Overseas Mission Trips

Andrew McCready - Philippines 2009

 

How did you get involved or interested in missionary work?

I got involved and interested in missionary work through my childhood experiences as an MK (Missionary Kid) in Papua New Guinea. I often wondered why my parents, Norman and Angela McCready (NTM missionaries), gave up their security at home to serve in PNG. I wanted to experience missionary work as an adult and see if it was what God would have me do.

How did you come to the decision to go to the Philippines and why did you choose to go for 3 months?

I came to the decision to go to the Philippines because I knew a missionary there and because there was a summit team going out in the summer and I wanted to join up with them.
I was on my gap year and worked the first nine months to save for the trip hence my stay for only 3 months.

What were your feelings before you went?

I felt feelings of nervousness and excitement before my trip over to the Philippines. 

How did you feel when you got there?

I was glad to get there safely after the long journey and happy to see Noel Stevenson waiting for me at the airport amidst the swarm of people thronging around the place.

How was life different for you there compared to home?

My living accommodation was very basic. It was very hot and humid and I found it hard to sleep under the mosquito net. It was a noisy place as it was in the middle of a densely populated squatter area. Some people spoke English but most spoke Tagalog (tribal language) so there was a language barrier.

Was there anything you really missed?

Driving.

What did you enjoy most?

I enjoyed the whole experience of living in the city and then on a remote island. Too many enjoyable experiences to just name one.

What did you enjoy the least?

Working in the heat. Helping with maintenance

Did you pick up any of the language?

Kamusta ka? (Hello, how are you?)! I learnt very little Tagalog as it is the 7th hardest written language in the world.

How do people react to God’s word there?

Like Northern Ireland there are people who respond positively and others who respond   negatively but in general there is an openness to God’s word and people are interested in spiritual things.

How was your spiritual life during your time there?

As I had a lot of time on my own I was able to spend time studying God's word which was a real boost to my spiritual life and strengthened my relationship with God.

Do you think this experience has changed you in any way?

Yes,I learnt a lot about myself and the world around me.

What does it feel like to be home? Do you look at home/ Northern Ireland any            differently now because of the differences in the two countries/cultures?

It feels as if I never left! I am more grateful for the many blessings we have here.

You made a big decision about your future when you where there, what was it and how did you come to this decision?

Yes, my BIG decision is to go on to train as a missionary myself! I came to this decision whenever I prayed a prayer of availability (prayed this verse -Isaiah 6v8), a prayer offering myself to do anything God would call me to do. Whenever I prayed that prayer, I felt God calling me to service. I now have a burden/desire to see unreached people; REACHED with the Gospel

 

 

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