Hearts United in Service: Hinsdale Adventist Academy’s Mission Trip to the Philippines
- Illinois Conference Communications
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 6
Matthew Lucio with AI
ILC Assistant to the President for Communication
From March 22 to April 2, a group of more than 30 students and chaperones from Hinsdale Adventist Academy (HAA), Hinsdale Fil-Am Church, and the greater Chicagoland area, embarked on a life-changing mission trip to Bacolod, Philippines. Rooted in the school’s mission to develop students into Christ-centered leaders, the trip provided a unique opportunity for service, growth, and global connection. The group was led by Leni Bullon and chaperoned by Pastors Nestor Soriano (Hinsdale Fil-Am), Ira Bartolome (Downers Grove), and Sam Indreiu (Burbank District).
A MISSION WITH PURPOSE
“At HAA, our mission is to guide students to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership,” said Principal Judie Rosa. “Mission trips are a powerful way to cultivate these values. They challenge students to step outside their comfort zones, serve others selflessly, and learn more about God's children and diverse cultures.” Rosa emphasized how experiences like these not only support community development abroad but also spark personal transformation in students’ faith journeys.
CONSTRUCTION AND CONVICTION
The mission focused on three key areas: completing a prayer garden on the campus of the Adventist Academy of Bacolod (AAB), conducting a four-day Vacation Bible School (VBS), and participating in evangelistic outreach.
The prayer garden, a space created for reflection and spiritual renewal, now stands as a lasting reminder of the team’s labor of love.
Pastor Bartolome, his wife Daisie, and Jelani Jackson led in the VBS program, which drew nearly 300 children.
Pastors Nestor and Indreiu baptized 169 people in the prayer garden after a preaching an evangelistic series in the Academy gym. Elder Jophone Galanza, president of Negros Occidental Conference, served as Pastor Nestor's translator.
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CONNECTION
For student participant Gloria Jimenez, the trip was deeply personal. “I always wanted to be part of a mission trip because my parents were missionaries. I knew it would be unforgettable—and it was,” she shared. Working on the prayer garden and leading out in VBS allowed her to form meaningful connections with peers in Bacolod. “We got to teach kids about Jesus and made a lot of new friends who believed the same things we did. That’s something I wouldn’t have been able to find anywhere else.”
Gloria fondly recalls the warmth of the welcoming ceremony: “Everyone came up to talk to us, and from that moment on, we found ways to hang out, play games, and exchange stories about our lives. Those are memories I’ll always treasure.”
The group also brought 220 pounds of food to children at an orphanage. "We hadn't originally planned to go there," said Leni Bullon, the group leader. We "played with the children, sang, laughed, prayed, and reminded them that God loves them and has a beautiful purpose for each of their lives. Our students and chaperones were moved to tears. We felt certain that God had led us there." As members of the group began to leave, a girl at the orphanage hugged them tight, "This is the first time I've seen angels here," she said.
A BROADER KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE
Pastor Bartolome noted that while some may question the value of mission work in predominantly Christian countries, the experience revealed a more nuanced need. “From the VBS to orphanage visits to conversations with church leaders about reaching growing Muslim communities, the trip showed that strategic mission efforts can deepen the work already being done. Mission trips like these portray an irresistible, loving God.”
He added that such experiences help church members grow in discipleship and gain a clearer view of the global church. “They are tangible ways to grow spiritually and broaden our perspective of Kingdom work. My prayer is that these trips spark revivals that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”
WHY IT MATTERS
When asked why others should participate in mission trips, both Bartolome and Jimenez echoed a shared truth: they are heart-transforming. “Mission trips help us become more comfortable talking to others, serving others, and understanding that we are all part of one big family,” said Gloria. “It’s the best feeling to go serve God’s people and share His Word with them.”
Pastor Nestor added that mission trips are a natural result of experiencing the gospel. "Mission trips afford us the opportunity to practice the disciplines of sharing Jesus and what it means to be a Christian."
Principal Rosa agrees: “We’ll continue to offer these opportunities because they allow our students to live out their faith in action. These are experiences that shape not only communities abroad but the hearts and minds of our students for a lifetime.”
Updated on May 6: Added more details and a quote from Leni Bullon
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.
