By Pam Griffin
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- BAPTISM: Children and adults were baptized by Pastor Zoscimo Mabuti. Also helping were Destin’s Suzy Sims (next to child) and Barbi-Carroll Hawbaker.
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- OVERFLOWING: Hundreds attended the church dedication in Galilee.
Greeted by songs from the children as they entered the village, members of this year’s mission team for Mission Love Seeds’ annual trip to the Philippines included Barbi Carroll-Hawbaker and her husband, John, founders of MLS; Earl Baumgardner and his twin sons, Benjamin and Brock; and Suzy Sims.
More than 800 children and adults attended the dedication of the fourth church built by MLS in the Philippines, and children again sang during the event.
“The church was so overflowing, many sat on handmade benches outside while others looked through windows to hear the mission pastors’ messages,” Barbi Carroll-Hawbaker told The Log.
The Hawbakers and photojournalist Baumgardner, who represented The Calison Foundation, were there to cut the ribbon. The Calison Foundation and the Baumgardner family provided the land where the church was built and a portion of the building funds.
Among other contributors were The Grace Foundation of Destin, Destin United Methodist Church, Destin United Methodist Women, Grace Lutheran Church, Generous Heart Ministry, Inc. and Stiles C. Enterprises, Inc. Others contributing to the church were Crawford and Judy Jones, Lisa Snuggs, Bernice R. Shanklin, Sarah Fudge, Ralph Johnson, in memory of his wife Thelma “Fran“ Johnson, John and Robin Collins, Larissa and Steve Herda, Donna Stiles, Barbara Roberts Tolliver, Mary Ann Roberts, Shirley Constable, Ray and Tina Watson, Louise Fressell, William Christenson, Wendy and Donald Ross, James and Caroline Wasson, Lisa Fulmer, Margaret Spears, Melanie Eimers, James and Vanessa Reid, Patricia Smith, Rosa Hill, Marjean Boyd, Barbara Beecher, Shelly Wilson, Sue Calhoun, David Gant, Debra King, Terry and Ann Allen, Margie Burke, Maliga Pillay, Rosa lee Marshall, Gerelyn Jordan, Kristi Rockwell and Fran Merrell.
“Many thanks to everyone who helped to make this beautiful church possible,” said Carroll-Hawbaker. “With so many friends and organizations who contributed time and funds to make this endeavor possible, it is impossible to list everyone. Please forgive me if I left out your name. It is overwhelming to see a community participate in a project like this.”
Baptism
Pastor Zoscimo Mabuti baptized more than 65 children and adults Feb. 27 at a remote hand-built swimming pool in the mountains of Binayuyo. The pool sits at the foot of a natural waterfall and was a perfect setting for the baptism service. Members of the Mission Love Seeds team drove more than an hour and then walked 35 minutes up into the mountains to reach the site. Water buffalo pulled a homemade skid with heavy items, such as food for the lunch and sound equipment, over the most rugged terrain. More than 300 people enjoyed lunch after the baptism.
“The natural beauty of the mountainous terrain added to the exceptional baptism service,” Carroll-Hawbaker said.
Medical mission
Mission Love Seeds also sponsored a medical clinic on Feb. 24 in the remote village of Admiral. Approximately 325 children and adults were treated for various illnesses. The team, headed by Dr. Editha Regalado from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, included 15 doctors and interns and one social worker. Since 2007, the University has partnered with MLS to provide medical services to this area.
“Without the dedicated services of these medical practitioners, it would not be possible to provide the much needed medical treatment,” Carroll-Hawbaker said. “What a blessing Dr. Editha and the doctors are to Mission Love Seeds.”
Doctors and interns donate their time, and the mission provides transportation, lunch and facilities to house the clinic. Medical treatment and medications are provided at no cost to the villagers. A temporary pharmacy allows families to receive medication at the conclusion of the exam. Tuberculosis, flu, fever and cough are common diagnosis among both children and adults.
“In the event the appropriate medication is not available, we obtain the prescription from another pharmacy, which may be several miles away and not obtainable by the villagers,” Carroll-Hawbaker said.
The event also includes an art contest, a “Mission Love Seeds God Talent” contest that includes singing and dancing, and a nutritious lunch for everyone.
“Clothing and shoes donated from many residents in the Destin area were collected and shipped for distribution to both children and adults who were there,” Carroll-Hawbaker said. “And Mission Love Seeds personnel were excited to see firsthand a water purification system that was installed in 2010 and made possible by a grant from the Calison Foundation. This water system contributes to less disease and clean drinking water for the village residents.”
Carroll-Hawbaker said that much was accomplished during this year’s mission trip, and thousands were touched in many ways by the visit from the mission team. Both children and adults are healthier since MLS became a part of their village life and “many people came to know the love of the Lord through the actions of our mission teams and staff.”
But the work goes on — 365 days a year.
If you would like to make a donation or learn more about their work, contact Carroll-Hawbaker at 850-865-1055, email missionloveseeds@cox.net or visit missionloveseeds.org to see the work they do.
This article first ran in The Destin Log.
