On March 20, 2004 while Cynthia was exploring the opening of Morning Star during an initial 3 month visit to Dalaguisen, a newborn infant was brought to her by an unwed teen mother. Imploringly, the young woman begged for the baby to be cared for. What do you do? There were no orphanages or social services to access for help.

Brendan is growing up into a responsible preschooler. He brings laughter, antics, and an unrelenting curiosity to learn everything and try everything. His presence has opened the doors for other infants to be cared for. At 4, Brendan oversees the two other toddlers, learns his letters, speaks some English as well as Ilocano, and generally watches over his little kingdom!

Jun, late 30's, first came to the Lord as a believer when he was 20 years old. He is married to Agnes, a homemaker who serves the Lord with humility and quietness. Their 10-year old son, Kevin, is in third grade. He works odd jobs besides helping regular farmers during harvests, to earn enough grain for food. He has persevered under a number of atypical pastors.

When Heart of God Fellowship started at Dalaguisen, Jun showed strength by willingly serving. When the pastor was absent for a month, he enthusiastically led the group. With a gift of guitar playing (he can play anything by ear!), he has become a leader. He now travels across a river to minister to small isolated towns. He blesses everyone with his ready smile!

Hazel lives a few doors away from Morning Star. As a toddler, she was active and talking. A fever hit her, and Hazel was different after she came out of the fever. She was subject to convulsions, with her little frame doing unusual twisting. Years later, she was now cared for by her mother Neenut, but rarely got outside, as her growing frame was hard to carry.

Hazel is now about 12 years old, with the body about the size of a 7-year old. Neenut came to Morning Star to attend a Ladies Event, and came forward to dedicate her life to Christ. Little Hazel also received prayer. Because of a donor's gift of a jogging stroller, Morning Star was able to give the red carrier for Hazel to take walks and go to church. Hazel loves it!

Ray, 16, was sent to Morning Star in January, 2007. He was born surrounded by recycling items, a 3x9 ft. shack in Manila, shared with eight family members, using old newspapers for blankets. With no toilets or running water, he had to scavenge for food. He also avoided his stepfather, who beat him if didn't turn over the few pesos he earned from selling recycled scrap.

Ray is now 17. Last spring, he said he wanted to go back to school! Off he marched to join the third grade class - even though he was close to 5' 8" in height! Still struggling with anger issues and a propensity to steal food, he does his chores and thrives on the company of the other teens. Now saved and baptized, he attends all Bible studies and is on the Worship team.

Inday was married in her late teens. Because of abuse, an infection developed in her right arm. When she went to the hospital to get it treated, the doctors instead cut her arm off just below the shoulder. When she first showed up for a Medical Dental Day, she had a young toddler, and her home was a one-room hut about 3 feet above the ground, reachable by climbing a bamboo ladder.

Still living in the one-room hut with her two toddlers and poor husband, Inday now glows with a friendliness that comes from deep within. She attends the Heart of God Fellowship Church in Dalaguisen, has been baptized and is even attending discipleship classes! her bamboo hut was recently repaired by the church.

"One and a half-year-old Jericho was brought in by his mother - who gave up his birth document, too. He has anemia, infantile tuberculosis, skin lesions, a constant low grade fever, and can't stand. Still crying, and I now wonder if he is so used to crying, he no longer knows NOT to cry?? Does not speak. Wish he could, even just baby talk, so I can understand on how to care for him. Cold, distant and poor eye contact."

Jericho continues to struggle to overcome the infantile tuberculosis, though the endless crying and immobility is gone. He is running, comfortable, happy, and eating well (though he remains slender). He is learning to talk instead of just crying. he now loves his bath, pets the dog, plays well on his own, and is learning self-confidence.

Helen's parents are both deceased, and her siblings are married. She has been caring for relatives and quietly attending church. A new pastor showed up at church, and the name changed to Heart of God Fellowship. Pastor Willie asked the Lord for someone to be trained as a helper. Though many people were attending, Helen's face kept coming before him.

In 2007, Helen joined the discipleship class at Heart of God Fellowship in Dalaguisen. After several weeks of training and encouragement, she decided to become a "native missionary" in a nearby region! She moved to Tagodtod, a few miles away, into a small bamboo hut. She helps at the Morning Star teen activities, follows up on visitation, and holds classes for children! Go, Helen!