Sowing seeds

At the beginning of the summer we got to teach English to kids, sharing Bible stories with them. We were also able to go house to house in the village where we are staying. This gave us the opportunity to pray for them & share Bible stories with the families.

Recently we went on a really long trek to another village, praying a lot along the way. God is teaching us that prayer is very important through all of what He is leading us to do.

Pray for the Gospel seeds which have been sown through sharing Bible stories.

Pray for open doors in new areas.

-Larry

Taplejung Experience Team, Southeast Asia

The Price of Salvation

The malls in America are, in my humble opinion, much more extravagant than the ones in the Philippines. More stores, more brands, more food court options; there is never a lack of choice. Still, the malls here boast a vast array of things to purchase. 

As we traversed the floors, exploring and purchasing necessary materials, I was stopped by a sight that struck me. 

Right before me was a shelf of religious figurines for sale. The Crucified Jesus, Baby Jesus being held by the Virgin Mary, a family portrait of Joseph and Mary and Jesus, and more saints stood side by side in plastic attire. Wrapped, easily buyable, watching closely for the one who will bring them home; I remarked at the ease of purchasing religious materials and their prominence, when, at home, such things wouldn’t be found on display in a mall.

Yet, for a country so full of religion, I saw something much sadder. Through our many conversations, some aren’t assured of the cost of their salvation, wondering what extra good deeds must be done to balance the eternal toll of entering heaven. How many good deeds does it take to buy Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy? Who could pay such a price?

The truth is that the price has been paid. Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, dying in our place under the wrath of God. It cost us nothing but true faith to know that we will be with God when we die. Yet, paradoxically, this will cost us our lives as we decide to live for Jesus and not ourselves. 

As Jesus laid down His life for us, we must choose to believe in Him and lay down our life for Him. The price of salvation is obtained through faith alone in the mighty work of Jesus. You cannot buy a ticket to Heaven with earthly money, but the Lord has paid for your ticket, if only you will accept such generosity. 

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.  -1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

— MaKenna, Philippines Media Intern
Philippine Summer Team, Camiguin

Knowing your target

Our team have been connecting with students at two local universities. Much of our ministry is researching the student population, laying groundwork for an upcoming long term family. Through this process we've been able to learn about the beliefs of the students, share our testimonies & have Gospel conversations. There has been some interest in a Bible study... pray with us about getting that started this week, leaving a good foundation for our national partners to continue after we leave.

-Madison

Campus Evangelism & Discipleship Team, Malawi

What I Didn’t Say at First

During orientation, we went through sessions to work on our testimonies. They taught us to break it into three parts: life before Jesus, meeting Jesus, and life after. Simple enough, right? As someone who accepted Christ as her Savior at age eleven, it seemed like the most straightforward story. “I was a church kid. My dad sat down in my room one night and explained how Jesus died for my sins. I believed, I was born again, and now I follow Jesus.” Done! Right?

Actually, no—life wasn’t perfect after I accepted Christ. Over the past nine years, I’ve faced trials and struggles I never expected. Believe it or not, this “church kid” has wrestled with lust, depression, suicidal thoughts, anger—everything the enemy tries to throw at followers of Christ. I realized my testimony was not the basic, 3 step version, but was so much more.

When I first wrote my testimony at orientation, it was a short, simple version, cut and clean. After arriving here, I added a little more about how God saved me from depression at seventeen. “God saved me from deep sadness”—that’s it. That’s what I planned to share.

But as I continued sharing, I realized I needed to go deeper. Every day that first week, I found myself erasing and rewriting—to be more honest, more specific. God kept revealing new things, showing me how He had been working even when I wasn’t looking for Him. I saw how He was keeping me alive, how He was placing people around me, how He was pursuing me—even in my rebellion.

Our testimonies aren’t just about what happened. They’re about who God is—faithful, patient, and loving. He’s the one who never gives up, even when we feel lost. He is the one who left the 99 to go save us. And that truth is what keeps me sharing, wanting others to feel the same joy God gave me, praying for souls to drink from the water that will never dry out.

And I wasn’t the only one learning this. One of my teammates (who inspired me) shared how her understanding of her testimony changed, too. She said, “My testimony before getting to orientation was not complete. I had forgotten how much the Lord had rescued me and how He had not only given me eternal life, but has saved me here, in this life I live on earth. He saved me from a long life of shame and regret.”

As she started revising her testimony during orientation, she began to see just how important it was to speak honestly about what God had done. “I realized how crucial it was that people knew of my God, who is the ultimate Healer and Cleanser of our evil ways.”

She also reflected on what it’s been like to share more openly since arriving. “Vulnerability is not easy, but it is something the enemy hates. It is a weapon against sin, and it opens up doors so others can be vulnerable and relate to your story of God's beautiful grace and salvation.” She explained that “impurity and a life lived in secret lust is sadly very common here in the Philippines; so for others to hear there is another way to live this life—one that is filled with joy and peace—it is far more impactful to explain to them that Jesus can deliver us from those specific bonding sins!”

Looking back on this process, she said, “God has shown me His love, and how He is a detailed God! He cares for us in the big and the small, and He never shows up late.” She also shared how much it’s meant to walk through this with a close-knit team: “God has blessed me with a team of all girls where we are able to talk through— in vulnerability— the uncomfortable conversations, which has helped us immensely on revising our testimonies and being honest with ourselves, each other, and the people we are ministering to!”

In the end, our testimonies are not something we craft on our own—they are stories authored by God Himself. He is the one writing every chapter, even the ones we don’t understand yet. As we surrender and speak boldly about what He’s done, He uses our lives to reflect His grace and truth. It’s not about polished words or perfect pasts. It’s not a list of shameful things we’ve done or the trouble we’ve gotten into—it’s about letting the Author speak through us. And when He does, our stories become tools for His glory and vessels to advance His kingdom.

-Christy
PH Agriculture Team, Bicol

Sharing the Task

Our team is doing great!! We have been working with local churches, leading Bible studies & teaching the youth how to share the Gospel with others.

This week at a community college, we were able to share the Gospel & our testimonies as well as meet daily with a group of students. We have connected quickly with them & have been encouraged by how they have responded to the gospel.

Pray we can continue to meet with them in the following weeks & for the Lord to soften their hearts to the truth. 

-Anna Claire
Samoan Summer 

Bringing the Joy

Is has been a joy to bring local believers alongside us & encourage & disciple them in the importance of sharing their faith. We have found some fertile soil in the hearts of people. But so many here have never heard the Good News... being the first to bring this news has been a joy!

Pray for Susie & Katie... that we will be able to follow up with them despite their busy schedules... they are truly seeking.

Pray also for continued strength & encouragement as cultural adjustments have been hard.

Pray we will continue to find people in the city who are genuinely seeking among so many who feel no need or desire for a Savior.

-Haley

Collegian 2 Collegian Team, South Asia

Remove the Golden Calves

"Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst."     --Nehemiah 9:18-20

Pray for the people of Thailand who strive to work for their salvation. 

Specifically, pray for God to work in their lives by putting Gospel sharers in their path and allowing many signs and wonders to be done. 

The Thai people have not been forsaken, pray they would find the true light and be truly enlightened in a way that Buddha and spirits cannot. 

Plowing the field

A lot of field plowing over here taking place! We have gotten to do English camp in a region they haven't really been able to get into before. The kids loved us which will hopefully open doors for future ministry in that area.

We've also been trying to bring people into the "center" through conversation nights, giving nationals the opportunity to leaven English for free. That has been going good also! We had around 11 girls show up this past Saturday.

Pray for opportunities to follow up with the girls who attended the recent conversation night.

-Abby

Connecting & Seeking, Southeast Asia

Consider the Creatures

Along the way to our ministry areas, we encounter the many street dogs and cats. There’s also plenty of chickens, pigs, and goats that mull about.

I’m used to sweet and docile pets you can pet and play with, and while these animals are sweet, they also carry diseases within them that I don’t want or need. They’re numerous, often traveling together and napping beneath the shade in the heat of the day. Many will join us during our Bible studies, sitting by our feet quietly, hoping someone decides to give them something to eat. The nationals will shoo them away when they’re too loud or cast a sly eye toward an unwatched plate of food, but they always return to the doorstep, patiently waiting in sweet relaxation. 

As I’ve seen them, I’ve often marveled at how many there are and how they maintain themselves. Completely reliant on others for daily sustenance, they contentedly wait for meals from dinner tables and stray crumbs from sari-sari stores. In this, I’ve been reminded of the love and faithfulness of the Lord, as He has said: 

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  -Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬-‭27‬. 

If even the many street animals of the Philippines can assuredly be cared for without owners, then how much more can and will God provide for us, the ones made in His image and whom He loved enough to die for? He is the Great Provider, the One who knows how to give good gifts, and wants to bless us greatly. With this in mind, I am reminded and encouraged to 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.  -Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬-‭34‬. 

And so we persist after the Lord, trusting Him to provide ministry opportunities and to watch over us for our daily needs. And we will continue to look at the cute animals, wishing to pet them but refraining because I’ve been told that the health shots cost a lot to get.

Please pray for the Philippines to truly rely on the Lord for their spiritual, physical, and mental needs. 

Pray for Filipinos to seek first His Kingdom, trusting in Him to provide as they focus on more eternal matters. 

—MaKenna, Philippines Media Intern

Camiguin Island

Prayer for the Refugees

Last week our team served at English camp in a government school in Thailand. The Lord has been showing me how much there is need for His love to be known, and what it means to have our hearts broken for what breaks His.

As I got to know my class of second graders, I quickly noticed a few students who were considerably taller than the rest. One of them, a girl named Sue, shared that she was fourteen, and that her family was from a nearby country. The staff had told us that there were quite a few refugees at the school; they were often held back several grades because they had fallen behind in the process of fleeing their home country and also learning Thai. 

Sue asked me once, "Have you ever had a birthday party?" Surprised by the question, I told her I had. Through a translator, Sue shared that it was her dream to have a birthday party one day, but that she hadn't asked her parents for one "because they work really hard." I assumed she meant that money was tight, which she confirmed by telling me the foods I suggested eating at her future party (KFC) were "too expensive."

This small interaction humbled me. Here was a girl who's dream was to have a birthday party with friends, who had never celebrated one because of her family's socioeconomic situation. 

As much as I knew the reality of these families in my head, it was striking to hear about it from someone so young. In that moment, I felt the Lord remind me clearly that He knew Sue, that He celebrated her each year. I am reminded that the best news I can bring is not the promise of money, but the promise of a God who knows and takes care of his children. I cannot solve the problem of poverty, but God can solve the much bigger problem of belonging.  

Please pray for refugees who have settled here in Thailand. Pray that we would have opportunities to encounter and share with them about the God who knows what it is like to be a refugee; the God who is the good provider. 

Please also pray that God would continue to break our hearts for what breaks His.

-Anjuli

Creative Media Intern, Thailand

English Camp

We took a trip up the mountain with about 20 Thai students to do what we call “English Camp”. In reality, we hung out, played some games and sang some songs, but the students did get to practice their English as a result. This was a wonderful time of fellowshipping with Thai believers, while also getting the chance to build relationships with Thais who are lost. Many people heard the gospel during this trip, and many relationships were built so that the gospel can be shared even more!

Pray for those who heard the Gospel. Pray for relationships to continue to be built to allow for further spiritual conversations. 

-Dara & Ethan

University Pioneer Team, Thailand

NT4Teens: Evangelical Crusade

Thank you Jesus for the healthy bodies you have given us!!

NT4Teens participated in an Evangelical Crusade hosted by the local Baptist association. This opportunity was a chance to make known the name of Jesus Christ through a basketball tournament, door-to-door evangelism, and worship night. 

Sharing the Wordless Book

The boys played in the basketball tournament while the girls went out with local partners to share the Gospel in the neighborhood by introducing themselves and starting conversations. In addition to evangelizing, they made sure to invite everyone they spoke with to the worship night. That evening, over 200 people got to hear the gospel through song, dramas, testimonies of the students & a sermon by one of the Teens!!

Meeting the local youth

Trey sharing the evening message

National partners in the harvest

Interview with Kuya Ron Ron

Q: Where are you from originally, and what is your tribe or background?
I’m from Davao City on Mindanao. My tribe is Ilonggo—pure Ilonggo and I speak Ilonggo, I understand Ilonggo, and also Cebuano. So I speak both.

Q: How did you first hear about Jesus?
I grew up in a Christian family. My dad was a deacon and sometimes he preached in the church. My mom is a Christian too. So from a young age, I already knew Jesus Christ because of my family and the community.

But I accepted Jesus personally when I was 13 years old, it was May 15, 2007 during Vacation Bible School. After that, around 15 years old, I really started to follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior, to understand more deeply, not just knowledge but a real relationship.

Q: What led you to become a missionary and end up where you are now?
Actually, it was not my prayer to go here. I didn’t plan this. I just prayed, “Lord, what is Your plan for my life?”

I worked a secular job, under a national telephone service provider. But when I was working, I realized something was wrong. My work was affecting my worship life, it was starting to change. My spiritual life was stagnant. So I asked the Lord, “What is happening to me?” and I quit. After that, I studied at BOOST (Baptist Out Of School Training) in Mindanao. I am a BOOST alumni, and my dad was the former director of MBRLC (Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center). Many of my friends also studied at BOOST. 

Then the association was praying about this area here in Bicol. I was not on the list of people to be sent. But they prayed, “Whoever accepts, whoever is willing to go and check the area,” and I was the one who responded. So Pastor Steve and Kuya Jethro brought me here.

There was nothing here that time—just a small house, Kuya Joshua’s house. Pastor Steve said, “You will go here. You will do missions here.” I said, “Whaaat?” That was two years ago. Now, I’ve seen how God has changed this place. The Lord is so great. Until now, He has supported me.

The Lord is so great to me, until now he has supported me

Everyday is a miracle for me, even through what is happening in the area.

There are so many neglected people here. They are called “the neglected,” even the government neglects them. And I asked the Lord, “Why did I neglect them?” They have brains, they have hearts, they have spirits, they have souls.

Even in Mindanao, there are neglected people. But here it’s different. My perspective changed.

Now when I go home, I will share that even the neglected people are loved by God. They have hearts and they love God too.

Q: What’s the hardest part of working cross-culturally, even within the Philippines?
The culture. The way you talk to people, the way they understand what you share. Only the Lord knows what will happen.

It’s only three days away from Mindanao but everything is different here—the food, the life, the relationships, the language, even the beliefs here are different.

Cross-cultural ministry is really the frontline of the mission. It’s very hard. Spiritually, it’s a battle also.

Q: What keeps you going when things get difficult?
The Lord always responds to me with comfort. He always gives me peace.  All the problems- “this is you Lord, I don't know what will happen tomorrow”

And when I share Jesus and someone says, “Yes, I want to hear that,” or “I accept Jesus,” that is the joy that keeps me going. That’s what a missionary lives for.

Q: What advice do you have for others preparing for cross-cultural missions?
Pray. Pray and pray. And always talk to God. Even when I’m driving, I say, “Thank You Lord for this day, thank You for what is happening in my life.”

Also, study your Bible. Make your Bible on your brain, memorize, understand the story, understand the way you understand the Bible and be prepared!

Q: How can people pray for you right now?
Please pray for more missionaries here in Bicol. The harvest is here, but the laborers are few. The people are ready, but we are lacking missionaries. Pray, “Lord, send more!”

Q: Favorite bible verse and why?
Luke 19:10 says, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
People are strongly rooted in their beliefs, but they are lost. Sometimes people make mistakes and they feel “oh we’re alone” or “I'm not like you, I'm not a pastor's kid, I'm not a Christian”

But the Lord came here not for the people who are good, He came for the people who are lost and don’t even know yet and don’t understand what the bible is really telling them.

Q: Did any missionaries impact your life personally?
Yes, the Watsons. They discipled my parents. Because of them, I saw the greatness of the Lord in my parents. I wanted to be like them. Without the help of the Lord through them, I would not be here.

You don’t go, it doesn’t happen.

Q: Last thoughts
To God be the glory. It’s not me—it’s the Lord’s message. I’m just the one He sent.

Making Connections

This week has been super intense! We’ve split off into small groups and approached Thai college students on campus. The goal is to get contacts to invite students to events or build deeper relationships... ultimately getting them connected to Thai national believers. It’s very awkward, very uncomfortable, but it’s the only way we can “cast the net” to see in whom the Holy Spirit is working. 

We’ve had some really great conversations that have even led to the gospel. 

We’ve also had very short conversations where the students physically run away from us. 

Either way, God is glorified.

PRAY FOR THE THAI PEOPLE AS A WHOLE. PRAY THE VEIL WOULD BE LIFTED FROM THEIR EYES AND THEY WOULD SEE THE GOODNESS OF GOD THROUGH JESUS, SURRENDERING THEIR LIVES TO HIM AS LORD.

-Dara & Ethan

University Pioneer Team, Thailand

Meet the Team: Philippine Ag -- Bicol Member

Meet Christy!

Howdy! I’m Christy from Rockville, Virginia. I am a junior studying Secondary Education and Global Studies. After a week trip to Guadalajara, Mexico summer of ‘24, I decided to dedicate an entire summer to serving the Lord living out the great commission.

I praise the Lord for our safe arrival and this wonderful opportunity. Every Bible study brings new faces and stories. It's a joy to hear how God is working through villages as someone may relate to a shared testimony or as they share their personal journeys of faith and growth. Each encounter strengthens our faith and reminds us of the power of community and shared belief.

I had the privilege of leading a Bible study with two wonderful ladies. Back home, I lead a Bible study for middle and high school girls. I had an index card with a lesson plan on it in my Bible that had been driving me crazy because it would get caught in the pages, although for some reason I did not take it out of my Bible. When I was asked to lead a Bible study just five minutes before starting, I knew exactly where to turn—the bent, flappy index card in John 4. We studied John 4:46–54, where Jesus heals an official's son. I encouraged the two Catholic ladies to to read the Bible, to take Jesus at His word, to lean into the promises of God.

Being 12 hours away from home is a bit of a balancing act, but God has blessed me with a fantastic team of sisters in Christ.

Please keep us in your prayers for good health (3 John 1:2) and that we remain bold and confident amidst distractions and under pressure (Acts 4:29).

 

A Bible Received

Thank you Jesus for the encounters and conversation made and relationships built!! Last week NT4Teens partnered with a local church to share the Gospel in an area where a new church was being started. 

Two of the team members were invited into the home of two sisters. The Teens shared the gospel and talk with the sisters. The conversations moved from lots of different topics but one thing remained the same, Christ was moving the hearts of two sisters. A Teen team member asked if they had a Bible. The only Bible that they had a was a tattered, cover ripped, catholic Bible. After seeing this they felt led to give them a Bible so that the sisters could read the Truth for themselves. Overjoyed with happy tears and gratitude, the two sisters received the Bible and hugged the Teens team members. 

Thank you Jesus for the encounters, boldness and kindness we received from the local villagers!

Please pray for those seeking to start a church in this village. Pray for the seeds planted to be watered & bring forth a harvest.

Meet The Team: Multinational Advance Philippines

Meet The Team: Multinational Advance Philippines 

Team Leader: A. H 

Members: Joel, Hunter & Phoebe  

During June, in partnership with South Korean churches, the team will be invovled in various ministries with the goal of sharing the gospel as broadly as possible. The month of July will be spent in ministry in the Philippines, ministering alongside their South Korean partners.