After 5 years of prayer, planning and hard work, the West Visayas Missions Project finally became a reality on October 20-24, 2008! Pastor Art and Genevieve Pena led the very first Missions Team composed of 8 other LifeStreamers who went on an evangelistic medical mission to 5 areas in Iloilo and Negros, Occidental! Team members were Willie and Cynthia Bermejo, Annabelle, Rachel Ann and Ella Mae Santos, Heide Pena-Divinagracia, Alita Pedrina and Elvis Gelvezon.
These LifeStreamers teamed up with a local task force in Iloilo, led by Pastor Joemarie Sulmaca, Vice president of Foursquare Philippines who worked with 5 other pastors and other local lay leaders.
As a result of this effort, close to 500 people’s lives were changed as they gave their lives to God in the 5 areas! Almost 400 people received medical services and almost 100 were recipients of dental services! The lives of our missionaries have profoundly been impacted as they counseled, prayed for and handed out an assortment of goods to people! Many local pastors there have been blessed and encouraged! Aside from the team’s emphasis in spreading the Gospel and seeing souls brought to the foot of the cross……
- Over 100 were fed in each of the 5 locations.
- People in each of the areas received used clothes, shoes, etc.
- Every family received 2 or 3 kilos of rice from our team.
Overall, the team felt that the mission was more of a success than anyone ever anticipated!
To sustain the positive impact created by the initial mission, LifeStream continued to provide monthly assistance to the 5 churches in Western Visayas for a year. Currently, 2 of those churches are still being supported. One of them is a LifeStream church-plant now called “LifeStream Christian Fellowship of Pavia, Iloilo”.
We thank everyone who took part in the initial endeavor and those who until now continue to support the work through prayer and designated giving! All Glory to Jesus!
