TUBA, Benguet —On a mountain in Tuba stands the first cottage of the long-dreamt Children’s Village of Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministries Inc. The non-government organization commemorated the completion of its first cottage, Faith Cottage, with a small yet intimate soft opening and house blessing. The cottage is one of six, and it has a living room, a kitchen, two bathrooms, and three fully furnished rooms—donors were from different parts of the world, such as Germany, Northern Ireland, and many more. Each cottage has two adults who will parent the children, and instead of an orphanage, the cottage will serve as a place where the child can learn and grow in a family setting.
Ms. Claire Henderson, a missionary from Northern Ireland and the founder and director of Helping Hands, explained the reason behind the name of the cottage, “We called it Faith Cottage because it really took a leap of faith to believe in God and believe in our donors and believe in ourselves.” She added, “We wanted to make this place a home. We don’t want it to be an orphanage. We want it to be a home for children who deserve love, care, respect, and family, the same as everyone else.”
Ms. Henderson expressed her warmest gratitude, saying, “We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to this project and helped to make it happen. Make the place so beautiful.”
Although the first cottage is up, the Children’s Village is far from done, as more cottages and other buildings will be built before it is complete. The NGO continues to fundraise and pray for donors. If you wish to help, go to https://www.helpinghandsministries.com to learn more about this incredible organization. By Meann Henderson
