Ben & Mary Wong

Preschool/Independent Living/Work Study Program

@ Philippines

Calling & Mission

Simply spoken, we are here to learn how to love others better, to uplift those in poverty, and to journey alongside the fatherless.

Years in Ministry

Philippines

Location

Called By A Peso / Called During Pandemic

Yep. Called to the Philippines by a peso. While working with drug addicts in Hong Kong, I was leaning on the fence about where to go long-term. Finding a lonely peso on the ground was the confirmation I needed. Since 2015, that moment has kept me going - leading me to Tondo, opening a men's ministry home, and eventually joining Kids International. It's also where I met my lovely wife, and now we get to serve this community together. - Ben

Before joining KIDS, I was an Assistant Preschool Teacher. Then the pandemic hit, and suddenly everything went into lockdown. While teaching online classes at my old school, I felt a strong urge to serve God, even during such a global crisis. I came across a post from a good friend at YouthLab. They were worshipping and serving the community, which rekindled something in me that had been there a long time ago. I decided to volunteer for a week. That week turned into a month, and before I knew it, I was working full-time, leading, living with young people, and teaching in preschool once again. It's also where I met my loving husband, and now we get to serve this community together. - Mary

Wished We Knew How To Do It

Like raising a child, serving in ministry doesn't come with an instruction manual. We've been teaching preschoolers and walking alongside youth and college students. We also manage the Independent Living Program, helping young adults find their footing so they can give back in their own unique way.

Favorite Verse

James 1:27 — "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." We really believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is also to the poor and poverty relief is our way of proclaiming His coming, one life at a time.

Click picture for more description

Youth Discipleship

Walking alongside the next generation through Bible studies, mentoring, and life skills training.