Reflections on My Trip to the Philippines by Ps Greg Crawford
In June of 2024 Ps Greg Crawford and Ps Corey Watson visited our Missions Churches in the Philippines to provide support to the teams and see first-hand the incredible work happening through City Impact Church Philippines, read on to hear from Ps Greg about his experience.
Can you describe your initial impressions of the Philippines upon arrival?
The first thing that struck us upon arrival in the Philippines was the heavy army and police presence at the airport. It turns out that they were conducting a dawn raid on a cult leader’s premises, which happened to be right next to the airport runway. It was a tense and exciting start to our trip! And on top of that, the heat was intense—a kind of sticky, humid heat.
What were some of the most memorable experiences or moments from your trip?
The highlight for me was watching our New Zealand team work together in such harmony. There was a beautiful spirit of unity, with everyone preferring each other’s needs and supporting one another as we served the local people. No matter how well you plan a mission trip, unexpected challenges always arise. But instead of complaints, there was a consistent “How can I help?” attitude from the team.
What specific activities or projects did you engage in to support the local church in the Philippines?
We had three main goals for this trip. First, we wanted to invest in the local Pastors by working alongside them and providing ministry support. Second, we aimed to create outreach opportunities by running medical and children’s/youth outreaches in their communities. Third, we focused on several building projects: starting a new toilet block for Tagum Church, beginning renovations on Pastor Fortune & Roslyn’s house (which had serious issues like holes in the ceilings and walls where snakes had entered), and starting the construction of a new Church building in Monkayo.
How did the local community and church members react to the support and assistance you provided?
The locals absolutely loved working alongside the Kiwis. Both our cultures have a strong “acts of service” approach, which made it a mutually enjoyable experience. There was a real sense of camaraderie as we served together.
Can you share any stories or testimonials from local individuals or families who were affected by your work?
Please check out this video for a major highlight from the trip.
What did you learn about Filipino culture and community life during your time there?
The Filipinos are a joyful and generous people. They love to laugh and share meals with others. Wherever we went, they were incredibly generous, always putting on meals for us. It was a wonderful experience to share in their hospitality.
How did the mission trip impact you personally?
This trip fired me up to take more people on mission trips. I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact these trips have both on the local communities and on the team members who participate. It’s a powerful experience that changes lives on both sides.
What were the most significant ways in which the mission trip supported and strengthened the local church?
Souls were added to the Church at each campus, and the Church itself was once again highlighted as a “City on a hill,” a place where people can find the real deal—Jesus.
What long-term goals or follow-up plans do you have for continuing support or collaboration with the church in the Philippines?
As we speak, we are planting three more campuses in the region. We believe that life-giving local churches are what the Philippines yearns for, so we are committed to raising up future leaders and planting more life-giving churches.
What do you wish that City Impact Church members in NZ knew/understood about the Missions work in the Philippines?
It is SO FRUITFUL! The work we’re doing there is making a real difference, and I hope more people will get involved, whether through prayer, giving, or even joining a future mission trip.
How did you collaborate with local church leaders and members during the trip?
We worked closely with the local church leaders, always striving to be Christian role models. We also discipled the local pastors through ministry nights and had the privilege of formally ordaining them all.
What challenges did you face during the mission trip, and how did you overcome them?
We encountered several situations where we didn’t have enough resources to keep the building team functional. Josh Tan, a member of our team, took the initiative to go out and purchase new tools, a concrete mixer, and scaffolding for the team to use, both now and in the future.