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Medical team comprising Charis Methodist Church and other Methodist churchgoers bring medical and spiritual aid to the slums in Manila City and Navotas City

Dr Foo Chek Siang (right) conducting a surgical procedure
Dr Foo Chek Siang conducting a surgical procedure

From 22-26 May 2024, Charis Methodist Church (CMC) and Cru Singapore organised a medical mission trip to the Philippines. The mission team, comprising 23 members from various churches including Wesley Methodist Church and Barker Road Methodist Church, went to slums in Manila City and Navotas City, united in a shared mission of service and compassion.

The trip is part of a series of medical missions to the Philippines over the past few years. CMC member Isaac Goh, 48, found out through a friend, Joseph Yang, about the local communities’ needs. He was subsequently introduced to a pastor from the Vision Help international Care Foundation (VHICF) who was recruiting medical professionals from Singapore to bring care to impoverished areas in the Philippines. “I was shocked to learn that many children in the Philippines were abandoned by their parents and left on the streets or sold into the sex trade. With no access to medical services, many are left helpless with health conditions that contribute significantly to the high mortality rate among marginalised Filipinos, especially children,” said Isaac, who is now the Missions Chairperson at CMC.

Isaac Goh with two patients
Isaac Goh with two patients

Spurred to action, Isaac contacted Belinda Goh, 66, a Cru Singapore missionary and CMC member, who was instrumental in forming a medical team. Together, they led mission trips to the Philippines in April and November 2019, and November 2023.

During the most recent trip in May, the team distributed water filters in the Tondo slum in Manila City and set up a two-day medical clinic in Navotas City. The clinic featured multiple stations offering medical consultations, dental care, surgical procedures, circumcisions, pain management, prescriptions for glasses, health education and prayer.

Some of the mission trippers who provided health education pictured here with the children they served
Some of the mission trippers who provided health education pictured here with the children they served

At the health education station, team members provided valuable lessons on healthy eating and oral hygiene, distributing toothbrushes and toothpaste to the community. “The residents live in severe poverty and have limited access to basic medical care. A simple pair of glasses costing $2 can drastically improve someone’s life, enabling them to see clearly and secure employment,” said Isaac.

The team provided care to approximately 1,040 patients and attended to 30 children at the orphanage run by VHICF, a charity focused on fighting human trafficking, exploitation and abuse in the Philippines.

Apart from providing medical aid, the team also shared the gospel. Prayer stations became sanctuaries where patients shared their life stories and challenges. Many of them, moved by the compassion and support they received, also gave their lives to Christ, finding spiritual healing alongside their physical care.

“After being prescribed with her reading glasses from our eye clinic, an elderly lady was very happy she could read the gospel tract. Slowly, she shared about the tragic loss of her family members during Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. My co-counsellor, Ann, and the lady were both from Leyte Island, which had been badly hit by the typhoon. God had divinely arranged for Ann to counsel her,” said Belinda, who co-led the missions team.

A mission tripper, Yong En (with mask), prescribing glasses
(left) A mission tripper, Yong En (with mask), prescribing glasses (right) Dr Ng Ting Wei providing medical consultation

The mission trip was a test of faith and perseverance. The team faced the daunting task of packing over ten large bags filled with health supplements, gifts and glasses. The arduous road trip in a rugged van was a physical challenge, with some team members battling motion sickness along the way. Yet, the team’s spirits remained unbroken in the face of physical discomfort. The team’s joy and dedication shone brightly through it all as a testament to their unwavering commitment to serving others.

Hear from the mission trippers!

“We met impoverished souls that hunger and thirst for God, whose lives have been deeply transformed by the gospel upon encountering the love shown by Christ’s disciples.”

~ Dr Tag Wan Yi, medical doctor, Charis Methodist Church

“A mother of nine children needed an eye check. During the consultation, I noticed a 5 cm suture mark on the posterior region of her left forearm. She revealed that she had been stabbed by her husband and dismissed it with a smile. We prayed for her and she started to sob uncontrollably. She shared that she did not feel peace and love at home but felt loved at the medical clinic. It must be the love of God that moved her!”

~ Lim Ling Li, served at eye screening station, Charis Methodist Church

“My first mission trip was in 1999 as a junior Medical Officer and I heard the calling again last year. The call was truly irresistible, especially with the opportunity to provide surgical services. I’m drawn to a longer term commitment to return.”

~ Dr Foo Chek Siang, surgeon, Wesley Methodist Church

“We are gifted different talents by God and called to use them for his kingdom and not be slothful and afraid, as the Parable of the Talents teaches us (Matt 25:14-30). Being a dentist, I am thankful for the opportunity to use my talents to serve in multiple medical/dental mission trips over the years. This trip was no different and it will not be my last.”

~ Dr Neil Tan, dentist, Barker Road Methodist Church

“I went prepared to provide health education and share the gospel with the children and their parents, hoping to touch lives and help the community. However, God opened my eyes to experience his greater work and witness his providence. Through the service of other co-labourers from different nationalities, I saw humility, unity and leadership. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes—wiping down every chair, setting up the clinic and assisting us at our stations.”

~ Joy Goh, homemaker, Charis Methodist Church

“My biggest takeaway is that we can serve beyond our gifts even with limited resources. A simple prayer can be more powerful than actions because our best human efforts are nowhere close to what God can do. I really enjoyed seeing the kids sing and dance to worship God even if they may not fully appreciate the lyrics. It was a joy to watch them and sing along.”

~ Dr Ng Ting Wei, medical doctor, Charis Methodist Church

“At the health education station, the children shared their greatest fear: losing their parents and dying young. We shared our testimonies, led Christian songs and presented the gospel using coloured beads. Many of the young boys raised their hands, showing they wanted to believe in Jesus. I am thankful that I could witness this wonderful sight.”

~ Percy Low, social services practitioner, Charis Methodist Church

Huang Yifang is a member of Charis Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Isaac Goh

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