Philippines Report Back

What a mission!

“Missions”. Let me guess… you’re thinking that this sounds like a great idea but practically it’s not viable. What if I told you that through saving and support from individuals and the church we were all able to go? So you may say… well I’m not sure I can get the leave. What if I told you that God answered prayer and he helped in communications with the powers that be, to allow all of us the appropriate leave needed for the trip! Now I guess you’re thinking…. I don’t think I really have anything to offer, no specific talent or gift, what use would I be on a mission trip? Well then I tell you that God wants people with a willingness to help and get involved and he will provide the work you need to do.

We were each called in many different ways to join the trip to the Philippines. Some of us overcame great obstacles and hurdles to get there, yet God was with us in all the tiny details. The team included Joan Venter (team leader), Melissa Le Roux, Audessa Woods, Elrine Woods and Caz Shutte and we were joined later by Heidi Jackson.

As a group of teachers we had fun planning the lessons and coming up with the activities and songs. We went into the urban slums in Manila and began our ministry by connecting with the community members already established there. We shared our ideas and ministered in the playschool. We ventured into the slums and with the barrier of language began to play and make crafts with the children. These people have nothing, yet they rely on God fully and when we took clothing parcels to them they began to minister to us. Wherever we went God was there and his love abounded in every difficult situation. We lived from day to day on a rough schedule and where God needed us to be, we went.

We had the privilege of visiting the missionary kids’ school – Faith Academy. Their facilities are state of the art yet they need teachers willing to serve. Are you willing?

God did amazing work in each of us on the trip and we each learnt things that are hard to explain.  We had fun, we laughed, we worked hard, we bonded, and we grew deeper in relationship with the Lord. God needs your hands and feet! Go on… try it! You’ll never be the same again!