Missions trip to Saranggani, Zamboanga & Basilan

By the time you will be reading this blog, I am still in the mission field. Currently, I am visiting the areas of Saranggani Province, Zamboanga City and Basilan. This places right now are experiencing some unrest where thousands of people have evacuated their homes and seek refuge in safe places. Hundreds have already been killed during the firefight between the government forces and the rebels called Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This problem has been going on for decades but for the past three weeks the MILF has launch a massive attached on the government forces which has affected the civilians in the area.

A lot of pastors and christians in the different areas have also been affected. I have made a commitment to visit my tribal friends every year. Hopefully my visit even for a short time would bring some encouragement to these tribal christians to trust the Lord for peace in their area.

Please continue to pray for our safety and God will use me to minister to my tribal friends.

I will keep you posted.

Ptr. Gary V.

Meeting the Governor of Batangas Province

Another highlight of our trip was the courtesy call we made to the Governor of Batangas Province. She was not just a politician but I would say the Grace Kelly of the Philippines. Governor Vilma Santos-Recto as she is called is not just the governor of the province but also a multi-awarded dramatic actress of philippine cinema. She has millions of fans all over the country and even abroad.

It was fun meeting her and sharing with the governor our mission in her province. I had the chance to share my experience with Grace and my mother who is an avid fan of hers.

She met us for almost an hour and at the very end, I had the chance to pray for her and her family.

God bless you Governor Vi.

Highlights of the Batangas Trip!

Highlights of the Batangas Trip!

Mission: Batangas Province

Thank you for your prayers and support. Another great trip last July 28 to August 17. Played 26 games, 3 Coaching Seminars and ministered to thousands of people in Batangas Province.

We praise the Lord for his mercy and protection upon all of us. Our team had a great time not only ministering to people but learning the culture as well. Bud "The Cat" Schaeffer, one of the living legends was always there to remind us of our mission. This is my second time to join Bud in a sports ambassadors trip. I will always have wonderful memories with my dear friend. Coach Jim Kessler was our team coach, he currently coaches the Grace College Lancers in Indiana. What a great coach, I learned a lot from him.

On our last day, during our final devotions together, we had the chance to have the other living legend Tine Hardeman share with the team. This was also a dream come true for me, having Bud, Tine and Me together. I was emotional driven by having the 2 legends together. Both started Sports Ambassadors in the Philippines in 1952.

I went home just thanking the Lord for another wonderful trip.