08/10/2025
📣 MINISTRY UPDATE: A Legacy Renewed in Mindoro 🇵🇭
By: Alvin R. Fernandez
October 2025
In mid-September 2025, I had the honor of accompanying my son, AJ, on a 12-day mission trip to the Mangyan communities in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.
This journey served both as a reaffirmation of the legacy established by my late father through ERF Christian Ministries and as the beginning of a new vision being carried forward by the next generation.
Through their ministry, Bangon Coffee, AJ and his wife, Megan, seek to initiate a sustainable livelihood program that integrates community-based coffee farming with long-term ministry support
🔍 AJ’s Mission:
AJ’s main goal during this trip was to visit the Mangyan tribal communities in the mountains of Mindoro, particularly to meet Pastor Biro and visit CWC-TinisAn, one of the five churches originally established by ERF Christian Ministries.
It was a profound moment to witness the continuing fruit of a legacy planted years ago, still thriving in faith and service today.
But this trip was not just about remembering the past; it was also about building the future.
🌱 A Vision for Sustainable Ministry:
AJ’s ministry vision is to help provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to the Mangyan people through coffee farming.
His plan involves equipping Pastor Biro and the tribal communities with training and support to grow and harvest high-quality coffee. Eventually, a coffee processing facility will be developed on ERF Christian Ministries’ farmland.
This facility will support the long-term operations of all five churches, especially CWC-Batuhan and CWC-Tubigan, allowing the community to process and sell coffee through a fair-trade model, with AJ committing to buy directly from them at a fair and ethical price.
The income generated will not only improve the lives of the farmers but will also help sustain the operations of the five churches for years to come, ensuring that the gospel ministry continues in both word and deed.
🙏 God’s Protection and Favor:
Prior to our travel, we were informed of heightened military activity in the area due to a recent encounter between the Philippine Army and the NPA. The region had been placed under red alert.
In response, we sought the Lord in prayer. Our family and prayer partners back home joined us in asking God to make a way. Specifically, that we would be able to reach CWC-TinisAn and meet Pastor Biro.
By His grace, doors opened. The Barangay of San Vicente and the Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army granted us travel clearance.
We made the journey safely, enabling us to meet with Pastor Biro and his community without incident. We were warmly welcomed by the Mangyan church community - an unforgettable moment where God’s faithfulness was so clearly evident.
🤝 Partnerships & Gratitude:
Throughout the trip, we were blessed to meet and collaborate with several key individuals whose help was vital to the mission:
• Paul (Sinag Coffee)
• Marilou (LGU Mansalay / LaSersita)
• Zu (MinSU)
• Cyril (Arbiter Coffee)
We are also deeply thankful for the support of:
• My sister, Celia, for her encouragement and presence
• Pastora Belle, CWC-Batuhan
• Pastor Biro, CWC-Tinisan
• Pastor Jerry, CWC-Tubigan
• Barangay officials & the Philippine Army, for their support and cooperation
• Congregation members, for their warm welcome, prayers, and presence
☕️ Pastor Rene and Rheabel, leaders of the Mangyan communities in Barangay Lisap, are already harvesting coffee. However, they would greatly benefit from training in coffee quality and harvesting timing to increase both quality and profit.
With proper support and education, communities like theirs can achieve better returns - integrating economic empowerment with spiritual ministry, helping churches become more self-sustaining and deeply rooted in the larger Christian community.
👨👩👧👦 Family Connections:
On a personal note, I was thankful to reconnect with my sisters, brother-in-law, godmother, niece, and nephews, and to share time with high school classmates, cousins, aunts, and uncle.
I also had the unexpected opportunity to meet the 2nd District Congressman of Mindoro, which may open doors for future ministry and community development.
🚀 A Legacy Renewed:
What began as a return to where our family’s ministry started has become a launchpad for new growth.
The legacy my father began through ERF Christian Ministries is now being expanded by AJ, blending mission and marketplace to bless the Mangyan people in a fresh, tangible way.
We return home grateful, hopeful, and filled with expectation for what God will do next.
“The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:24
https://erfchristianministries.org
https://www.bangoncoffee.com
