Philippines Missions Trip 2026 Day 8: A Special Farewell and the Journey Home

shawnab1
22 hours ago
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Updated: 2 hours ago

August 11, 2026 · MetroManila, Philippines

Philippines Missions Trip 2026 (Day 8): A Special Farewell and the Journey Home

Day 8 marked the beginning of the team’s journey home, but not before one final day filled with meaningful experiences, special opportunities, and reminders of the relationships that have been built throughout Project Philippines.

Remembering Sacrifice

After checking out of the hotel Tuesday morning, the team departed for the Manila American Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of American servicemen who gave their lives during World War II.

The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their sacrifice and on the shared history between the United States and the Philippines before continuing to the final scheduled visit of the trip.

A Special Visit at the House of Representatives

From there, the team traveled to the House of Representatives for a special luncheon and courtesy visit with the Speaker of the House.

Team members were also able to tour Congressman Abante’s office and were graciously presented with special gifts as a remembrance and thank-you for their visit.

During this time, the pastoral leadership was invited into a private meeting with the Speaker. Pastor Smith had the privilege of presenting him with a Bible and other materials and then praying with him—for his leadership and for the nation of the Philippines.

We are especially thankful for this unique opportunity and for the doors that were opened for our team during these final hours in the country.

One Last Departure

Following the visit, the team loaded the buses and began the trip to the airport.

The check-in process was a little more complicated than our departure from Seattle, as team leaders worked through the airline’s app and check-in system to secure boarding passes and make sure everyone was ready for the international flights ahead.

Once again, EVA Air provided excellent customer service, and we are thankful that the team was able to complete the check-in process without issues with luggage or travel arrangements.

Homeward Bound

The team departed Manila for Taipei at approximately 7:20 PM local time and continued on after a two-hour layover for the long flight across the Pacific.

After a very full day of travel, the team landed safely at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at approximately 8:20 PM.

After clearing customs and gathering their luggage, everyone made their way back to the church, where friends and family were waiting to welcome them home. From there, team members were finally able to head home for some much-needed rest.

Prayer Focus

Thank the Lord for His protection throughout the team’s travel and ministry.
Pray that the Scriptures, gospel literature, preaching, teaching, and personal conversations from these days will continue bearing fruit.
Pray for the pastors, churches, and ministry friends who faithfully serve throughout the Philippines.
Pray for wisdom as plans continue developing for future ministry partnerships and Scripture distribution.
Pray that the experiences of this trip will continue to work in the hearts of each team member long after returning home.

Project Philippines Comes Home

After eight days of ministry, travel, fellowship, outreach, preaching, teaching, and countless opportunities to serve, Project Philippines 2026 has officially returned home.

We are thankful for every church that welcomed our teams, every pastor and ministry partner who served alongside us, every person who prayed, gave, prepared, and helped make this trip possible, and most of all for the Lord’s protection and provision every step of the way.

The team may be home, but we pray that the work is far from finished.

The relationships strengthened, ministry partnerships developed, Scriptures distributed, and doors opened during Project Philippines give us much to pray about as we look toward what the Lord may do next.

This Sunday evening during the 6pm service, we will enjoy a full trip recap with photos, videos, and testimonies.

Thank you for faithfully praying for Project Philippines.