NEWS FROM CEBU Back to School at Cebu Children of Hope School The first day of school is always one of the happiest days of the year at Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS). Long before the morning bell rang, elementary students arrived with backpacks on their shoulders and excitement on their faces. Friends eagerly searched classroom lists, asking, “Who’s your teacher this year?” while teachers welcomed each child into classrooms filled with fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and new opportunities.
“ I am happy on the first day of school because I like going to school! I smiled when I saw my picture in our classroom. I was also happy to see my teacher, Teacher Michelle.” — NOAH, THIRD-GRADER AT CEBU CHILDREN OF HOPE SCHOOL
place to learn. Children from Children’s Shelter of Cebu have experienced loss, trauma, or abandonment. At Cebu Children of Hope School, they find stability, encouragement, caring teachers, and the confidence to grow in a safe, Christ-centered environment.
learning responsibility, teamwork, character, and faith. Every lesson helps prepare them for a brighter future.
Your generosity makes this possible. From classrooms and school supplies to qualified teachers, nutritious meals, and individualized support, every This year, students will build skills resource is provided because For many of these students, in reading, writing, mathematics, faithful friends like you invest in school is much more than a science, and language while also these children. Thank you for helping every student begin the school year From Resident to Intern with hope, opportunity, and the The Home That Raised Them Is Helping Launch their Future reassurance that they are deeply loved. Every lesson learned today The journey has come full circle. Michael is helping write a new future filled and Hearth are discovering that their with hope. ■ creativity can inspire others. These Hope House residents, now studying graphic design and marketing in college, are gaining hands-on experience as interns Letter from the Executive Director in CSC’s Communications Office. The 2 Remembering Carmelita Give the Gift of Learning young adults are capturing photos, creating content, and sharing the stories Faith in Action & Prayer Requests 3 Praises of hope unfolding every day at the Daily Bread & Blessings place they’ve always called home. ■
INSIDE this issue…
SUMMER 2026
4 Amazon Wishlist
From the Desk of the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. — Isaiah 60:1
“Rise and shine … bangon na!” Over the past couple of months, that phrase has held a unique meaning for our family. We returned to the States for our home assignment, which involved adjusting to a 13-hour time change. It meant saying to our kids, “bangon na (wake up)!” when their bodies were used to getting ready for bed, as well as “matulog na kayo (go to sleep)” when they wanted to chat with Heather and me deep into the night. Our times in the US always feel brief, busy, and productive. Each time, we are so thankful for, and blessed by, the connections we are able to make. The US office entered a period of transition upon our arrival, and it was an added blessing to be able to make these connections in person, particularly with CSC’s US Board of Directors. While the board works on the leadership transition, our work in Cebu continues, and this year, the phrase “Rise and Shine” has a unique meaning at CSC and at our school, the Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS). CCHS will be celebrating its 28th Anniversary at the end of August with the theme “Rise and Shine.” It will mark nearly three decades of empowering children to rise above their circumstances, becoming equipped and empowered for the future. They will shine in a world that had so frequently only shown them darkness. Thanks to you, our kids not only wake up each day with the safety and stability of a roof over their heads and a meal on the table. They are also met at their point of need with therapy, medical care, and an education that gives them the building blocks for a solid future. For the second half of 2026, my family and I have been called to spend time on sabbatical to prayerfully discern possibilities for the ministry over the next five years and beyond. Please pray with us during this season and for all of the kids at CSC as they rise to meet their future.
2
Sincerely,
Roberto Atienza Executive Director
In Loving Memory of
AUNTIE CARMELITA BAYA CSC remembers Carmelita Baya with deep gratitude for her many years of faithful service as a social worker. Her gentle spirit, compassion, and unwavering dedication brought hope and healing to countless children and families. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched and in the enduring mission she so faithfully served.
Give the Gift of Learning Every school day at Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS) gives children the opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Through our Day of Hope School Sponsorship Program, you can sponsor one day of education for all students for $475. Your gift helps provide teachers, classroom supplies, and educational resources. Choose a meaningful date, receive a personalized certificate, and know you’re making a lasting difference in the lives of children at CSC. To sponsor a Day of Hope, visit our website or contact our office. Together, we can provide hope–one school day at a time. ■
Faith in Action Hilltop Chapel We’re grateful for our partnership with Hilltop Chapel Church in Palisade, Minnesota, whose faithful support includes sponsoring two children and giving generously to CSC. Earlier this summer, Stewardship Manager Suzanne Yonker visited to share ministry updates and express our thanks. We’d love to visit your church, too! Contact us at usoffice@cscshelter.org to schedule a Sunday School presentation, worship service update, or missions conference.
PRAISES &PRAYER
REQUESTS PRAISES • We are grateful that through God’s grace we were able to purchase new air-conditioning units in the Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS), solar panels for Hope House, and internet upgrades to all CSC sites. • Praise God that our newlyadmitted babies are healthy and thriving.
“ W e love toLord, visitthat ourour • Thank you, college students churches … “ have been
given a variety of on-the-job training opportunities.
DAILY BREAD & BLESSINGS A Super Celebration for a Super Friend There are birthdays—and then there are milestone birthdays! In August, the CSC family celebrated Joemar’s 50th birthday with a superhero-themed celebration honoring a beloved member of our family. Joemar came to Children’s Shelter of Cebu as a young child and has brought joy, warmth, and his love for Superman to CSC for decades. The celebration featured red, white, and blue decorations, a display of his treasured collections, favorite foods, birthday treats, and special video greetings from friends in the United States. Surrounded by children, residents, and staff, Joemar’s day was filled with laughter, love, and gratitude. It was a beautiful reminder of the many relationships he has built throughout his years at CSC. Happy 50th Birthday, Joemar! ■
PRAYER REQUESTS • We ask for the Lord’s divine intervention to send us the right fit for all open positions, including Special Education and Early Childhood instructional assistants, specifically holding degrees with those majors. • Join us as we pray for wisdom and guidance as we continue to map out changes and direction for our Hope House Independent Living Program. • Please pray for our maintenance team’s ability to dispose of and replace one vehicle that often needs repair. • We pray for God’s healing power and medical provision for CSC employees facing health concerns, such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and more.
3
P.O. Box 247 Cambridge, MN 55008 Phone: 651.493.1551 Email: usoffice@cebushelter.org www.cebushelter.org
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT #1710
NEWS FROM CEBU
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Summer 2026 | Volume 48 | 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
GIVE THROUGH OUR AMAZON WISHLIST Your generosity can make an immediate impact!
GIVE NOW!
Browse our Amazon Wishlist and choose items that help provide for the daily needs, education, and care of CSC’s residents. It’s an easy way to send a gift of love directly to the children and staff of CSC. Thank you for partnering with us!
A Gift Today Creates Hope for Tomorrow Help provide the care, education, and love every child deserves. Give today to change a child’s story.