Matt and Ellie Heywood News February 2026

Welcome to our February newsletter! This week, we took a walk up Mount Tapyas, climbing the 721-step concrete staircase. From the top, we enjoyed the sweeping panoramic views of Coron Town and the nearby islands—truly a breathtaking sight.

This visit was especially significant because it marked exactly one year since we last climbed Mt. Tapyas during our short-term mission trip in February 2025. We clearly remember returning home from that trip sensing God’s call to Coron. Standing there again brought back so many memories of that season of prayer, discernment, and the leap of faith that led us to move to the Philippines.

It’s amazing how revisiting a familiar place can remind us of God’s faithfulness and the journey He has led us on since saying “yes” to His call.

Youth Café – Monopoly Boys

Every Thursday at our Youth Café, Matt meets with a group of boys to play Monopoly. It’s a time he genuinely looks forward to each week. As the game unfolds, so do the conversations — about school, home life, and of course, who’s winning and has the most Monopoly money.

They’re a bubbly, creative group who come straight from school for food, board games, and a short devotion. School can be challenging for them, and at times they feel unsupported. But at Youth Café, they have space to relax, be themselves, and build friendships.

It’s only been four weeks, but Matt already loves spending this time with them every Thursday. He’s grateful for the laughter they share and is praying for even deeper, more meaningful connections in the weeks ahead.

Raising Money for our Bike

Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated towards our moped. Having this will make such a difference for us, making it much easier to get around the island as we meet with people, visit students, and explore the community.

If you feel led to give towards our moped, please click the button below. We’re so grateful for your generosity and support—it truly helps us in our day-to-day ministry.

Prayer Requests

• Please keep us and our team in your prayers as we prepare to begin Youth Alpha. We’re thankful for the strong connections we’ve been building with the young people and are encouraged by the openness we’re seeing.
• Please pray specifically for the right venue to host Youth Alpha and for the young people who will attend—that their hearts would be open, that meaningful conversations would take place, and that they would encounter God in a real and personal way.