It all started when I was a child. I dreamed of working in an orphanage. As I grew up, I always gravitated towards kids that needed extra care. My desire was to give children the same head start I had as a child, to know God personally, and to find His purpose for my life. Faith at a young age kept me from drugs, alcohol, bad relationships etc. that keep people from finding their real purpose in life.

 In 1984, for 3 months, I went to the Philippines with Youth With A Mission.  In 1986, I returned to the Philippines and coached volleyball at Adamson University - Manila.  Because I had a recurring knee injury, I was lead to teach Christian Living at an Elementary School, where I taught 300 students per day.  In 1988, I found myself teaching at another Elementary School in Lucena City, 3 - 4 hours south of Manila.   I was also spending my weekends teaching prisoners the Bible there.  Two years later, I married a Filipino and we are now blessed with 3 marvelous children (most of the time).  

In 1996,  I volunteered to work in a government center for children from all walks of life. That is when, we as a family, wanted to do more for the Filipino children.  In 1999, we started our first orphanage with all the heart and faith required for these children. It took 3 years to construct buildings and develop grounds to accommodate them. By late 2002, we had moved on to start our second orphanage registered as "Faith, Hope & Love Kids' Ranch".  We purchased 10 acres  of a coconut plantation, with a dilapidated so-called dwelling! on the West Coast of the Philippines, only 1 hour from Lucena.   
 
You might ask, "Why FHL?" Let's  look at the meaning of "FHL". It could stand for food, home, and learning, and these we have to offer. But it means more than that-

  THE "F" IS FOR FAITH - because without it, it is impossible to please God. Our relationship to God is our greatest priority. Our mission is to equip the children for service and growth toward spiritual maturity.  

 THE "H" IS FOR HOPE - because that is God's promise. Hope out of poverty, abuse, neglect and depression; Hope to find their purpose in life; to become a blessing and not a burden to society; The hope of being apart of a family that will love them for who they are.

 THE "L" IS FOR LOVE -   because it never fails and is the greatest of all; To share love with those who have never experienced it, and to grow up in a loving environment. Someday,  they too, will be able to give to others also.  

You might ask "Why Kids' Ranch?" In order for children to become successful at the three R's of Reading, Riting and Rithmetic, we must first teach the three R's of Respect, Responsibility and Resourcefulness. Our goal is to use a portion of FHL, for the child care of orphans, abandoned and neglected children; A portion for raising farm animals, veggie garden and fruit trees, and a portion for a camp which will be open to the public.

Getting to this point has been a challenge. I'm grateful to my parents, pastor(s), and 3 children who have endured all with us through this process.

Kalabaw (water buffalo)

Laundry day at the river

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with trouble.

Proverbs 15:16