FALL / WINTER 2026 ISSUE | 10 minute read

Witnessing the Harvest in the Philippines

Sometimes vision is something that must be seen.

I have heard about the tremendous growth of the Church of God in the Philippines. I have seen pictures, watched videos, and listened to reports of what God is doing throughout Asia. But there is something different about standing on the ground, meeting the people, and seeing firsthand the harvest that is taking place.

This past October, I had the incredible privilege of traveling to the Philippines alongside our International Youth & Discipleship Directors, Bishop Brian and Cathy Yaun, Assistant Director Bishop Max Reyes, and fellow state Youth & Discipleship Directors. Our purpose was to visit the site of the 2027 Youth World Evangelism Action (YWEA) project and experience the work God is doing among the next generation.

I returned home with a greater appreciation for what God is doing around the world and a renewed burden to help reach a generation with the Gospel.

MORE THAN A BUILDING — A VISION FOR A GENERATION

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the future site of the LIFE Youth Center in Echague, Philippines.

Located near a university with more than 17,000 students, this project stands for an incredible opportunity for the Church of God to reach young people with the Gospel. The vision is to establish a center where students can meet Christ, be discipled, develop as leaders, and discover God is calling upon their lives.

As I stood at the project site and listened to local leaders share their vision, I could not help but think about the thousands of students who will pass through this community in the years ahead.

We are not simply talking about constructing another building. We are talking about creating opportunities to reach a generation that can change an entire nation.

That evening, we traveled to the Church of God in Echague, where we took part in a youth revival service held in a 500-seat amphitheater. It was encouraging to witness the passion of the local church and its commitment to reaching students.

What I saw that day reminded me that the greatest investment we can make is an investment in people. Buildings provide opportunities, but transformed lives are what advance the Kingdom of God.

A GENERATION HUNGRY FOR GOD

The following day, I had the honor of ministering at the Empowered Conference in Solano, Philippines.

Throughout the day, more than 1,300 students gathered for worship, preaching, and spiritual renewal. I was privileged to preach a message entitled “Show Me Your Glory,” taken from Exodus 33.

I challenged these students with a question that has continued to stir my own heart: “Are you here for His promises or His presence?”

What happened during that service is something I will not soon forget.

The presence of God was so real. As the invitation was given, students responded, filling the altars with a hunger for more of God. To witness so many young people seeking the Lord and responding to His calling was both humbling and encouraging.

I left that service reminded that God is raising up a generation that is hungry for His presence and willing to answer His call.

This is why the 2027 YWEA project matters.

We have an opportunity to awaken a generation, invest in their future, and see them sent out to reach their world.

THE GOSPEL IS ADVANCING

Our journey also took us to Dasmariñas, where we visited the remarkable ministry of the Church of God at Dasma.

Under the vision of Dr. Anthony Velasco and the leadership of Pastor AJ Velasco, this church is demonstrating what can happen when a congregation embraces a vision for reaching people and developing leaders.

With eight worship services, the ministry is reaching thousands of people while continuing to invest in discipleship, mentoring, and the development of future leaders.

During our visit, we participated in Empowered Night, where International Director Bishop Brian Yaun preached a powerful message, “There Is Power in a Name.” On Sunday, we had the privilege of worshiping alongside the congregation and witnessing the excellence and passion with which they serve their community.

I was particularly encouraged by their commitment to mentoring and raising up the next generation of leaders. Their example is a reminder that healthy churches do more than gather people; they develop and release people into ministry.

Throughout the week, one thing became increasingly clear to me: The Gospel is spreading rapidly in the Philippines, and the hearts of the people are open to receiving it.

GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY

I want to personally express my appreciation to our International Youth & Discipleship Directors, Bishop Brian and Cathy Yaun, for their vision and commitment to world missions and for providing this opportunity to witness firsthand the work taking place in the Philippines.

I am also grateful to Assistant Director Bishop Max Reyes for his leadership, coordination, and incredible hospitality throughout our visit.

To my fellow directors, thank you for the fellowship, the laughter, the encouragement, and the privilege of serving the Kingdom together. We preached together, prayed together, and witnessed moments that will remain with us for years to come.

I am grateful for the friendships strengthened and the opportunity to serve alongside such gifted and anointed leaders.

VIRGINIA, WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY!

As I reflect on this trip, my heart returns to those thousands of students near the future LIFE Youth Center.

I think about the young people who have yet to hear the Gospel, those searching for purpose, and those who have a calling upon their lives but need someone willing to invest in them.

What if the next great evangelist, pastor, missionary, or church planter is among those students? What if our investment today helps raise up leaders who will carry the Gospel throughout the Philippines and beyond?

Virginia, thank you for your heart for missions. Over the years, our churches have faithfully given, prayed, and invested in reaching people around the world. Because of that generosity, lives are being changed and the Kingdom of God is advancing.

As we look toward 2027, I want to challenge every pastor, youth leader, and congregation across Virginia to join us in supporting this YWEA project.

We have witnessed the harvest. We have seen the hunger. Now we have an opportunity to invest in the next generation.

Our vision in Virginia is “Raising a Generation to Reach a Generation.” What an incredible opportunity to extend that vision beyond our borders and help raise up a generation in Asia that will reach its nation with the Gospel.

Sometimes vision is something that has to be seen. I have seen it, and I believe the greatest days of ministry in the Philippines are still ahead.

Let’s awaken a generation, invest in a generation, and see them sent out to reach the world!

Be Encouraged,