Text Box:  YOUTH MISSION TRIP TO THE MANGYAN TRIBE IN DAPDAP   On 22nd December 2003, Mindoro Youth Movement went on their first mission trip to the Mangyan tribe in Dapdap, Sta. Cruz.  The youth group of the Mamburao Church of the Nazarene joined with MYM.  The team was headed by Bro Jun, Pastor Boyet and Pastor Meynard.  Talk about trials! We experienced our first trial when our jeepney transpor-tation did not arrive until 9:30 am.  The youth were in the Mission House as early as 6:00 am excited and all!                                                Our second trial was a lot more exciting than the first one.  On the way to our destination we had to cross a shallow river.  Right at the middle of the river our jeepney stopped and we got stuck.  We waited while our experienced driver/ mechanic tried to fix the vehicle. For the meantime, we took the chance to have a group picture. As you can see, it's a very bright day.  There's me kneeling down on the bottom right of the picture squinting my eyes and trying to get a good pose.  We were all so excited we didn't mind the hot weather. The most exciting part here is that we walked 2 kilometers!         Well, we thought that since we're new in this place another group picture would be good. That's Pastor Boyet on the far left in black shirt and pants posing his best for this shot. Of course, we carried our FMI banner that says, "Love in action!" We collected clothes, toys and shoes for this trip.  Most of which were donated by our youth.  We received P1,000 and 4 sacks of rice donation to be divided to each family.                         Some of our youth posed with the Mangyans.  One youth picked up a baby and held him close. The reality of their situation is seen in this picture.  It is not only the children who are dirty but also their parents.  Their water supply is very poor as they have set up their houses away from the source of flowing water.  It is not impossible to provide them with water if they can have a water pump installed in their village.  It will take a lot of dedication to teach them about cleanliness since they are used to this way of life.   We held our mission in the house of the Mangyan Tribal Captain.  We had prayers & worship.  Then we visited every house and Pastor Boyet gave encouraging words from the Bible.  It was an awesome and unforgettable experience for everybody who went.  The house hopping helped us to meet the people in a more intimate way where we had a chance to talk one on one with the head of the households.  I took this picture to show you how the Dapdap Mangyan Tribe lives.  These houses are called Nipa Huts, the roof are made of dry tall grass we call "talahib". The Mangyan's in this tribe are illiterate - no read, no write.  Most of them have expressed their desire to learn. Since this tribe is new to us, we decided to hold our first MYM outreach mission there.  We have officially adopted in our organization the Ulanguan Tribe in the mountains of Barahan. Since this tribe is new we decided to get to know them.               Our youth handed out the clothes to the Mangyan. On the far right of this picture is a youth carrying more clothes to be given out.  It is our hope for the youth that this kind of experience will open their eyes to have a better awareness of the condition of their neighbors and fellow human beings.  An awareness that will lead them into action.  An awareness that will help them see that they have the power to change the situation around them and to make a difference in the lives of many needy people. We hope to instill in each youth the importance of being pro-active in the community in which they live in and in those which are within their reach.  To set up goals and achieve these goals for the good of mankind and not for self-interest.  To find their joy and peace in reaching out to others.  To fulfill their purpose by putting love into action. We invite you to join us and make it possible for us to reach and do more by supporting our work.  We need you to partner with us in this endeavor.  Thank you and God bless you!  * * *  Bro Jun Balanay *************************************************************************************************