Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow continues to live out his Christian faith, spending part of his summer in the Philippines ministering to children who live at the orphanage his father founded 25 years ago.
The 28-year-old television personality recently visited Uncle Dick's Orphanage, home to 49 children and 13 staff in Lamsugod, Surallah, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines. Tebow shared several photos of his trip on social media.
"Spending time with some of my family at Uncle Dick's Orphanage," Tebow wrote on Instagram.
Tebow's father, Bob, founded the orphanage nearly 25 years ago through his Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. He was reportedly inspired by James 1:27, which reads, "This is pure and undefiled religion, in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
According to the charity website, the orphanage was named after Richard Fowler, a neighbor of the Tebows, who became like a member of their family. They led him to Christ, and he supported the ministry in many ways through the years, and left a significant amount of money for the orphanage following his death.
Tebow himself was born in the Philippines: his mother, Pam, has in the past shared how she rejected abortion after doctors told her that killing her baby was the only way to save her life.
After spending time at the orphanage, Tebow visited the CURE Hospital in Davao City that he opened in the Philippines in 2014.
"Such an amazing day at The Tebow CURE Hospital," he wrote.
Built and operated by CURE International, the hospital specializes in treating children with orthopedic conditions like knock knees, bowed legs, and neglected clubfoot. The Tebow CURE Hospital also provides orthopedic consultations and surgery for adults in need of total joint replacements or arthroscopic surgery, as well as treatment for spine conditions and sports injuries.
"CURE's work is not limited to physical health," the hospital website explains. "We are just as focused on the spiritual health of the children we serve. Often, they are told their condition is due to a curse. Through healing, we get to show them the God who hasn't cursed them, the God who loves them, dearly. He even identifies with them. They are royalty in His kingdom."
"I have always had a great love and passion for the Filipino people," Tebow said in a 2014 statement. "It is so exciting to be able to provide healing and care for these incredibly deserving children halfway around the world."
