Car washes, haircuts, and artisan coffee came together in a joyful community effort—raising support, strengthening faith, and preparing a team to return to the Philippines with the hope of the Gospel.

Last weekend, the church parking lot transformed into something far more meaningful than a typical Saturday gathering. Buckets of soapy water, the buzz of clippers, the aroma of artisan coffee, and the laughter of volunteers created an atmosphere that felt less like a fundraiser and more like a celebration of faith in action.

Cars lined up for washes, neighbors stopped by for fresh haircuts, and many lingered over handcrafted drinks from Mexican-Filipino coffee cart Cafe Koyan. Yet behind every cup poured and every car scrubbed was a shared purpose: raising funds and awareness for an upcoming mission trip to Cainta, Rizal, Philippines.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were Cafe Koyan’s signature drinks for the day, which quickly became favorites among guests. The menu featured creative blends such as the Matcha Horchata, Ube Foam Cold Brew, and Horchata Latte—along with the bright and zingy Matcha Fresa. Each refreshing and delicious drink reflected the multicultural spirit behind the coffee cart itself, and every cup served became another small contribution toward the larger mission.

What began as a modest goal quickly turned into something extraordinary. By the end of the day, the team watched in awe as God did what only He can do—more than quadrupling the amount they had initially hoped to raise.

It was a vivid reminder of a truth many in the team have been experiencing throughout the planning process: God is both generous and attentive to the smallest details.

“What an incredible, kind, generous, caring, thoughtful, and detailed God we serve,” one organizer reflected after the final totals were counted.

A Growing Mission in Cainta

This year’s trip marks an exciting new chapter in a ministry that began as a simple step of faith. What started as a single outreach has grown into a full-scale, multi-faceted ministry in Cainta—led by passionate believers eager to share the love of Christ with their community.

Following the impact of the 2025 mission, the team will return next month (April 2026) with expanded outreach efforts, including:

A five-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) for local children
A more holistic medical mission
A new “Mother’s Care” ministry supporting women and families
The return of the impactful Toughguys martial arts program
A leadership conference designed to equip young local Christian leaders
Ongoing feeding programs and community outreach

Joined by new team members and backed by a growing vision, the ministry continues to deepen relationships within the community while serving families with both physical nourishment and spiritual hope.

As relationships deepen and ministries multiply, one thing is clear: God is powerfully writing the next chapter in Cainta—and this team is ready to be His hands and feet.

Hearts Preparing for the Journey

For many team members, the trip represents both anticipation and spiritual growth.

Seth Yu, a returning member of the 2025 and 2026 Philippines mission trips, currently serves in youth and children’s ministry and partners with biblical counseling associations and Christian organizations worldwide.

“For me I would say I am hopeful to see those in the Philippines again and I am excited for them to meet our new team members,” shared Seth Yu.

For Stone Alvaro, the preparation itself has strengthened his faith.

“God is good! We’re blessed with another opportunity to go on a missions trip this year. He is allowing us to return, and my faith has grown through the planning process. I’m both nervous and excited to go back to the Philippines. I’ll be sharing the gospel in Tagalog, and we’ll also be spending more time with the kids, especially through VBS. Please pray that the gospel is preached clearly and without compromise. Pray for the team, and pray for the people God will bring to these events. To God be the glory.”

Others are focused on the long-term fruit of the ministry.

“I am looking forward to seeing how God will work through this mission trip as we share the gospel with children, families, and communities in the Philippines,” said Riza Rivera. “It is a joy to serve and be part of what God is doing. As Psalm 126:5 says, ‘Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.’ We are excited to plant seeds of faith and trust God for the harvest.”

Returning to see familiar faces is also a powerful motivator.

“I'm excited to go back to Cainta, Philippines to meet with our young Filipino brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Deo Busacay. “I'm looking forward to seeing how their growth in Christ has been over the last year. Can't wait to evangelize with them to share the hope of Jesus Christ to the people in the Philippines.”

How the Community Can Continue to Help

Leilanie Diocson, a new believer since 2024, has served in Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and church events. Having lived in the Philippines as a child, she is passionate about meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of families and is excited to serve on the 2026 Cainta mission trip

While the fundraiser exceeded expectations, the mission is far from complete. Team member Leilanie Diocson shared how supporters can continue to partner with them.

“There are many ways to help us on our mission,” she explained. “If you are led to donate, the villagers we will be serving will appreciate and be blessed by your donation. More importantly, please pray.”

The team asks for prayer specifically for:

Physical strength and wisdom during Vacation Bible School, feeding programs, medical missions, and street evangelism
The Holy Spirit’s guidance as they mentor young leaders in the Philippines
Children, mothers, families, adults, and the elderly to hear and receive the Gospel
Unity, endurance, and spiritual boldness for the mission team

Leilanie concluded with a reminder from Scripture that captures the heart of the mission:

“Please pray that our work may glorify Him and that we do it out of our love for Him. ‘So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ —1 Corinthians 10:31.”

Missions Beyond One Trip

Events like last weekend’s fundraiser also highlight the broader work of missions organizations that support and mobilize believers around the world.

At Arbor Christian Fellowship, missions is an ongoing commitment to gospel work both globally and locally. Our church supports the ministry work of the International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) through the Cooperative Program (CP), the unified missions funding system of Southern Baptist churches established in 1925.

Our Vacation Bible Schoolers show off their International Mission Board (IMB) backpacks, earned by learning Bible verses during last year’s archaeology-themed VBS, Destination Dig.

Through the CP, churches pool their resources together to support missions around the world. More than half of CP funding supports the work of the IMB, which sends and sustains missionaries across the globe, while roughly 22–23 percent helps fund NAMB’s work in North America—including church planting, disaster relief, and evangelism initiatives.

In the coming weeks, members of Arbor Christian Fellowship’s Women’s Ministry will also be participating in two missions-focused gatherings designed to encourage and equip believers to share the gospel more boldly.

On April 18, 2026, Arbor will have a presence at the California Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) “Awaken: Women’s Conference” in Alhambra, California. This one-day gathering brings together women from across the state to be inspired, trained, and equipped to engage in missions—both locally and globally.

The following weekend, several women from Arbor will also attend the NAMB’s Women’s Evangelism Conference on April 25, 2026, hosted at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California. This one-day event is designed to encourage and equip women to leverage their everyday lives for the gospel and to cultivate a culture of evangelism in their ministries and communities. Participants will leave with renewed passion and practical tools to invite people to know Jesus and to equip others to do the same.

If you would like to attend either of these events or learn more, please contact Carol Allen or Ruth Dignadice, or simply message them here and we will make sure they receive it.

A Community United by Purpose

By the end of the fundraiser, the buckets were emptied, the coffee cart packed up, and the final cars rolled away—cleaner than when they arrived.

But the true impact of the day wasn’t measured in soap suds or espresso shots.

It was measured in the unity of a community rallying around a mission, the generosity of supporters who gave sacrificially, and the growing excitement of a team preparing to serve thousands of miles away.

From car washes to coffee cups, every small act pointed toward something bigger: bringing hope, help, and the message of Christ to families in Cainta.

And if last weekend was any indication, this mission is already being carried forward by something far greater than fundraising alone.

It’s being carried by faith—a God who slays giants, moves mountains, and calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. And the invitation is open: come see, come serve, come be part of a story that God is still writing.