BAGUIO, Philippines : A group of young people from Empowered Ministry Kuching went on an Outreach Mission Trip in the Philippines from Oct 15-21. The team of 30 people participated in the Baguio 1st Revival Conference and Evangelical Concerts. This event was organised by the Cornerstone Catholic Community who invited the Empowered Ministry to serve in the Conference and, more specifically, the Evangelistic Concerts on Oct 17, themed Healing and Evangelism respectively.

The Conference started with a Mass at Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral celebrated by Fr Andres Cosalan, Jr, the Spiritual Director of the Charismatic Renewal Movement in Baguio. During the opening ceremony of the Conference at the rooftop of the Porta Vaga Mall, the Empowered Mission Team shared our culture with them through a series of Malaysian dances drawn from the Malay, Chinese, Iban, Orang Ulu, and Bidayuh cultures.

The Conference streaming sessions were conducted during the following two days, while the concerts were in the night at the Baguio Conference Centre.The Empowered Music Ministry along with the Empowered Dance and Drama Ministry ministered and led the crowd of worshippers into a time of praise and worship. The Conference concluded with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Carlito J Cenzon.

This Mission to Baguio was a great enriching experience and we anticipate more opportunities for evangelical mission inside and outside of Malaysia. — By Pius Kallang


Testimonies

“The most memorable part of this trip was the Cornerstone Community themselves. Through them I learnt many things. Especially learning to serve others first before yourself. I really admire their patience during this whole event.” — Alex, Kuching Empowered Ministry

“On this mission trip, I learnt the life of a missionary is to be Christ-centred instead of self-centred. During the trip, we encountered inconveniences, especially taking ice-cold showers early in the morning and late at night. This experience helped me to realize that being a missionary is not about seeking comfort but accepting whatever the organisers have prepared. A few days before I left Kuching, I got the news that Baguio City was one of the disaster areas. I recalled a statement by one missionary, “To go on mission is not based on good or bad weather but based on God’s calling.” Indeed, God made a way and cleared the pathway for us to travel to Baguio City safely. My faith has been strengthened through the challenges on this mission trip.” — Nancy Ong, Holy Trinity Parish

“The Empowered Ministry really brings people into deeper worship with God. Every song touched my heart and made me reflect that He is indeed a living God in our city. Despite the destruction of property and lives brought about by the typhoon in the City of Baguio, I believe that He was really in the midst of the people. I’m so blessed to know you who courageously crossed the ocean to bring the Good News to us and let us experience God in a more unique way of praise and worship.” — Pearly Jhane, Catholic Cornerstone Community, Baguio

“The one thing that I would like to share about this mission trip is HUMILITY… The moment we arrived at the Cornerstone Community Centre, we were treated like royalty. Our bags were carried into the community house for us, while we were busy talking to one another and taking photos. After a brief introduction, we were served supper, after which some of the Empowered guys tried to help clean up, but the reply we got was one that I cannot forget, “Let us do it. Or else we won’t have anything else to do.” They were an in-house community, and after speaking to Winnie Ng, their founder, I began to understand why humility is an important part of their life.” — Pius Kallang, Empowered Ministry

“It’s amazing how you extended your support to our community and how willing you were to help the Filipinos. Looking at what you have done during the concert, it is overwhelming to think that you gave your best for us, Filipinos. It is encouraging to think that you even translated some songs to Filipino. You are really empowered and you were ever ready to share what you have in the name of God! You are really the Empowered team!” — Kit, Catholic Cornerstone Community, Baguio

“Despite the short period of time I spent with the Empowered Ministry, I was touched and blessed by you all. I observed that you are organized, and shared one team spirit. You showed your passion and desire in sharing your faith, your talents and gifts. I am inspired and encouraged to say “Yes!” to the Lord in whatever obstacles that will come to my life.” — Nordelyn, Catholic Cornerstone Community, Baguio