Messages from Mark: Motorcycles, Rain, and Church Planting in the Philippines

Ashland Watson
Sep 26
3 min read

This past weekend, I had the privilege of joining Pastor Edwin and a few men from our church in Tabaco for an unforgettable trip. The ministry here is rooted in partnership with Pastor Edwin, and together we’re praying and preparing for a season of church planting in the Philippines.

Our destination was Catanduanes Island, about a four-hour ferry ride from Tabaco. We loaded our motorcycles onto the ferry, rolled them out, and set out on an adventure that was as much spiritual as it was physical.

Meeting Pastor James and His Vision

On Catanduanes, we connected with Pastor James, his wife, and their daughter. Pastor James is a professor at a local college with 8,000–10,000 students. Near the campus sits a piece of land where he dreams of planting a church, not just a building, but a beacon of hope for the next generation.

Right now, it’s just land. But standing there, we could already see what it could become: a place where students are discipled, families are strengthened, and lives are transformed by the Gospel.

We also visited his home and a small gathering place about 45 minutes from the city, where a group of believers is already meeting. Hearing his vision firsthand and walking the land with him was powerful. It gave us the chance to say...

“You are not alone. We are with you.”

Our hope is to encourage, pray with, and find ways to support him as this dream takes shape.

Adventure and Fellowship

The next day, our crew from Dream Center Tabaco leaned into the adventure side of the journey. On our way back toward the port, we stopped at a waterfall and explored a bat cave. Like any good adventure in the Philippines, the trip had its share of challenges: heavy rain, ferry delays, and even an engine failure mid-ride. At one point, we weren’t sure we’d make it back at all, but God opened the way.

In the middle of it all, we paused for something simple yet profound: coffee and discipleship. Rain poured outside, but inside we opened the Word together. That moment reminded me of the rhythm we’re called to live, being filled up by God’s Word and pouring ourselves out in love and action. Ministry is both. And that balance is what sustains us.

Church Planting Isn’t Boring

This trip was a glimpse of what God is doing in the Philippines. Riding motorcycles through the rain, scouting new church sites, drinking coffee while studying Scripture, encouraging leaders, exploring caves, this is the work of the Kingdom. And it’s far from boring.

I’m grateful to invest in young leaders, to witness Pastor Edwin’s faithful leadership, and to link arms with men like Pastor James who are dreaming big for their island. What we saw this weekend was more than land and rain, it was vision, courage, and a Kingdom story in the making.

Your Partnership Matters

To those who pray for us, give financially, and stand with Mosaic International—thank you. Trips like this are not possible without your partnership. Every prayer, every gift, every word of encouragement fuels the work God is doing here. Because of you, pastors like Edwin and James are strengthened, communities are being reached, and the Gospel is moving forward in Tabaco, Catanduanes, and beyond. We believe this is only the beginning.

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