Camarines Sur — Bicol, Luzon
Where do we even begin?
This year’s outreach to the Philippines has been nothing short of extraordinary. God is moving in powerful ways — especially in the province of Camarines Sur in the Bicol region of southern Luzon.
From the moment we landed, doors began opening.
We ministered everywhere — from small squatter communities where families live in extreme poverty, to high-level government offices. One of the most unexpected moments came when the city mayor, the former Vice President of the Philippines Leni Robredo, welcomed us and opened the entire city to our team. She simply said, “If you need anything, just call.” It was a casual invitation, but it carried tremendous authority.
Soon after, we were given the opportunity to meet and pray with the provincial governor LRay Villafuerte. What we expected to be a brief courtesy visit turned into an hour-long meeting. During our time together, our team performed a sign dance choreographed by our dear friends Paka and Lei Souza. The presence of God filled the room, and the governor was moved to tears.
What happened next was a defining moment.
He granted us permission to preach the gospel throughout the entire province — in government buildings, in public schools, and in any institution under his jurisdiction. Not only were we allowed to share, but we were also given his blessing to hold altar calls!
It was a complete game changer.
Through our partnership with Bishop Joey Piano, who serves as Director of Religious Affairs under the governor, we stepped into a shared vision: to bring the gospel to every single school in Camarines Sur.
Bibles, study guides, discipleship materials for high school and college students, and illustrated gospel booklets for elementary students were distributed widely. In total, we witnessed over 4,000 students respond to the gospel and give their lives to the Lord.
When God opens governmental doors like this, it shifts the spiritual atmosphere over an entire region.
This outreach continues to be a beautiful blend of what we’ve gleaned from TOW Hawaii and our ministry with YWAM. YWAM gives us the opportunity to go with passion and zeal, sharing Christ boldly. Transform our World reminds us that it’s not just about decisions — it’s about discipleship. We work closely with local churches to ensure new believers are connected, grounded, and strengthened in community.
This year was especially meaningful as we were able to minister among two major church networks that don’t normally collaborate. Because we come from outside the region, we were uniquely positioned to serve both groups and help foster unity.
And for me personally, one of the greatest joys was ministering alongside my wife, Doreen, and our daughter Breezie.
Watching them worship through hula, seeing the love and presence they carry, and witnessing how the people embraced them — it was deeply moving. Doreen carries a motherly and grandmotherly grace that draws hearts in immediately. Breezie continues to grow into her leadership calling — strong, loving, and full of joy, reminds me of her grandpa Hiroshi.
We are seeing the fruit of legacy.
The decision our parents made to follow the Lord has changed the trajectory of our family. Now we are watching that faith ripple into the next generation — and into the nations.
God is faithful.
Thank you for praying. Thank you for standing with us. The harvest is truly plentiful.
Mahalo and God bless you all,
Doreen and Paul Chinen