Written by Nathanael Goh
Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve on a mission trip to Banaoang, Philippines. It was my first time joining. I had been invited in previous years but couldn’t commit to it. So, this year I intentionally set aside time to go.
To be honest, I did not know what to expect. I wondered how I could contribute to the brethren there and what role I could play alongside the mission team. After months of preparation, my role gradually became clearer, but I was still uncertain whether I would be able to serve effectively. Looking back now, those worries seem almost unnecessary. This trip not only became an opportunity to serve others, but also to reshape the way I think about faith, service and what it truly means to follow Him.
What We Did
Throughout the week, we were involved in a variety of activities, including:
- Vacation Bible School (VBS)
- Bible study with visitors during VBS (Mostly parents of those who brought their kids to VBS)
- Workshops on preaching, evangelism, and Children’s Bible Class (CBC) Teachers’ training (for the ladies)
- Visitations
- Gospel Meetings
- Children’s Bible Classes during the gospel meetings
- Sunday Youth Class
- Sunday School
- Sunday Worship
Key Results
It was encouraging to see the response throughout the week. The various activities drew adults, young people, and children from the surrounding communities. More than 150 children attended the first day of Vacation Bible School, and by the third day, attendance had grown to 182. The workshops also saw strong participation, with brethren from 7 to 10 congregations gathering to learn how they could serve more effectively. Likewise, the gospel meetings were well attended, with over 100 people present.
Personal Reflections
While the numbers highlighted are encouraging, the thing that stayed with me the most and left the deepest impression was not merely the attendance, but the level of faith, commitment and example shown by the brethren there.
Many of us spend time studying the Bible, and we then try to apply those principles in our daily lives. During this trip, I saw many of those principles already being lived out by the brethren there. They did not merely know the Scriptures. They practised them.
Towards the end of the trip, someone asked me what my biggest takeaway was. I struggled to answer because there wasn’t just one. There were so many moments that challenged me, encouraged me and, in many ways, humbled me.
Eventually, I was told, “Write them down.”
That is exactly what this reflection is.
Many of us experienced what people call the “post-mission trip blues.” We went there ready to serve, but somehow came home feeling that we had received far more than we had given.
Key Takeaways
One lesson that stood out was their attitude towards God, His Word, and His people.
Bible classes were never treated as an obligation to fulfil. People came because they genuinely hungered for God’s Word. Their eagerness reminded me of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who searched the Scriptures daily to see whether the things they heard were true.
Many gathered for Daily Bread (Devotionals) almost every day. Not in comfortable air-conditioned halls, but outside their simple homes. Their surroundings were humble, but their desire to learn God’s Word was anything but small.
Their worship was wholehearted. The singing was vibrant and sincere. There was genuine joy in praising God together.
The sense of community was equally encouraging. They welcomed visitors warmly. Young and old served together. Some taught classes, some prepared meals, some served refreshments, some welcomed guests, and others helped wherever they were needed. It was a beautiful picture of different generations serving God together. Everyone had a role, and everyone was willing to serve. Their passion for evangelism was also contagious. There was a continuous effort to reach neighbours and surrounding communities with the gospel. The harvest field was not viewed as someone else’s responsibility. It was everyone’s opportunity.
I also appreciate the strong sense of community they shared. The younger members showed genuine respect for the older members, while the older members cared deeply for the younger ones. It reminded me that the church truly is a family.
Their commitment to evangelism was equally inspiring. They actively reached out to neighbouring communities, inviting others to hear the gospel. They understood that the harvest is plentiful, and they wanted as many people as possible to hear about Christ.
Perhaps the lesson that challenged me the most was how we view our resources.
We often think about wealth in terms of accumulation, comfort, or future security. Yet the brethren there reminded me that every resource God has entrusted to us can be used to bless others and advance His kingdom.
One brother, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. He spent the entire week driving us from place to place. Whenever we thanked him, he simply smiled and said, “All for the glory of God.”
That simple statement carried tremendous weight.
What made his service even more remarkable was that he had taken an entire week off work to help with the mission effort. That not only meant sacrificing his time but also giving up a week’s worth of income.
When people commend those of us who used our annual leave to join the mission trip, I cannot help but think of examples like his. I still got paid while I was away. I remained in a comfortable position. I could not help but think that my sacrifice was very small compared to many of the brethren there. They gave up much more than I did.
Their example is not meant to make others feel guilty, nor should we compare ourselves with one another. Rather, it serves as an invitation for each of us to reflect honestly on our own walk with God and consider what we are willing to set aside for His work. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:19-21 that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. That passage took on new meaning after this trip. The money we often spend without much thought could transform someone’s life, support gospel work, or help bring the message of salvation to places that are still waiting to hear it.
Another thought that really moved me was that while many of us struggle at times to attend Bible classes and worship services consistently, there were brethren who travelled long distances simply for the opportunity to be present. Their actions demonstrated a deep love for God’s Word. It made me reflect on how easily I sometimes allow inconvenience to become an excuse.
An Invitation
The mission field is vast. There are still many communities to reach, many new Christians to encourage, and many opportunities to serve.
Looking back, everything I have written here still feels inadequate. Words can describe the events, but they cannot fully capture the impact the trip had on my faith.
If you have ever considered joining a mission trip, I encourage you to take that step.
You may go thinking that you are there to help others.
But don’t be surprised if you return home realising that God used His people to change you instead.