Learning to live for God's glory wasn't an easy journey but it is fulfilling. Through the grace of God and His plans for my life, I was able to encounter the ICON-Mission movement, which equipped me to become a missionary. By that, I decided to engage myself in missions, primarily, the house church in Bitoon.
Dealing with people was my fear, and I find it hard to interact with kids at first. Yet, as I chose to follow my faith over fear, God helped me through. It was quite some time where I looked for my purpose, but God unearthed a buried passion within my heart. Having been exposed to God's word as a kid, I realized how important it is for children to hear the word of God. For them to understand God's love, because time will come when they grow up, God will have His own way of nourishing those planted seeds.
I may be struggling to juggle both ministry and academics but God has constantly proven that our labor will not be in vain. That if you continue to seek first God's kingdom, all things shall be added with assurance. So as workers for God's kingdom, let us all persevere and keep the faith firm, as we wait upon the comeback of our Lord Jesus. To God be the glory!
After receiving the Diploma in Discipleship and the Certificate of Licensure, participants will attend a Consecration Service. This special service is a time of dedication and commissioning, where participants are formally recognized before their church community for their commitment to serving Christ and His mission. During the consecration, church leaders and mentors pray over the newly trained disciples, asking for God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessing as they step into their new roles as spiritual leaders.
The consecration service symbolizes the transition from training to active ministry, affirming the participants’ readiness to disciple others and serve within their church. It is a moment of spiritual empowerment, where the participants are not only celebrated for their accomplishments but also reminded of the responsibility they now carry as ambassadors of Christ. Through this ceremony, they are sent out with the support and prayers of the church, fully equipped to lead others in faith and to further the mission of making disciples.
The visit to the T'boli tribe in Damamis.
It was a meaningful experience as the group arrived at a place where a church had already been established, paved way for the team to gather the people and share with them the love of Christ through fellowship.
The team focused on encouraging the tribe’s faith, helping to nurture their spiritual growth and providing discipleship training to strengthen their relationship with God.
The visit was filled with moments of connection, cultural learning, and shared faith, making it a fulfilling journey for everyone involved.
One of my favorite Bible verses that deeply resonates with me is Isaiah 6:8: "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here am I; send me.'" This powerful verse reminds me of the universal call to action that God extends to each of us. Often, we think it is solely the pastor’s responsibility to spread the gospel. However, as I reflect on God's word, I realize that every Christian is called to carry the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth, sharing the Gospel with every tribe and nation.
Though the physical trip was challenging, it was worth every step. Throughout the journey, I kept thinking of the precious souls waiting on the mountaintop, eager to hear the Gospel of Christ. That thought alone became my driving force. We went from house to house, visiting the locals and offering prayers. I was deeply moved by their prayer requests. Some sought God's healing, while one family asked for God's help in reuniting their family. There were also a few individuals who had stopped attending church, and after we prayed with them, we invited them to return to the fellowship.
On the final night, we encountered many individuals who had never known Christ. They opened their hearts, accepted Him, and made Jesus their Lord and Savior. It was one of the most overwhelming experiences I’ve ever had—witnessing people come and surrender their lives at the feet of Jesus. Indeed, engaging in missions is a life-changing experience. There are many aspects outside the walls of the church that we often overlook, yet they hold profound importance. Jesus didn’t come to establish a building; He came to serve the underserved. The church was brought into people's homes—a simple yet powerful act of reconnecting others to God. Unless we step beyond our comfort zones and into the mission field, we cannot fully grasp the depth of this calling. Now, I understand why some are willing to leave behind the familiar comforts of this world just to reach the lost. Lord, here I am—send me.
Jairo Encarnacion, LPT
Missionary Pastor
I praise God for the incredible opportunity He gave me to embark on a mission trip across Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to witness firsthand the beauty and diversity of cultures, all while seeing how God is at work in every corner of the world.
Through this journey, I was blessed to meet people from different walks of life, and I saw the power of God's love transcend language and cultural barriers. Each country brought new challenges, lessons, and blessings. I witnessed the joy of those who have so little yet are filled with God's peace, and I saw the impact of faith on communities, no matter their circumstances.
I am deeply thankful for how this trip broadened my perspective, strengthened my faith, and reminded me of the importance of spreading the gospel and serving others. It’s a true privilege to be part of God's mission, and I pray that the seeds planted on this trip will continue to grow. All glory and honor to God for this life-changing experience!
Hannah Makiling, RPh
Missionary Pastor
I am happy to serve the Lord wherever He leads me, and I will follow. As I reflect on my mission trip here in Thailand, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible experiences I’ve had. My journey has been about establishing meaningful connections, diving deep into the rich and diverse cultures, and embracing the unknown.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting wonderful new friends who have enriched my life in ways I never imagined. Exploring new hobbies has allowed me to discover new passions, while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ has strengthened my faith and purpose.
Committing to worship teams has been a fulfilling experience, and I’ve loved immersing myself in the vibrant music scene here. The culture is captivating, and the food—absolutely delightful! Every meal has been an adventure, and every interaction a lesson.
I am immensely thankful to the Lord for this opportunity to serve, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the team that sent me here. Your support, both financially and in prayer, has been invaluable.
I’m excited to maximize my remaining experiences and continue to soak in all that this beautiful country has to offer. I look forward to carrying these memories and lessons back with me, as I come home and bring the joy of my experiences and testimonies, I can't wait to share with the people, especially the youth that we need missionaries because there is still work to be done for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Diego Joshua Lipura
Missionary Pastor
There is so much joy in serving the Lord in many ways. My life as a missionary has been a tapestry of challenges and blessings, woven together by the threads of faith, service, and love. Stepping out of my comfort zone is one of my greatest decisions ever made.
Sharing my faith was not just simply about proclaiming the gospel; it was also about building relationships among diverse cultures. Listening and understanding deeply to the needs and traditions of the people opened my eyes to the reality of what really is my purpose.
Being in Thailand for almost 6 months made me realize that there is a bountiful harvest and that more has to be done to spread the gospel as a worker for Christ. With such passion in this journey, it brought a huge impact on my faith. With full of gratitude, knowing that I am part of a much larger narrative in Christ Jesus, I realize that this is not just a mere destination but an avenue for self-growth and establishing connections.
Ralph Michael Makiling, LPT
Missionary Pastor