Known as the “Durian City” of the South, Davao City, world’s largest metropolis in terms of land area, is the dominant, most livable and vibrant city of Southern Mindanao, Philippines. Measuring 244,000 hectares, this city of 1.2 million people is divided into 3 congressional districts, 11 political districts, and 180 barangays.

Approximately 7.8 times the size of Cebu and 3 times that of the entire Metro Manila, Davao prides itself as home of the Waling-waling, the queen of orchids; Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak; Durian, the king of all fruits; and the majestic Philippine Eagle, Philippines' national bird.

From islands to highlands, Davao enjoys mild pleasant tropical climate with no pronounced dry or wet season, and is practically free from typhoon. With the old airport recently giving way to the New Davao International Airport, Davao City now conducts both domestic and international flights which are “International Class” in standard and with new high-tech facilities. Known also as the convention and shopping capital of this side of the Archipelago, Davao City has now become the ‘hub and gateway’ of Mindanao.

In 1993, a Singaporean pastor received a vision from God to become a missionary and plant a church in a city alien to him. Armed with this passion for the lost, he and his family, wife Christine and 3 years old daughter, Ena packed their bags and left the comfort of their home and country to come to Davao City – a city at times dreaded even by local tourists simply because it is a part of the war-plagued island of Mindanao. This city though is strategically located in the naturally rich southern part of the Philippines islands. The pastor who received the vision was none other than Rev. Peter Wee, now the senior pastor of Evangel Family Church, Davao and Regional Director of JECPP Davao region.

With God’s favor upon them, the first ever EFC-Davao church service began in its first location at Matina, along McArthur Highway on August 8, 1993 with eight adults and five children in attendance. In 1995, it had already 40 regular members excluding children.

Today, Evangel Davao is a vibrant, thriving city church averaging an attendance of 110 on its regular Sunday services. The church also offers a separate Filipino afternoon service in its present building located along San Pedro Street.

   
                                     Sunday Service at Evangel Family Church, Davao City

In the past 10 years, this city church has become the base to 51 other outstation churches scattered on the northern, southern and western stretches of Davao region. High in JECPP Davao’s focus of concern are the tribal works in the hinterlands of Davao and the high slopes of Mascarig in Compostela Valley province. Despite its humble beginnings and the difficulties in reaching these tribal villages, God has opened up many doors of ministry among the “Matisalug” and “Mansaka” natives.

On April 21-23 2004, Evangel Davao will be conducting its first ever “Medical Mission Outreach” to at least two tribal villages where Evangel Family Churches have already been established. The Lord has graciously provided two volunteer doctors, two dentists and many registered nurses to help us bring in the long-awaited professional medical care to these tribal communities.

Apart from giving them free medical care during the day-time, evangelistic meetings will be the highlights for the nights that will be spent in the villages. We are praying that the Lord will not only bring physical but spiritual healing to the villages, especially those who have not experience a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are ever grateful to the Lord for the vital prayers and support of Evangel Family Church, Singapore and all Evangelites for their contributions to the missions work in the Philippines. That really serve to strengthen us to believe that the Lord of the Harvest will continue to grant His favor upon our ministries as we press on in building His kingdom here in southern Mindanao.