By Cindy Warren

A family steps off an airplane and is greeted by the Bowers family (Keith, Carrie, Jason, and Lucas), General Baptist Bible College president Joyce Porcadilla, and many other sweet, welcoming faces.  Who are these new arrivals?  Aren’t they General Baptist missionaries to the tropical island of Saipan?  Not anymore?  The Warren’s mission trip has turned into two destinations instead of one.

The Philippine countryside

My husband Phil and I are now living in Davao City, Philippines, along with our two youngest sons, Oliver and Harley.  There are a few things we have to to adjust to here.  The money system is different than on Saipan, and the language is sometimes a barrier.  I exchanged my first US currency for Philippine pisos at the information desk at the mall!  Other major differences are the congested traffic, the many open air markets, and the fact that some of the mall include grocery stores.

Our two youngest sons are now attending a Christian school with the Bowers’ sons just four blocks from our home called Faith Academy International.  They have a great school and they enjoy being close enough to walk over to shoot hoops and play on the new soccer field with the other students.

We have been trying to build relationships with our pastors here in the Philippines.  So far we have visited the Matigsalug Bible Institute and the General Baptist Bible College and met with the staff, have attended a baby dedication, attended a Sunday morning service at First General Baptist of Davao City, and attended both the Pastor’s Conference and the 360 Conference.

The Warrens are now serving General Baptist work in the Philippine islands.  We pray that they will adjust seamlessly to this new assignment, and facilitate General Baptist work there in a way that allows us to do together what cannot be done alone.