follower earlier this year during devotions with the Lutheran High School team. Both students attended a six-week class and were baptized at Muizenburg Beach on July 27, 2025. It was a beautiful day of celebration with each girl bringing family members to church and to the celebration. Jyelle’s grandfather who was visiting from Zimbabwe could not stop smiling.
Thank you ER supporters for investing in the futures of kids like Jyelle and Nora. Together, we are helping kids grow in their education, health and faith.
Rocco Has the ‘Jesus Glow’
The Lord has been working in Rocco’s (privacy name) life for quite some time. God was preparing to win his heart once and for all.
We have seen an incredible change in Rocco. He has gone from being moody and unmotivated to joyful and engaged in everything the Dream Center has to offer. We call it the “Jesus glow” — God’s light was shining through him even before he fully accepted the gift of salvation.
One of Rocco’s barriers to faith was he didn’t want his friends to know. He would say he believed in God; he just didn’t want anyone else to know.
That changed when a Bridge Church team member, youth pastor Tavaris (Tee), began teaching apologetics to Rocco and the other students. Throughout the week, it was clear the Holy Spirit was using Tee to deepen Rocco’s understanding of what salvation really is and what it means to live for Christ.
Through Tee’s invitation, Rocco stood up in front of his friends and accepted what God had been offering him all along — salvation and belonging. Thank you Tee and Bridge Church!
God Gave Kilroy a New Calling
Last year we shared Kilroy’s faith journ(read it here). After enduring much hardship, Kilroy and his daughter Kaycee put their trust in God.
“Today, I am no longer defined by my past, but by the mercy of God. My daughter and I are living proof that Jesus restores what was broken,” Kilroy shared prior to his baptism.
“God gave me a new calling. I now help lead Bible studies in the very field where I work.
“What started quietly is now much bigger. We launched our first Bible study with barangay police officials in San Isidro and today about 20 people, including some iBIKE kids’ parents, attend regularly.
“These gatherings have sparked meaningful conversations about faith, leadership, and integrity. Barangay leaders, once focused solely on civic responsibilities, are now learning to lead with biblical wisdom and servant-hearted humility. Hearts are being opened. Minds are being renewed. Decisions are being guided by God’s truth.
“What began as small seeds of faith is now bearing visible fruit in the lives of leaders, families, and an entire community. This is just the beginning!”
Deathbed Faith Wins Mark to Christ
Mark Raven works with children who attend iBIKE (I Believe in Kids Education) in Metro Manila.
There was a time when faith was not my priority. While my mother was alive, she would constantly urge me to pursue my faith. I chose my friends over faith, unaware of the seeds she was planting in my heart.
Everything changed when my mom became sick. I started accompanying her to church and Bible studies, even though I didn’t understand what God was doing. My grandmother and aunts would gently remind me, “Pray for your mom, because life is short.” That was the turning point—when I began to draw closer to God.
