The Little Children of the Philippines (LCP) was established in Dumaguete City in 1989, to get impoverished children off the streets. There was a Providential converging, at about that time, of three paths: Rev. Saylor was encouraging PCIS to expand its mission to an overseas need; PCIS members Charlie and Ruth Reynolds were planning a long-wished-for trip to the Philippines, where Charlie had served during World War II; the wife of the pastor at the Cambridge Presbyterian Church was a Philippine native, and aware of efforts being made by Christians in her hometown to rescue street children. The return of the Reynolds from their trip was the beginning of a new, life-changing partnership - both for PCIS members and the children of that new Christian community. At first, it was mostly a one-woman endeavor! Ruth coaxed toys, clothing, and books from the congregation, which were packed up and sent in huge boxes. Bottles of children's aspirin were regularly gathered up for shipment. PCIS learned from Jesus' parable of the mustard seed, and soon there was good support from many at PCIS. Many children have been matched with sponsors from PCIS. And many sponsors who have moved on to other churches have planted the seed in their new location. A sponsor gives monetary support to a child, and that support ensures he/she stays in school and gets health and nutrition support. Most importantly, friendship and the message of Jesus' love is well-supplied. PCIS member, Ruth Vitale, was our first to travel to LCP for hands-on service. In 2008, another 20 of our youth and adults traveled there to be partners in ministry. In 2015 and 2018, 20-person teams of youth and adults returned, again, to LCP. Our yearly LCP mission offering supports the seven preschools. LCP says, "Only eternity will reveal how many lives were changed because you were important in the life of a child. May God bless you with health, happiness and peace, is our prayer."
Global Missions
