PHILIPPINES — On the morning of August 21, 2011, my sons, Michael and Paulo, asked what they should do with the birthday money they recently received. I suggested they help out a local feeding center or purchase rice for a needy friend. However, when my other son, Francis, came home, he suggested we take a short-term missions trip to Cebu.
We began looking for cheap airfare tickets. After finding a very good deal, we started planning and praying about our missions trip. We shared our plans to some of our friends at church, International Agape Ministries Angeles City. Two ladies expressed a desire to join us on our short-term missions trip. They were a big part of the team because Sister Judith and Sister Vangie spoke the Visayan language, which would come in handy.
Everything came together as God showed us His desire for this trip. Pastor Tom and Margaret Tioaquen were informed of our missions trip. They were the first to show their support in prayer, and planted seed money for the food throughout the trip. Our church also helped to support our trip.
During the missions trip in Cebu, people were open to listen and sit down with us. They even wanted us to stay longer, but we had a schedule to keep. We did one feeding in Cebu, and in the school we gave ballpoint pens and tracts.
By boat, we went to Leyte. With Sister Vicky in Leyte, we were able to accomplish the mission. In the community, we gave out tracts provided, ministered in preaching and testimony, and feedings. There was an invitation to preach and minister. The workers were blessed and gave us their support during the period we were there.
What we learned from this mission is that everything became possible financially because we saved and used donated money as God provided. On our next missions trip, we will go in the same season, and plan to reach the students in high school and elementary schools. In God’s time, we will do it again. Now we are praying and saving more money.
Rowena D. Flores
Tom and Margaret Tioaquen
Missionaries to Philippines
Project Number 0650466
© 2012 Church of God World Missions