Happy New Year!
I mean that sincerely. Across 12 Asian countries following the lunar calendar, New Year festivities take place in February, March, and even April—often with vibrant fireworks and joyful gatherings. Time truly is flying as we move quickly through the first quarter of 2026. I’m excited to share highlights from recent celebrations.
A Golden Anniversary
The Philippine Pentecostal Holiness Church recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the theme: “Arise, Go Forth, Conquer.” As the day concluded in worship, something beautiful happened—many came forward expressing their joy through spontaneous dancing. I saw people who had experienced miraculous healings over the past years, along with others simply overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s faithfulness.
It felt like a glimpse of heaven—people from every nation worshiping before the throne—and YES, I joined in.
25 Years of Faithfulness in Baguio City
Life in Jesus Church celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the theme “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness, Committing to the Harvest.” One of the most powerful aspects of their testimony is their unwavering commitment to world missions over the past 25 years. This March, Marlene Soriano’s message “Blessed to Be a Blessing to the Nations” called for renewal of Faith Commitment Pledges. She testified of God’s faithfulness, enabling her to meet her monthly faith commitments throughout those years.
As my administrative assistant, she has had a front-row seat to witness God’s work—from Bangladesh to Cambodia, and now into Sri Lanka. These nations face significant challenges, yet through partnership and faithfulness, God continues to draw people to Himself.
Celebrations at Myanmar Refugee Learning Centre (MRLC)
Since 2008, Life Harvest Assembly in Kuala Lumper, Malaysia has hosted this centre meeting the educational needs of Myanmar refugee children—displaced by the civil war. People to People is blessed to partner with them in this endeavor through the child sponsorship program. Recently, three students passed their GED exams, an internationally recognized academic milestone. Their success reflects determination, dedicated teachers, and God’s sustaining grace through many challenges, including language barriers and displacement.
Our Next Celebration: Easter!
Wherever we find ourselves on Easter Sunday, April 5, may we allow the Holy Spirit to deepen our understanding of what we celebrate. Beyond His death & resurrection, Jesus has entrusted us with a profound mandate: “Jesus died to create a new people—the ecclesia—who treasure His glory above all else. The church is the only entity God has entrusted with both the capability and the responsibility of displaying and declaring His glory to the world. There is no other plan. We, the Body of Christ, are very important in fulfilling the Great Commission. No one else will.” Excerpt from Marlene’s mission’s message.
The Invitation Never Changes!
Each day, we are invited to participate in the incredible mission of sharing our faith—through going, sending, praying, and living with expectation of His return! Thank you for your continued support. I’m so grateful to serve with you.
- Debra Crook
