In October, David and Maria Cross and their children, returned to the Philippines to visit vulnerable communities they had once lived and worked in. Eight years ago, they served in Manila with a Christian mission agency called Servants, focusing on church planting and community development alongside local leaders.

Maria and I worked in Manila with a Christian mission agency called Servants. Our life was immersed in vulnerable urban communities, working with local leaders to grow a small church plant and support initiatives toward positive outcomes for them and their community.

Our boys were both born in the Philippines, so we were keen to reconnect them with their birthplace and introduce them to the community that shaped us. However, the COVID pandemic curtailed our plans. But, when many of our friends were affected by the massive flooding across Metro Manila in July, we decided to make it happen.

Most of our friends live in the Letre community in the flood-prone city of Malabon. They worked with us on several community initiatives such as solar power in homes, plastic reduction, health advocacy and disaster resiliency training. They are long-term residents who arrived in the early 90s when the area was little more than a swamp. Now, over 40,000 people live there run businesses, buy and sell food, clothing and so much else.

We’ve learned a tremendous amount from them about generosity, simplicity and resilience.

They have shown great tenacity through floods, fires and sickness and sacrificed so their children might have opportunities they never had. Their children have been able to graduate from high school and university-level courses thanks to the efforts of their parents. Now, they, in turn, can improve the condition of the family home and build upon the foundation their parents have made.

It was a happy time being with them again. We celebrated their success in raising healthy children while also being aware that life’s precarious and can change quickly.  

We also visited leaders of a network of local churches which Servants has closely worked with. These leaders in Pajo in Project 8, faithfully lead their congregations while also being actively involved in supporting their local community.

Many of these leaders sprung to action during the July floods. They told stories of how they activated others to evacuate people trapped in houses when the waters rose. Now, they hope to train teams of helpers and purchase materials in preparation for next year’s wet season.

Others continue to promote the plastic-free initiatives we worked on 12 years ago. They see a link between the flooding and the plastic that blocks up the waterways running through their community and want to prevent future flooding.

Our trip was a reminder of the resilience, generosity, and community spirit we’ve encountered in the vibrant but vulnerable communities of Manila. We are grateful to Overseas Mission Tikanga Pakeha for a partial contribution towards the cost of this trip and to our friends who continue to inspire us through their unwavering commitment to the church and their community.

 David and Maria are members of St Tom’s in Newtown, members of Urban Vision in Berhampore and David is the Communications Manager for Anglican Movement.