VCF Missions Trip to the Philippines

February 13-21, 2003, Victory Christian Fellowship (VCF), Seoul, Korea, traveled to Antipolo and Koronadal, Philippines on a missions trip. The team consisted of two Vanguard Covenant Members, Pastor Andrew Hirata, his wife Sun Cha, and Pastor Don Bornowski along with many others from VCF family. This was the churches' fourth Philippine missions trip.

While in the Philippines, the team visited two areas: Antipolo (Manila) and Koronadal (Mindanao). They went to encourage fellow believers who were struggling under discouragement and persecution, share Christ's comfort, encouragement, love, and to challenge them to stay strong in the Lord.

During their time in Antipolo, they had the privilege of meeting with governmental officials including the mayor of Antipolo, the Jericho Task Force (Philippine police force), mayor of Angono, and others. Many governmental leaders in the Philippines are strong believers but cannot make a public profession because of political reasons.

The team would typically meet together for 30 minutes before a service to intercede for all who would be attending and taking part in the service. A crusade was held in an outdoor basketball court for two nights. The Holy Spirit moved in salvation, baptism in the Holy Spirit, healings, and deliverance.

The team was granted permission to hold a service in the local prison and was met by prisoners who were very hungry for the truth. All the men present listened to every word that was spoken, the message and testimonies, with open hearts. When an invitation was given, almost every man (36) surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. These men were serious about a life change! Arrangements were made for regular church services to be held in the prison. Funds were given to purchase Bibles for each person.

The team's first service at the Koronadal Church was met by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as the church pastors and leaders experienced emotional healing and release. People wept as God's tender, healing anointing was poured out through Pastor Andrew and the team. In the evening service, people received salvation, healing, encouragement, deliverance and baptisms in the Holy Spirit.

The team had the awesome privilege of praying healing and deliverance at three tents churches and a prison. At one tent church, they prayed for Michelle, a 17 year old girl who had epilepsy and meningitis. Michelle's mother would not give up her idol and false religion. As a result, Michelle was partially delivered but not completely released at that time. Later on that same day, Michelle and her mother came to service at the church again. Team members led the mother in a prayer to receive salvation. At the same time, other team members prayed healing over Michelle and witnessed God's authority and power in setting her free. Hallelujah!

The team left on Friday morning, 21 February '03 and returned to Korea. They later learned, that very evening two bombs were found outside of a department store near their hotel in Koronadal. One of the bombs exploded and the other was discovered and defused. The bomb had prematurely exploded and injured the assailant only, no other injuries were reported. Praise the Lord for His protection of the team from VCF and for the outpouring of His spirit to the people of the Philippines!