Returning to Cebu: A Mission That Continues to Shape My Heart

Every time I return to Cebu, it feels like coming home.

As the Founder and Chairperson of the Holy Spirit Choir and Street Ministry (HSCASM), I have been visiting our Cebu outreach for years. Yet no matter how many times I come back, each visit moves me in a new and profound way. The faces may grow, the children may get taller, and new programs may begin — but the spirit of hope remains constant.

This recent visit was especially meaningful because my husband Stephen joined me, along with our dear friends Vincent and Diana from Singapore. I have spoken to them many times about the mission in Cebu, but witnessing it firsthand is something entirely different.

Sharing the Heart of the Mission

Watching Vincent and Diana meet our youth from the slum communities—sitting with them, hearing their stories, and serving alongside our volunteers—was profoundly moving. Moments like these remind me that HSCASM is far more than an outreach initiative; it is a living community shaped by prayer, compassion, and steadfast commitment.

We were also blessed to have Dan Hewitt and Irene Er‑Smith from Catholic Charismatic Renewal Australia spend time with us during this visit. Dan travelled to Talisay to reach out to families affected by Typhoon Tino, while both he and Irene met with our HSCASM members, their families, and their children—offering encouragement, solidarity, and heartfelt support to the ministry.

When friends witness the ministry, they also witness God’s faithfulness through the years.

Reaching Out to Typhoon Tino–Affected Families

Instead of holding our regular feeding program during this visit, we went to the Typhoon Tino–affected areas in Talisay to personally distribute food to families impacted by the storm.

Walking through the community and seeing the effects of the typhoon firsthand was sobering. Yet even in the midst of hardship, we encountered resilience, gratitude, and faith.

As we handed out food packs, I looked into the eyes of mothers, fathers, and children who have endured so much. A simple act of giving became something sacred — a reminder that they are not forgotten.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food…” — Matthew 25:35

In moments like these, Scripture becomes real. Compassion becomes action.

A New Beginning: Livelihood Through Bag Making

One of the most joyful moments of this visit was witnessing the start of our livelihood program for street families, beginning with bag-making training.

For years, we have walked with these families — praying with them, supporting them through crises, and helping educate their children. Now, to see them take steps toward learning practical skills and building sustainable income fills my heart with gratitude.

This livelihood program is about dignity. It is about empowerment. It is about hope becoming practical.

Watching the families learn new skills reminded me that transformation takes time — and faithfulness.

Prayer in Our Hands: Ongoing Rosary Making

Another beautiful part of the Cebu outreach is the ongoing Rosary-making initiative, which continues to support our HSCASM Scholars.

These hand-made Rosaries are more than devotional items — they are prayers lovingly crafted with purpose. Through this meaningful initiative, families are able to participate in dignified work, and the funds raised directly provide allowance and school supplies for our scholars.

Each Rosary symbolizes prayer, sacrifice, and hope — a powerful reminder that faith and education walk hand in hand. It is truly inspiring to see how something so simple can help nurture brighter futures for our young people.

Reuniting with the HSCASM Scholars

Meeting again with our HSCASM Scholars is always one of the highlights of my visits. Some of them I have known since they were very young. Now, they speak confidently about their studies, their goals, and their dreams.

Education is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty. When I hear them share their aspirations, I am reminded why we continue this mission.

Their perseverance inspires me deeply.

A Ministry Built on Faithful Presence

Cebu has taught me that mission is not about grand gestures. It is about returning. It is about staying. It is about loving consistently.

Each visit strengthens my own faith. I leave Cebu not feeling that I have given something away, but feeling that I have received far more — renewed faith, deeper humility, and a clearer understanding of God’s heart for the poor.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

A Prayer of Gratitude

Lord, thank You for the families of Cebu. Thank you to every volunteer, scholar, supporter, and friend who says “yes” to this mission. Continue to guide HSCASM as we serve with love, humility, and faithfulness. May every act of service, every skill learned, every Rosary made, and every child educated bring glory to You. Amen.

Join Us in the Mission

The work of HSCASM in Cebu continues — through disaster response, livelihood initiatives, Rosary making, and educational support for scholars.

If you would like to partner with us in prayer, volunteering, or support, we warmly invite you to be part of this growing mission of hope.

Together, we continue to serve.

Together, we continue to trust.

Together, we continue to give glory to God.