Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Warm Christian greetings!

Apo Island, a small volcanic island in the Philippines, is situated 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of Dumaguete. Known for its stunning marine life and as a popular dive site, it is also home to a community of about 1,000 people who have long awaited the life-transforming message of the gospel.

In 1999, I had the privilege of serving as a missionary on Apo Island under the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission. For several years, mission teams continued the work, but for over two decades, outreach efforts were paused. In 2024, God reopened the door for His work. Through the efforts of a dedicated team of teachers from the Adventist Academy of Negros-Siquijor, 18 precious souls gave their lives to Christ during an evangelistic series. Praise God!

The Mission Continues

The people of Apo Island still need to hear more of Jesus' good news. With prayerful hearts, we are organizing a mission trip evangelistic camp meeting from June 1-8, 2025.

We are blessed to have Pastor Jeter Canoy, missionary pastor and associate director of SSD, as our evangelistic speaker. Additionally, a Canadian dentist and her family, along with two nurses from Chicago, will join us to provide medical and dental services. This mission will focus on nurturing new believers, expanding the outreach, and providing much-needed care for the community.

Our Immediate Needs

To ensure the success of this mission, we urgently need:

A Church Building – A dedicated space for the growing congregation to worship and fellowship.

A Motorized Banca (Pump Boat) – Essential for transporting missionaries, supplies, and new believers, and serving as an emergency medical transport for the island’s communities.

How You Can Help

This mission trip marks our seventh journey to Apo Island. Through God’s grace and your partnership, much has already been accomplished—churches built, medical and dental services provided, and lives transformed by the gospel.

We are raising $9,000 to cover critical expenses, including:

Meals for the week-long evangelistic camp meeting.

Bibles for new believers.

Support for Bible workers, youth, and volunteers.

Medical and dental missions for the island's poor.

The purchase of a motorized banca for ministry and emergency services.

The purchase of a lot and construction of a church building as a vital place for worship and fellowship.

Make an Impact with Your Gift

Your support can make a profound difference:

$20 provides a Bible for a new believer.

$50 supports a cottage meeting or care group.

$100 sponsors a Bible worker or youth volunteer.

$1,000 funds a free medical and dental mission.

Larger contributions will help secure a lot and build a church, providing a permanent worship space for the community.

How to Give

All donations are tax-deductible, and receipts will be provided. Please make checks payable to Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission and mail them to:

15213 N. 143rd Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85379

Kindly send your contributions by May 20, 2025, so we can deliver them to the mission office in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines.

Pray With Us

We earnestly seek your prayers as we prepare to share God’s love with the people of Apo Island. Your partnership in this mission is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your support. As a token of our appreciation, contributors will receive a plaque of gratitude after the mission trip.

I leave you with the promise from Luke 6:38 (AMP):

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you in return.”

As one author so beautifully wrote:

“Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause; I am weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask: Are you weary of receiving from God’s benevolent hand? Not until He ceases to bless you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He claims.” (Stewardship, p. 78)

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous support. May God richly bless you as we work together to spread His love and message to the people of Apo Island.

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Edgar G. Lopez

Mission Trip Director

Bible Worker – Arizona Conference of SDA