Missions

TCA also welcomes missionaries (both short and long term) and mission teams to witness how God is at work in Tagaytay. We are currently partnered with Family Chapel in Los Angeles, California. Here is a testimony from Sion Hwang, who has now been to Tagaytay five times from 2023 to 2026. This story is specifically from 2024, when Sion was here in December to help with TCA’s Hope Bringer Christmas event and Vacation Bible School for the outreach children.

Cheska—yes, that was her name.

Now, what drove me absolutely nuts about Cheska was her undying… perseverance. You see, Cheska would not stop hugging me and using me as a rock-climbing wall and stretching my arms (and, might I say, patience) left and right during every Vacation Bible School (VBS) session. As a matter of fact, I told her multiple times with escalating sternness in my voice: “No more. No more. Hey, I said no more.” But clever Cheska countered my tenacity with an even greater resolve, mimicking every desperate plea with the most devious smile on her face: “No more. No more.” Absolutely dumbfounded, I grew to mildly—for a lack of better terms—despise Cheska. 

Uh-oh. I felt my fight-or-flight response kicking in each time I saw her sneaking up with that big grin of hers. Anyone could sense it from a mile away—she had locked in on her sole prey and was preparing an all-out ambush. My mind raced: hmm… maybe I’ll pretend to be busy preparing some crafts. Or, let me try giving attention to other kids instead.

But these strategies proved futile, for Cheska was one persistent child. I even personally escorted her to Mary to pester her instead, but in a minute or two, I found this boomerang of a girl returning to my side. For goodness’ sake, what is wrong with you, Cheska?

And thus unraveled our mini game of hide-and-seek, which would go so far to reveal the hidden frustrations and bitterness I’ve been harboring in my heart.

After the second day of VBS, Jesus brought a particular photo to my attention as I scrolled through the day’s album.

Yes, the one with the most beautiful, pure smile—that would be Cheska. Examining this picture, I chuckled to myself, surprised that something as simple as a day of VBS could bring so much joy to this girl. Oh, this one. Yeah, she was SO annoying today.

I caught myself smiling to her own, and the Holy Spirit began to melt me from within.

How could I? No, how dare I?

God had given me this irreplaceable opportunity to come all the way to Tagaytay to deliver the Good News and love of Jesus… Yet, all I did was get irritated at this precious child!

I foiled it!

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought: and what of my life, if Christ had rejected me as such?

But alas, my dear Savior did not break this bruised reed; when I could do absolutely nothing—and I absolutely mean nothing—in my depravity to get to Him, He instead came running with an even greater joy than Cheska’s. And even greater still, His love is just undeniable.

Truth is, the past few months have been extremely difficult for me due to various circumstances. I was swamped with daily responsibilities and undergoing big life changes. It was in the middle of this storm that God had brought me to Tagaytay. Frankly, I wondered for the first week of the trip: what on earth am I doing here?

Still, our faithful Creator intentionally used Cheska’s determination to restore the reality of the Good News in my own life.

First, He healed the bitterness in my heart, as I wept in both lamentation over my suffering and repentance for my narrow-mindedness. Second, He renewed in me a sense of Gospel urgency: if Christ had given it His all to save us from our sin, would I not dare to do the same and run to the ends of the earth? That children like Cheska could experience and get to know His love?

I dedicated that evening: I'm going to do all it takes on the last day of VBS to make sure that Cheska and all the other children would, without a doubt, know that they're loved by our Father in Heaven. This time, it’ll be me who’s annoying!

Hide-and-seek turned into tag.

So thank you, Cheska, for your love for me. And thank You, Jesus, for revealing Your even greater love for me through this child. As such, I will recommit to do the same for those around me.

Leaving this time around was extremely difficult, and my heart still hurts to this day. I don’t know what the hardest part was. Was it the look of disappointment on the kids’ faces when I told them I was going soon? Or the titas (aunties) constantly joking, “Shawn will be back next week.” Perhaps, the tears that Ate Nancy and Ma’am Jimelyn shed as they prayed over me and thanked me for my presence? Or saying goodbye to Jam and Joshua, who I consider as my brothers? All of it was quite challenging. 

But as I treasured these things in my heart and pondered upon them, God ultimately used it to amplify my heart for missions.

Lord, I know it doesn’t have to be me. But why not me?

Lord, I must go. I just can’t stay.

I’m absolutely amazed by the Gospel,

and absolutely broken for the nations.

You’ve sparked a holy discontentment in my heart;

would You help me to go in faith and joy?

I know that I have not what it takes, that I am weak and foolish.

But I know also that You are more powerful than any other.

Lord, we both know I’ve never wanted anything more desperately.

I just can’t stay. I must go.

Please soften the hearts of those near me, that I may go with confidence and full support.

Here I am, send me.