Over the past decade, we’ve traveled to the Philippines more than a dozen times. In that time, we’ve seen countless men and women surrender to Jesus and step into the purpose He has for their lives. These small island communities are rich with talent and passion, especially in action sports, and the hunger for hope and truth is real. Once you're there, it's not hard to see why for so long we've felt the call to establish a Ride Nature headquarters in the Philippines—something that would not only serve the islands but also extend throughout greater Southeast Asia.
This trip was especially meaningful for me personally—it was my first time on the islands, and my first time meeting our friend and long-time ministry partner, Joshua Nerez. Until this trip, Josh and I had only spoken over the phone. I’d heard countless stories of how he and his wife have sacrificially served their community in Davao City through skate outreach and discipleship. Their faithfulness has been an inspiration to many, us included. It was clear that, if God allowed us to establish a headquarters in the Philippines, Josh would be a key part of that vision. As only God can do, He’s begun to make that vision a reality.
Late last year, through a totally unexpected connection, we were gifted a home and property near the coast—just outside of Manila. Free and clear.
After months of prayer, paperwork, and preparation, I joined my coworker Michael Johnston and three others to travel to the site and officially get eyes on it. When we arrived, we were surprised and encouraged by what we saw. While we’re still seeking the Lord for clarity on exactly how the property will be used, we now have:
- The foundations for a place to host and equip others.
- NGO status in the country.
- A growing sense of God's hand guiding every step.
This will the beginnings of a place of refuge, equipping, and sending—a launching pad for the Gospel to go out into the nations.
While in the Philippines, we traveled to Tagaytay to meet a local pastor who had reached out and connected with us, about his heart to reach the youth in his community through action sports.
If you are familiar with Ride Nature, you will know that something very near to our hearts is our emphasis on generosity and a deep desire to equip people with the necessary resources they may be lacking. For that reason, when we arrived in Tagaytay, we went to the local skate park to get a lay of the land. Our desire was to host a pop-up contest later that evening and share the Gospel with the local youth to provide a tangible model of what skate ministry could look like for the pastor. As only the Lord can do, He cultivated a rad turnout that evening. A sense of community and friendships were quickly forged, and while not all of the kids were believers, they were open-minded and hungry for truth.
One moment in particular stands out—a young man named James told us he didn’t believe God could love him because “his past was so messed up.” That conversation opened the door to share the radical grace of the Gospel. We got to speak life over him, and remind him that God’s love isn’t based on where we’ve been, but who He is.
It was a clear reminder: our passions, when surrendered to Jesus, become powerful tools for His Kingdom.
Only final aspect of this trip regarding the Lords soverignty was in the way He orchestrated us to be in exactly the right place at just the right time. We received a phone call from a long-time friend in humanitarian and anti-trafficking ministry. They were landing in the in country for a sting operation to rescue young girls from potential trafficking, but due to last-minute logistics, had no transportation. They didn’t know where we were staying—but as God would have it, we were only 10 minutes from the airport. Without hesitation, we adjusted our plans, picked them up not long after sunrise, and drove three hours north to where the mission would unfold.
That day, by God’s grace, six young girls were rescued and brought into freedom. Lives were changed forever. Praise Jesus!
We are committed to leveraging whatever God gives us toward the reality that Jesus would be made much of. We’ve talked, prayed, and dreamed for years about this. And now, we’re beginning to see the first fruit of what could one day become a fully-functioning hub for ministry and discipleship in Southeast Asia.
We don’t know exactly how it will all unfold. But we do know this:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” — Luke 10:2
Whether we get to be part of that harvest or simply sow the seeds for those who come after us, we are confident in this: in God’s perfect timing, the harvest will come.
How You Can Join Us
Would you join us in prayer?
- For vision, provision, and clarity as we pursue our next steps in Southeast Asia.
- For faithful brothers and sisters across the globe, laboring to eradicate injustice and share the Good News.
- For the victims of trafficking and exploitation, that they would find freedom, healing, and eternal hope in Christ.
Thank you for walking with us. For praying with us. And for believing that Jesus is worthy of it all.
