Polillo Island in the Philippines served as the setting for a recent outreach mission marked by faith, service, and cross-cultural collaboration. From March 7 to 16, 2025, seven representatives from the South Pacific Division (SPD) joined forces with missionaries from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), the district pastor, local church elders, and members to share the gospel in previously unreached areas.

AIIAS is a graduate-level Adventist institution located in Silang, Cavite, Philippines, focused on training church leaders and professionals for mission and service throughout Asia and beyond.

The SPD team included Lolakatie Otuhouma and her daughter Amelia from Tonga; Pastor Norak Kebo Aukeke from Papua New Guinea; Pastor Jimmy Garae from Vanuatu; and Jale Koroitubuna, Koini Diri, and Pastor Anasa Tabua, all from Fiji. Together, they participated in outreach activities while building connections with the island’s communities and experiencing the local culture.

There is a growing community of students from the SPD currently studying at AIIAS. Many of these students are church employees pursuing further studies to strengthen their future ministry. Recently, the group launched a newsletter titled Island Herald to share updates and foster connection.

Guided by the Student Association Mission Trip theme, “Empower to Lead, Inspire to Serve,” the mission team embraced their roles as leaders in faith and servants in action, working to ensure their presence would leave a meaningful and lasting impact.

“This mission was more than just an outreach—it was a profound encounter with selfless service, unwavering hospitality, and the undeniable movement of God’s hand,” shared Tabua.

The seven SPD participants were distributed across seven groups alongside AIIAS missionaries, allowing for wider community engagement and greater impact across multiple locations on Polillo Island.

Otuhouma described the trip as heartwarming and unforgettable, noting the sacrificial faith and kindness of the local residents. She was particularly touched by their generosity and evident joy in serving both God and their community.

For Aukeke, the mission experience centered on bold leadership, stepping forward to share the message of Jesus with those who had not yet heard the gospel.

Garae called the experience a reflection of God’s love, highlighting how it served as an opportunity to witness the universal nature of Christ’s mission, transcending cultural and social barriers.

Koroitubuna described the experience as humbling. Through teaching and personal interactions with students, he saw the impact of small acts of kindness and how service can become a vehicle for spiritual growth.

Diri initially hesitated to join the mission due to academic responsibilities and a scheduled exam. However, after prayerfully considering the opportunity, she trusted in God’s timing. With her classes managed, she was able to fully participate in the outreach. The experience, she said, reaffirmed her belief in God’s provision and purpose.

Reflecting on the mission, Tabua emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“The cooperation between SPD missionaries, AIIAS missionaries, local church elders, and members allowed for greater outreach,” he said. “It ensured that the influence of the mission extended far beyond our time on Polillo Island.”

On the final Sabbath of the trip, 31 individuals were baptized, committing their lives to Jesus. “It was a powerful testament to the transformative power of mission,” Tabua noted. “When the gospel is shared with love and dedication, hearts are moved toward Christ.”

As the team returned, they carried with them not only memories but a renewed commitment to service. “The mission trip was not just a moment, but a movement,” Tabua added. “With unentered areas still waiting, the call to serve continues—a challenge for others to step forward, embrace the mission, and be a light in places where hope is needed most.”

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.