What does it mean to move beyond short-term service into lasting impact? For a nine-member team from Wesley Methodist Church, this year’s missions trip in May 2026 to High Praise Church (HPC) in the Philippines was exactly that—an intentional journey of equipping leaders, strengthening communities and witnessing faith in action.
The team partnered with HPC across multiple locations including Santo Tomas, Santa Maria and Santa Rosa. They were involved in pastoral training, children’s outreach, youth encounters and heartfelt home visits.
As team leader Patricia Koh reflected, “Our main objective was to refresh, encourage and re-equip the HPC leaders so they can continue the work of ministry more effectively in their own communities… This trip surpassed my expectations.”
A MISSION GROUNDED IN PURPOSE
The team—comprising pastors, ministry facilitators and support members—arrived with more than just plans. They brought 277 kg of donated resources and 18 bags of pre-loved clothing—tangible expressions of love for the HPC community.
At a children’s outreach at HPC Sto Tomas – Primera, the message of Jesus calming the storm came alive through songs, skits and crafts. As children carefully wrote Psalm 56:3—some in Tagalog—on handmade boats, they were not just learning a verse, but anchoring their trust in God.
Tripper Jason Jong shared a powerful testimony of God’s provision during a medical emergency surgery for his broken jaw.
Another tripper, Frances Lim, reflected, “I sometimes find it hard to trust God for other people’s problems. But seeing the children memorise Scripture in Tagalog, and the joy on their faces—God reminded me, ‘I will work it out. You don’t have to.’”
It was encouraging to see the youth, who had received ukuleles from previous mission trips, now leading worship confidently—entirely self-taught. What began as a simple donation had grown into a tool for discipleship and worship.
Many families there are headed by single mothers or widows, as divorce is costly and rare, and abortion is illegal. Yet the team found the youths to be passionate and on fire for God.
RAISING LEADERS, BUILDING FAITH
A key highlight of the trip was the Leaders’ Retreat in Tagaytay, which gathered 50 to 70 pastors and ministry leaders from six HPC churches—many meeting one another for the first time.
Centred on the theme Faith in Action (James 2:17), the retreat focused on developing a faith that is lived out, not just believed. The sermon by Rev Raymond Fong challenged leaders to embody four kinds of transforming faith: faith that meets needs, offers costly obedience, acts courageously and makes us righteous.
“Our faith is not just agreement with the right things. It is allegiance lived out for God,” said Pastor Raymond.
Rev Lim Jen Huat’s sermon on the Five Marks of a Faith Community highlighted respecting leaders, living in peace, helping the weak, exercising patience and returning good for evil.
Through small group discussions and creative presentations, participants reflected on their own journeys of faith.
Youths from different churches also took part in team-building through a blindfold trust walk, learning to follow guidance in faith—a powerful reflection of tiwala sa Diyos (trust in God). The atmosphere was vibrant and Spirit-led, with moments of spontaneous response and deep spiritual hunger.
Despite economic hardship, with many earning only a few hundred dollars a month, these youth leaders displayed remarkable resilience and clarity of purpose. Their families often make great sacrifices, with parents borrowing money to send their children to university, while the children themselves carry the burden of wanting to support their families.
Yet amid these pressures, their focus remains firmly on the gospel. As they shared, “Our concern is to bring the Gospel to our friends.” Their resilience is seen not just in endurance, but in their willingness to serve, give and witness despite personal cost.
Reflecting on the retreat, Pastor Jen Huat said, “The exuberance of the youth reminds me of my first love. They are so idealistic, so responsive. I pray that they will not lose that fire—and that we will help them build the structures needed to sustain it.”
“LET US ARISE AND BUILD”
On the third day, the retreat continued with a message from HPC youth pastor Ejhay Marasigan, drawing from Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17–18; 4:9–18). His message was simple yet compelling: prayer must lead to action.
“We don’t have to be afraid when we have the favour of God to do the work He calls us to do,” he shared.
Pastor Ejhay also spoke about how Hand Me Another Brick by Charles Swindoll encouraged him during his own season of brokenness—rebuilding his life one “brick” at a time.
FAITH ACROSS COMMUNITIES
On Sunday, the team worshipped across multiple HPC congregations, witnessing the diversity within the church—from lower-income communities to more middle-class settings.
The messages centred on God’s promise, priority and presence, encouraging believers to remain steadfast. Testimonies shared by team members resonated deeply, offering hope amid real-life struggles such as unemployment, absent fathers and financial pressure.
Even in these challenges, glimpses of God’s faithfulness shone through—a long-awaited job answered in prayer, children filled with joy and communities continuing to worship wholeheartedly.
LESSONS BROUGHT HOME
The trip left a lasting imprint on the Wesley team. As Jason reflected, “Every time I come to the Philippines, I see the tension between real problems—alcohol controlled by cartels, absent fathers—and hope. Seeing a child receive a small allowance, seeing a senior graduate—these moments give them hope. We can’t change everything, but we can give our little five loaves and two fish.”
As the team returned home, one truth stood out: mission is not a one-way act of giving, but a shared journey of faith.
Through every conversation, every prayer and every act of service, God was at work—strengthening His church across borders. Seeds were sown not just in the Philippines, but in the hearts of those who went.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
PRAYER NEEDS
- Unity among the six HPC churches, especially across different social backgrounds
- Wisdom and strength for Pastor Ejhay as he disciples the youth
- Growth of the men’s ministry and restoration of families
- Encouragement and provision for mothers, many of whom are single parents
- Protection, endurance and vision for Pastor Reggie and Beth
(Photos courtesy of missions trippers)
Read also: Following God Beyond Our Comfort Zones
