A team from Nanaimo Church of the Nazarene in Canada recently traveled to the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) in Taytay, Rizal, for a short-term mission focused on service, partnership, and community engagement. During their stay on campus, the team invested time and effort in restoring and improving the historic Wooten Chapel, a significant space for worship and formation at the seminary.
Working alongside APNTS staff, students, and local maintenance personnel, the team contributed to various aspects of the chapel’s renovation. The project was not simply about upgrading a building—it became a shared effort that brought together people from different cultures with a common purpose. Seminary students and staff joined in the work, creating an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.
While progress on the chapel was visible, some of the most meaningful outcomes were less tangible. Strong relationships were formed throughout the project, particularly between the visiting team and the campus maintenance staff. Hours of working side by side created space for conversation, laughter, and trust—connections that many participants described as the most impactful part of the experience.
In addition to their work on campus, the team engaged in worship with International Christian Fellowship (ICF) and Antipolo First Church on multiple occasions. They also extended their ministry into the nearby community of Rowena’s and in the remote Kiborosa community. There, they engaged with local families and children through outreach activities, spending time building relationships and offering encouragement. Their presence brought energy and care to the community, especially among the children, where simple interactions made a lasting impression.
Team members noted that the experience offered a deeper understanding of both service and cultural exchange. The hospitality of the Filipino people, combined with the opportunity to serve in both practical and relational ways, left a strong impact on the group.
By the end of their time at APNTS, the team had contributed to the ongoing restoration of Wooten Chapel and participated in meaningful ministry both on and off campus. Just as importantly, they built relationships that reflect the spirit of partnership central to global missions.
The visit from Nanaimo Church stands as a reminder that effective ministry often happens through shared work, genuine connection, and a willingness to serve wherever there is need.
