On May 21, 2023, in partnership with Advent SHARE Ministries (ASM), seven (7) Castles from the Edinburg SDA Church Pathfinder Club, along with their guardians, embarked on a mission trip to the Philippines. Their journey was filled with service, outreach, and meaningful connections with the local communities.
One of the highlights of their mission was visiting a school in the Bulalacao School District, where they distributed school supplies to all students. This small yet impactful gesture brought smiles and excitement to the children, equipping them with the materials they needed for their education.
In Barangay Benli, Oriental Mindoro, the Pathfinders took part in a latrine-building project aimed at improving sanitation in the community. A total of forty-five (45) latrines were constructed, with the cost generously covered by ASM families. The Pathfinders had the honor of selecting the three (3) best-built latrines, and during the awarding ceremony, the entire community was treated to a special celebration. Families received a pail filled with goodies, along with packed meals and ice cream, making it a joyful occasion for all.
The mission trip also included a spiritual component as the Pathfinders attended Sabbath services at the newly built Benli SDA Church. ASM contributed 100,000 PHP to help establish the church, providing a place of worship for the local congregation. The Pathfinders actively participated in both Sabbath School and Divine Worship, sharing their faith and fellowship with the church members.
Following the mission trip, the Children’s Ministries of Edinburg SDA Church initiated a fundraising effort to further support the school the Pathfinders had visited. Through their dedication, they successfully raised funds to purchase a 65-inch television and a computer printer. In addition, they sent five (5) Balikbayan boxes filled with essential supplies to benefit the students and their education.
This mission trip not only strengthened the faith and service-oriented spirit of the Pathfinders but also left a lasting impact on the communities they visited. With continued partnerships and generous support, ASM remains committed to reaching out and uplifting those in need.