The Jireh Home - Philippines

Every morning, if you walk down the streets of Olongapo City, you will see children sleeping on sidewalks, in public parks, and even at the doorsteps of night clubs that abound in the area.

The Jireh Children’s Home is located at Magsaysay, Castillejos, in the Zambales Province of the Philippines. It is 150 miles north of Manila and provides for some of these children both physically and spiritually.

The Jireh Home is a part of the ministry of the Philippine Faith Mission, Inc (PFMI).

PFMI was formed to evangelize, teach and disciple young people and adults in Christian Faith. It also looked to establish charitable and educational activities that would benefit the people of the Philippines. Having begun ministry among the street children in 1976, the Jireh Home was founded in 1979.

Another part of PFMI is the Hanniel Christian Academy which provides pre-school education, although there are plans to expand this to Elementary and collegiate level.

Following the construction of the children’s home PFMI saw the need for a local church that would serve the home and minister to the surrounding village. As a result the Castillejos Christian Church was set up.

The home is run by Joel & Rechel Alviar.

Jehovah Jireh – ‘God will provide.’

Throughout the years the Jireh home has been a testimony of God’s provision:

The original building had many problems but by 1980 the money and land had become available and a new home was ready for use by 1982.

Between 1990 and 1992 God provided further funds for the construction of a new girl’s dormitory.

In June 1991 the Mount Pinatubo volcano (25km from the home) erupted, causing major damages to the home. Only 1 week later U.S. Marines arrived, cleared away the ash and repaired much of the damage.

In 1993 the home flooded resulting in the evacuation of the children and some destruction. Following this, volunteers constructed a wall and a bridge.

Volunteer teams have played an important role in the development of the home over the years. Teams from Japan have constructed the fishpond, piggery, workshop and basketball court, as well as carrying out maintenance work on many other buildings.

Since 1997 there have been a number of cottages built on the site. The shift from dormitory to cottage type accommodation aims to allow the children to grow in a family-like environment where they can cook, learn how to budget, and do their chores in their own house.

NBC Involvement:

In 1984 Barry Cook went to the Philippines and met Joel and Rechel Alviar. He was most impressed with the work they were doing with children in need.

Following his report to the leadership it was agreed that some regular support should be given to the home.

In 1997 funding was given for the purchase of 3.2 hectares of land and a tractor to use on it. This land presently supplies all the rice the Home needs.

In 2001 a team of 17 went to the home to help construct one of the cottages.

In 2003 the church funded the purchase of more land and the materials for a Poultry shed, which currently accommodates 7500 chickens.

Points for prayer:

For the children to know God’s love as they are cared for by the house parents.

That the children will learn and grow in their knowledge of Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

A border dispute with the previous land owner who claims that the Home has encroached on the land he still owns next door.

For more information about The Philippine Faith Mission, Inc.
see their website.