After much planning, the day finally arrived. The team of 30, made up of 19 adults, seven youths and four children, gathered at Changi Airport, ready to leave for Manila. Upon arrival at Manila’s Airport, we were warmly greeted by Senior Pastor Pete and Brother George. Although our arrival coincided with Philippines’ Independence Day, thank God for the smooth ride to our hotel in our 12-seater vans. It took us about 10 minutes to get to Jesus Christ the Master Builder (JCMB) Church. JCMB may not be the swankiest-looking church, but they had the warmest and friendliest faces. In the evening, we were treated to a specially prepared local dinner. Songs, dances and cheery chatters filled the air.
At 9.00am the next day, we were gathered in JCMB to pack the provisions to be distributed for our ‘Act of Kindness’ (AOK) programme. We packed 18 food items in a total of 70 bags. Tong Siang, a veteran at packing led us in forming a conveyor system, which resulted in the bags being filled at record speed, while maintaining the fun and laughter.
We then grouped into threes to pray for the Barangay visit coming up. We had eight teams to visit the Barangay and two teams to visit the offices. Altogether we visited and invited 24 families to our AOK programme the next day, and gave leadership talks to the officials. For many of us, it was an eye-opening experience as it was the first time we saw such poor living conditions. We were glad that many were open to receive our prayers, and a number of salvations and healings took place that afternoon.
In the evening, we returned to the JCMB for cell meetings. JCMB led the combined cell celebration. It was a first for the cells to come together for worship. We split into 10 groups thereafter, with the mission troopers sharing the Word.
Bright and early the next day, we made it to church by 5.00am for Prayer Tower. About 40 persons turned up. The worship was beautiful as it took away any lingering sleepiness. Clare edified us with the Word taken from Exodus 17 that says, “The Lord Is My Banner (Jehovah Nissi)”. Clement then led us to pray for the pastors, each other, the nation of Philippines, and prophetically for JCMB.
After feeling rejuvenated from the Prayer Tower, the team started preparing food for the Feeding programme, where we fed about 70 – 90 children between the ages of 4 and 12. After the meal, the children were divided into their various age groups. They were taught Christian values and also entertained with magic tricks by Peggy.
At the Music Ministry Workshop later in the day, Emelyn shared with some of JCMB’s youth dancers on aspects of dance and worship. It was a two-way session as Emelyn also learned new dance moves from them.
By 2.45pm, many of the Barangay residents whom we had visited and invited the day before came to JCMB for our AOK program. The hall was filled with about 100 visitors. Patrick spoke from 2 Kings 4:1-7 on “Emptiness – Nothing Can Stop God’s Blessings”. Many visitors could relate with the sermon, and during the altar call, about 90% of those present raised their hands. All glory to God for the plentiful harvest.
Selected visitors from the Barangay were then called forward to receive the AOK bags filled with food items. After the distribution, only six bags were left.
After dinner, we had separate sessions with Pastor Pete and Arlene’s 144, when we openly shared words of edification.
Many of the Barangay visitors joined us for the Sunday service the next morning. Clement preached on “God Will Bless Us” from the book of Joshua. Eight persons raised their hands and came forward to receive salvation. We also celebrated Fathers’ Day, with Clare praying and blessing all the fathers present.
After the service, we had a Trendsetters programme that was attended by about 40 young adults. It was held at a nearby bistro. Clement and Clare spoke and ministered to them on “We Rush, God Waits” and “Detox Your Mind” respectively. At a concurrent session, nine couples, married between 1 – 45 years, attended a Couples’ Talk led by Tong Siang and Yeo Kwee. They shared on the subject of “Maximising Your Differences”. Meanwhile, the youth stayed at the church premise for a Youth programme led by Patrick and Celine. Patrick’s message to them was called “5 Stones” based on the story of David and Goliath, and sought the help of Joelle and Jonathan to play the respective roles.
After lunch, Jason and Emelyn conducted Parenting and Cyber-Wellness talks for about 20 parents. They shared many insights on how to appreciate their children, and raised awareness on the influences of the cyber world and how parents can help their children in the use of them.
For our final night, which was called “Singapore Night”, the team rolled up our sleeves and became chefs. We cooked and served dinner for about 130 persons! Preparation started at about 2.30pm. By 6.00pm, a unbelievable feast was served. On the menu was Singapore’s delicacies - chicken rice, sayur lodeh, achar, assam prawns, stewed pork belly with hard boiled eggs and dessert. Acclaim definitely goes to Clare and her well-coordinated team. She had everything done and ready like clockwork, with watchful eyes on the clock to ensure that cooking was finished on time.
After dinner, we screened our local film “Ah Boys To Men 2” which everyone enjoyed thoroughly. At the end of the night, we each received a plaque and a momento.
On the day we were set to leave, we managed to work in an unscheduled visit to a primary school before leaving for the airport. We shared John 3:16 with 13 classes, each with about 40 – 50 students, and also prayed for the principal.
Looking back, we had such a fruitful trip. This trip was made possible thanks to Pastor Pete and Arlene, as well as their leaders and members, who laid the groundwork and paved the in-roads in the community before our arrival. But most of all, all praise and glory be to our almighty Lord and Saviour!