Building Hope, Moving Faith Forward in the Philippines
Help the Mercado Family Build a Multipurpose Ministry Center and Purchase a Church Van
For more than 13 years, the Mercado family has faithfully served as missionaries in Bustos, Bulacan, Philippines, sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ with their community. What began as a calling to reach others for Christ has grown into a thriving ministry that is changing lives, strengthening families, discipling young believers, and raising up future pastors.
Through children's feeding programs, Bible studies, youth outreach, school ministries, and leadership training, the Mercados have witnessed God's faithfulness time and time again. Young people who once participated in their outreach programs are now serving alongside them in ministry. Five pastors have been raised up through their youth camps and leadership training, and in 2024, they established a daughter church.
God has been faithful, and the ministry continues to grow. But with that growth have come two very real needs.
A Place to Gather, Grow, and Serve.
Through the generosity of faithful supporters, the Mercados were previously able to purchase land for their growing ministry. That property has already been used for children's feeding programs, Vacation Bible School, youth fellowship, leadership training, and church activities.
Now, their existing church building is nearing capacity, and they are praying for the resources to construct a 40-by-80-foot multipurpose ministry center on the land they already own.
This building would provide much-needed space for larger worship gatherings, children's programs, youth activities, leadership development, and community outreach.
It is more than a construction project. It is an opportunity to create a place where children can learn about Jesus, families can find fellowship, young believers can grow in their faith, and future pastors can be equipped to carry the Gospel into surrounding villages.
A Van to Reach More People
Transportation is another growing challenge for this ministry.
Currently, the Mercados rely on motorcycles to meet their transportation needs. As their outreach continues to expand, motorcycles are no longer sufficient to transport children participating in feeding programs or assist with the many activities of the church.
A church van would allow them to safely and more effectively transport children, support outreach efforts, and bring people together for ministry activities.
Something as simple as reliable transportation can open the door for more children and families to be reached.
A Vision Beyond Today
The Mercados are not simply looking to meet their immediate needs. They are prayerfully looking toward the future.
By 2030, their goal is to send out three additional pastors, establish churches in surrounding villages, and continue sharing the Gospel with those who have yet to hear it.
The multipurpose center and church van are practical resources that can help make this vision possible.
How You Can Help
We are inviting friends, families, churches, and fellow believers to prayerfully consider partnering with the Mercado family in this next chapter of their ministry.
Your financial gift, regardless of size, will help move them closer to purchasing a church van and constructing the multipurpose center. Every contribution is an investment in opportunities to serve children, strengthen families, disciple believers, and share the hope found in Jesus Christ. If you are unable to give financially, we would be equally grateful for your prayers and for sharing this fundraiser with others who may feel led to help.
The land has been purchased. The ministry is growing. The vision is clear. Now, we have an opportunity to help provide the resources needed for what comes next.
Thank you for considering being part of what God is doing through the Mercado family and Cornerstone Baptist Church in the Philippines.
Together, we can help move this ministry forward — one gift, one prayer, and one life at a time.
To God be the glory!
