The Shabbat Manna project was launched last October 2025 to help students who are enrolled under the work-study program of Adventist College Palawan. This program — by working at least thirty-hours a week would enable the student to pay the tuition fees for the semester. They work in the farm, food service, grounds, security, custodial, office work, and other departments.

With a strong desire for college education, young people from poor families come to the college with zero or very little financial assistance. Whatever they may receive from home goes mainly for food such as rice, and other basic staples. It is not unusual when one meal for the day is enough, or none at all.

The Shabbat Manna project, in collaboration with Able Through Life Ministries (and donors), inspired by the biblical principle of Sabbath provision (Exodus 16)provides free meals for these working students every Friday sunset supper to Sabbath sunset dinner, affirming that God’s grace sustains even when we pause from labor.

Many working students bear daily burdens that often eclipse their spiritual experience. Food preparation, budgeting, and fatigue can distract from worship and fellowship. This ministry frees them from these concerns even for a few meals, so they may delight in God’s presence with peace and joy. This meal is more than nourishment. It is a celebration of God’s goodness. A tangible declaration that “the Lord will provide.” You will eat and be satisfied, and you will bless the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” — Deuteronomy 8:10.

By experiencing Sabbath as abundance rather than restriction, rejoicing that in Christ, there is enough — enough grace, enough provision, enough rest, enough love. Therefore, this initiative supports students in honoring God’s Holy Day, cultivating a rhythm of gratitude, faith, and belonging within the ACP community.