The Negrito Ati Tribe of the Philippines

Dear Praying Friends,

The Ati people are a minority tribe living in poverty and isolation on the island of Panay in the Philippines. They have dark skin and curly hair, and they are similar to the Aborigines living in Australia. Rejected by the majority of the population, four Ati clans live on a mountain side with no school, poor nutrition and health care, and little knowledge of Jesus Christ. We were shocked when we found these Ati, who lived so geographically close to us, but were completely isolated from the larger of society. Along with our Filipino co-workers we began to visit three times a week; to feed the Ati mothers and children with nutritious food, establish a relationship with them by telling them about Christ and the hope of Salvation. From these visits a strong desire grew in our hearts to communicate the message of Jesus Christ to the Ati people not only in words but in action, so the Ati would have hope and a better way of life. Now, we have already purchased land where the Ati live. We will soon start constructing the first school building for the Ati children, a powerful symbol of God’s love and hope for their future.

We ask you to pray for the work amidst these people. We are also asking for anyone with willing hearts and hands to come and help with a short term mission team to help with the construction of the school and orphanage or come to help with outreach to the Ati children. If you can not come, could you help by purchasing construction materials? Please write to us at this email address if you would like to know more about how you can help: dantori@shoresofhope.com

Dan and Tori Beaver
Missionaries to Boracay Island and to the Ati of Panay -

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Our desire is to activate our love through a ministry of evangelization coupled with hands-on compassion. Remembering Christ’s words, ‘. . .whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  (Matt 25:40)

Unveiling Hope A Midst Destruction

Imagine vast stretches of towns and cities having been obliterated off the face of the earth.  A sight so devastating and unfathomable that one can not understand exactly the brevity of such destruction, until one personally beholds it . . . giant trees toppled, concrete power poles snapped in half, large steel structures crumpled.

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The destruction from the super typhoon was truly devastating. For the past few days, my heart has burned with grief and sorrow as our First Love team and I have viewed miles and miles of flattened homes, neighborhoods and cities, as a result of the worst storm calamity ever recorded.  20 ft ocean surges came in and swirled like gigantic washing machines over towns and villages.  The loss of life is incomprehensible. The stench of dead bodies still lingering throughout the city.

I stood amazed at the destruction from the winds and tidal wave surges.

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- There is one pastor who lost his pregnant wife and their toddler child, and yet after the storm, he continued to help others in need.

- A young male teacher heroically rescued four female teachers trapped inside their classroom as the water was rising.  He risked his life to save others.

- Out of a family of 10, only one survived.

- Reports are that all the babies in the maternity ward of the hospital were swept away when the tidal wave came in and flooded the hospital.

- Widows and orphans so numerous.  We are compelled to pray for these.

These are just a few of the many gripping stories. 

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