Finding Faithfulness in the Ordinary
August was a month of continued engagement with children, parents, educators, and partners as we worked together toward our mission of protecting and empowering the next generation of Filipino children.
Our work this month reminded us that child protection happens not only when we teach children how to recognize unsafe situations, but also when we equip the adults and communities around them to become safer, healthier, and more supportive environments for children.
Wins in August:
Siquijor Kids Outreach
Through one of our partners, we reached 56 children in Siquijor using our I Can Be Strong, Smart and Safe booklet. Through this resource, children were introduced to age-appropriate lessons on body safety and personal protection, helping them understand that they are valuable, that their bodies deserve respect, and that they can speak up when something does not feel right.
Caring for the Caregivers
Christian Educators' Convention – CFAG
We were grateful for the opportunity to be invited to the Christian Educators' Convention of the Christian Education Department of the Philippine General Council of the Assemblies of God, where we reached approximately 170 Christian educators and Sunday School teachers. We facilitated a session on Mental Health and Stress Management for Sunday School Teachers. We believe that protecting children also means caring for the adults who serve them. Teachers, caregivers, and ministry workers carry an important responsibility in creating safe environments for children. When caregivers are equipped to recognize and manage their own stress, regulate their emotions, and care for their mental well-being, they are better able to respond to children with patience, wisdom, and compassion.
Healthy caregivers help create safer spaces for children.
Anti-OSAEC Dialogue
This month, we were also invited by one of our partners to participate in a dialogue with other organizations and stakeholders focused on preventing and addressing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC). This opportunity reinforced an important belief we hold at Redeeming Zoe: the protection of children cannot be accomplished by one organization alone. Fighting abuse and exploitation requires collaboration, shared knowledge, stronger networks, and a united commitment to the wellbeing and protection of children. We are grateful for opportunities to listen, learn, and work alongside others who share this same cause.
Continuing to Walk Alongside Families
Club Kinabuhi Gathering
Despite the hot weather in Cebu, our Club Kinabuhi gatherings continued as parents and families came together to learn, share their challenges, and celebrate their victories. This month's discussions focused on the importance of teaching children to honor their parents and leaders in the community. We also reflected on how the people around us, including friends and our wider community, can influence the decisions we make.
One important reminder for parents was that the way we speak to our children can stay with them long after the moment has passed. The words children hear and the way they experience relationships at home can shape how they see themselves, others, and the world as they grow into adulthood. Through Club Kinabuhi, we continue to create space for parents to learn together, encourage one another, and grow in their role as the first and most important protectors of their children.
August brought together several important parts of our child protection work: equipping children, strengthening caregivers, supporting parents, and building partnerships. From children learning that they can be strong, smart, and safe, to educators learning how to better manage stress, to parents reflecting on the lasting impact of their words and relationships, we continue to see that child protection is a shared responsibility.
We are grateful to every child, parent, educator, partner, and stakeholder who joined us this month. Together, we continue to build communities where children are protected, empowered, and surrounded by people who are committed to their healing and hope.
WHAT’S TO COME:
Sometimes the work of child protection is simply continuing to do what we have been called to do, faithfully and consistently.
As we look toward the coming month, we are preparing to:
Continue equipping children
We will continue creating opportunities for children to learn about their rights, personal safety, healthy relationships, and how they can seek help when they encounter unsafe situations.
Continue strengthening families and caregivers
Through our ongoing community work and Club Kinabuhi gatherings, we will continue walking alongside parents and caregivers, creating spaces where they can learn, share their experiences, and grow together.
Continue building relationships and responding to opportunities.
We will continue nurturing our existing partnerships and remain open to opportunities where Redeeming Zoe can contribute to the protection and empowerment of children. We may not always know exactly what the next opportunity will look like, but we trust God to lead us one step at a time.
There may not always be something big to announce. But faithfulness is also an achievement. Every child taught about safety, every parent encouraged, every caregiver equipped, and every partnership strengthened is part of the bigger work of protecting the next generation. For now, we will keep showing up, keep learning, keep serving, and keep trusting God with the growth.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
As we look ahead, we would appreciate your prayers for:
Faithfulness in the ordinary - Pray that we will remain faithful to the work God has entrusted to Redeeming Zoe, even in seasons that may not feel particularly exciting or significant. Pray for grace to continue showing up, serving well, and trusting that small and consistent acts of protection can make a lasting difference in the lives of children.
Wisdom and strength for our team - Pray for wisdom, unity, creativity, and renewed strength for our team as we continue serving children, families, educators, and communities. Pray that we will lead with compassion and discernment while caring well for one another.
Open doors and meaningful partnerships - Pray for the relationships and partnerships God is building around Redeeming Zoe. May He connect us with the right people and organizations, open doors for greater impact, and give us wisdom to recognize opportunities where our mission and calling can serve children most effectively.
Safety and protection for children in schools - Pray for the children and teenagers across the Philippines who spend much of their lives in schools and communities. Recent school violence, including the tragic shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga, has reminded us of how vulnerable children can be. Pray for God's protection over students, teachers, and school communities; for wisdom for parents, educators, and authorities to recognize warning signs and respond early; and for children who may be struggling with fear, anger, bullying, trauma, or other challenges to have safe adults who will listen, guide, and help them. Pray that our schools would be places of safety, healing, learning, and hope.