Southeast Asia Journey: Philippines, Thailand, and Back to Hawaii

As I sit here in Kona reflecting on the past two months, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey we’ve been on together. Yes, *we* — because none of this adventure would have been possible without your prayers, support, and encouragement.

It’s been a few weeks since I returned from outreach in the Philippines and Thailand, and I’m excited to share all that God has been doing.

The Philippines: Six Weeks of Ministry

Our journey began with six incredible weeks in the Philippines:

Naga City (4 weeks)
During our first month, we poured ourselves into:
– Hospital ministry, praying with patients and bringing comfort
– Children’s ministries filled with games and Bible stories
– Food distribution to communities in need
– Speaking opportunities at a local college

Manila (2 weeks)
From Naga, we moved to the capital city where we:
– Led prayer walks through different neighborhoods
– Continued food distribution to communities in need
– Connected with children through engaging ministry programs
– Participated in small groups, sharing testimonies and encouragement

The disciples traveled from village to village sharing the good news, and thousands of years later, we’re doing the same thing!

Thailand: Four Weeks in Chiang Mai

After the Philippines, we spent four meaningful weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand:
– Our main ministry was serving at Connie’s Home, an orphanage housing Thai children preparing for international adoption
– We helped run youth services at a local church, connecting with Thai teenagers
– Every day brought new relationships and opportunities to show Jesus’ love

There’s something beautiful about crossing language and cultural barriers to find connection. Whether playing games with children at Connie’s Home or worshipping alongside Thai youth, we witnessed how God’s love transcends all boundaries.

Growing Others While Growing Myself

This outreach was different for me. Having completed my own DTS previously, this time I stepped into a staff role with YWAM. The focus shifted from my own growth to empowering our DTS students to discover their gifts as missionaries.

As I walked alongside these amazing individuals through the hospitals of Naga, streets of Manila, and the orphanage in Chiang Mai, I was reminded of how others once invested in me — creating a ripple effect of discipleship that continues outward.

Jesus spent three years pouring into twelve ordinary people, and those twelve went on to change the world. I’m just grateful to play a small part in our students’ journeys.

Back to Kona: Exciting Ministry Ahead

Now I’m back serving with Holoholo Ministries here in Hawaii with some exciting opportunities:
– Serving at local high schools by preparing meals for students
– Helping with youth groups for high school kids
– Preparing to run kids camps this summer

## Island Hopping Ministry & Your Support

As I commit to continuing as a full-time missionary, I’m hoping to raise funds for inter-island ministry opportunities:
– Traveling to Oahu and Molokai to work with youth
– Working with children who have incarcerated parents in Maui
– Helping run a youth event in Molokai

Your monthly support — whether $25, $50, or $100 — creates the foundation that makes these ministries possible. Each donation directly impacts the lives of young people across Hawaii’s islands who need to experience God’s love.

I’m asking for your prayers as I:
– Continue mentoring young missionaries here in Kona
– Help develop these new initiatives across the islands
– Prepare for these upcoming ministry opportunities

I’m deeply grateful for each one of you. To my home church, thank you for being my spiritual family. To my parents and brother, thank you for supporting this calling even when it means being apart. To friends who’ve sent encouraging messages and faithful prayers—you’ve been with me in spirit every step of the way.

Our only agenda is to show people what Jesus looks like, and you’re making that possible through your support.

I look forward to connecting with many of you in person to share more stories. Until then, please drop me a message — I’d love to hear how I can be praying for you too.

God bless,

Katie 

*Ways to Connect and Support:*
If you would like to donate then you can use the link at https://holoholoministries.churchcenter.com/giving/to/project-2031 or contact me for other ways to give (katie@holoholoministries.com)