A Work & Witness team from the Upstate New York District, USA, volunteered at the Visayan Nazarene Bible College campus in Cebu City, Philippines, by renovating dorms and classrooms and working on the property 6-16 July.

“My favorite part was working on the site, shoveling gravel and sand into the sacks and knowing my dripping sweat would be part of that building forever,” said Judy, a member of the team.

During the trip, the team also taught songs, read stories, and played games with children from the area. When they weren’t working on the school property or with the children, the team was given a chance to see the needs and ministries of the city. 

Through the International Justice Mission, they learned about human trafficking in Cebu, as well as the Church of the Nazarene’s response in prevention and training. 

The team also visited the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf, where they learned about local education for deaf and hard of hearing children. The children were surprised and encouraged to learn that one of the team members, Tamla, was also deaf. 

“Our family has grown since meeting, working with, and worshiping with all the amazing people at VNBC,” said Rachel, the team coordinator. “We are prayerfully considering when we can come back!”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific