Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of the heaven belongs to such as these.”
After a great adventure in Singapore the team was ready to minister in the Philippines. We were split up in pairs to live with different hosts, which was a blessing itself. Three weeks were ahead of us and we were ready to take up any task the church gave us. The church is primarily planted to reach out to the children in the surrounding community- to portray Jesus’ sincere and caring heart to those who might not even get any love in their own homes. We were in awe to see how much effort the church put in to lighten up the lives of the little ones.
We had the privilege to facilitate the church’s annual Passion Week experience which symbolised the reason and story of Jesus’ crucifixion. We could pray for each individual coming to church that week. All glory goes to God for the number of people that dedicated their lives to Him.
The following days we were focused on children’s ministry. The air was filled with pure smiles and excitement. Kids on the Block was one of the month’s main events hosted for fun activities, skits and worship songs for the kids, followed by a week of DBS- Daily Vacation Bible School. Jesus created a desire in the leaders of the church’s hearts to teach the little kids about the Holy Spirit. We saw kids getting pictures and words for others, praying for people in the streets and having life spoken over them. Jesus can most certainly use any age group and background to build His Kingdom. Our kid’s ministry ended with Sports fest, certainly a highlight for all. It was such a privilege to worship our living God through free movement.
During our time in Philippines God revealed what pure worship looks like to the team- surrendering all you have and making God the centre of your attention. God gave us the strength to worship Him by interceding for the city, church and surrounding community every morning. He showed us how to worship him without distractions, performance or preconceived ideas. He worked in our personal lives with Him and what He says about what a relationship with Him looks like. There is so much we have to learn, yet there is no pressure, for just sitting in silence with the Lord is also to worship him, to just behold Him- he is the Father, our Father.
Just when we thought we were blessed enough with the family feeling at our hosts, God blessed us once again with an even closer family environment during a three day God is Able camp. We all felt at home in the space where 40 families, that had members with a disability, gathered. Each of us got an assigned family and what a honor to be a vessel for God to work through us. We could experience yet another way of worship- in the most pure way we have ever witnessed. How is it possible to feel someone worshipping God when they have no way of expressing themselves. The Holy Spirit has no limitations. The air was filled with vulnerability, encouragement, inner healing, pure joy and excitement. Not only could we support our families, but they could give us a taste of a different aspect of God’s character. We have so much to be thankful for, so much to praise God for.
“Therese is a little girl that has cerebral palsy syndrome. She can’t take care of herself, her mother is her personal caretaker. I had the privilege of getting to know and love this family. Her mom is basically a super hero and has the biggest heart for her child. Even though they have gone through very tough times she has never abandoned her. A moment that really impacted me was when I was talking to them about being baptised and what is means, I prayed for them afterwards and Therese started crying. I have no idea why or what happened but I believe that God touched her. After a long discussion and prayers, her mom decided to be baptised and we also baptised Therese. It was really a beautiful moment and I know God is working in their lives”
-Michaela
There is something so sacred about worship, something so Holy and pure. May all our actions worship God, may we have faith like little children. May we strive to do God’s heart desire for us, let us be a true reflection of who God is. As Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Blessings
The One Year Team of 2025