As the New Year began, our team of 9 embarked on an unforgettable mission trip. The journey started with an early morning departure from NZ, as we began a 28-hour adventure to Manila, with a brief stopover in Guangzhou, China. After a few hours of rest and a hearty breakfast, we set off to our first destination, Payatas God’s Community Centre.
Each mission trip presents a unique blend of familiar experiences and new challenges, and this trip was no different. Our arrival coincided with both belated Christmas celebrations and exuberant New Year festivities at Payatas. We spent 4 full days here, connecting with youth and older members of the church and engaging in community outreach.
From Payatas, we travelled to Balante church in the Rizal province, where we began preparations for the first-ever Starfish Student Camp in Jala Jala, Rizal. The camp gathered around 60 campers, leaders, and service personnel, who came together for three days of fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth. The focus of the camp was on understanding the dangers of deception in today’s world and how to recognize and avoid it. Camp attendees were senior students from all our ministry locations
.
After the camp, we spent three days back at Balante and Bolobolo churches, where we participated in outreach efforts such as a feeding program and an after-school outreach program for children. We also distributed food and essential goods to those in need.
Our next stop was Quezon City, where we spent four days at AGAPE Church. During this time, we distributed food, participated in local outreach programs, and engaged in youth events and women’s fellowship, which included prayer and sharing of testimonies.
Our journey then took us to the Word of Life Campus at Calauan, Laguna. This became our base for connecting with the scholarship students at Mountain View Christian Bible Church. We had the privilege of visiting homes, distributing food and goods, and sharing a meal with both students and their families. It was a special time of connection and support.
Finally, as our three-week trip came to a close, we were able to enjoy some well-deserved rest and recreation at the Word of Life Campus in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao. Located a two hour flight from Manila, this peaceful retreat offered a chance for swimming at the beach and fellowship with the camp staff & full-time workers. We also had the opportunity to connect with Gina Orolfo, a missionary recently appointed as a partner of the Te Awamutu Bible Chapel. Some of you may know Gina and her son, Given, from their involvement with AGAPE Church.
This trip was a truly transformative experience, filled with moments of fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. There were lots of laughs, fun and hijinks among team members. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work and look forward to the continued impact of these partnerships. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this journey.
Each mission trip presents a unique blend of familiar experiences and new challenges, and this trip was no different. Our arrival coincided with both belated Christmas celebrations and exuberant New Year festivities at Payatas. We spent 4 full days here, connecting with youth and older members of the church and engaging in community outreach.
From Payatas, we travelled to Balante church in the Rizal province, where we began preparations for the first-ever Starfish Student Camp in Jala Jala, Rizal. The camp gathered around 60 campers, leaders, and service personnel, who came together for three days of fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth. The focus of the camp was on understanding the dangers of deception in today’s world and how to recognize and avoid it. Camp attendees were senior students from all our ministry locations
.
After the camp, we spent three days back at Balante and Bolobolo churches, where we participated in outreach efforts such as a feeding program and an after-school outreach program for children. We also distributed food and essential goods to those in need.
Our next stop was Quezon City, where we spent four days at AGAPE Church. During this time, we distributed food, participated in local outreach programs, and engaged in youth events and women’s fellowship, which included prayer and sharing of testimonies.
Our journey then took us to the Word of Life Campus at Calauan, Laguna. This became our base for connecting with the scholarship students at Mountain View Christian Bible Church. We had the privilege of visiting homes, distributing food and goods, and sharing a meal with both students and their families. It was a special time of connection and support.
Finally, as our three-week trip came to a close, we were able to enjoy some well-deserved rest and recreation at the Word of Life Campus in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao. Located a two hour flight from Manila, this peaceful retreat offered a chance for swimming at the beach and fellowship with the camp staff & full-time workers. We also had the opportunity to connect with Gina Orolfo, a missionary recently appointed as a partner of the Te Awamutu Bible Chapel. Some of you may know Gina and her son, Given, from their involvement with AGAPE Church.
This trip was a truly transformative experience, filled with moments of fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. There were lots of laughs, fun and hijinks among team members. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work and look forward to the continued impact of these partnerships. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this journey.