Hopping the plane in the summer of 2019 to go on missions to the Philippines was the best of my travel experiences thus far. Though I had watched several Filipino series before that flight, I was convinced I would meet happy people.

It became a reality from the airport. I received welcoming smiles from the Manila to the Tuguegarao city immigration officers at the airports. Even little children in remote communities were glad to talk with me.

I set out with more than two dozen church friends to share the love of Christ at several Presbyterian churches in Tuguegarao, Cagayan province. We flew from Seoul- Manila- Tuguegarao for several hours, but meeting many joyful people in this distant city was refreshing. This post is a description of some of my experiences.

What I observed at the churches in Tuguegarao

Our trip was divided into daily activities wherein we had to visit some churches in different communities. It was no wonder to see the great work of several Korean missionaries. Though most of the churches were now pastored by Filipinos, I was encouraged to travel far into the rural areas.

All worship services were lively and joyful. There was a lot of dancing and singing. Whether it was a long prayer session or a sermon, I was inspired to see how devout Filipinos in these churches were. They were committed without reservations, and it was a blessing fellowshipping with them.

Since many Filipinos spoke English and Tagalog, at least in Tuguegarao, I didn’t struggle to communicate or understand them. Several young students at the church-owned schools were open to discussing with me.

Whether they were asking me about my background or sharing their stories, I felt comfortable relating with them. I noticed they were friendly and more welcoming than in any other Asian country I had been to.

Lessons I learned from this Tuguegarao mission trip

The list of things I learned from this trip is long. Below is a summary of the most relevant.

1. God honors a sacrificial heart

As we traveled to some villages far beyond the city center, I wondered how did the Korean missionaries know about those people. For several trips, we had to take long walks, board a canoe on a river, walk on stones and ride a horse to cross another river. It took us hours before we arrived there, but it was all worth it.

This means the missionaries who went there to establish those churches and preach the gospel practically abandoned every form of comfort in the city. Tuguegarao isn’t as developed as any South Korean city, but these missionaries were willing to let go of everything just so some people in a faraway place could hear the gospel.

I found that most rewarding and challenging. As I reflect on it, I am reminded of the words of Jesus. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13. That experience got me thinking, and questioning myself, what have I sacrificed for others?

Ephesians 5: 2 “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Jesus became the sole sacrifice for us all; the least we can do is to show love and care for others, too, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or political background.

God has given us everything we ought to share with others. Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

On a final note, God doesn’t just expect us to discomfort ourselves for others; he desires us to sacrifice our hearts for him. Psalm 51:17 “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

Reflection question

What are you sacrificing for God?

Can you give up your comfort in your country to serve in a poorer country?

2. Joy is a valuable virtue

I saw firsthand a group of joyful people I had never seen on the planet. Most, if not everyone, we met wasn’t highly wealthy. Many of them had average homes and simple lifestyles. Most houses weren’t sophisticated or modern. However, everyone I met wore a smile. As we walked around some areas, I couldn’t stop admiring some gardens’ creative recycled tires and plastic bottle decorations.

Almost every yard was clean with a flower garden. I felt happy seeing the joy on their faces as they sat outside their homes discussing and laughing in the evenings. Amazingly, I could tell their friendliness wasn’t only towards foreigners, but they had cordial relationships with their neighbors.

On one unforgettable evening, we went out to preach the gospel in a remote village. We met several people on the road who were willing to listen. They happily gave their time and were open to visiting the church. I recall a lady who came to me. She wore the typical smile, but it seemed she wanted to tell me more. I stopped preaching the gospel and listened to her.

She said, “I am glad to see you. I could never believe a black woman would come to visit us. I know you have seen that we are very poor” (paraphrased). For a minute, I was emotional. I didn’t have a scripture to tell her off the top of my head. So, I told her there are poor people in Cameroon and in South Korea too. Poverty isn’t a curse, and lack of money doesn’t mean God doesn’t love her. She looked shocked to hear that. I told her she had given me the best gift-her smile. We both smiled, and she thanked me for listening to her.

At that very moment, I realized she just wanted to feel heard. She knew about God but was shocked I would fly to her country for a reason like that. In summary, we separated with a hug, and I told her that her lack of physical possession doesn’t define her value in God’s eyes.

As short as our discussion went on, I learned to wear a smile regardless of my situation. I noticed this lady because she was smiling. After I heard her story, I asked myself if I had a reason to frown.

Reflection questions

Are you joyful because of your possession(s)?

3. Gratitude is a lifestyle

Finally, I concluded they were appreciative people. Among all the Filipinos I met, many said “thank you,” translated as “salamat po” in Tagalog. They were highly respectful when they spoke, and they were cautious even with their words. Several of them asked my age and didn’t hesitate to address me with a respectful title.

They referred to me as “Ate Sarah” or “Mam Sarah.” I have never felt so honored both by people younger and older than me. Despite how many things I told them to address me as Sarah, they felt uncomfortable calling me directly by my name.

They were quick to say thank you for almost everything. I really loved that about them. Though many villagers were farmers, they were very content with their lives. I rarely heard anyone complaining about their well-being. Whether they were using their vans or tuk-tuks, they seemed always to have something to laugh and talk about to each other.

It felt great walking around the market and seeing how much effort they invest in maintaining a simple lifestyle. Seeing the colorful paintings on their public transport vans on the streets was slightly funny but lively. However, I learned to be more grateful for everything I have.

Reflection question

What are you grateful to God for?

How often do you say thank you?

In conclusion, if I had the opportunity to go again to Tuguegarao, I would accept in a split second. Even though I went to preach the gospel, instead, I received the gospel in another way.

Find more stories about my different trips to other countries here.