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From November to December, we had the privilege of embarking on an incredible mission trip across several regions of the Philippines. Our journey began in Davao, Mindanao, and took us to Panabo City, Palawan, and Negros Island, where we partnered with local pastors and churches to share the Gospel, encourage believers, and provide care packages to those in need. Throughout the trip, we witnessed countless spiritual breakthroughs and experienced the joy of seeing lives transformed by Christ.
Dedicating "The Lighthouse Center" in Panabo City
One of the first major events of our trip was the dedication ceremony for "The Lighthouse Center" in Panabo City, Mindanao. It was heartwarming to see pastors, their spouses, and local church members gather together for this special occasion. A huge thank you goes to Lee and Valerie Gabbeitt, as well as Daybreak Community Church, for their generous contributions to "Strength in the Valley Foundation," which made this project possible. We are incredibly grateful to our mission partners, Pastor Hernani Ropa Resueño and Pastora Milagros Abellana Resueño, for allowing us to join them in serving their community.
Children’s Ministry and Spiritual Decisions
During our time at The Lighthouse Center, we held a children’s program filled with food, games, and lots of fun. Around 20 children made the life-changing decision to believe in Christ. Seeing the joy on their faces and the hope in their hearts was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Special thanks to the volunteers and workers who made this event possible.
Preaching at Four Square Church
On Sunday, November 24th, we had the opportunity to preach at a Four Square church near our mission partners' home. We were amazed by the response—about 25 people raised their hands to either accept Christ for the first time or rededicate their lives to Him. Later that day, we joined our mission partners in celebrating their son Michael Angelo’s birthday, which was a wonderful time of fellowship and joy.
Women’s Meeting and More Spiritual Commitments
Kim Anh was the keynote speaker at a special women’s meeting held at The Lighthouse Center. It was an impactful gathering, with one woman making a first-time decision to follow Christ and 4 to 5 others rededicating their lives. After the ministry time, we enjoyed games, a shared meal, and handed out care packages to 37 women. Once again, we want to thank Pastor Hernani and Pastora Milagros for their hospitality and partnership.
Ministry in Palawan: Care Packages and Prison Outreach
After leaving Mindanao on November 25th, we traveled to Palawan to continue our mission work. Upon arrival, we packed 38 care packages for pastors and their families and 104 care packages for inmates at a medium-security prison. Preaching to about 400 inmates was a humbling experience—many made decisions to rededicate their lives, and even those who didn’t believe were visibly moved by the message. Though we couldn’t capture photos inside the prison due to security restrictions, the impact of that day will remain in our hearts.
Pastors’ Meeting and Children’s Ministry in Narra
On November 30th, we hosted a pastors’ meeting in the morning, followed by a gift-giving ceremony. In the afternoon, we conducted children’s ministry in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Narra. About 40 children made spiritual decisions for Christ, a moment that filled us with gratitude and awe.
Sharing at "The Father’s Church" and Tribal Outreach
On December 1st, we preached at "The Father’s Church" in Narra, where two people made spiritual decisions. That afternoon, we traveled to a tribal region, sharing the Gospel with about 25 children, 15 of whom accepted Christ. We also served dinner to the children, and after leaving the tribal region, we enjoyed a "men’s night out" with Pastor Francis and his sons. It was a meaningful day of ministry and fellowship.
Preaching to the Police and Prisoners in Bais
On December 4th, Pastor Danden Jason Sales took us to the Bais Police Department, where we met the police chief and received permission to preach to the inmates. Thirteen prisoners made spiritual commitments after hearing the Gospel. Later that evening, we shared at Pastor Joshua Acibron’s mid-week service, where five more people made decisions for Christ. Thank you, Police Chief Roland, Pastor Jason, and Pastor Joshua, for welcoming us and supporting our ministry.
Reaching Over 500 High School Students
December 5th was a day to remember as we traveled deep into the mountains of Negros Island. We visited a rural church and two high schools, where we had the incredible opportunity to preach to over 500 students. Amazingly, every single one of them raised their hands to make a spiritual decision for Christ. Words can’t express how grateful we are to have witnessed such an outpouring of faith. Special thanks to Pastor Danden Jason Sales, Pastora Shirley P. Sales, and our other mission partners for making this possible.
Thanksgiving Celebration and Water Baptism
On December 7th, we joined Maranatha Church for a Thanksgiving celebration, followed by a water baptism at the shore. It was a beautiful day filled with worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving.
Dedication of Daybreak Community Church
The following day, December 8th, marked the dedication of Daybreak Community Church in San Jose, Negros Island—the first pioneering church plant of Daybreak Community Churches. We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to making this church plant a reality. It’s a testament to the power of partnership and prayer.
Sharing Christ at Malaga High School
On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 11th, we visited Malaga High School in Bindoy, Negros Island, and had the incredible opportunity to share Christ with over a hundred students. To our amazement, every student raised their hand to make a spiritual decision for Jesus. After the message, the school staff and volunteers joined us in serving spaghetti to the students, making it a joyful time of fellowship. We’re deeply grateful to the principal and teachers for welcoming us and giving us the chance to share our testimony. A special thank you goes to Pastor Carl and Pastor Danden Jason Sales for organizing this appointment and ensuring its success.
Final Ministry Stops and Farewells
Our final days in the Philippines were spent ministering in small villages, distributing rice to poor families, and sharing the Gospel wherever we went. In one village, 16 individuals made spiritual commitments, and we had the privilege of praying with a local fisherman who also accepted Christ. These moments reminded us of the importance of reaching the unreached and serving the marginalized.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on this mission trip, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who prayed for us, supported us, and partnered with us in various ways. None of this would have been possible without you. If you feel led to support our ongoing mission work or want to connect with us, please reach out through Facebook or consider supporting Encouraging Word International in 2025. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of many. Thank you, and may God bless you in this new year!