Palawan, Philippines 2025

In 2025, we were truly blessed with the opportunity to take part in a mission trip alongside a wonderful group of missionaries from the Oregon Washington Adventist Filipino Fellowship (OWAFF) and members from Sunnyside SDA Church. Our team was beautifully diverse—made up of nurses, a doctor, a pastor, and volunteer evangelists—each person bringing not only their skills, but also a genuine heart for compassion for others.

Our mission was to partner with the local pastors from Palawan Adventist Academy (PAA) in their evangelistic series entitled “Hope, Health, and Happiness.” Over the course of six days, we traveled to nine different churches throughout the Narra, Palawan region, sharing the Word of God. Each evening carried its own message, and members of our team were given the privilege of speaking at different churches. Night after night, we witnessed something truly special—the eagerness, openness, and warmth of the people who came to listen. Their hunger for truth and hope deeply touched our hearts, and we could truly feel God moving among us.

At the end of the series, we gathered by the beach for a baptism—an unforgettable and sacred moment. Watching individuals step forward to give their lives to Christ, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, was both humbling and inspiring. It was a powerful reminder of why we were there.

Beyond preaching, we also had the opportunity to serve in a very tangible way. We prepared and distributed care packages filled with basic necessities such as rice, sardines, sugar, and soap. With the help of interns from Crystal Paradise Resort, our team worked side by side—measuring rice, packing supplies, and sharing laughter as we prepared each bundle with care. What might have seemed like a simple task became a meaningful time of connection and teamwork.

These care packages were then brought to each of the nine churches and distributed after the evening messages. The gratitude we received in return was overwhelming. Simple acts of kindness carried deep meaning, and it was clear that even small gestures could reflect God’s love in a big way.

This mission trip was more than just an outreach—it was a deeply moving journey of faith, service, and connection. It reminded us that when we come together with willing hearts, God can work through us to bring hope, healing, and joy to others. And in the process, our own hearts are changed as well.