Philippines - AFM: Palawano Project

Mission
Our sole purpose is to hasten the coming of Jesus by giving unreached people the opportunity to know Him and become His disciples. God’s instructions are clear: His people must take the everlasting Gospel to every nation, tribe, language and people (Rev. 14:6). Then the end will come.

Description
The Palawano are a tribal group inhabiting the mountains in the south of Palawan. They are cultivators, forest-foragers, and hunters who somewhat resemble Malaysians. The Palawano language varies from region to region but seems to have similarities to Malay. Palawanos live in huts that they make from materials found in the jungle surrounding them. These animistic people are controlled by their fear of the spirits and the children are taught to fear them from their youngest days. Mainly an illiterate, but bright people, their youngsters have a yearning to learn. The adults, on the other hand, have a fear of change and cling tenaciously to the ways of their forefathers. The AFM missionary family who has been working here for over 18 years are seeking to ground these new believers as they establish the church.

More Info

• Average Fundraising Goal: ~$5,500. Prices may vary. See student missions office
• Timeline: Full year, starts in summer and finishes the same date the next year.
• Location: Kamantian, Palawan, Philippines. Kamantian is a valley set in the mountains of the Palawan province. It is very rural in Kamantian. There are NO cars, buses, etc. as the only way into the project is on foot. The air is clean, the stars particularly bright at night. SMs will live in the jungle which is cleared back from the houses a good deal. The hike into the project is steep, slippery (in rainy season) and very hot (unless hiking in the very early a.m.). Within the project itself, there are a few flat areas, but trails are rocky, rutted, and particularly sticky and slippery during rainy season. Generally, the weather is hot and humid throughout Palawan year-round. In Kamantian it is cooler in general than in the lowlands around Brooke's Point. During the rainy season everyone gets wet and it is possible to get cold.  There are two seasons, dry season and wet season. In Kamantian the lowest temperatures are generally about 68 degrees, highest temps about 100. Check out the location on Google Maps!
• Living Accommodations: Palawanos live in huts that they make from materials found in the jungle surrounding them. SMs will live in bamboo huts possibly without running water or electricity. They may use kerosene lamps or candles. A water filter is provided for them and its use encouraged.  There is a ground toilet. Water has to be carried about 50 feet. All laundry is done by hand and can be hired out to Palawano women for a fee. You'll sleep on a mat raised above the bamboo ground of the hut. 
• Language: Must be fluent in English.
• Food: Volunteer responsible – a monthly stipend will be given for food costs. Grocery list is ordered and brought each week up the mountain for student missionaries.
  In Brooke's Point, there is a market where one can procure available vegetables, fruits, rice, pasta, flour, sugar, mongo beans, dry milk, etc. Dry goods like candles, toilet paper, soap and shampoo, toothpaste, etc. are also available
• Requirements: Visa (apply on arrival)

Position Info

• Administrative Secretary – Help the administrator by typing, running errands, filling out forms, helping with whatever needs to be done. Must have a knowledge of computers and skill in Word, Excel, and Power Point. Opportunities to contribute spiritually will open up as language skills permit.  
• HS Teacher - Mentor young people while teaching English, Science, or Math to high-school students. Conduct worships, participate in work/study activities, and accompany students on their mission and field trips. Teaching experience (tutoring, etc.) required. 
• K-8 Teacher -  Teach English, Math to grades 2-6 and assist in the training of native teachers. Develop friendships among teachers and students, looking for nurture and outreach opportunities. Other opportunities available according to abilities/language learning speed.
• Maintenance/Automotive Repair - SM will live in Brooke's Point and help to provide support in various ways for the larger team and work in Kemantian, and other project villages. SM may help with construction projects; home maintenance and repairs of the various staff homes, etc. Also, maintenance of vehicles (pick-up truck, SUV and motorcycles) in running condition; upkeep and maintenance of grounds and buildings at farm; repair and maintenance of farm machinery; help supervise farm workers; help with purchasing and transporting supplies into project; help in the event of medical evacuation, etc. Besides keeping the vehicles in good running order, SM will be asked to help package up goods to be sent into the mountain projects, do local purchasing, cleaning and organizing of farm equipment and supplies, possibly supervise farm workers on occasion. SM will be expected to assist in outreach programs in the lowland project churches.
• Nurse - Deal with day-to-day patients, treating their tropical diseases, stitching wounds, other wound treatments and dressings.  Help in arranging medical evacuation of the severely ill. Treat patients that come each day, do health education and manage a small clinic. Keep the clinic supplies in a neat and orderly fashion. Keep charting accurate and up-to-date.  Visit some of the sick in their homes and visit neighbors, developing relationships.  Depending on your abilities and the speed with which language is learned, there will be other ministry opportunities as well.  Assist lay-leaders with the growing church in the area. May also be asked help with classes in English and assist teachers in mornings.

AFM's Palawano Website