Bunhayag Kids Ministry: A Journey of Faith and Calling

Hey everyone! It’s @jessmcwhite. Today, I want to share how God has called me to take action in a special way.

It all started with the Samaritan’s Boxes, an initiative from the U.S., where kids also want to share their blessings with children here in the Philippines. Years ago, our church had the opportunity to be one of the recipients here in Bohol. Fast forward to two years ago, we received reserved boxes, which we distributed across five areas in April 2023. As months passed, on December 9, 2023, we officially started our TGC Class (The Greatest Journey), a 12-lesson course that takes children through the story of creation, Jesus’ birth, His death, burial, and resurrection on the third day. These lessons form the foundation of our TGJ class.

Take a look at these pictures—this was our very first Saturday class! From the start, I was filled with joy as I watched how attentive and eager the children were to learn about the Bible.

How It All Began

I had never heard of this place before. They call it Bunhayag. One night, a church member asked our Senior Pastor if we were available for a funeral service. Pastor Jose agreed, as it wasn’t a busy night. As we approached the area, I noticed many young people—mostly boys—gathered there. Since it was a funeral, there was gambling, drinking, and cigarette smoking, and there were also many children around.

That night, as I arrived home, tears fell from my eyes. God placed a heavy burden on my heart. I didn’t want these kids to be influenced by negative surroundings. The thought of them growing up without direction, wasting their lives on worldly distractions, deeply saddened me. It was at that moment that God gave me the desire to nurture these children in the Lord. And soon after, our TGJ class began.

A Beautiful Place

Before I share more, let me show you around. Bunhayag is not just any place—it is one of the most beautiful locations I’ve ever visited. Surrounded by lush trees and rolling hills, it offers breathtaking scenery. I’ve witnessed some of the most stunning sunsets here. Let me give you a glimpse of its beauty!

On our way to Bunhayag, I saw a magnificent Fire tree, its vibrant blossoms shining brightly, adding a breathtaking touch to the journey.

This is one of my favorite spots to visit. It allows me to express myself fully, reminiscing about those special moments with the kids.

Another beautiful capture, showcasing nature in its quiet and simple elegance.

One of the stories told about the kids is that they have a Taekwondo group that trains there. The place is spacious inside and offers a stunning view of the ocean. However, I wasn’t able to go there since it’s private property, owned by an engineer, and marked with a "No Trespassing" sign.

While they were enjoying the view, I took a photo of them, capturing the moment as they stood in awe of the breathtaking scenery and....,

Here they are, wearing simple yet genuine smiles. It is my pleasure, now and forever, to be a blessing to them. Their expressions were filled with joy and wonder, a memory frozen in time.

Of course! A groufie is even better, capturing their cute smiles bathed in the warm, sun-kissed glow of the almost-setting sun. A perfect moment to cherish!

Look and guess? Hahaha! This was truly hilarious—one picture, but with so many different facial reactions! I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it. Such a priceless moment! 😂

I asked one of the kids to take a photo of me because the place was just too beautiful to miss. And here’s the result—it's really nice! I love it! 😊📸✨

This experience was truly unforgettable—filled with laughter, beautiful views, and cherished moments with the kids. From their genuine smiles to the funny candid shots, every memory captured holds a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for how God empowers me to be a blessing to these beautiful kids here in Bunhayag. Moments like these remind me of His grace and the simple yet profound joy of sharing love and kindness.

That's all for today, thanks!
Love, @jessmcwhite 💕