By: Elfino Elmo | April 2, 2025
One of the annual major activities organized by the AIIAS Student Association team is the Mission trip. In March of 2025, the mission trip was conducted in collaboration with the Polillo District of the Seventh-day Adventists. Our mission trip took place on Polillo Island in Quezon Province (off the east coast of Luzon) from March 7-16, 2025, where 50 AIIAS student missionaries dedicated 8 days to sharing the gospel and serving the community.
The missionaries were assigned to seven sites spread across the island–Binibitinan, Sitio Agta, Bislian, Pinaglubayan, Bucao, Atulayan, and Poblacion–leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the local people.
Preparation for the Mission
Prior to the mission trip, a pilot visit was conducted, during which the team had the opportunity to meet with the District Pastor, Pr. Rhoderick Almeria, to establish essential connections and gain insight into the local context. In addition, a promotional video was produced to raise awareness and garner support for the mission initiative.
To fund the trip, a variety of fundraising activities were organized, including car washes and pre-order sales of Student Association (SA) merchandise. The successful realization of the mission trip was made possible through the generous contributions of various organizations, including the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the Philippines Publishing House (PPH), the South-Central Luzon Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Cavite Mission, and other sponsors. These collaborative efforts played a crucial role in ensuring the trip’s success and in supporting the team’s mission to serve the community of Polillo Island.
Daily Activities and Spiritual Outreach
Every morning, the missionaries began their day with the regional custom of pre-dawn morning serenading, singing songs of faith and encouragement to the locals. This heartwarming initiative helped create strong connections and set a positive tone for the day’s activities. The Children’s Ministry was one of the most engaging aspects of the mission, reaching over 500 children across the seven sites.
From 5:00 to 6:00 PM, children participated in Bible storytelling, arts and crafts, coloring, interactive games, and singing. They were also given sweets, snacks, and other small gifts, which added to their joy and excitement. From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, seminars were held for adults and young adults on topics such as education, financial management, health, and Bible study. These sessions provided valuable knowledge, equipping attendees with practical skills for everyday life.
The highlight of each evening was the evangelistic sermon from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, during which missionaries taught biblical doctrines and preached about the goodness of Jesus. After each meeting, attendees were also provided with food and refreshments, ensuring that both their spiritual and physical needs were met.
Many were deeply moved by what they learned from AIIAS missionaries, resulting in 31 baptisms–a testimony to transformed lives.
Medical and Community Service Efforts
A key aspect of the mission was the health and wellness program. Medical professionals conducted free health check-ups in four locations: Atulayan, Pinaglubayan, Bislian, and Agta, providing consultations, distributing essential medicines, and offering basic health education. Approximately 370 people came for the health checkup. Additionally, 16 boys underwent circumcision, addressing an important custom that is highly appreciated in the community. As part of the community service efforts, the missionaries also helped by painting local churches and enhancing the worship environment for the local congregations.
Fellowship and Closing Ceremony
Despite their busy schedule, the AIIAS missionaries also took time for recreation and fellowship with the local children, including moments to swim and refresh themselves. This allowed them to strengthen their bonds and recharge for the work ahead. The mission trip concluded with a special closing ceremony on the evening of March 15 (Saturday) at a beach resort. Around a campfire, the missionaries shared heartfelt reflections, personal testimonies, and expressions of thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve.
Acknowledgments
We praise God for His providence throughout this mission trip. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the district Pastor, Rhoderick Almeria and all the district leaders and members for their support and cooperation during the SA mission trip. The SA also extends sincere thanks to the AIIAS Administration, particularly the Office of Student Services, for their invaluable support and assistance throughout the mission process. Their guidance and coordination played a crucial role in making this trip possible.
Additional thanks goes to Sir Arnold Ledesma, the AIIAS staff member who came as the staff sponsor and provided media coverage of the activities. Finally, heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Kim Si Young, the AIIAS Seminary faculty member who joined our team and preached on our last combined Sabbath worship.
