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We, Aaron Collins, LMFT, and my wife, Emy Marie Collins, count it a joy and calling to host mission trips that bring the hope of Jesus to young people and communities in the Philippines. In partnership with ACTS Ministries Inc., founded by Bishop Pepito Aspiras and his wife Emelyn Aspiras, the body of Christ from Hawai‘i, and other local churches in the Philippines, we serve through outreach, discipleship, and community ministry. Together, we are passionate about equipping and sending missionaries who will impact the nations for Christ.
Aaron has a long history of mission work. In 2001, he traveled to Australia to complete a YWAM Discipleship Training School, spending six months in discipleship, outreach, and service. Since then, he has ministered in Hawaii, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, the Philippines, and among the Navajo Nation. Aaron and Marie led teams from Hawai‘i to the Philippines in 2020 and 2025, experiences that strengthened their calling to build bridges between cultures through the gospel. At home in Hawai‘i, Aaron and Emy Marie have continued to host ministry teams in their home, welcoming groups from YWAM, Christafari, and other ministries—creating a space of worship, prayer, and equipping for those serving the Lord.
These trips are about more than traveling overseas—they are about the body of Christ working together. We love creating opportunities for believers of all backgrounds to use their God-given gifts. Whether in mental health, teaching, music, counseling, sports, or other areas, each person has something valuable to offer. Together, we the church, encourage and disciple the next generation to be an instrument in building the kingdom of God, and watch God transform lives.
Our prayer is that these trips become a time where you not only serve others but also grow deeper in your own walk with Christ, discover new boldness in your faith, and form lifelong friendships as we partner in what God is doing in the Philippines. Individuals and church leaders are warmly invited to reach out to us and prayerfully consider joining us on this journey.
In addition to leading mission teams, Aaron Collins, LMFT, uses his business and educational platform to integrate faith-based mental health and relationship-building psychoeducation into ministry in the Philippines. He has led seminars for parents, young adults, pastors, ministry leaders, and community members on topics such as Safe Space, In The Light, Nonviolent Communication, and Relationship Strengthening using Gottman principles. These sessions help participants learn to bridge the gap between generations, improve listening skills, and practice reflective communication.
Because many Filipinos do not traditionally view self-care and mental health positively, Aaron is passionate about bringing practical, Christ-centered tools that strengthen empathy, validation, and emotional well-being while always pointing people back to Jesus for ultimate security and salvation. In partnership with ACTS Ministries, mission trip participants are also given the opportunity to share these tools through seminars, workshops, and church services—equipping families, leaders, and communities with both spiritual and practical resources.
We are currently preparing teams of 10–15 participants for our next trips in 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. We will be inviting and looking for participants for future trips ongoing.
Teams will be assembled at least 6 months before departure to begin missionary leadership training.
Trips are typically scheduled around spring, summer, fall, or winter breaks to accommodate families with children, but they can also be customized at other times of the year when teams are available to travel together.
While trip structures remain consistent, each team’s ministry is customized to highlight the unique talents and gifts of participants.
The primary ministry demographic is youth and young adults, sports ministry, music ministry and friendship evangelism.
We are especially looking for worship leaders, singers and instrumentalists to join our teams for worship evangelism, discipleship and ministry.
People with teaching and professional training experience are highly valuable.
Anyone with a passion for Jesus, a desire to be used by God.
If you are a videographer, interested in documenting ministry experiences and/or the history of Bishop Pepito Aspiras, we would love to have you on one of our teams.
We will pray for discernment as we assemble each team, seeking one heart and one mind for sharing Jesus. If you are sensing God’s leading, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can serve the next generation, strengthen the church, and grow as Christ’s witnesses.
📧 missions@akuafamilytherapy.net
Preparation is essential to unity and impact. Each team will meet for about 10 training sessions prior to departure, with a minimum of 8 required. Training includes:
Prayer together for discernment and wisdom
Sharing and practicing testimonies
Learning and fine-tuning outreach concerts and events
Fellowship potlucks
Worship and devotionals led by group members
Building trust and reliance within the team
Estimated trip cost: $2,000–$3,000 per participant
(includes airfare, lodging, most meals, local transport, ministry supplies, team shirt, and training materials)
Not included: Travel insurance, vaccinations, souvenirs, personal spending, passport fees
Each participant (or their family, church, or group) is responsible to pay or raise their own support. We will provide fundraising ideas, but Aaron and Emy will not organize group fundraisers.
This is provided as an example; future trips will follow a similar flow with adjustments for each team’s unique gifts.
Day 1–2: Travel to the Philippines, arrival in La Union, orientation, and rest.
Day 3: Sports outreach and evening youth rally (games, worship, testimonies).
Day 4: Morning small-group discipleship, afternoon community outreach (skits, hula, giveaways).
Day 5: Police ministry visit and dawn prayer option, evening youth concert.
Day 6: Teaching workshops (music lessons, Bible study), young adult ministry.
Day 7: Final youth rally with testimonies and preaching.
Day 8: Church service participation, fellowship meal, leadership debrief.
Day 9–10: Travel to Manila, debrief, sightseeing.
Day 11–12: Departure for home.
For those interested in extending their trip, a 3-night add-on to Palawan is available after ministry concludes.
Budget: ~$500 per person (flights, lodging, tours, meals)
Activities: El Nido island hopping, Underground River tour, fellowship & rest
“Before this trip, I had never shared my testimony publicly. God gave me boldness, and I saw how my story encouraged others. It changed my faith.”
“The youth in the Philippines were so open and hungry for the gospel. Our small group conversations were powerful and life-changing.”
“Serving as a family brought us closer together. Watching my kids lead a skit and share their faith was one of the highlights of my life.”
“The training meetings prepared us not only for ministry overseas but also deepened our relationships at home. We became like family before the trip even began.”
“This trip gave me a new vision of what it means to be part of the body of Christ. Everyone’s gifts mattered, and we learned to lean on each other.”
“The people we met showed such joy and hospitality. I came to bless them, but I left feeling more blessed than I ever imagined.”
