Why I’m Going to The Philippines

I leave for the Philippines in exactly one month. Unlike the time I went in August, I am not worried about what to pack or what I will be doing while I’m there. I’m not even nervous about flying internationally by myself (maybe I should be). This time, I have a pure excitment. This trip will probably not resemble what Americans would consider a traditional missions trip. I don’t have a list of projects, and I don’t know exactly what I will do while I’m there. What really matters is why I’m going.

1. Friendship and Fellowship
Since August, I have learned what Paul meant when he wrote to the Philippians “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3). I can honestly tell my friends in the Philippines “I hold you in my heart” (Phil. 1:7). What a beautiful sign of the gospel that people from opposite sides of the world can have such sweet fellowship in Christ. It’s truly a preview of eternity. Just read Revelation 5, and you’ll know what I mean.

2. Mutual Discipleship
Not only do I get to work with people who have a passion for God’s glory, but I get to learn from them. I want to soak up every second that I spend with the pastors, with the youth, with my peers, with Titos and Titas, with Kuyas and Ates (terms of respect in the Philippines). I can continue to grow closer to Christ and more effective in my ministry by seeing Hope Christian Fellowship at work. I will also be working with my friend Nikka to lead training sessions for a team of youth. This team will be going to China this summer. We will be talking about intercultural ministry and teaching English, two topics close to my heart. In the midst of contextual and cultural differences, God may choose to speak through my gifts and experiences to help prepare others for ministry.

3. Dreaming
Do I know how God will work in me in these two and a half weeks? Absolutely not. What I do know is that I will keep my eyes and mind wide open. The vision of Hope Christian Fellowship has captured my heart. From seeing ways that I can support God’s work in the Philippines to envisioning minstry possibilities at home, I want to dream about how God’s name and renown can be spread throughout the world. Ultimately, that’s what everything is about: God’s glory.