A PLACE OF HOPE
A Journey of Compassion and Service
Last year, Lucas visited with his family as part of our partnership with Compassion International. During his visit, he inquired about the possibility of doing a short-term mission with some of his friends. I told him, “Absolutely! Lets set it up.” Consequently, we organized a trip, and they arrived for a seven-week mission.
A group of five young men from the Netherlands embarked on a short-term mission to the Philippines with hearts full of compassion and a desire to serve. Their mission was to extend a helping hand to the communities in need and to share the love and hope of their faith. This trip was marked by various acts of kindness and service that greatly impacted the lives of the people they encountered. Through their acts of kindness and service, they were showing the love of Jesus and made a significant impact on the lives of those they met.
Helping Fire Victims
One important outreach of the group was to assist the victims of a recent fire. The fire had devastated a local community, leaving many families homeless and in dire need of support. One particular family, part of the Compassion International program, received dedicated assistance from the missionaries. Their efforts brought comfort and hope to the fire victims, showing them that they were not alone in their time of need.
Providing Food for Those Living in the City Dump
In the urban areas of the Philippines, the team encountered families living in the city dump struggling to survive amidst the dire conditions. They provided nutritious food packs that included rice, canned goods, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The sight of smiling children and grateful parents highlighted the importance of their mission. Through their acts of kindness, the short-term missionaries brought not only sustenance, but also a sense of dignity and hope to those living in the most challenging circumstances.
Repairing Church
Understanding the significance of places of worship in fostering community and faith, the short-term missionaries dedicated part of their trip to repairing a local church. These young men rolled up their sleeves and engaged repairing a church water tank. Their work ensured that the congregations had a safe and abundant supply of water for the people the church ministers to.
Building Children's Playground
Recognizing the importance of play in a child's development, the team also focused on creating safe and fun environments for children to enjoy. They built a children's playground in our outreach in Guimaras. The sight of children laughing and playing freely in this new playground was a testament to the joy and positivity that the short-term missionaries brought with them. This playground will become a focal point of community life, where families can gather, and children can play safely and happily.
The Impact of the Mission Trip
The short-term mission trip by five young men from the Netherlands to the Philippines showcased the profound impact of the love of Jesus. Their acts of service provided material aid, emotional and spiritual support, bringing hope to communities in need.
This journey deeply affected the young men, strengthening their faith and understanding of compassion.
In essence, this mission illustrates how the love of Jesus can unite and empower individuals to create meaningful change. The young missionaries demonstrated that even in a limited time frame, the love of Jesus brings hope and transformation. Their experience serves as a testament to the importance of reaching out and making a positive difference through Christ's love. We are so proud of them!
Short term missions can have great impact!!! Just GO!!!
To explore current opportunities, visit gotonations.org/go

