Finally, the much-awaited Graduation Day of our Certificate Course in Early Childhood Education has arrived! After two (2) years of dedication and hard work, ten (10) students joyfully reaped the fruits of their labor.
This momentous event, held in partnership with Asian Theological Seminary, took place on February 1, 2025 and marked a significant milestone in their journey as educators.
MMP is truly humbled and honored to have equipped and trained this new generation of transformational preschool teachers.
Mission Ministries Philippines, Inc. began the new year with an online seminar entitled “Supporting Early Literacy and Language Development,” a refresher course offered via Zoom held in January 25, 2025. It was a fruitful session where 90 participants learned effective strategies to foster and enrich children’s language development in early childhood settings.
Following this, on March 15, 2025, MMP once again ventured into the vibrant world of Sunday School by facilitating a seminar titled “Revitalizing Your Sunday School Classes.” The goal was to inspire churches to transform their Sunday School programs into holistic learning environments, where children not only enjoy Bible lessons but also engage in meaningful play through activity corners.
Earlier, on March 8, 2025, MMP also conducted a Sunday School Seminar for teachers at Good News Community Fellowship. Interestingly, this church also operates a preschool, with MMP serving as its technical partner—providing support through a Christian curriculum and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies for running an effective preschool program. MMP firmly believes that, in God’s perfect time, churches will embrace this concept known as “Developmentally Appropriate Sunday Classes,” where learning happens through play!
Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP) expresses deep gratitude for the visit of Bro. Michael Villareal, representing First Congregational Church of Anaheim (FCCA). His presence brought encouragement, inspiration, and strength to MMP’s mission, particularly in supporting three key ministries serving the poorest communities. His visit was a reminder of God’s provision through His people, and MMP looks forward to the continued impact of this partnership.
Visit to AGBN Learning Center
AGBN, a long-time partner of Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP), has faced numerous challenges since its inception, including significant opposition and persecution from local community leaders, barangay officials, and even nearby churches. Despite these early hardships, the Preschool Ministry thrived, eventually leading to the formation of a church community comprised of the preschool’s students and their parents. The school then faced its greatest challenge during the pandemic when it was forced to close. However, trusting in God’s promise as mentioned in Philippians 1:6, AGBN reopened in year 2022 with renewed faith. Although the reopening brought about its own challenges—such as the need for essential learning materials like toys, books, and storage cabinets—MMP provided much-needed support. A particular need for a storage cabinet was met through the generosity of FCCA, leading school principal and teacher Ann Natividad to express heartfelt gratitude, affirming that God is faithful in meeting their needs.
Kaingin Baptist Church
Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP) recently launched Kaligtasan Kay Kristo (Salvation through Christ), an improved version of its PTA (Parents Teachers Association) program, aiming to integrate the Gospel into parental engagement. The initiative includes seminars on Parenting with a Biblical Framework to strengthen family involvement.
On January 31, 2025, MMP conducted a seminar on Understanding Children’s Behavioral Problems, anchored on Psalm 127:1. “Unless the Lord builds the, it is in vain …The session covered psychological insights on children’s behavior and included a Gospel presentation. Over 60 parents attended, and many prayed the prayer of salvation. FCCA provided free parenting books, and the training was led by Dr. Chonabelle M. Domingo, MMP’s Director.
Synagogue for Jesus
The school established the Remedial Reading Program, a non-formal Early Childhood initiative by Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP) focused on developing children’s reading skills. However, its implementation was delayed due to devastating floods that severely affected their community.
What seemed like a setback turned into a blessing when the FCCA community generously donated reading books, enriching the program with better learning resources.
Today, 25 students are actively participating in the improved reading program, benefiting from enhanced support and materials.
Looking Ahead: More Schools and Children Await
While we celebrate the progress made, our mission is far from over. Many more schools and children are still waiting for the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ. Our vision is to expand these ministries, reaching more communities and equipping them with the tools they need for lasting transformation.
We invite you to continue walking with us—through your prayers, generosity, and by sharing this mission with others.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ, bringing light to those in need. Your faithfulness is a beacon of hope, and together, we are making an eternal impact!
Wednesdays are special days for MMP staff, dedicated to devotions and meetings. Mondays, however, are reserved for a unique practice: our chain prayer. During these moments, we lift MMP, our ministries, partners, and friends—our “MMP Family.” If you’re reading this, please know you’ve been remembered on a Monday!
On October 16, 2024, our dedicated staff member, Aida, led us in a devotional on Matthew 2, titled “Lessons from the Main Characters.” At first, I wondered if it was too early to reflect on a Christmas passage. But as I listened, God spoke deeply to me through the message, especially in the meaning behind the Magi’s gifts to Jesus:
Gold: What can I offer to show that Christ is truly Lord of my life?
Frankincense: Who might God be calling me to intercede for?
Myrrh: What part of me needs to die so Christ can live more fully in me?
As we approach the season of giving, let’s ask the true Celebrant, Jesus Christ, what He desires from us this Christmas. Is it Gold, Frankincense, or Myrrh? May you have a blessed Christmas season!
As Christmas approaches, it’s the time of the year, the old familiar story of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The journey of Mary and Joseph, the humble and miraculous birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the greatest gift the world has ever known, the angelic announcement of His birth to the shepherds, the journey of the Wise Men—who traveled from afar to worship the newborn King and offer their gifts—remains a powerful reminder of the profound meaning behind Christmas. All of these are familiar and yet resounding even after two thousand years.
The Magi brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While these offerings may seem unusual to us today, each one held deep spiritual significance, both for the life of Jesus and for us as believers
Gold, the first gift, is universally associated with wealth and royalty, of kingship and authority. By presenting gold, the Magi were acknowledging Jesus as the King of Kings, the long-awaited Messiah who would lead and guide His people. The gift of gold reminds us during this season that Christ’s kingship is one of service and salvation, and that true leadership comes from a heart willing to serve others.
Frankincense, the second gift, symbolizes divinity and worship. In the quiet moments of this Christmas season, frankincense encourages us to reflect on the divine presence in our lives and the miracle of God becoming human to walk beside us. Let us take time to worship Him, to lift up our hearts in gratitude and reverence for the wonder of God’s love made flesh.
Myrrh, the final gift, foreshadows the sacrifice that Jesus would one day make. Myrrh symbolizes suffering and death, but it also speaks to the hope of resurrection and eternal life. During this season of joy and celebration, myrrh calls us to remember the deeper purpose of Christ’s coming—to offer His life as a ransom for many and to bring salvation to all who believe.
As we celebrate Christmas, the gifts of the Magi serve as a reminder that the birth of Jesus is not just a story of a child born in a manger, but a powerful event filled with divine meaning. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh invite us to reflect on who Jesus is—our King, our God, and our Savior. These gifts also encourage us to give our best to others, whether in material offerings or acts of kindness and love, following the example of the Wise Men who brought their treasures to the feet of the newborn King.
Mission Ministries Philippines has long worked to instill in its preschoolers the true meaning of Christmas: that Jesus is the reason for this and every season. We worship Him by using the talents and skills He has given us. This year, MMP will once again hold its annual Show of Talents and Kids Bazaar on November 29, 2024, at JFD Stadium, San Mateo, Rizal. Children from our partner schools will present their talents as gifts to Jesus. Just as the Magi brought offerings, MMP will share gifts, refreshments, and magical entertainment—all while spreading the gospel. As Christmas is a time of fellowship as one body believing in Christ, MMP will hold Partners Christmas Party on December 7, 2024 at Marikina Heights, Marikina City. Spreading love, joy and care for our fellow workers for Christ.
All glory to God for another year of victory. Navigating your preschool ministry after the pandemic has surely not been easy, but by the grace of God, you all made it! Congratulations! As we approach the 2024-2025 school year, it is our prayer at Mission Ministries Philippines, as your humble partner, that you experience Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”
Let us all join hands in facing another season of teaching children with enthusiasm and excitement, knowing that it is the Lord who has given us the privilege to be His head, hands, and heart to these little ones!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, a verse that one can hold on. But the journey is not always easy. Many times we struggle, making each turn a question of continuing or quitting. And yet God has a way to reach us and comfort us. Making His plans in our lives to come true.
The goodness of God has been an apparent pillar in the life of Teacher Clarita Santilla, or Teacher Claire, a partner teacher of Mission Ministries Philippines for over 2 decades and appointed as on-call supervisor.
Teacher Claire was of different faith before she became a preschool teacher. Although she had always been a woman of strong moral values, her faith had never been a central part of her life.
She came to know Jesus when she applied to a preschool managed by Christ Jesus Our Life church, which happens to be a partner school of Mission Ministries Philippines. The school’s mission to foster holistic development in children resonated with her deeply. As she began her role, she was not only introduced to a supportive professional community but also to the Christian faith. Teacher Zeny Ignacio, the pastor’s wife and the owner of the school, became her spiritual mentor.
What started as an ordinary job for her, as a means to alleviate her family’s daily needs, was God’s way of bringing her to knowing the Blesser of everything.
Her faith strengthened over time. And as she walks in her faith, another tragedy tested her. Her husband passed away leaving her with 4 kids. Her eldest, Andrea, at that time was only first year high school, Inah, grade 6, Tom grade 4 and their youngest Jerry was only one and a half years old. In the wake of her husband’s untimely death, Claire faced the daunting task of providing for her young children alone. Financial struggles and emotional turmoil became her daily companions. One would have crumbled, but Teacher Claire stood to her faith that God will never forsake her nor leave her.
As she worked day and night to sustain her family’s needs, she continued to grow deeper in God’s word. Embracing her faith in Jesus provided Claire with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. The biblical teachings emphasized the importance of trust in God’s plan, which helped her manage her anxieties about the future.
The life of Teacher Claire shows how God moved in different ways. How true that He will take care of the widows and the fatherless as mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:18. Despite all the struggles, 3 of her children are all degree holders now and her youngest is in high school. Teacher Claire would just be awed how God sustained them throughout the years.
One of her prayers is in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my household we will serve the Lord” She serves in her church as one of the leaders and president of the Women’s Ministry Nationwide, and true enough, all her children have their ministry in their church.
Today, Teacher Claire enjoys her time travelling. Another blessing from God.
Truly God’s promises are true and dependable, a strong fortress, and the perfecter of our faith. When we face dead ends, tragedies, challenges and trials, God is always there to open new doors, a new hope. For the battles is not ours but His. He will fight for us.
The recently concluded 32nd Early Childhood Education Level 1 seminar, held from June 20-22, 2024, marks the commencement of Mission Ministries Philippines' Year-Round Seminars. This enlighteningevent brought together early childhood educators and practitioners via Zoom, focusing on the theme “Rekindling Your Passion in Early Childhood Education”.
The three-day seminar showcased speakers primarily from the University of the Philippines. Their presentations were largely based on the philosophy adopted by Mission Ministries Philippines. It was impressive to see how the speakers connected their content to the Developmentally Appropriate Philosophy endorsed by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
The seminar highlighted the new Matatag Curriculum of the Department of Education, underscoring the government’s recognition of its vital role in shaping Filipino children. This curriculum aims to unleash the full potential of the new generation for national progress. MMP's curriculum closely aligns with Matatag, positioning MMP as a pioneer, having implemented it from the outset. Part of the Matatag curriculum includes teaching 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, which are also integrated into MMP’s Kidprenuer curriculum. This approach aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in children, preparing them to be future leaders not only in business but also in serving the Kingdom of God.
As the field of early childhood education continues to evolve, events like this seminar play a crucial role in fostering a community of informed and passionate educators committed to providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate education for all children.
Praise be to God for the remarkable opportunity to lead a three-part series of Mission Ministries Philippines’ Early Childhood Education Seminar/Orientation in the picturesque locale of Baguio City last March 18-19, 2024.
The inaugural session was held at Doane Rest Ministry, drawing in enthusiastic Sunday School teachers guided by the experienced Teacher Lalaine Clark, alongside dedicated Masteral students from the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary under the mentorship of Prof. Raposa.
Another illuminating session unfolded at PBTS, graciously overseen by Pastor Onnie Avante, the Chairman of MMP Board, coinciding with the joyous celebration of the 30th anniversary of Jesus Our Life Ministries.
As we reflect on these enriching experiences, we fervently pray that the seeds of wisdom and inspiration planted during these seminars will take root deeply within the hearts and minds of all participants, blossoming into abundant fruit in the lives of the children they passionately serve. May God’s blessings continue to multiply the impact of our collective efforts as we nurture and educate the next generation, all to the glory of His name.
Show of Talents and Kidprenuer Fair by Erlyn B. Isidro
In the spirit of giving and celebration this Christmas season, Mission Ministries Philippines hosted its 20th Show of Talents and Kidpreneur Fair last December 1, 2023 at JFD stadium in San Mateo Rizal. The event was a remarkable gathering where students from 12 partner schools of MMP came together to share their unique gifts in honor of Jesus’s birthday.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the fair was the children’s entrepreneurial skills. The Kidprenuers set up stalls to sell their handmade creations and products. From handmade jewelry, eco-friendly crafts and delicious sweets, even selling of native products from Ifugao, Mountain Province as one of the partners came all the way from the Northen part of Luzon.
Adding to the event is the wonderful performance of the talented magician who captivated both the parents and children, adding an additional element of wonder and excitement. Moreover, MMP invited Pastor Vergilio Lapena, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MMP and now one of its International Adviser, to impart the true meaning Christmas and that is the love of our heavenly Father. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to save us. This is the main objective of the event to spread the Gospel to Jesus.
A beautiful smile of one of the partner schools after their performance.
Dr. Philip Paleracio, a Filipino Doctor in U.S. and friend of one of the International Advisers of MMP also graced the event and gave an inspiring message to all present.
The “Show of Talents and Kidpreneur Fair” was a resounding success, not only in terms of talents rendered and products sold, but also in fostering a sense of community, encouragement among the partner schools, the parents and the students. And as we reflect on this joyous occasion, let us remember the that Jesus Christ is God’s greatest gift to us.
