The Mission:

In May 2026, my family and I had the privilege of traveling to Palawan, Philippines, to conduct health and wellness outreach. At the invitation of a local ministry, I delivered a series of health lectures during a 10-day community evangelistic initiative in Puerto Princesa. In addition to these presentations, our team supported a comprehensive medical mission that provided free medical consultations, prescription reading glasses, essential vitamins, and therapeutic massages to the local community. Economic challenges in the Philippines often limit access to quality medical services. With a high exchange rate (approximately 62 Philippine Pesos to 1 US Dollar), specialized healthcare and medical treatments are financially prohibitive for many families. While government assistance is occasionally available, it rarely covers the full cost of medical care. Furthermore, systemic barriers to education mean that foundational wellness concepts (such as the critical importance of regular hydration, adequate vitamin D intake, and proper sleep hygiene) are not widely understood. Dietary habits also impact local health outcomes. While traditional meals center around rice, fruits, and vegetables, standard cooking methods rely heavily on frying. This frequent consumption of fried foods contributes significantly to the prevalence of preventable lifestyle illnesses.

During my consultations, I noted exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke among the population. Consequently, there is a profound demand for accessible education focused on lifestyle medicine and preventative care. To address this need, I am planning a return mission in April 2027 to implement an affordable, accessible health training program in the Puerto Princesa area. In partnership with LIGHT Ministries Philippines, we will host a three-week intensive course covering chronic disease prevention, plant-based nutrition and cooking, hydrotherapy, and community outreach methodology. This approach equips participants to serve as health educators who can then replicate these initiatives within their own neighborhoods. Our team will also conduct a food and clothing distribution during the trip. Because our partners from LIGHT Ministries are volunteering nearly a month of their time, we intend to cover their local housing, meals, and transit expenses, alongside the travel costs for our US-based team. We are currently seeking $11,750 to fully fund this project. Project Budget Breakdown: • Housing: $2,000 (Team lodging and accommodations) • Food: $750 (Meals for the volunteer team) • Transportation: $700 (Local transit and logistics) • Community Distributions: $800 (Food and clothing supplies) • International Travel: $7,500 (Roundtrip airfare for 5 US team members) Your financial support will directly impact families in Palawan by providing life-changing education and immediate humanitarian relief. Please consider making a donation, sharing this initiative with others, and keeping our team and planning process in your prayers. Thank you for your generosity, and God bless.