For the second consecutive year, International Christian School will be sponsoring a high school missions trip to Manila, Philippines. The trip will take place from March 30 - April 5, 2007. Last year, a team of six students and three adult sponsors spent one week in the Philippines. This year our team has more than doubled as we anticipate a team of thirteen students and six adult sponsors. One of our goals was to hep with the ministries of two missionaries. These two missionaries are financially supported by Uijongbu Baptist Church (our ‘home’ church).

Matthew Johnson is an American missionary who works primarily with teenagers in Manila. He serves as a youth pastor in a church where his dad serves as the senior pastor. The Johnson family has served in the Philippines for many years, and this is currently Matt’s third year as the youth pastor. In addition to his responsibilities at the church, Matt helps with the programming of some youth camp ministries in the Iba Zambales region of the Philippines. Last year, their church was able to send over 1,300 students to the camp. At the camp, many youth are hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ for the very first time. Overall, this camp reached over 10,000 students last year during a twelve week period. During one week, there were a total of 975 campers. Of those campers, 413 received Christ for the first time, and another 225 were baptized. Also another twenty students committed to go to Bible College and serve in full time vocational students. In 2007, Matt’s prayer is to see God continue to move in the way that He has in the past and that more students will be reached for the Kingdom of God.

Arnel Bong Reyes is a Filipino missionary who lives outside of Manila. He serves as pastor of a local church along with his wife and family. In addition to their church responsibilities, they are also involved with the Christian School which is a ministry of the church. Pastor Bong has a genuine heart for the people of his country.

For our missions trip, we hope to accomplish the following:

1. Minister to the congregation of the Johnsons’ church in Manila through music, drama and teaching
2. Be actively involved in the youth rallies to encourage the teenagers to attend the camps this summer
3. have the opportunity to evangelize many of the youth who we will meet
4. Encourage and build relationships with the believers in the area
5. Travel just outside of Manila and have ministry opportunities in Pastor Bong’s church

We anticipate the cost for each student to go to the Philippines at about 700,000 Korean Won (about $700). This includes the cost of the plane ticket, plus the daily expenses like food, lodging and transportation. We ask for your prayers as we continue to work out the final details for this trip. We are very excited for this team of students that we are taking with us. We know that God will use each of them to accomplish great thing for His purpose. Thank you for your continued service to our Lord and Savior.

Please also continue to pray as we seek to raise the remaining $270 in support. God bless you all. If you would like to give, please e-mail us or leave a comment (with your e-mail address) and we will reply with the address.