Matt and Ellie Heywood News September 2025

We’re excited to share what we’ve been up to since arriving here in the Philippines. We’re currently based in Antipolo, just outside Metro Manila. It’s been an incredible start to this new chapter of our journey!

Travel

We're grateful for your prayers—our journey went smoothly! We flew from Birmingham to Dubai, then on to Manila, and of course, enjoyed our traditional (and well-deserved) McDonald's stop in Dubai. We arrived in the Philippines on Sunday evening at 5 PM, with all our luggage intact.

City Gates Church

This month, we had the opportunity to speak at City Gates Church in Antipolo, just outside Metro Manila—also home to City Gates School. We were invited to share our testimony and journey of moving to the Philippines, as well as how we sensed God’s calling. We also spoke on the topic of Peace, as part of the church’s current series on the Fruits of the Spirit. It was a powerful time of connection and encouragement, and we’re grateful for the warm welcome and the chance to share what God has been doing!

City Gates Academy 20th Birthday

City Gates Academy is a school for children aged 3–12, serving less fortunate communities and following the UK curriculum. This past Saturday, we joined a joyful celebration marking 20 years of God’s faithfulness in education. The event brought together former students, current families, and staff—a beautiful testament to the impact this school continues to have!

Next Steps: Heading to Coron

Our next step is a 12-hour boat ride to Coron, bringing all our luggage with us. We’re currently preparing in Manila to gather everything we need since Coron has limited resources. We’re excited and looking forward to settling into life on the island!

Prayer Requests

Please pray for our upcoming journey to Coron. With so many typhoons lately, we’re asking for good weather for safe travel and no delays. Thank you for your prayers and support!