Manila, Philippines: Amid the rainy season from 26 July to 2 August 2026, 29 young leaders and believers from across the Asia-Pacific Region gathered in Manila with open and willing hearts for The Cause – ARROWS mission immersion. Organized by Nazarene Missions Mobilization, this was the first time the ARROWS mission immersion was held. Coming from Fiji, Myanmar, Australia, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, United States, and Brazil, the delegates experienced the beauty of multi-ethnic Christian fellowship and incarnational ministry as God worked in deeply personal and transformative ways throughout the week.
The initiative draws from the image of God’s people as His “arrows,” held in His hand, stretched in His bow, and sent to the places where He desires them to be. In ancient cultures, arrows were an extended representation of the warrior. For the delegates, the image served as a reminder that God is the Archer who never misses His shots, has perfect aim, and sets meaningful, true targets for each person, while empowering them to reach those purposes.
As members of the Church of the Nazarene family, the ARROWS delegates celebrated the truth that God’s prevenient grace goes before His people into every corner of the earth, inviting them to participate in the Missio Dei, the active mission of God already unfolding in cities and rural communities. In the vibrant urban landscape of Manila, delegates and facilitators walked side by side, commuting by local tricycles and jeepneys while intentionally engaging with other religious communities, including Buddhists in Chinatown and Muslims in Quiapo.
Seasoned leaders took time to listen humbly, while delegates learned to release their worries and receive the grace of the present moment. Throughout the immersion, they were reminded that the Master lovingly shapes each “arrow” in His quiver and sends them wherever He chooses, whether into their local neighborhoods or across international borders.
The experience became a reminder that the journey of holiness is not about striving in human strength, but about living in holy availability and surrender to the Spirit. Across the Asia-Pacific region, ARROWS delegates, including a young woman from South Korea navigating a challenging season of transition and leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia, found their hearts renewed through simple and meaningful fellowship. Through sunshine and rain, this diverse family experienced how God is already at work in every culture and community, inviting His people to join Him.
The final gathering became a powerful encounter with the presence of God. As participants were invited to respond to God’s call to be His arrows, the front of the room quickly filled with young people surrendering themselves afresh to Jesus and His mission. Tears, heartfelt prayers, and worship filled the gathering, accompanied by a tangible sense of God’s presence. The group was so deeply immersed in the moment that they had to be lovingly asked to leave when another group needed the room. It was a holy moment that reminded everyone that God continues to sanctify, call, and send laborers into His harvest.
Through The Cause missions movement, the ARROWS immersion emphasized that the ultimate purpose of spiritual growth is to be sent out as compassionate light into a hurting world. The testimonies of the delegates offered a vivid picture of God as the mighty warrior who carefully selects arrows from His quiver, places them on His bow, and releases them into the world to bring spiritual healing and lasting hope to local communities.
For those who may feel weary or are facing challenging seasons in ministry, the testimonies from ARROWS offered a simple reminder: today is a gift, and God’s grace is sufficient for the present moment. Christian discipleship is not about having everything figured out, but about fixing one’s eyes on Jesus, surrendering personal expectations, and stepping beyond familiar spaces into the adventure of cross-cultural mission. As the delegates reflected on yielding their daily lives, studies, and workplaces to God, they discovered how His sanctifying grace can replace fear with genuine joy.
“God has a mission: WE ARE HIS MISSION. And he is calling his people to play a part in growing His Kingdom. We are his arrows, and he is shooting us out into the nations!” – Rachel, Australia New Zealand Field –
“ARROWS changed the way I see myself and my calling. I learned that being an “arrow” means being prepared, shaped, and sent wherever God wants us to go. It challenged me to grow in faith, character, leadership, and a willingness to serve others. I also realized that missions is not only about going to another country, but about being available to God wherever I am.” – Willy, Sealands Field
The ARROWS experience ultimately invited the delegates to move forward as one family in Christ, allowing their lives to become channels of God’s redeeming and compassionate love wherever He places them. For those considering joining The Cause missions movement, the invitation remains clear: do not be afraid to take the step, surrender fully to God, and allow Him to send you as an arrow to help transform hearts and communities into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.
By Maria Mendoza
