Mission Trip Completion Report Pangasinan–La Union

The Journey: Faith Seeds x Roots & Reach Mission Trip to Pangasinan and La Union

By: Marvin Albo

Every mission trip begins long before the bags are packed, the vehicles are loaded, and the team gathers for departure. It begins with a burden. For this mission trip, that burden was clear: to go, to reach, to encourage, to serve, and to remind fellow laborers in the Lord that they are not alone. After the Mindoro mission trip, the desire to go to La Union began to grow in my heart. At first, it was only a thought — a quiet burden, a prayer, a possibility. But as planning began, the reality of the challenges became clear. We did not have enough vehicles to bring the team to La Union. We did not have a place to stay. Unlike Mindoro, La Union did not have a physical church building that could host us. We did not have a venue for the LEAP program. The needs were real, and the obstacles were many. But while we were still praying, the Lord was already working.

Unknown to us, God had already prepared an answer through Kuya Joel. He had a cousin, Sir Gerald, who owned a school in Pangasinan — a school with a dormitory that could host the entire team and a hall that could accommodate up to 200 people. Not only that, Sir Gerald also had a pastor friend nearby, connected to a Baptist church, who could help distribute flyers and invite children for the LEAP program. Then another answered prayer came. Kuya Joel offered two of his vehicles to be used for the mission trip. What seemed impossible at first slowly became clear: the Lord had gone before us. When the major concerns had been addressed, we then coordinated with Pastor Fred regarding the possibility of conducting Faith Seeds in his area. There were still concerns. Volunteers were limited, and his Bible study contacts were not yet fully committed. Still, we prayed and asked the Lord to make a way. And by God’s grace, He did.

Day 1: The Journey Begins

The team assembled at Faith Fundamental Baptist Church around 11:00 PM on Thursday night. Boxes for La Union were loaded. Bags were arranged. Supplies were prepared. One by one, the volunteers arrived — some excited, some sleepy, some quietly preparing their hearts for the journey ahead. At around 1:00 AM Friday morning, we left Antipolo.

The road was long, and like any mission journey, it came with a few needed adjustments along the way.

At one point during the trip, we had to rearrange some of our seating because the Canter was not as comfortable for some of our women passengers. Jem and Ate Mylene transferred to Kuya Joel’s Hilux, while I moved to the front seat of the Canter. Kuya Norem graciously gave up his seat so I could ride more comfortably in front — a simple gesture, but one that reflected the spirit of care and consideration that marked the team throughout the trip.

We are especially grateful to all our drivers — Kuya Joel, Ate Ling, Nick Jr., Kuya Amado, Jay Ar, Bong, Kuya Nelson, Patrick, and Pastor Joseph. Long drives, late hours, unfamiliar roads, and the responsibility of safely bringing the team from one place to another required patience, alertness, and sacrifice.

Your service may not always be seen on stage or heard through a microphone, but it carried the mission forward in a very real and important way. We recognize your labor, we appreciate your sacrifice, and we thank the Lord for using you to help make this mission trip possible.

Two stopovers, good weather, and many kilometers later, we finally arrived at Sir Gerald Quinit’s Quinit Eco Integrated Farm in Pangasinan a little past 6:00 AM.

There was something peaceful about arriving in the province after a long night on the road. The air felt lighter. The surroundings felt calmer. The open spaces, the quiet morning, and the slower rhythm of the countryside gave the team a welcome sense of rest.

After unloading our things at the farm’s air-conditioned dormitory and settling down for a short while, we were called for breakfast.

And what a breakfast it was.

The team was surprised, amazed, and deeply grateful for the generous buffet lovingly prepared and arranged by our gracious hosts — Kuya Joel, Ate Ling, and Sir Gerald’s team.

It was more than just breakfast after a long night of travel. It was a warm welcome. It was thoughtful hospitality. It was the kind of care that made a tired mission team feel refreshed, encouraged, and at home.

As we gathered around the table, enjoying the food and fellowship, our hearts were reminded once again that the Lord had gone before us — not only providing what we needed, but blessing us beyond what we expected.

We praised God for their generosity and for using them to refresh the team before the ministry work began.

After breakfast, one of our hosts blessed the team with a song. Kuya Sam followed, and for a brief moment, before the busyness of ministry began, we simply enjoyed the fellowship, the music, and the kindness of the people God had placed before us.

Then it was time to prepare for LEAP.

LEAP: Reaching Children and Parents

Soon, children and parents began arriving. Sir Gerald’s volunteers helped prepare the venue — chairs, tables, multimedia, and everything else needed for the activity. Their support made the work lighter and the preparation smoother. By God’s grace, 60 children and 21 parents joined the LEAP program.

Ate Vanj called the children to settle down. I led the opening prayer. Jennel led the Panunumpa sa Bibliya, and Nica taught the memory verse. Sweet and Pastor Joseph warmly welcomed the children and gave the opening remarks, briefly explaining what LEAP was all about. Pastor Joseph also took time to introduce all the volunteers. Afterward, Eileen and Kit led the children in songs and games. The room came alive with laughter, singing, and the kind of joyful energy only children can bring.

Meanwhile, the men were stationed nearby under the shade of a tree. At first glance, they looked like they were simply enjoying the breeze and the shade. But they were not there to relax. They were on standby — ready to help wherever they were needed.

While the children’s program continued, Kuya Ramel, Ate Josie, Kuya Nelson, Kuya Amado, and Kuya Romy helped minister to the parents, together with Pastor Edwin of Faith Baptist Church of Calasiao.

Kuya Nelson asked Kuya Ramel to share the Gospel in a plenary setting. With boldness and clarity, Kuya Ramel faithfully presented the message of salvation. He explained the Gospel thoroughly and pointed the parents to the only Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, the parents responded to the Gospel and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

At the same time, Ate Vanj gave what may have been the most energetic “Itik” story one could ever hear. The lesson was simple but powerful: we should not hide our sins, because God sees everything. Instead, we must confess our sins to Him and put our trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the only way to Heaven.

More games followed, hosted by Sir Gerald’s volunteers. The children received packed LEAP gifts from our sponsors, and the joy on their faces made every effort worth it. Afterward, lunch boxes were given to the children. Our Men of Faith drivers — Nick, Jay Ar, and Patrick — helped accompany and bring the children to their drop-off point. The team then gathered for lunch and fellowship, praising God for a successful LEAP program. It was only the first day, but already, the Lord had shown His goodness.

Fellowship by the Sea

After lunch, the team rested briefly to prepare for team building. This mission trip was not only about outward service. It was also an opportunity for the team to bond, grow closer, know one another better, and strengthen our unity in serving the Lord. Later that afternoon, the team went to Lingayen Beach. We rented a cottage, shared snacks, and enjoyed fellowship while watching the sunset over the waves. It was one of those moments when the beauty of God’s creation seemed to invite everyone to pause. The sea, the sky, the breeze, the laughter, and the fellowship all reminded us that ministry is not only work. It is also shared joy, shared memories, and shared grace.

But even during a time of rest, the burden for souls remained. Kuya Ramel did not waste the opportunity. He shared the Word of God with the vendors nearby, and by God’s grace, three of them accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Even at the beach, the Gospel was preached.

As night approached, the team went to a Pigar-Pigar restaurant. Pigar-Pigar is a native delicacy in Pangasinan that should not be missed. After a long and fruitful day, it was a hearty meal shared by hearts full of joy.

We returned to base tired but thankful. Kuya Sam started his work, while the rest of the team prepared to rest for another full day ahead.

Day 2: Onward to La Union

The team woke up early the next morning to prepare for another day packed with activities. Before leaving Pangasinan, we gave Sir Gerald a Certificate of Appreciation to thank him for his generosity and for allowing the team to stay at his place. We took photos with him, grateful for how the Lord used him and his team to bless the mission trip.

Then Sweet gave instructions for the team-building activities that would take place during the travel to La Union. Three teams were formed. Kuya Joel Mateo’s vehicle served as the judges’ and game masters’ vehicle. The teams were tasked to complete as many challenges as they could from their bingo cards — including photos, chants, videos, and other fun activities.

The ride to La Union became more than just travel. It became a time of laughter, teamwork, creativity, and fellowship. We arrived at Kaykayo Resort in La Union around 11:00 AM, just in time for lunch. The food had already been bought and brought to the resort. The team ate together, explored the place, took photos, and rested briefly in preparation for the Faith Seeds Evangelistic Crusade.

Pastor Fred arrived after lunch.

The officers, together with Pastor Joseph Blasco, met with him. Led by our Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Kuya Nelson, the group took time to check on Pastor Fred, listen to his struggles and needs, talk with him, and let him feel the care and support of the sending church. It was not just a meeting. It was fellowship. It was encouragement. It was a reminder that in the work of the Lord, no servant should feel forgotten.

Faith Seeds in La Union

By 3:00 PM, the team gathered in the Patayab Room for a briefing on how Faith Seeds would be conducted. I gave the initial instructions and reminders. Pastor Fred followed with his own instructions and guidance for the team. Pastor Joseph ended the briefing with an exhortation and prayer.

Then all four vehicles went out.

The volunteers were prepared. Some were eager. Some were anxious. Many were excited. But all were going with one purpose — to spread the Word of God. It is difficult to fully describe how gracious and faithful the Lord was during the Faith Seeds crusade. The Gospel was shared. Contacts were gathered. People accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But beyond the visible results, something deeper happened. It became an encounter with the Lord for every volunteer. It seemed that, in God’s wisdom and design, this mission trip was not only His way of reaching the people of La Union. It was also His way of speaking to His own children. He used the mission field to impress the burden of souls upon our hearts. He opened our eyes to see that the harvest is ready. He reminded us that evangelism is not merely a program, but a personal calling. Every conversation mattered. Every door approached mattered. Every tract given mattered. Every soul prayed for mattered.

And every volunteer was being shaped by the experience. I believe the Lord fulfilled His purpose in each person who joined.

Fellowship with Pastor Fred’s Bible Study Contacts

After the crusade, three teams returned to the resort to prepare the place for fellowship. One team went with Pastor Fred to fetch his Bible study contacts and bring them to the resort. Soon, they arrived. We welcomed them warmly. Kuya Norem led the short fellowship. Pastor Joseph gave the message. Everyone joined in receiving the contacts with joy, and gifts from our beloved sponsors were given to them. We shared a meal with them and spent time in fellowship. It was a simple gathering, but it carried great meaning. These were not just names on a contact list. They were people. Families. Souls. Opportunities for future Bible studies. Open doors for continued ministry. After the fellowship, they were accompanied back to their homes. It was a beautiful ending to a day filled with travel, teamwork, Gospel work, prayer, and fellowship.

Laughter After the Labor

After Pastor Fred and our guests had returned to their homes, the team remained gathered at the resort. The Gospel work for the day had ended, but the fellowship was far from over. The team gathered again for a short time of worship, reflection, and thanksgiving. We sang praises to the Lord, and then listened to heartfelt testimonies from volunteers whose hearts had been touched by the day’s ministry. One of the most moving testimonies came from Eileen. Her words were simple, honest, and powerful — a beautiful reminder that sharing the Gospel does not require complicated words or impressive speech. Sometimes, it is simply telling others who you were before you met Christ, what He has done in your life, and who you are now because you have received Him as Savior and surrendered to Him as Lord. It was a touching moment for the team. After a day of going out, speaking to people, and sharing the Word, we were reminded that the Gospel is not only a message we present — it is a testimony we carry. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for — the revealing of the team-building results. All throughout the travel to La Union, the teams had been busy completing challenges from their bingo cards. Photos had been taken, videos had been recorded, chants had been prepared, and now everything was ready to be shown on the main screen for everyone to witness. Kuya Joel and Ate Ling served as the judges. One by one, the entries appeared on the screen. Then the room erupted. There was laughter. There was cheering. There were tears from laughing too hard. Every photo and every video brought back memories from the road — the excitement, the competitiveness, the creativity, and the willingness of everyone to forget themselves for a little while and simply enjoy the moment together. The highlights of the night were the team chants. Each chant was creative in its own way. Each group gave effort. Each team brought personality, humor, and meaning into their presentation. But there was one chant that will probably live forever in the memory of everyone who was there. Team Fuso.

Led by Kuya Nelson and Nick, Team Fuso delivered a performance that was impossible to forget. Dancing to the tune of ‘As Long As You Love Me’ by the Backstreet Boys, this group of “Back Ache Boys” lit up the entire room. There was Kuya Ramel, and Kuya Romy carrying the vocals with all the seriousness of men who had accepted both the mission and the microphone. Kuya Norem at the helm, Jay Ar “Boy Tapis” Respicio and Ian joined as part of the dance crew, while Kuya Nelson and Nick Jr. fully embraced their role as the ultimate showmen of the night. It was a performance filled with confidence, questionable choreography, and unforgettable joy. They lost the competition. But the video won immortality. Some victories are not measured by points. Team Yellow was declared the champion, and no one was surprised. The team was led by Jennel, known for her competitiveness, fierceness, attention to detail, and almost legendary seriousness when it comes to games. Team Yellow was composed of Jennel, Jem, Bong, Nica, Ate Mylene, Patrick, and Eileen. Team Green was composed of Pastor Joseph, Ate Vanj, Kuya Sam, Kit, Kuya Amado, and Ate Josie. But do not be deceived by the team’s average age. They may have had a little more life experience than the others, but they also carried more confidence, more charm, and just the right amount of energy to prove that Team Green could still bring the house down when the moment called for it. With the wisdom of the OGs, the creativity of the younger ones, and the fearless spirit of everyone in between, Team Green showed that joy has no age limit — and when it was time to perform, they were more than ready to rock the room. The fellowship concluded with a live performance from our very own Back Ache Boys — a glorious mixture of cringe, laughter, confidence, and brotherhood. It was the kind of performance that could make even the most serious and spiritual man in the room loosen up and laugh without reservation. And maybe that, too, was part of God’s gift to the team. After a full day of ministry, evangelism, prayer, and spiritual burden, the Lord allowed His servants to laugh together. There is something beautiful about that. The same people who had gone out to share the Gospel, knock on doors, speak to strangers, encourage a pastor, and welcome Bible study contacts were now laughing together like family. The mission field had not only stretched the team. It had drawn them closer.

After the program, everyone enjoyed their free time in different ways. Some went swimming. Others played billiards and table tennis. Some quietly returned to their rooms to rest. Others stayed awake a little longer, enjoying coffee and conversations under the quiet night of La Union. The day was almost over. But the trip was not yet done. One more day remained. One more day of travel, fellowship, worship, and God’s faithfulness.

Team chants from the mission trip

Day 3: Fellowship with Faith Baptist Church of Calasiao

The team woke up early the next morning, carrying both the joy of the previous night and the weight of exhaustion from the past two days. The late-night activities had taken their toll, but there was still one more mission before going home. We were scheduled to fellowship with our partner church in Pangasinan — Faith Baptist Church of Calasiao.

Breakfast was quickly served and finished at the resort. Bags were packed. Things were loaded. Final photos were taken. There was little time to slow down because we had to reach Calasiao in time for their morning worship service. At around 7:30 AM, we left the resort and began the journey back to Pangasinan. The ride was filled with stories from the day before. There was so much to talk about — the crusade, the contacts, the team-building games, the chants, the laughter, the fellowship, and all the little moments that had already become treasured memories. We arrived at Faith Baptist Church of Calasiao before 9:00 AM, with enough time for the team to practice the special number we would render during the worship service. As the service began, we were surprised and blessed by the youth worship team of the church. Their voices were beautiful, their music was heartfelt, and their service to the Lord was evident. It was clear that God had blessed the church with gifted young musicians who were using their talents for His glory.

When it was our turn, the mission team rendered our special music.

Mission team special music

Then Pastor Joseph Blasco stood to preach.

Throughout the mission trip, Pastor Joseph seemed almost intensely focused — quietly carrying the weight of the message he was preparing. At times, he looked like a man running on very little sleep but with a heart fixed on the Word. And when he finally preached, the reason became clear. The Lord used him to deliver a powerful and timely message: that our lives must match the Gospel we proclaim. It was a fitting message to close the mission trip. After days of sharing the Gospel with children, parents, vendors, families, and Bible study contacts, we were reminded that the message we speak must also be the message we live. Evangelism is not only about words spoken in an outreach. It is also about a life that testifies to the truth of Christ. After the worship service, everyone gathered for lunch and fellowship.

We gave gift packs to the church and presented a love gift to Pastor Edwin Ramos. Then, in true joyful mission-team fashion, we enjoyed the generosity of the church — pasalubongs, fruits, food, and every blessing that could possibly be carried home. It was a beautiful, cheerful, overflowing kind of fellowship. We thanked the church for their kindness and hospitality. We said our goodbyes with grateful hearts, praying that in God’s perfect time, we would also be able to invite Pastor Edwin Ramos to Antipolo.

But even then, the fellowship was not yet finished. After the service, we went to Kuya Joel’s house nearby and spent more time together. There was laughter again. More kwentuhan. More stories. More memories being made. The kind of conversations that do not need a formal program because the fellowship itself is already the program. Then a brownout came. In its own unexpected way, it became the signal that it was time to move.

Slowly, the team prepared to leave. Bags were checked. Vehicles were loaded again. Goodbyes were said. And with hearts both full and a little sad, we began the long journey back home.

More Than a Mission Trip

The road home was long. The vehicles carried tired bodies, packed bags, leftover supplies, pasalubong, and quiet conversations from people who had spent the past days serving, laughing, praying, giving, and going beyond what was comfortable. But no one was really returning the same. We came home tired, but thankful. We came home with stories, but also with convictions. We came home with memories, but also with a deeper burden. Somewhere along the roads of Pangasinan and La Union, the Lord did more than bring us to a mission field. He brought the mission field into our hearts. He reminded us that ministry is not always convenient, but it is always worth it. It may require sleepless nights, long drives, heavy boxes, sudden adjustments, uncomfortable seats, tired feet, and stretched schedules. But when the Gospel is preached, when children hear about Jesus, when parents respond to the Word, when strangers become open doors, when a pastor is encouraged, and when a team becomes more united in the work of the Lord — every sacrifice becomes small in light of eternity. Looking back, this journey was more than a mission trip. It was a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Before we even knew what we needed, God had already prepared the answer. When we needed vehicles, He provided. When we needed a place to stay, He provided. When we needed a venue for LEAP, He provided. When we needed local support, He provided.

When we needed strength, He sustained us. When we needed open doors for the Gospel, He opened them. From Antipolo to Pangasinan, from Pangasinan to La Union, from children’s ministry to Gospel conversations, from team building to beachside witnessing, from fellowship meals to Bible study contacts — the hand of God was evident in every mile, every meeting, every provision, and every soul reached. The Lord authored the journey. We simply followed. And as we followed, He opened our eyes again. The harvest is not a distant idea. It is real. It is waiting. It is found in children gathered in a hall, parents listening to the Gospel, vendors by the shore, families open to Bible studies, churches needing encouragement, and servants of God needing to be reminded that they are not alone. This mission trip will stay in our hearts for a long time — perhaps until the Lord calls us home. Not because everything was perfect. Not because every plan was easy. Not because the journey was without weariness. But because in every challenge, God was faithful. In every need, God was sufficient. In every opportunity, the Gospel was powerful. And in every willing servant, God was working. We left to be a blessing. But we returned blessed. We went to serve. But the Lord also changed us. We went to encourage others. But God strengthened our own hearts. And now, the burden cannot simply end with one trip, one weekend, or one report. The Gospel must continue to be carried. The churches must continue to be encouraged.

The contacts must continue to be followed up. The prayers must continue to be lifted. The burden must continue to burn. Because the harvest is still ready. The Gospel is still powerful. The Lord is still faithful. And by His grace, the mission continues. Planting faith. Serving communities. Changing lives. To God be all the glory.

By: Marvin Albo