Sending Church

In 2007 Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo (CCMV) sent Keith and Chona Sharp and their two children, Cherish (12) and Mark (10) on a short-term mission to the Philippines. The Sharp's were shocked by the need, surprised by the open door to evangelize at the public schools, blessed with the use of the schools' facilities, help of the teachers, conducting ministry to the kids. Most encouraging was the heartfelt response of both children and adults as the Holy Spirit moved in their hearts in response to the timeless Gospel message.

Background

Keith's activity in foreign missions and acquaintance with missionaries and missions in the Philippines for many years led to his 1994 marriage to Chona, a worship leader and teacher. Keith also served on the Missions Counsels at Calvary Chapel Irvine and Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo. There interest in missions along with Chona's gift and experience serving on worship teams plus their experience as Vacation Bible School (VBS) servant leaders and their children's experience participating in VBS many years provided an idea for ministry.

Training & Outreach

During the 2006-07 school year, with the encouragement of CCMV Senior Pastor Travisano, Keith, Chona, and family prepared a VBS program to present. Keith and Chona also trained at Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) and coordinated with CEF personnel in the Philippines to team with them on their outreaches. With the help of Pastor Cuenca, who married them in 1994, they presented their family VBS to an overwhelming response at the Dumpsite Church ministering to hundreds of children living, many as scavengers, alongside the Lapu-Lapu City dump.

Low Tide Appointment

The Sharp family sailed with a team of national pastors and CEF volunteers for tiny Pangan-an island. Unable to land due to shallow water, stopping at tiny Gilotungan Island to await high tide, the Sharp's stumbled on the principal of the local public grade school. She agreed to presentation of their ministry on condition it be limited to the children in school that day. The principal explained many island kids were cutting school to scavenge for shells to sell for a few pesos. She intended to entice the scavengers to return to school. The Sharps' agreed presenting to the school kids first, then opened the gates, presenting a second time for the scavenger kids. At the conclusion, all the island was invited to a showing of the Jesus Film on a bed sheet at the school's outdoor stage.

Jesus Film

During the Jesus film, the islanders stood in hushed silenced, soaking up the gospel presentation in their heart language, Cebuano. Many respond to the message, wanting to know more. Pastor Cuenca taught the responders until past midnight. Arriving at Pangan-an Island the next day, the little ministry again received an overwhelming response as did the Jesus Film.

Scavenging Kids

The Sharps' hearts were touched by the plight of the poor scavenging children. Scavenging is the only practical alternative for children of families who cannot afford to send them to school. The kids scavenge firewood for cooking, scrap metal, glass, plastic or on Gilotungan Island, shells that can be sold for a few pesos to help sustain the family.

H4Kz born at CCMV

H4Kz's (Hope 4 Kidz International), program was born to minister to these scavenging kids when Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo generously responded to the Sharps' proposal. Filipino national pastors and churches also came alongside to mentor and disciple responders. Several pioneering, evangelical Christian churches have sprung-up following these outreaches. The Sharps' are praying God open the door for full-time Christian service for them among the world's most needy.

Where We Serve

We are currently ministering at the Lapu-Lapu City Dump and Bamboo Village on Mactan Island, on tiny Gilotungan and Pangan-an Islands, at the Baring Barangay on Olango Island, under the San Martin Bridge on Mindanao Island and in Angeles City on Luzon Island in the Philippines.