Cebu Arrival:
The trip started on July 7, 2015 when the contingent from Sacramento departed from SFO for the Philppines. On July 9, the Vallejo contingent left for the Philippines.
July 11, 2015:
Arrived Saturday in Cebu after a brief stopover in Manila; Cebu was our base for this trip. Spent most of the day meeting with local contacts and church leaders to discuss and pray for the plans.
Group meeting to go over the plan, latest schedule changes and travel logistics.
July 12, 2015:
First Sunday upon arrival, the group attended 4 worship services...
... where the Zeal band shared their music at each worship service.
An evening of Praise and Thanksgiving in Dumaguete
July 13, 2015:
Woke up at dawn the next day to catch the early bus for a 5-hour ride to Dumaguete...
... then tricycle ride to Silliman University Alumni Hall where we stayed.
July 14, 2015:
The following evening, a praise concert at the Dumaguete City church. This was also part of the church's 109th anniversary celebration; so, this was also referred as a thanksgiving concert.
Click here for video link of "It Is Done" by the Zeal Band in Dumaguete City.
The Zeal band shared songs from the "Break The Silence" and "A Lighted Path" albums. Also the song "The Greatest Story" which is not included in the albums yet.
Click here for video link of "The Greatest Story" by the Zeal Band in Dumaguete City.
Despite a school week night, the event was well attended.
New friends we've met that supported and helped put together this event.
July 15, 2015:
The following day, travel back to Cebu....
July 16, 2015:
... just in time for another commitment of singing, sharing testimonies and reconnecting with old friends and family.
"A Lighted Path" Event in Cebu
July 17, 2015:
"A Lighted Path" worship and music night at Cebu's Bradford Church by the Zeal Band.
Click here for video link of "The Praise We Bring" by the Zeal Band in Cebu City.
Click here for video link of "This Is Faith" by the Zeal Band in Cebu City.
Attendees responded to the messages through the songs...
The Zeal band also shared their songs from "Break The Silence" and "A Lighted Path" albums.
Meeting new friends and the support group that helped organize the event.
July 18, 2015:
Woke up early (again) the following day to catch our flight to Davao City.
Next Leg - Davao City
July 18, 2015:
Arrived in Davao with this welcome.
Our wonderful hosts gave us a quick tour to Davao City, including the Davao Museum pictured here.
July 19, 2015:
The Zeal band leading the 7:30am praise and worship music service ...
...at the Matina, Davao.
... then quickly drove to Davao City for to catch the 10:00am service for the Zeal band to share message through songs....
...and for Alex to deliver the message at the 10:00am and 6:00pm services.
Joshua sharing the "Unity Song (As One)" during the 3:30pm service.
Video links of the "Unity Song (As One)"at:
Davao City - July 2015
Cebu City - April 2014
Fellowshipping with the young adults....
...and meeting new friends.
Leading the the 6:00pm praise and worship music.
...we pray that people were blessed by our messages through songs and spoken words.
July 20, 2015:
A group picture with Pastor Haniel and his family before we left Davao for Cebu.
Compostela Youth Retreat and Sunday at Sac-on
July 24, 2015:
With the help of local leaders, we organized an overnight retreat for the youths from the Sabalumpart mission area. They were also joined by the youth group from Compostela, the host church.
Here's Gyan leading some ice breakers.
The activities started around 6:30pm since most of them just got out from school and had to travel to Compostela; the night was spent group singing, devotions, watching "The Jesus Film" in Cebuano, and group reflections into small groups led by the Zeal band members.
The following morning, the group gathered at a nearby beach for morning devotion and some games.
July 19, 2015:
Traveled to the mountain church of Sac-on the following day; we also handed out much needed OTC medicines and vitamins.
Sharing time with to local youths.
Greenhills Christian Fellowship (GCF) at Ortigas Center, Pasig, Philippines:
August 1, 2015:
For our last week in the Philippines, we traveled from Cebu to Manila in preparation for our travel back to the US, and to reconnect with friends we haven't seen awhile.
...and fellowshipped at the Greenhills Christian Fellowship at Ortigas Center. The Zeal band shared the song "Perfect Love" from the Lighted Path album.
Click here for video link of "Perfect Love" by the Zeal Band at Greenhills Christian Fellowship.
Click here to view additional mission trip highlights; we have more to share!.