Messages from Mark: A Youth Rally in the Philippines

Ashland Watson
1 day ago
4 min read

A few weeks ago, something extraordinary happened here in the Philippines, a youth rally that brought together more than a hundred students from Tabaco and Donsol for a night of worship, connection, and transformation.

For me, living in the Philippines means witnessing moments like this, moments where God’s presence fills a room and you see the next generation stepping into their purpose. The night wasn’t about lights, stages, or sound systems. It was about hearts, hearts eager to worship, learn, and grow in faith together.

A Room Overflowing with Faith

The Dream Center in Tabaco City was standing room only. From the first song to the final prayer, students worshiped with joy and sincerity. Some had traveled hours to be there, and every moment felt sacred.

What made this night truly special wasn’t the music or the message, but the stories behind the faces. For the group from Donsol, this was a rare opportunity to travel, connect, and experience something bigger than themselves.

Mosaic helped make that possible by covering transportation so 40 students could make the two-hour journey from Donsol to Tabaco. Their excitement and gratitude were contagious.

From a Mango Tree to a Movement

A few years ago, under a mango tree in Donsol, our team from Cornerstone Church in California gathered with a small group of believers to pray and worship. There was no building, only open sky, simple songs, and hearts full of faith. That gathering became the seed of a new church.

Through Mosaic’s first gala and the faithful work of local partners Edwin and Jo, land was purchased near that same mango tree and a new church was built. Today, that community is thriving. The children who once worshiped under that tree are now young adults serving as leaders, musicians, and mentors.

This youth rally brought their story full circle, a reminder of how God grows small beginnings into movements that reach generations.

A Dream Center Rebuilt and Alive

The Dream Center itself carries a story of redemption. In 2019, a typhoon destroyed nearly everything, the church, the student center, even the housing structures.

What was once flattened has been rebuilt into a thriving hub of ministry: a two-story student center, an office, and a growing church that is equipping the next generation.

That night, you could feel hope in the air. Every song, every prayer, every laugh was a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the resilience of His people.

Seeds Bearing Fruit

As I looked around the room, I saw familiar faces, children I met years ago, now leading worship, organizing outreaches, and mentoring others.

Edwin shared a powerful message from John 15:16 about planting seeds that bear lasting fruit. And we could see that truth in action.

These young people are the fruit, the result of years of prayer, partnership, and persistence. This is what living in the Philippines looks like when faith is nurtured over time and passed from one generation to the next.

The Future Church in Motion

As the evening came to a close, the sound of worship filled every corner of the Dream Center. Laughter, music, and joy blended together, creating a glimpse of the future Church.

These are the future pastors, teachers, missionaries, and worship leaders who will carry the message of Jesus into their communities and beyond.

From a mango tree to a youth rally, from devastation to restoration, God continues to write stories of hope, one heart at a time. And this is only the beginning.

Key Leadership - Pastor Edwin and Jo Duenas

At the heart of that partnership is the faithful leadership of Pastors Edwin and Jo Dueñas.

Edwin and Jo have been serving the Philippines for over two decades. They have two children, Kate and Roman, who are now in their twenties. Their love for missions began in 2001 when they served on a medical mission with Asian Relief Medical Services, the same organization where they now serve as national coordinators.

Edwin studied at Fuller Theological Seminary before returning to the Philippines to start a program focused on empowering low-income youth and providing opportunities for a brighter future. Together, he and Jo have dedicated their lives to equipping churches, mentoring leaders, and reaching the next generation with the love of Jesus.

Your Partnership Matters

Because of your prayers, giving, and partnership with Mosaic International, young people in Tabaco, Donsol, and beyond are being equipped to lead and serve.

Thank you for making moments like this possible. Every prayer, every act of generosity, and every gift helps fuel what God is doing here, one student, one story, one community at a time. If you feel moved to give to the work Mosaic is doing in the Philippines, you can learn more about joining the circle here.

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