A long line of eager patients waited on the porch of the little clinic as the sun slowly sank into the ocean. The doctors, nurses and dentists who had been serving them all day took a moment to pull headlamps from their bags before continuing to treat the native Mangyan patients. Many of the patients had been waiting all day for care, and as long as there were people in need, the team refused to stop.

For the past two weeks, I have been guiding a medical mission trip from AFM Europe. Our medical and dental teams have provided essential care in remote villages where healthcare is scarce. A construction crew worked tirelessly alongside native church leaders to build a church in a village where Mangyan leaders had planted a new congregation, and a children’s team brought joy through daily programs filled with songs, stories and activities.

This year marks the second time this group has come, and their impact has been profound. Villages once resistant to the Adventist message are now welcoming Mangyan missionaries with open arms. The Mangyan people still face deep-rooted prejudice—tragically, even from fellow Adventists in the lowlands. But through the kindness and respect shown by these visiting Adventists from across the world, the Mangyan have been reminded that they are not alone. They have brothers and sisters in faith who see them as equals before God.

It is true that short-term mission trips may cause more harm than good. Many times they leave people with a taste of joy, only to be plunged back into despair. Other times they are used in what may appear to be an attempt to buy baptisms. However, at AFM, we are committed to integrating such short-term trips with full-time workers who can ensure that the sacrifices and loving service of visiting Adventist brothers and sisters will truly result in lasting growth and health for God’s children.

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