Last year I had the immense pleasure of leading the team to the Philippines. It was a challenge that at first I was very nervous about, there were 2 ordained ministers and 2 youth workers that seemed logically a much better choice as a leader. However I did have experience of the Philippines and Emma (UK Project Manager – Heart of the Father), believed that it was right for me to lead the team. As time went on I could see that God was moulding me and showing me how to lead, giving the tools and support to do his work. 
That in no way means the trip was easy, we had fallings out, people letting us down, misunderstandings, last minute changes of plans and illness. But I don’t believe God makes things easy for us, he shows us that we can overcome all with him. If there was nothing to overcome how could we know that he was God. But through the battles all the glory is with him as with only him are all worth while things possible.
This year I learnt a gift that is such an honour to be given and that is to lead. God showed me how to be selfless, how to be strong in decisions, how to delegate, how to be organised, how to listen, how to live by example, how to anticipate problems and how to be pro-active. These skills do not all come naturally to me, but by God’s grace I was able to make major strides forward.
The successes of the trip are many fold. We were able to pay for one house and help build many more. We also paid for a youth weekend for the children in Payatas, which was great fun. It is our aim to lift these people out of poverty and as the charity grows we will be able to do this more effectively. But my greatest joy is to see people develop, spiritually and as people. We have seen a youth group in Payatas turn from a bunch of keen kids to strong spiritual leaders. This is so encouraging and a testament to the continued youth work that goes on out there. From the team there were some other encouraging personal developments: Sarah beginning to see that God had a personal plan for her, Martin seeing God in action and learning what true family and community is, Rob being challenged on giving his whole self to God’s best plan, Tim and Debs opening their eyes to Jesus working in people of many different denominations of faith, Dave building confidence especially with working with kids. These challenges and growth are priceless and are so exciting.
[Heart of the Father provides scholarships and sponsorship for children and young people, supports youth work in their project areas by helping to fund youth workers and teachers. They also provide short-term missions opportunities to teams from the UK who go and work with Filipino their partner organisations, Gawad Kalinga and Puso Ng Ama. (Gawad Kalinga means, ‘to give care’ in Tagalog; Puso Ng Ama is ‘Heart of the Father’, Philippines)]
Written by Rob Clare (with thanks to Heart of the Father)
