I can hardly believe it’s already been five months on the field. We’re nearing the halfway mark of our mission, and time has flown by in the most incredible way. Right now, my team and I are serving in Cainta, Philippines, partnering with Kids International Ministries. We’re staying at their base, which has given us the opportunity to connect not only with the long-term staff here but also with short-term mission teams who come and go. We’ve also been blessed to build meaningful relationships with several local pastors in the community.
The Philippines has brought back memories of my very first mission trip over the summer to the Dominican Republic. This is our first experience in a predominantly Christian country, and it’s been both beautiful and eye-opening to witness people openly wearing crosses, speaking the name of Jesus, and publicly proclaiming their faith. It’s bittersweet—people are always outside, eager to start conversations, and the importance of family here is something truly special.
Every day, we get the privilege to visit nearby villages to help with feeding programs, which have been both humbling and deeply impactful. I even learned how to make and serve champorado, a beloved local dish made of sweet chocolate rice.
The Lord has opened so many doors for me to share my testimony—with people in prison, juveniles, villagers during feedings, local pastors, and even non-believers staying at the base. God has provided a story of redemption, and it is the greatest joy to share how He brought me through trials and suffering, and how He continues to mold me through His grace.
One moment that touched my heart deeply was during a feeding when I met a little girl who had a large stye on her eye. She was trying to hide it, too ashamed to look anyone in the face. I sat with her, prayed over her, and shared how I once had the same condition where I couldn’t open my eye for months, and how the Lord healed me. I prayed that He would do the same for her, and I believe with all my heart that He will.
We also recently visited Tondo, the largest slum in the Philippines. The poverty there is overwhelming, but even more overwhelming is the hope that Christ offers, and the joy filled in the city. Amidst the suffering, the light of Jesus still shines, and that truth is transforming lives. We made close relations with the missionaries working in Tondo, and the Lord shines so evidently through their servant hearts.
As I reflect on everything the Lord is doing here, I’m reminded of what He’s been teaching me personally, which is to be spirit-led.
We are all slaves to something—let us choose to be slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18). Jesus died for our past, present, and future sins, and through Him, we are seen not by our failures but as perfect, beloved children of God.
The problem with humanity is that we often follow our emotions and fleeting thoughts instead of anchoring ourselves in the unchanging Word of God. It’s easy to say “trust God,” but it’s a daily challenge, especially in a world that often does not depend on Him. The truth is, our minds can become our greatest enemy.
Romans 8:1 says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Shame and guilt whisper lies, but Jesus already paid the price. Salvation is not something we achieve—it’s a gift we receive.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” Following Jesus is not just a one-time decision—it’s an ongoing relationship. And in any relationship, growth requires change. We cannot walk with the Father while continually living in the flesh. We must learn to walk in the Spirit, moment by moment.
Right now, I’m learning what it truly means to surrender my entire heart to the Lord. To trust His Word over my thoughts. To allow His truth to shape my actions. And most importantly, to reflect Jesus in everything—as I continue to walk with Him. Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and love. May we all seek to be led by His Spirit, live boldly in His truth, and find our identity in the One who calls us His own.
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