The Wood Family to the Philippines
Michael and Claire met at college and got to know each other while ministering together in a nursing home. God has cultivated in them both a passion for serving people and sharing freely about the gospel of Jesus Christ through words and actions.Ā After having served overseas in The Republic of Congo, the Wood Family is now headed to Davao City in the Philippines!
In Davao, we have plans to serve in three primary ways:
- Community Health Evangelism with Mercy Maternity Center
We will both be facilitating Community Health Evangelism trainings in partnership with Mercy Maternity Center.Ā Claire plans to lead a curriculum called Women’s Cycle of Life.Ā And Michael plans to facilitate a curriculum called Men Matter for Healthy Families.
Eventually we hope to train local people so they can facilitate CHE lessons as well.
- Member Care with New Life School of Midwifery
Within Mercy is a program called the New Life School of Midwifery.Ā It is a US-based school that offers academic and clinical training at Mercy Maternity Center.Ā The school is specifically geared towards equipping students to serve as midwives in developing nations.
We have been given the opportunity to provide member care for the midwifery students.Ā When we served in Congo, we loved hosting different events for our team: meals, game nights and parties for special occasions like birthdays.Ā We plan to do the same for the students, giving them lots of opportunities to have fun and fellowship with our family.
- Teaching Elementary Music at Faith International Academy
I (Michael) studied music education for my undergraduate degree, but then taught math for four years.Ā Well now, 9 years after graduating with a music degree, I will finally have the chance to teach music in a classroom!Ā I will be teaching Elementary Music part-time at Faith International Academy: a school that serves the families of missionaries and international families in the Philippines.
Please pray for us as we embark on this new adventure!Ā Please pray that we may learn the language and culture well, that we would continue to grow in our relationship with the Lord, and that we would have a positive impact on all those we work with and meet!
May God bless you!
-The Wood Family