NEWS FROM CEBU*
Giving Back
Gathered
& Written by CSC Multidisciplinary Staff (A team of medical, emotional therapy, education staff, and social workers)
Atthe Children’s Shelter of Cebu, we love watching our kids grow but not only in physical size. We also delight in seeing them grow in generosity and gratitude.
Our kids don’t have a lot of choices in daily life. Meals are planned, and most needs are provided for. But their allowance, whether given quarterly or daily, depending on their age and schooling, gives them a bit of freedom and power to make a choice. They get to decide how to use the money—maybe for a school snack, saving up for a pair of shoes, or even setting some aside for giving. It’s a small but powerful way to teach budgeting, decisionmaking, and most importantly, generosity.
Junel’s Box.
Every year, as part of our praise and thanksgiving for the blessings we’ve received, the kids come together to give to others in need. Through Junel’s Box, they get to share what they have from a portion of their own small allowances to make it happen. The idea is simple: we’ve been blessed, so we want to bless
‘’It’s a small but powerful way to teach budgeting, decision-making, and most importantly, generosity.’’
someone else.
The kids donate to or volunteer at several organizations in our community that help people in need. One of the beautiful ways they give back is through a yearly tradition known as
*Legacy Issue: Join us this season as we celebrate God's legacy and CSC's many blessings, meditating on Psalm 145:4. We invite you to share God's power and goodness with the younger generations!
Junel’s Box gives them the chance to put that generosity into action. They help choose a beneficiary— usually a family going through tough times—then work together to identify what that family needs, shop within a budget, and deliver the gifts around Christmas time. It’s a project filled with purpose, joy, and plenty of heart.
Through giving to others, our kids learn to live with grateful hearts. ▪
From the Desk of Kirby Stoll
PRESIDENT
Saturday, April 26, was an overwhelming day, to say the least. I was in Cebu, heading to the dedication event for Hope House. We rounded the corner and there it was, looking just like the renderings I regularly looked at back in my office in Minnesota. It was a very moving experience to see the building—the culmination of years of planning, preparation, and prayer.
bigger.
May our legacy be not how we will be remembered, but for future generations to know that Jesus is the object of our affection and that all we do is for Him and for His glory.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to take care of all that He has entrusted to us, but just for a little while. For what we are
do now but, as believers, we know that God will use everything for His purposes in His time. You can have that kind of trust in CSC, knowing our commitment to care for children for decades to come encourages us to embrace tomorrow’s opportunities—and challenges.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
I am so thankful God has me here at CSC to witness this amazing step for the ministry. All glory to God, and all gratitude to our faithful CSC supporters who gave in extraordinary ways, paying it forward and leaving a legacy.
Each story in this issue shows how God uses people to leave their own “fingerprint” or legacy on CSC. Each person
caring for now will be passed along to future generations and used in ways we won’t be able to see.
The verse inscribed on the dedication plaque at Hope House is Romans 15:13, calling us to remember that our God is a God of hope, and He calls us to overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave, linking generations of our CSC family in praise and
Leaving a legacy that includes CSC takes planning. But it’s easier than you may think. I invite you to prayerfully consider updating your estate plans to include CSC, impacting the lives of children for years to come.
Serving Him, Kirby Stoll President/CEO
Kirby with Hope House residents
PRAISE REPORTS
• Praise God and all glory and thanks to Him for providing us Hope House. Seventeen young adults and three staff have moved in and are getting used to a brand new space. Our CSC Admin team has also transitioned their offices from where we have been renting for the last couple of years. Praise God for all who have been involved in making this happen, too!
• We thank God for our new employees both in the U.S. and in Cebu. We are grateful for the journey that leads each of us to CSC to work and use the gifts He has given us to help further the mission of CSC. As CSC receives new children to care for, there is a need for more childcare workers, too. Praise God for all our employees!
PRAYER REQUESTS
• Our Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS) kicked off another school year on June 30. Please pray for our students, teachers and administrators as they guide and direct the steps of these young ones in their education. Our high school and college residents are also beginning a new year of school. Praise God for many educational pathways for the residents of CSC.
• We are both blessed and humbled by the role CSC plays in the lives of the children in our care. Since April, CSC has taken in six children, all varying ages and stages of life. Please pray for their adjustment to the loving family CSC will provide for them for however long they are with us. Please pray for the house parents and caregivers who show them love like many have never experienced before.
Hope House Dedication
You could feel God’s presence as you walk through the new, open, airy living spaces, and in the warmth of the sunshine walking out to the fledgling upper deck garden, and in the energy emanating from CSC’s young adults, staff, supporters, board members, and friends— excited to be together on this day of blessings, gratitude,
The Hope House Dedication Ceremony in April 2025 marked the end of a multi-year effort of planning, preparing, and praying and the beginning of optimism, anticipation, and the freedom for residents to
This beautiful new space can accommodate up to 28 residents and includes bedrooms, living space, dining hall, multi-purpose room, staff quarters, and administrative offices.
President & CEO Kirby Stoll and Executive Director Roberto Atienza and their teams came together to celebrate and give thanks for the generosity of CSC supporters and their desire to leave a legacy by providing this new transitional housing for our young adults. This will be the space—a short drive from the shelter—where residents will be able to hone their independent living skills and plan for a future after CSC.
“We want to provide for these
A beautiful plaque to honor the ceremony
young adults for as long as they need us,’’ says Kirby. “We also want them to be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed independently and to bring Jesus to wherever they go. Hope House gives us that opportunity.’’
The ceremony was filled with worship songs led by our talented residents and offerings of praise and prayer by CSC leadership and residents and local pastors. Representatives from other nonprofits focused on helping Filipino children and families were welcomed to join the celebration. Please accept our deepest thanks to all of you who made this gift possible. ▪
Gratitude from a Resident
"TJay-Em, gave a thoughtful and emotional speech during the CCHS “Moving Up’’ ceremony this past spring. He thanked God for providing the love, care, support, and friendship he has received through CSC.
Residents at the ceremony
To learn more visit
cebushelter.org/about/hope-house
hank you to our counselor, Uncle Eric , for helping me understand my emotions and make thoughtful decisions. He has helped me and my friends grow in understanding, creating a peaceful and supportive environment. I also appreciate Auntie Faith 's work with us, supporting teens and younger children.
Finally, I am thankful for my friends who accepted my imperfections and flaws. They helped me see who my true friends are. They helped me become strong and courageous. Some of them are like sisters or brothers to me.
So, I end my speech with a verse from Jeremiah 29:11:
This verse reminds me that no matter what happened in the past and where we go from here, God has a good plan for each of us. All the love, support, and guidance we've received here— from staff, teachers, counselors, aunties and uncles, donors and supporters, and friends— are part of that beautiful plan. Everything I’ve experienced and learned here has shaped me into who I am today, and it gives me the strength to move forward with hope and confidence. I know that the future holds many possibilities, and with God’s plan, it will be filled with purpose, growth, and blessings." ▪ Grand Opening audience
'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
Kim & her family
Wren and Laine Ecker have learned most about life by watching their parents, Kim and Mark. They’ve seen how the couple loves Jesus and how they care for others.
As they grew up, the sisters now in their late teens began to exert their independence and make more of their own choices. For example, they gave a thumbs down to the paint color their mother had chosen for their bedrooms. A few years later, they made it clear that they wanted to approve any clothing purchased for them by Mom.
But one way to become just like their parents stood out: to donate to CSC’s Child Sponsorship Program.* That decision to imitate their role models will help change lives for generations to come.
“Now that I am working, I have my own money,’’ says Wren, 18. “I remember my parents taking us to the CSC table at our church when we were younger and seeing the photos of the children. I knew I wanted to give, just like my parents. Now I can.’’
Completing the Circle
Setting an example for her daughters seemed natural for Kim. Loving children in a way that Jesus calls us to has always been close to her heart, even before she and Mark had their own three kids. Growing up, Kim always desired to give to her church even though her gifts were small and inconsistent.
“I always wanted to help children,’’ recalls Kim. She wanted to do more. That
“I take seriously Jesus’ call for us to help orphans and widows.’’
Kim Ecker, CSC Donor
desire deepened when she met Mark, who shared her passion for helping children. Together, they connected with friends from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, who introduced them to a global child sponsorship program. Inspired by its mission to nurture children through both discipleship and daily care, the couple eagerly joined the effort.
The Eckers began to include CSC children in their sponsorship gifts when they visited the CSC information table at Constance Evangelical Free Church in Andover, Minnesota a few years ago. It was there that Wren and Laine made the decision to emulate their parents’ hearts for giving.
“We walked past the table and we said to the girls, ‘Are you two ready to start giving to the Lord from your own earnings?’ We had a short conversation,’’ recalls Kim. “They said, ‘Yes!’ and chose their child to sponsor. It was fun to see that they didn’t have to think too hard about it! We all signed up that day.”
Today, the Eckers sponsor six CSC children collectively. The photos of the children sit next to the family’s kitchen counter where they are remembered and prayed for during family meals.
”Their faces are front and center as we pray and share meals as a family,’’ says Kim. She says she hopes that the CSCsponsored children know how much they are loved. She also prays that her children can tell their children how they came together as a family to help others in need. ▪
*Like many CSC supporters, the Eckers prefer not to draw attention to their financial giving, which they see as a blessing to be able to do. The couple agreed to share their story at the urging of this writer in hopes of encouraging others to learn more about CSC’s Child Sponsorship Program.
From the Desk of Roberto Atienza
Executive Director
Many years ago, I heard of a group that called themselves the “Etceteras”. Kind of a head scratcher at first, the name made me curious. I soon learned the impetus for the name.
The etcetera or “etc.’’ is what is placed at the end of a sentence or list after everything noteworthy has been mentioned. It’s the thing that comes AFTER or follows BEHIND the important things.
At CSC, this means helping to promote an environment filled with an ever-present awareness, recognition, and praise of Him, remembering that it is purely by the grace and mercy of the Lord that we exist and serve Him. This is played out in big and small moments at the shelter.
Before every meal, the children
of you and for bringing you to us.
We boast about God by “meditating on His wonderful works” (Psalm 145:5), doing our best to always remember that “the Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does” (verse 13).
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promise and faithful in all he does.
Psalm 145:13
I didn’t know much about the group—and truthfully, I still don’t—but I recall their basic premise: they saw themselves as coming after, following behind the All Important One: God.
I see myself as an “etcetera,’’ living a life that exalts and praises God to such a degree that He becomes the one and only thing that people remember whenever they reflect upon what I did, who I was, what I said or stood for.
pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the food, for the hands that have prepared the food, for their house parents, aunties, and for the supporters around the world that they know are praying with them. They boast of God’s provision.
In our staff meetings, we regularly remind one another that everything at CSC—from small things like pens and pencils, to large things like the homes, cars, fuel, electricity, and even the staff, partners, etc.—are all gifts from God. We thank God for all
The legacy of CSC must be the legacy of God at work in the lives of faithful men and women who were called to serve children, telling them of God’s mighty works; “one generation commending His works to another.”
Roberto Atienza Executive Director
Former Resident Gives Time, Talent & Treasure
Tom Holmberg, of Shoreview, MN, has only story-based memories of Children’s Shelter of Cebu before he was adopted at four years old.
But the moment he stepped onto the shelter grounds during his first visit back as an adult, he was surprised by the sudden bond he felt to his former home.
“It was the heat of the sun on my face,” he says. “That feeling connected me with CSC. I remembered.”
That visit helped him realize how blessed he was through CSC. He knew that he wanted to tell others how God was providing the shelter with resources to care for children like him. Today, Tom serves as a CSC board member and devoted supporter.
“I wanted to boast to everyone about God and being adopted
from CSC,’’ he says.
Tom asked his two siblings who he was living with at the time and were also adopted from CSC to join him in sponsoring a child from CSC. That was his t r e a s u r e . But Time and Talent still were unchecked boxes for Tom.
“I felt like I had been given a second chance at life being adopted,” says Tom. “I wanted to give more to the organization that has been such a blessing to me.’’
The decision to donate his t i m e by becoming a board member in 2023 was an intentional one.
“When you donate money, you can give and forget about it,”
says Tom, whose corporate development role for a global aviation services company keeps his schedule full. “But giving my time was going to take some planning. I would have to intentionally carve out the time.” He managed to fit it all into his schedule. Next came talent. Juggling his job and a growing family (he and his wife are expecting their first child at the time of this writing), Tom uses his professional skills to work alongside other board members to set CSC’s strategic direction and future plans at the shelter.
"Tom generously shares his talent, knowledge, and strategic insight, helping CSC grow with
Tom with his siblings
Tom with his wife, Faith
clarity and purpose,” says Kirby Stoll, CSC President & CEO. “What I appreciate the most is his prayerful and thoughtful approach to all topics and issues that are presented to the board. And the experience he can share as a former CSC resident is invaluable.''
Tom says that CSC is different from other orphanages and shelters in the way they care for children. His wife, Faith, was adopted from an orphanage in China. The difference in each of their overall adoption experiences is vast, says Tom. The wide array of childcare services, the level of personalized care, and the thoughtful planning of the campus are differentiations for CSC, he says.
Specifically, Tom points out the layout of the CSC grounds promotes a sense of community by building all the homes facing one another onto a grassy playground in the center.
“Our stories of adoptions are very different,’’ he says. “CSC is very unique, uncommon.’’
“My wife’s orphanage had individualized spaces in the back of the building; there was no shared community space. Community is such a big piece of feeling like you are loved and that you matter. You are already coming to the shelter with some sort of sense of isolation. A community says ‘we want you to join in our experiences’. That’s
Expanding Our Impact in Cebu & Beyond
Youwould think that there were multiple Roberto Atienzas in and around Cebu.
CSC’s Executive Director spends a portion of his busy weekly schedule investing deeply in the community—action that has provided CSC residents with opportunities to improve their lives medically, financially, socially, and spiritually. The children who live in the shelter have also learned important lessons, including ethics, generosity, and gratitude from
comforting.”
Tom says he sees his adoption from CSC as a blessing from God, understanding that others may have a different adoption experience. His response? “I ask, ‘what does God require of me now?,’ he says."
He lives his life focused on following Micah 6:8 , which requires believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
Tom encourages other adoptees also to ask what their next steps might be. His advice is: “If you feel a nudge from God to get involved with CSC, say ‘yes!’’’ ▪
Roberto meeting with reps. of partner agencies to improve the lives of Filipino children
CSC’s connection with local partner organizations.
The partners now share vital resources in the areas of advocacy, referrals, capacity building, accountability, and training and support.
Carving out time to intentionally connect with churches, businesses, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) ensures that CSC both gives and receives.
“We partner with myriad organizations and networks not only to ensure that our daily operations continue smoothly, Continues on the next page
but also to be good and faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ, sharing what we have, and who we are, in Him,’’ says Atienza.
The impact of these partnerships has resulted in amazing opportunities for CSC children.
Voted by his community peers, Atienza was elected Regional Secretary of the Area Based Standards Network Region-7 (ABSNet), a network created by the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development of more than 100 NGOs and agencies. His work with this organization has opened the door to increase the number of referrals (requests to place children at CSC).
“This assignment has given CSC a platform to affect positive change on a regional and national level,” says Atienza. “This has been a tremendous blessing in terms of strengthening our mission and increasing the number of referrals of new residents.’’
CSC has also received referrals from the Cebu City Medical Center, Ganaan Children’s Home (in Lapu-Lapu City), and local government units (LGUs) from cities like Minglanilla and Talisay. Atienza’s net is ever widening.
Shelter leaders regularly evaluate the capacity both in terms of human resources and bed space to determine whether CSC can admit more
children. Atienza says that referrals have been pouring in from a variety of partners since the start of 2025.
“This is evidence that our advocacy is working, but that sadly the need is still everpresent and plentiful,’’ Atienza says.
The shelter’s connection with Operation SMILE, an organization of foreign and domestic doctors who perform reconstructive surgeries on children living with a cleft lip and/or palate—will result in a life-changing surgery for one of our young adults—free of charge.
The partnership with ProFood International, Inc., a dried mango factory in Mandaue
Working side by side with members of other local nonprofits
City, has provided summer jobs for our teens and young adults this summer. CSC caregivers have used this experience to help their students learn important values, such as hard work, wise financial stewardship, and teamwork.
Our PARTNERS
Operation SMILE
Profood International SimplyShare Citichurch
Livingword Christian Church
Cebu City Medical Center
Ganaan Christian Academy (in Lapu-Lapu City)
Sunshine Corner Ministry of Encouragement, Inc.
LGUs (Local Government Units) from other cities, including Minglanilla & Talisay
Rotary Club of Cebu
a local NGO that also provides fresh and frozen food to NGOs.
CSC also benefits from its partner SimplyShare, a local NGO that provides fresh and frozen food to NGOs, with the weekly/bi-weekly deliveries of donated fresh and frozen foods.
The shelter also receives
Atienza says that the brothers and sisters in Christ at these churches have become Kuyas and Ates (older brothers and sisters) and Titos and Titas (older men and women) who serve as role models and spiritual mentors for our kids.
Church and the Banawa Bible Fellowship. Atienza leads worship at Living Word IT Park and serves on their preaching team.
CSC also works with the Rotary Club of Cebu and ministries such as Rise Above Foundation.
“These organizations give our children opportunities to serve others and become agents of positive change in Cebu and beyond, sharing the Gospel and love of Christ in both word and deed,’’ says Atienza.
Attending a conference to promote best practices in adoption and raise awareness about alternative childcare in the Philippines
These reciprocal relationships give CSC children the opportunity to donate a small portion of their allowances to help others. They also volunteer at partner’s shops, chopping vegetables for community meals, serving impoverished children the soup they have prepared, and shopping for families in need at Christmas.
Sharing CSC and network resources means that partners have access to a well of knowledge, which includes guidelines, information, feedback, data, and recommendations. Atienza’s goal is to ensure that all partners work in collaboration and effectively to address the primary, underlying issues faced by Filipino children, families, and communities.
“We don’t have it all figured out, but partnering in this way amplifies the effort, multiplying in immeasurable ways the impact that we can have in Cebu
HOW DO I GIVE?
The need for your financial gifts are more important NOW than ever before. Please consider donating at cebushelter.org/give
and beyond,’’ he says. “When we teach, we also learn, and when we give, we also receive in both tangible and intangible ways. In partnering, we ‘sharpen one another.'’’ (Prov 27:17).
Atienza says that CSC’s legacy will be the children it serves. The path and trajectory that CSC helps to put the children on—whether they eventually get adopted, reunited with extended family, or launched into adulthood in the Philippines—will ultimately be the legacy of CSC. Growing partner networks increases the chances of success for all CSC kids, he says.
“If the only memory of CSC and what we’ve done lives on in the hearts and minds of our residents, in the Godhonoring and Christ-centered communities that exist because of our advocacy, and in the realization of a Philippines that doesn’t need CSC, that would be the most beautiful thing.” ▪
Sharing knowledge and resources at with a Cebu nonprofit that provides meals to underprivileged families
P.O. Box 247
Cambridge, MN 55008
Phone: 651.493.1551
Email: usoffice@cebushelter.org www.cebushelter.org
NEWS FROM CEBU
Summer 2025 | Volume 47 | Issue 2
NEWS FROM CEBU is published three times annually by Children’s Shelter of Cebu, a nonprofit, Christian organization dedicated to providing for the needs of homeless children in Cebu, Philippines.
Cebu Address: Box 178, Cebu City 6000 Philippines
Cebu Children’s Shelter Society of Canada: P.O. Box 141 Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z5
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT #1710
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
FORMER RESIDENTS, ADOPTIVE FAMILIES & FORMER MISSIONARY STAFF: YOU'RE INVITED
Saturday, September 13 | 4PM SAVE
At the Community Room & Patio of the Anderson Center Bethel University | 2 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, MN
This event is for former residents, adoptive families, and former missionary staff. No cost to attendees. Just bring your family and your appetite! Fun, fellowship, & lots of Filipino food!