Next week, a team of 15 people will set out on a life-changing mission trip to the Philippines. Among them are four Calvary students and Pastor Clare Low from Real Life Christian Church, who will travel to Iloilo to partner with Compassion International. Together, they will meet children and families, witness the work of child development centres, and experience firsthand the hope and transformation made possible through sponsorship.

Pastor Clare shared the heart behind this trip: “We wanted to provide an opportunity for staff and students to participate in activities that reveal the kingdom of God. And hopefully, through that, we may see more people knowing real life in Jesus.”

What the Trip Holds

The week will be filled with opportunities to connect deeply with the community. The team will first visit the Compassion head office in Manila before travelling to Iloilo, where they’ll spend time at child development centres.

There, they’ll meet children and families, hear from dedicated Compassion staff, and join in activities that are all about building relationships—playing, listening, and encouraging. Afternoons will include home visits, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of sponsored children and their families.

On Sunday, the group will worship with one of Compassion’s partner churches and have the chance to look around the local area. Another highlight will be an evening dinner with Compassion graduates—young men and women who once grew up as sponsored children themselves. Hearing their stories of how sponsorship changed the course of their lives, and what they are doing now, is sure to be both moving and inspiring.

The trip will conclude with a fun day gathering all of Calvary’s sponsored children and their families. There will be games, swimming, lunch, and the sharing of gifts prepared by Calvary classes. Each student at our school has contributed letters, photos, and a backpack of age-appropriate gifts—reminders that love and generosity reach far beyond borders.

The Students’ Hearts for Mission

For the students, this mission trip represents both a challenge and a calling. Each carries a unique reason for joining:

• One hopes to discern whether God is leading them into future mission or evangelism work.
• Another has been inspired by family members who’ve gone before them on similar trips.
• Others are drawn by a desire to experience life in the Philippines, connect with children, and grow in faith.

As the trip draws near, excitement is mixed with nervous anticipation. Students acknowledge the challenges of cultural differences, modest dress requirements, and the emotional weight of witnessing poverty. Yet their anticipation outweighs their nerves: “I’m excited to see how the children find joy in the simplest things—things we often take for granted. I know it will be humbling.”

 Faith, Perspective, and Transformation

Perhaps the most profound impact will be spiritual. Students expressed their hope that the trip will bring them closer to God, open their eyes to His goodness, and deepen their appreciation for the hope found in Christ.

As one student beautifully put it: “Sometimes we take Jesus for granted. But even with nothing, people can still have faith in Him. I hope this shows me how good God is in the most unlikely of places.”

A Whole-School Effort

This mission trip has been made possible thanks to the incredible generosity and support of the entire Calvary community. Throughout the year, both campuses have rallied behind the cause, running a variety of fundraisers—from barbecues to hot chocolate stalls—to raise funds for our Compassion children and the mission team.

Thank you to Pastor Clare and Pastor Jayden who also created an immersive experience to help students gain a deeper understanding of the living conditions faced by many of our sponsor children. One of the classrooms in Cunningham was transformed to reflect the size and environment typical of these homes. The space was further enriched with posters providing information about the Philippines, letters from our sponsor children, and details about the important work of Compassion International.

These efforts not only helped provide practical support but also created a sense of shared purpose and connection across our school family.

Looking Ahead

When the team returns, they will no doubt bring back powerful stories of faith, resilience, and joy. These stories will not only inspire our school community but also remind us of the importance of compassion, generosity, and living out God’s love in practical ways.

As we pray for our students, staff, and Pastor Clare, may their journey be filled with courage, humility, and a deepening of faith as they serve and learn alongside the people of Iloilo.