Joan Tapit comes from the island province of Catanduanes, southeast of Manila. The island is often one of the first to be hit by the typhoons that enter the Philippines. She became a Christian through a missionary serving in her hometown. Joan and a REACH member, who settled in the area, ministered to the youth there for several years. Joan studied nursing in the province and later came to Manila to take the Nurses board exam and find work. Since then, she volunteered to work with the youth in REACH. She currently works at the Philippine Heart Center.

Joan’s work schedule at the hospital is irregular with long hours but she looks forward to time in Bible study with RMI missionary, Tina Brooks, for mentoring. Joan has a heart for Christ. She regularly attends a church called Bread of Life and is financially supporting one of its church-planting ministries (where her aunt and family attend) in the province of Bataan, north of Manila.

Recently Joan also committed to be involved with the youth in this new outreach of her
church. She has to travel four hours to reach the place. The church started with around
forty attendees, mostly youth, but doubled in a few months. The pastor and Joan are
the only mature workers in the church. So Joan was convicted to mentor older youth to
become leaders. She is also gifted in singing and helps with the worship.

Please pray:

• That Joan will be given a favorable schedule at the hospital so that she can balance her work time, Bible study with Tina, and ministry involvements,

• that she and her pastor would have the same kind of convictions,

• for wisdom and strength as she encourages and mentors the youth.