News & Stories

Our Historical Journey

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:25:32 GMT

FROM RUGS INTO RICHES

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 01:49:52 GMT

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come". -2 Corinthians 5:17-

This young man has a simple life in their jungle community. He is content with his life by eating whatever he finds or buys just to live. Due to deep curiosity and poverty, he is convinced to join the infamous group. The influencer has such a serious verbal power that many of them, most of them teens, become interested in the things that they may do within the group. Each of them has their own high-tech arms, which even made their interest grow more.

This young man named Ben [to conceal his identify] has lived in the bush for almost 4 years, experiencing and discovering the true nature of this group. Even with his tiny frame, it is surprising that he can carry a pack filled with items that could weigh up to 30 kilograms all day long. Sometimes they don't eat and walk for hours on an empty stomach in order to get where they're going. He was exhausted spiritually, psychologically, and physically.

Before God intervened and called Ben, Ben's life was full with difficulties. He received the awful news that his father had passed away from a severe illness when he was at their camp. Since that time, he had a strong desire to depart to their base and say goodbye to his father. Before they buried his father, he was desperate to see him. He was given permission to go as planned, and he began his nearly two-day journey in the middle of the dense jungle.

As he arrived in their community, he rushed to see his father. Though the pain is heavy and his heart is broken, he holds back his tears and never lets anyone know his pain. He was a man that never wanted others to see him weak. He wanted to prove that he was brave enough to defend his life, even the lives of his family. But something was aching inside him, and he needed someone to listen so he could possibly release the burden inside him.

He initiated a discussion about letting God into his heart and beginning to live the way the community was taught by SULAD teachers. He also joined the village's morning and evening worship services. Sulad missionaries had been assisting Ben in establishing his new life up to that time. Knowing who God is, what he can accomplish, and what he can provide has revolutionized his life. His miserable and precarious life as a prisoner in the woods is transformed into a fulfilling one.

He made the decision to stay out of the bush once more and start over with his remaining family members. In order to formally surrender, he also made contact with the Philippine Army. He is currently a devoted servant of God and one of our trusted men during our term.

We are not certain how God calls a sheep from the darkness but surely, the outcome of it is life converted from filthy to pure.

THE Q & A PRAYER

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:20:42 GMT

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We had our SULADS evangelistic effort last April 24 to May 1, 2021 as part of the SULADS Caravan – a simultaneous preaching in all mission schools around Mindanao. Part of our nightly program was a question-and-answer portion and everybody was so excited to answer, not only because of the prizes they will receive, but because they know the answers as they listened attentively every night. Their excitement was so interesting. During the easy round, hands flew in the air, it seemed that everyone knew the answer! When I threw the hard questions, they found it difficult to answer and many were just guessing the answer for quite some time. The guessing and cluelessness ended when one young boy, our pupil, came on the stage and correctly said the answer. I just thought that someone had coached him so I asked him right away, “Who taught you that correct answer?” To our surprise, the young boy answered while still holding the microphone, making his answer so audible to everybody, "I prayed hard sir that God would give me the right answer." I was touched by this young boy who learned how to pray to our Omniscient God. Right at that moment, with him on the microphone, it gave a strong message to all that God is the only answer and the Source of all wisdom.

As the evangelistic effort came to a close, a call for baptism was done. 27 souls made a lifetime commitment to accept Jesus as their Saviour. 27 was indeed a blessing, but a 28th person came over – the little boy! I was shocked yet inspired with the faith of this young lad. He became the 67th soul to be baptized from the whole village this term.

GOD REALLY DESIRES THAT ALL MAY BE SAVED AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH, AND THAT INCLUDES THE ENTIRE VILLAGE OF LANGILAN. AMEN!

FROM WAR TO WORSHIP

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:16:03 GMT

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"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” - Isaiah 52:7

On December 1, 2020 we reached the mountain of Manggabon, Sabangaan, Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon – a village of a Higaonon tribe, a pioneering work of the SULADS during the pandemic. The community leaders of this area personally requested our church leaders to have SULADS in their community. The inhabitants called themselves "Alimaong" (Tribal defense forces). They lived in bunkers, typically used in wartime. The village people plant sweet potatoes, sibujing (a variant of spring onion), abaca, cassava, and lanot (Corypha palm fiber bristles). The Manggabon people hunt in the forest for other means of survival. They still observed "Panagulambong hu Pagpakilala-kilaha daw Pagpadawat-dawata" or memorial customary laws that offers an animal through blood shedding ritual to their ancestors and spirits of the mountains, water, forest, stones, and air, of whom they believe are responsible for their protection.

People from neighboring villages may look at them with contempt and label them as rebels, kidnappers, and outlaws. However, never a tint of this image marred my perception of them as a loving and happy people residing in a peaceful place, blessed with the beauty of nature.

As SULADS volunteers, my partner and I desired to connect or mingle with them despite all their labels. We do recreational activities with them. When they plant, we plant with them. When we have the privilege to cut hairs, we cut their hairs. When we have the opportunity to massage their tired bodies, we massage. When they are sick, it is our joy to visit their home and pray with them. We were inspired with Mrs. White's statement: "In almost every community there are large numbers who do not listen to the preaching of God’s word or attend any religious service. If they are reached by the gospel, it must be carried to their homes. Often the relief of their PHYSICAL NEEDS is the ONLY AVENUE by which they can be approached." – Ministry of Healing, page 144.

I have learned that they also acknowledge God as Supreme in Heaven and Earth beneath, the One who blesses men. They know Him as "Magbabaya". But with all their general knowledge about God, they were ignorant of the God who created the universe, the God who saves. Yet there were some who were longing for greater light. That gave us a privilege to have worship program early in the morning and evening. Though the wind was freezing cold, they managed to make bonfire for warmth. Young and old gathered. The dim surroundings could not cover the light of God's word; the whistling wind could not prevent the message of hope to their attentive ears, of what our loving God would like them to know. They were happy to share their reflections, full of praises to the great I AM.

Bae Mimin, the tribal Datu Manliyaban's wife once told me in private: "I think you were the ones chose by Magbabaya to lead us to worship the real God. I am so thankful to you both. I hope you will still lead more to the knowledge of the True God and many more who will be opened to the truth. Now I realized that no matter how sinful I am, God is still calling me to come to Him, not to the spirits." Our hearts were warmed. Not only that, she further added, “Sir, I want to join you worship on the Sabbath day.”

I praise God for His working in her heart. And I will even praise Him more!

The life of every volunteer is one of uphill, toil, hardship, and danger. Pioneering work wasn't easy but I have no reason to complain for this privilege. There are more blessings and miracles than the hardship, even the miracle of a changed life.

May His Name be lifted up. God bless.

Bullied Blondies

dwc@horizonproducts.org (Horizon Products) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:08:25 GMT

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These Badjao children at BT, Tawi-Tawi were often bullied, thus, they were not-so-welcomed at school. But they are desirous to learn, too! Our mastals assigned in the area conducted a Branch Sabbath School for them. They taught them songs, memory gems, and stories such as Noah, spoken in the local dialect.

"You would notice these kids were very sincere when we said, Let's pray. All of them would immediately close their eyes and open their hands for prayer. Our heart swelled with gratitude sharing God's goodness to innocent people," testifies one volunteer teacher.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3

I WILL ALSO GO TO HEAVEN!

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:04:41 GMT

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On our way to Nasuokan-Langilan Mission School for a gift giving program, I met a grandmother carrying her Liyang – a basket made of wild bamboo, and it was full of stocks of food. She stopped beside us while we were resting for a while. We asked her where did she come from and in response, she told us that she was from Natampod and helped the missionaries carry their things to Nasuokan, a 7-10-hour trail. My wife asked her if she ate for lunch already and she said no. We shared our trail food with her. While she was eating, she asked my wife in Manobo language, “Huntaw sikan ka mo duma now?” (Who are your new companion?) My wife said Pastor Pitogo, our SULADS President, was with us together with some of our visitors who wanted to visit our mission school. To our surprise, she asked, “Ka pastor nog baotismo?” (Is this the pastor who can baptize?) My wife and I said yes. She later asked to be baptized if it is ok. “I’m longing for baptism! My little grandson, a grade 2 pupil studying in the mission school, told me that he wants me to be baptized because he wants me to be in heaven also. I want to go to heaven that’s why we follow our maestro, a missionary teacher, during worship time. We will worship Jesus with our maestro because they will go to heaven also.

Friday, we arrived at the mission school. The next day, Sabbath morning, we approached Pastor Pitogo regarding the request of a grandmother for her baptism. Pastor Pitogo instructed us to let her come to the front of the brethren before divine service. After lesson study, Pastor Pitogo gave the announcement for those who wanted to be baptized to please come in front. Though we only expected one candidate, the grandmother, we were amazed when 14 persons came in front to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. They were instructed that the baptism will be on Sunday early morning on the river, on our way going home.

Early Sunday morning, we left the village and went down to the river for baptism. Towards the end of the baptismal service, Pastor Pitogo and Pastor Base already went out of the water to pray for them. Just when they were about to pray, we heard the speedy running feet of 2 persons. “Is it okay if we will be baptized also, Pastor? We also wanted to go to heaven and meet Jesus with our maestro!” So instead of 14 baptized souls, the two pastors went back to the water to baptize the additional 2. One soul turned into 16 – what joy in heaven that must be!

Let us continue to pray for our missionaries as they nurture the new church members in our mountain mission schools.

The Bird Limokon

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 06:53:05 GMT

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The bird Limokon is a kind of bird that chirps and sings in the forest and we, the lumads or Indigenous People, believe it as sacred in our culture. It serves as an omen bird. While traversing in the forest and the bird hums in front, back, right side or left side, we believe that the bird has something to tell us – either a warning or a good fortune. It was a belief our ancestors taught us until our generation. According to them, if the limokon chirps on the left, it means you will be successful in what you are planning to do. For hunters, it means a good catch. On the opposite, if the bird chirps on the right, you will not be successful in your endeavor. If the sound comes from the back, a danger is following you from behind. If it chirps in front, you will face a problem right ahead of you.

It was a sunny day and I rode our carabao (water buffalo) on my way to the forest to gather wood posts for my house. The limokon bird hummed in front, and since I do not know what it meant as I am an Adventist believing that Jesus is my Protector, I continued my journey. I prayed to God for deliverance from danger that lies ahead before entering the forest. I trusted Him and claimed His promises. Again, the limokon bird hummed and I prayed again, and until the third time it hummed but I have faith that God will protect me. Reaching the forest, I prayed again before I cut down the trees to build my house. Little did I know, there was a ‘magahat’ or tribal war going on. A certain tribe will kill anyone who happens to pass by with or without fault, to ease their anger with someone who did them wrong.

When the warriors saw me in the woods, they raised their arms aiming a shot at me while I bowed my head to pray. A great miracle happened, the gun did not fire! They aimed to shoot at me countless times and still, the gun did not fire. These people went home and have done no harm to me. The news of a man who cannot be killed while bowing his head beside a carabao spread in the nearby villages and they greatly feared because they had faith in spirits and gods who give amulets. Little did they know that my God is far stronger and mightier than all these amulets. His saving acts goes beyond the warnings of a limokon bird for He ever lives to protect His children!

This experience happened in Langilan – a 12-hour forest walk from the municipality of San Fernando. The Manobo Matag-Langilan is one of the bravest in terms of tribal war bloodshed in the Philippines. I am currently serving at SULADS Deaf Literacy Center as Farm Manager for almost 5 years now. I praise God that He saved me. He snatched me from the hands of death.

SULADS IN THE CITY

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 06:47:23 GMT

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I, Jemil Ray M. Santuyo, and my partner Jayson Lundoban are currently assigned in Purok Cabanlasan, Brgy. Salapawan, Paquibato District, Davao City as SULADS Missionaries. This is my first time to join SULADS and my partner Jayson for his third time.

After one week of being deployed in our area, the pioneering work of SULADS encountered issues; some of the Baganies (Tribal Soldiers) spread rumors that we are members of NPA (New People’s Army). To clear our names, we scheduled time to visit the house of Datu (Tribal Chieftain) to talk about the issues. Upon arriving with the two Church elders, we were surprised that there were a lot of people, there were barangay counselors and Datu’s. After we prayed, we talked about the issue and by God’s grace, it had been clear to them that we are not NPAs. They told us that our requirements were lacking, we need to process some of our papers in the city for us continue our mission. I questioned God why do we need to go in the city and process everything. I was hesitant to go in the city because of the crisis we are facing. But amidst pandemic, we arrived in Davao Mission and immediately processed the requirements with Pastor Punay, the SULADS Coordinator in Davao Mission.

One of the requirements was to visit the head of NCIP Davao City (National Comission of Indigenous People) and the head of DepEd (Department of Education) in the division. The head of NCIP was admitted in the hospital at that time and we needed to go there to talk about the requirements that we were trying to comply. Without the certificate from NCIP, we can’t continue our stay at Purok Cabanlasan.

His wife welcomed us and instead of talking about the requirements, she immediately thanked us of our presence. She was waiting for a long time for a Pastor to pray for her husband because he is in a critical condition. They spent huge amount of money already in the hospital. She told us that she knows a lot about Seventh-day Adventist. Every summer, she is a subscriber of our literature as she buys them from Student Literature Evangelists of Mountain View College. She shared her problems and we, in response, gave encouragement and a few Bible verses. After an hour of sharing about her personal life, Pastor Punay prayed for her husband and they cried and thanked us. We can see in her eyes how blessed she was, how her problematic eyes turned to eyes full of joy and faith in God.

Our next appointment was in the Department of Education. Instead of going to the head of DepEd, we went first to the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Coordinator and shared our concern in Purok Cabanlasan. Surprisingly, after talking about the process, he shared to us his personal life. He told us that he had been a member of many churches, but one church that he liked most, especially when it comes to the doctrines, is the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “Everything is found and based in the Bible,” he said upon appreciating our doctrines. Pastor Punay offered a prayer for him and I noticed that at the middle of the prayer, he almost cried. The same with the wife of the NCIP head, his eyes turned into eyes full of joy and faith in God. Then I realized that God brought us in the city for a great purpose – to visit the unreached rich. Those people needed listening ears. They needed someone to comfort them and pray for them.

When God will use you, He will really use you anytime and anywhere for His glory and great cause. I remember the story of Paul and Silas, when they were put into prison. They never murmured to God, but instead they were praying and singing hymns for Him. During midnight there was a great earthquake and the doors were opened and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer was awakened and saw what happened, he drew his sword and ready to kill himself but Paul cried with a loud voice “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Then the jailer called for lights and tremble before Paul and Silas and ask them “Sir, what must I do to be saved?” And they reply to the jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved”. And he shared Jesus to his family. Together, they believed in Jesus Christ and were baptized (Acts 16: 25- 34). According to Acts 16:34, he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

God will use us the way He used Paul and Silas if we allow God to move and fight for us.

A Student's Prayer

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 06:40:17 GMT

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"Train up a child in the way they should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

In my three months in the Island of Tah-Tah, by the help of God I had started to teach the Muslim pupils about prayer. I asked them “How important is prayer?" Somebody told me that it is a way of talking to God, the Creator of the whole universe. Another responded, "Inday sir" (I don’t know, sir). So I shared to them how important prayer is.

One of the fundamental articles of Muslim is Salah/Salat which means five times daily prayer. In our discussion, I explained it to them carefully and prayerfully in order them to know what prayer is or why we need to pray. As the class ended, l told them that they must practice praying on their own because the Lord will be pleased if we pray heartily. Teaching them on how to pray was not an easy task to do. These children are the shy type and I had to encourage them to pray. I told them that when we pray, it’s like talking to a very close friend, but with respect and awe. Most of them only memorize the Al-fatiha which means the opening, the first surah in the book Qur'an when they pray. It’s a wonderful prayer but I told them that they can also pray from the heart.

Days passed, I appointed one of my pupils to pray. In her prayer she said, "Tuhan namo magsarang sukol ha adlaw ini dihilan mo pa kami dugaing kabuhi. Tuhan ha waktu ini mag tagna na kami ha class namo, murmurahan dihilan mo kami ingat bat kami makahati ha ihindu sin mga mastal namo. Tuhan ayaw man kami pasare iban in mga maas namo, iban sin mga mastal namo, iban ha maas nila malugay na tuud sila way nagkita. Dihili kami ulan bat di na kahunitan atawa mabinsana in mga mastal namo mag kawa tubig. Amen"

(Lord thank for another day that You have extended our lives. We will be starting our class today. Please give us knowledge and understanding to comprehend the lessons that our teacher will be teaching us. Lord, please guide us always. Please don’t leave our parents, teachers, and the parents of our teachers. Lord, give us rain so that our teachers would not suffer in getting water to drink. Amen)

When she finished praying, I can't understand the joy that I felt! I was so amazed and my tears fell on my eyes! I didn't expect that she can pray like she prayed. How sweet to hear that prayer from my pupil!

The joy that I felt was an unpayable experience. How much more the Father which art in heaven, how happy is He is when He hears us praying!

GOD DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 06:30:07 GMT

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Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

Since I graduated from college and got a job, I have been doing outreach programs on my birthdays. This year since I joined the SULADS, I resolved not to do any, thinking that I am already in the ministry whole year round and the budget was tight. But secretly in my heart I prayed that I can do something special for the people.

Surely the Lord grants requests, He sent people to do the outreach programs on my behalf. Two days before my birthday, my sister and her friend visited the mission school, fed the children, and gave out slippers, toothbrushes and some school needs. On the day of my birthday, members from the nearest local church visited the mission school and held a feeding program for the whole community.

God has proven Himself faithful, not just by providing our needs, but even granting the desires of our heart. He even exceeds beyond what we pray for! He remembers His people and keeps them in the hollow of His hands. I serve a living and loving God!

42 SABBATH ✔and 230 DAYS✔

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:03:17 GMT

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"Go out from your land from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you." -Acts 7:3

From the time I graduated, I wanted to be a missionary, it is my divine ambition, a dream that I long to be fulfilled. And God opened a door for me, I am blessed to have opportunities to love and serve the precious children in the verdant mountains (Manobo Dulangan Tribe).��'Sitio Kilogib,Brgy.Midtungok,SNA,Sultan Kudarat'��

Sometimes the journey is difficult. And when your journey seems too hard, and when you run into a chorus of cynics who tell you that you're being foolish to keep believing or that you should just give up, or you should just cry---you might say to yourself a little phrase "I CAN DO THIS! GOD IS WITH ME!��" God knows exactly where we are. It is in the hard process that we become strong. Being a SULADS MISSIONARY is an amazing experience , I saw God's miracle and goodness, I'm so blessed and thankful for the privileges to witness what God can do, when we realize that we cannot do everything that's the time when God will step in and accomplish what we cannot do. Every time you go, you come to realization that while you are going to "Educate them and introduce Jesus to them", you are the one being educate about their culture. You think you're there to serve others but you are the one that receives the blessings.��

Time has gone by so fast. They say time flies when you are having fun. I guess it's true. This has been an incredible year for me. I've learned a lot of things, I've learned to live among them (eat with them, talked with them, played with them and sing with them.) I've experienced the things that I never been experience before. And I become more closer to God.��

Now, I am facing with the bitter sweet ending of our time together my dear students and the villagers of Kilogib. I'm so thankful for all your smiles and hugs especially to my dear students(Kinder and Grade-I). I had the firsthand experience of educating children. Thank you for making me feel that my profession is not just a job, but a passion. I love being a teacher more and more every day. Thank you for opening your hearts and letting us be part of your lives, I'm grateful for all we have shared. Each of you has made a difference for me. I will never forget you. ��

-Love Sulad Teacher April��

Saved by the Blood

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 03:52:56 GMT

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My wife and I were about to go up the mountain after the Holiday Break when we met up with Datu (Chieftain) and his wife, Evelyn. The villagers had to bring Evelyn in a make-shift hammock as she was feeling so weak and dizzy that she could no longer walk. When I turned to look at her, I saw how pale she was with her 5th child who’s only 1 month old by her side. I urged Datu that we have to rush to the hospital. When we got to the hospital in Halapitan, I saw how it seemed that our patient would not be attended to immediately. The Spirit nudged me to go to Valencia Sanitarium to Dr. Tecson.

The labs were done. Dr. Tecson said, “Your patient hemoglobin is 6. (normal range = 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter) She’s almost to die.” Since the hospital was full, we were thankful we got to Malaybalay to admit Evelyn. We had another lab and Evelyn’s hemoglobin went down to a 3. Datu was giving up hope knowing that his wife is close to dying. He told me, “If my wife dies, I will too.” I knew what he meant as in Manobo culture - there is a practice where when a love one dies, the spouse feeling that there would be no meaning to life without that dead love one, so they commit suicide. I offered a silent prayer begging God to spare Evelyn’s life and to please show a miracle.

Two bags of blood were being transfused immediately. But they told me that I have to find 4 blood donor cards as the 2 bags of blood was taken from other patients and needed to be replaced plus she needed 2 more bags to be transfused. There were medical personnel’s who said that the 1 month baby is not allowed in the ward, but we also don’t have money to bottle feed the baby. We’re glad that the patient was kept in outpatient while receiving blood and be able to breastfeed her baby.

Praying that I’d find 4 people with blood donor cards, I traveled to Opis asking in the village if anyone had a card to help this patient. I went door to door, but to no avail. I reached Namnam and asked the Health Center if they could help me. They had a list of blood donors that were in Opis, but no one came to give their cards. So I asked the health center worker if he knew any Adventist in Namnam who I could ask for help. He pointed me to the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

I put on my Literature Evangelist's face and entered the Office introducing myself as a SULADS Volunteer teacher. They asked, “What do you need?” I told them I need 4 Blood Donor Cards to help the Manobo patient who was in Malaybalay Hospital. Suddenly, I had in my hands 4 cards. I praise God! Then, I met my classmate and asked if he had a card to help with this patient. He gave from his wallet his card. On my way to the hospital, I realized I had 5 cards instead of 4 which the hospital asked for. I soon realized why – because Evelyn needed 5 bags of blood total to save her life.

This experience open my eyes to see how blessed we all are to be saved by the blood of Christ. Though this may seem like a little miracle, I know that it’s made a big impact in the village. The villagers said, “If we didn’t have Maestro & Maestra (Teacher), what would have happened?” I reminded them that it’s not the teachers, but God (Magbabayo) who is so willing to save us that which are lost.

Spreading the Special Ministry

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 03:46:58 GMT

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Just last year, I went together with my friends to Iligan City to process his requirements to finish his Education course. We stayed there for three days. As we crossed every street, I saw a Church for the Deaf, so I wonder if there were a lot of Deaf in the city.

One time, when we were having a lunch at the restaurant, I saw two persons talking with each other with sign language. To my amazement, I quickly finished my food and started to communicate with them. At first, they thought that I was a Deaf; and later, I told them the truth that I was a hearing person. They could not believe it, so I introduced myself that I was a SULADS volunteer teacher for the Deaf. I learned that most of the deaf in the city, stayed in one compound where they able to help each other. They called their friends and they introduced me to the others. It gave me an opportunity to reach these people, and I was able to share about Jesus.

That night, I was overwhelmed knowing that I was able to meet those people, but I cannot help feel sad because no one from our church are able to reach them. I realized that we need to spread the special ministry. How can God return quickly if we’re not able to reach those special people? How about the other city? I cried and told all of these things to the Lord.

But God has a wonderful plan. Praise God! Just last December, we had our training program for sign language interpreters. Before we went there, we had our year end program in Cagayan de Oro city, together with the SULADS staff and SULADS high school staff. We praise God for the whole year of His guidance and blessings despite the different trials and challenges we experienced. Together we sang praises to His name and shared different inspiring stories and reports. We had a good time bonding with each other.

After that, we went directly to Iligan City to start the training program. I was so excited to see how God gave us an opportunity to spread His ministry in Iligan City. It was sponsored by NCMC in coordination with Pastor Lacapag.

The youth of Iligan SDA Central Church actively answered the call. Throughout the training days, they were eager to learn more and more. We met also a lady who experienced to be a volunteer missionary in SULADS Deaf School before. She was glad to have reviewed everything she learnt and would continue to encourage and support the program in their church because at this time many of them are willing to learn sign language. As one of the trainers, I was able to share my experiences in meeting those deaf people in their own place and passed the light to them to start the special ministry.

On our graduation and dedication program, all of them were able to perform sign language. They are now equipped and soon the Iligan SDA Central Church will be a church of special people.

Let’s continue to pray that God will continue to bless the program and spread the special ministry to the different places in the Philippines to hasten His soon coming.

BE STILL

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 03:41:02 GMT

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It’s quite a strange feeling having to come back to my own place in the mountains to serve and teach my own Manobo people. After serving several years in SULADS, I thought that I’ve experienced it all. But nothing beats the joy my wife and I experience in helping the wounds of the Manobos, doing blood pressure, and teaching the little ones to read and write now.

We were planning to go down the 8 hour hike down the mountain to join the Fellowship for the weekend. But the 3:00AM the morning of departure, I wasn’t feeling well. I told my wife, and she also said that she was feeling sick. She, then, told me let’s just sleep and see after a few hours. By 5:00AM, we decided not to go as we both were feeling ill. So, I started to cook breakfast.

Suddenly, I heard loud, booming sounds in the mountains in the distant. Everyone in the village was freaking out – screaming, crying, and all were frightened to death wanting to hide. I told my wife, “Relax, people are looking to us as models. Just pray.” There was a little bit of gasoline left to run the SULADS generator, which we used for the evangelistic meetings. So I ran and started the SULADS generator and announced loudly on the speaker, “Calm down everybody! I know it sounds like the gun shots are near, but it’s far. Let’s relax and wait to see what will happen.” It echoed in the mountains as I prayed with them all. After my prayer, there was silence. No crying, no yelling. All were calm as they trusted in the God of Maestro (Teacher).

I thank God for making my wife and I sick for that morning because if we had gone down to the Fellowship, we would have come back to an empty village as all the villagers would have run away and hid. God showed me to “Be Still” just like this song I made:

Be still and know that I am God

Be still my child, be still

Cast all your cares upon Me

Let go of doubts and fears.

Lay all your burdens at my feet

Receive my joy, in peace you live

Be strong my child, I AM with you

Be still my child, be still.

(Chords: D-A7-D-G)

From Nothing to Something

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 03:34:39 GMT

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No words can describe the happiness that we share today as Diday will have her official pinning as student teacher in the College of Education of Southern de Oro Philippines College...

She was my former Grade 1 pupil when i served as a SULADS Para-Teacher in Salvan, Ned, Lake Sebu. She was a very small and timid girl but with sparkling eyes anticipating and ready to learn.

She belonged to the T'boli tribe of South Cotabato, a tribe so rich in colorful tradition and so civilized in living in the mountains...they still use bows and arrows for hunting, rocks to make fire, stone mill, traditional farming, and adhere to ancient laws and traditions and yet they don't have the same opportunity that other people have. Their feeling of inferiority discouraged them to pursue higher education but the SULADS refused not to do something.

She will be the first college graduate from the village and she dreamt of going back to his own people as a missionary teacher for education and salvation of her own people.

She's an orphan who worked hard for her studies since Grade 1, she's been a working student from the beginning not wasting a moment or a single peso to nothing. She didn't live a comfortable life but her untainted love to her love ones and undying faith to God gave her the will to strive hard.

Big thanks to all Sulads Phl missionaries who helped Diday along the way especially to Tatay Jerry Belmonte and family. And to Pastor Porferio Lagunday and Ma'am Glenn Barrientos Lagunday and family for adopting Diday without a second thought when I made the request.

What a journey it has been. ��❤

Am the proudest father here.

Congratulations Diday Lalay Sanang

All glory to God.

Thankfulness

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 03:16:56 GMT

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As my family and I have served in Lambila Mission School the last 3 years, God has never forsaken us. I could say that Lambila although is our mission field – it’s also what Chelluh, my little sister, and I consider our second home. We’ve gotten used to having to translate for our parents sometimes when the T’boli villagers and students could not be understood in their adult ears.

There are times when we lack food. At one time we ate our last sweet potatoes and taro for lunch. But surprisingly, God never has ever left my family go hungry. There would be villagers who would bring corn or upland rice and other foods when we pray and ask God to supply for our daily needs.

One time, I heard that at the basketball court in the plaza, the boys were playing and pushing each other. When suddenly, Henry Gillie, a 6 year old boy fell to the ground. The boys love to horse around, and they did not realize how badly hurt Henry was until he wouldn’t stop crying. His older brother, Rudy, rushed him home. Henry kept crying as he broke his leg.

Our family went over to visit him and saw how swollen and bad his leg looked. He can no longer walk, but his family cannot afford to send him to the hospital as it’s too far. He just keeps on crying with pain. I felt bad for him. They put herbal leaves on his leg to help try to decrease the inflammation. All we could do was pray for him. We also pray for him during our worship time as he no longer comes to school with us and cannot walk anymore. I hope God will work a miracle and heal him some day. I’m just thankful he’s alive.

What I’ve learned as a little missionary is that we have to be thankful to God in bad and good times. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1Thessalonians 5:18

The Boy Who Never Said a Word

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:41:34 GMT

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I wanted the children to learn from me; but I, instead, was learning from them. I always include my students in my prayers because I don’t know what kind of strategies I could use so that they could learn. Some of my students don’t know how to read and count. I would like them not to waste the day away where they have not learned a single thing.

I have a student who makes not a sound ever since I’ve arrived in Kilogib. The struggle is real as I’ve got to teach him in my Kindergarten class, but he never said a single word. I started to pray and let God be in control of everything. Every day, I let my students lead out in prayer. All the students love to raise their hands to lead out in prayer except for Manny. He’s the only one that never raises his hand to volunteer to pray. At one time I tried to convince him and said, “Manny. Come, you pray!” He just stared at me without a word. After 3 months in Kilogib Mission School, there was still no improvement with Manny. I continued to include him in my prayers.

One morning in my personal devotional, I read 1 Samuel 12: 24, “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” I was inspired with those words and claimed that promise for myself and my students. I began my day with a great smile and full of blessings. When I got to school, I asked, “Who would like to lead out in prayer?” I was amazed as Manny raised his hands. So I quickly said, “Come Manny.” With a smile he stood in front of the class and spoke and prayed, “Dear Jesus. Be with us in our class. In Jesus Name. Amen.” I praised him and said, “Let’s give a hand to Manny.” I quickly closed my eyes and said, “Thank you Lord for another answered prayer!”

This experience taught me to trust in the power of God. When we realize that we cannot do everything – that’s the time when God will step in and accomplish what we cannot do. I learned to trust and obey Him and see how God could teach the child to speak.

“Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.” 1 Samuel 12:16 I saw God’s miracle in working in Manny, the boy who never said a word. His parents are extremely happy because he is now speaking to them, and he knows how to recite Bible Memory Verse. I’m so privileged to witness what God can do in a little boy.

Sacrifice a Pleasure

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:36:15 GMT

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Last week I was given an opportunity to go film a young missionary couple with their 1 year old baby assigned in a remote village of Cotabato serving the tiboli tribe.

I asked them if I could do an interview and asked them my usual questions. Usually these missionaries sacrificed a lot, walk for hours or even days just to go to their assignments. There’s a lot struggle like food, water and a very small monthly allowance.

So I asked them “what are the struggles that you guys have here as a missionary” they paused for a long time to think. Then they answered me while smiling “I’m not really sure, we don’t really struggle here because we love what we do”

Their answer hit me! These jungles are filled with mosquitoes, it’s hard to transport proper food here and even harder to for them to be treated when they get sick but for them none of those things are considered a struggle but a delight to do for Jesus!

I realized that the reason why we are struggling and complaining so much is not because the circumstances before us is hard but because we don’t have the love for what we do!

I was reminded of these words:

“...but when as erring, sinful beings we come to Christ, we may find rest in His love...Love springs up in the heart...Every burden is light; for the yoke which Christ imposes is easy. Duty becomes a delight, and sacrifice a pleasure. “CCh 49.3

The work of God is not hard. Our heart is. Let’s pray for a new heart today! A heart that loves!

The Matchbox’s Hidden Blessing

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:29:29 GMT

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We had a Thanksgiving party last December at Tango Island in Tawi-Tawi. There were sponsors who gave us gifts. Paping and Maming (Sir Jiffrey and Ma’am Fema) made a raffle out of those gifts. The presents were numbered and whatever number we were able to choose out of the draw lots, that will be our gift.

Out of all the gifts, I was really interested with the volleyball. My Ates (older sisters) and Kuyas (older brothers) had already drawn the lots and were happy with their gifts. Ate Daryl and I were the last to choose a number. The gifts left were the ball and the matchbox. “I want the ball,” I said to myself. Ate Daryl’s companions from BT wanted the matchbox as well for they needed it more than the ball.

It’s Ate’s Daryl’s turn to draw lots; and alas, the number she had taken was that of the ball! Paping gave me the matchbox, and I was very, very sad. Too sad that I even shed tears! What would I do with this matchbox? It’s of no use to me. I wanted the ball. I wanted to play.

When I opened the matchbox, as expected, it’s full of matches. But when I took out all the matches, there was Php 300.00 inside. My tears of dismay were replaced with tears of joy!

From that experience, I learned not to be envious with those who got what I wanted. I learned to be content. Also, God can give hidden blessings in every unlikely circumstance.

WE PRAYED FOR A SACK

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:16:41 GMT

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Both I and my partner did not have enough money left in our pockets to buy for our needs. And we knew that our present food supply wouldn’t last long especially when our veggie garden which supplied us last year had been eaten by the stray goats, leaving us only papayas and malunggays. So from that time on, we prayed for financial blessings so we can buy vegetables and fruits.

One day, while cooking we ran out of charcoal and the available money left was 20 pesos only. I asked two students Teldi and Alnadami to buy me 20 Peso worth of Charcoal. I continued cooking while waiting for some minutes they came back with the money I gave them and a sack of charcoal. I was amazed to see the sack of charcoal. We were given with a sack of charcoal instead.

Days were fast passing by, and our food supply was almost running out. And I took special notice of our rice. We only bought 7 Kilos of rice and we knew that it would not last long for 2 weeks. We heard that two more SULADS missionaries would be joining us in our mission school. I knew that our God wanted to hear from us specific prayers and I prayed for 950 so that we could buy a sack of rice.

Finally, the two lady missionaries had arrived and also brought food with them. We could not eat some because we were on a plant base diet. Together with them we continued to pray for financial blessings.

I was aware of the quotation which says, “God has thousands of ways to provide of which we know nothing” And I was waiting excitedly for the answer of our prayers. I knew that God was not yet finished in answering our prayers.

Then one day, our companions with sir Jiffrey our Supervisor came and as I accompanied him to the house of one of our Ama, the blessing came. There was more than half sack of rice bought by the Ama for us. I was truly amazed at how God answered our prayer. But what we prayed for was a sack of rice and what was given was only more than half so we were claiming the other half from God.

By night time, SULADS missionaries from Liaburan came to drop the rice from the Baragay for us. Actually, that was their food supply but since they knew we did not have rice anymore, they felt impressed to share their blessing. Now a full sack of rice just as what we have asked God and actually it is more than a sack of rice. It was also at this very time that we were given eggplants by our neighbors almost every day.

The theme song of SULADS says, “ Ang Buhay ng Sulads punong –puno ng kulay” . The life of missionaries are full of challenges mixed with joy brought by simply life sacrifices or sack of rice which are the little challenges, mishaps and blessings of everyday.

“We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”

THE DAUGHTER’S CHOICE

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:16:39 GMT

One afternoon, a story caught my attention, I had heard so many “I heard…” versions of stories and I didn’t want that kind, I chose to hear it first-hand. So, I went to talk to one of the parents who can understand and speak Cebuano.

The mother then started to relate to me that a parent was confused if we are really eligible to sign their “Pantawid” form, (Pantawid is a government program that provides financial assistance for the education of those below poverty line status). She related to me that a father once told her that I did not sign the Pantawid form of his daughter. But as far as I could remember I told them that I am authorized to sign the form. So I made myself clearer this time and told them that we can only sign Pantawid forms to those children who were currently enrolled in our school.

In the middle of our conversation, a father approached us and tried to express matters about school with the mother I was currently talking with. I don’t fully understand the vernacular so I patiently waited for them to finish talking. After a while they were finally done and the mother translated to me all the father’s concerns, “Ma’am, are you not going to open 4th grade?” “No, we couldn’t” I replied sadly. “But how about the children who will be turning 4th grade, especially my son?” asked the man speaking in Tagalog. His question pierced my heart because I know I couldn’t do anything with it. So with sadness I explained to them that this year Buna-Bunaan SULADS Literacy Center is now under the umbrella of the Department of Education as a Primary School. We are only allowed to handle Kinder 1- Grade 3 and the grades 4-6 should be enrolled in an elementary school.

Because this year the Buna-Bunaan SULADS Literacy Center was newly recognized under the umbrella of the Department of Education given authority to operate as a Primary school, that is only allowed to handle kinder 1 to 3rd grade and for the 4th grade to 6th grade they should transfer to an elementary school.

I really don’t know how to answer and comfort them that this year they needed to send their children to an elementary school. Then the mother interrupted, and told us that her daughter would also be in 4th grade this year and so the mother called the daughter’s attention and told her to study in Bongao, or in Pulao, or in any neighbouring schools. To my surprise her daughter simply said, “No!” The daughter expressed that she would rather go back to 3rd grade having her SULADS teachers handling her than going to 4th grade leaving SULADS Literacy Center. I was dumb founded hearing what the child told her mother.

Then it came to me to tell them that they could send their children to BT SULADS Mission School which is allowed to handle higher graders through the ADM (Alternative Delivery Mode) Program. The mother turned to her child again to tell her about a SULADS School in BT where she could study 4th grade. Her daughter gladly answered, “Yes, I would be glad to study there”, then her daughter added, “I truly love SULADS Education, teachers are nice and they taught me about Allah’s love.”

Hearing our student utter those words was like a sack of inspiration fell on me. It was like God telling me personally, “Well Done! My SULADS Servants!” Going back to the father without hesitation he was convinced of the child’s testimony. He also decided to send his son in BT. We separated ways with these words from him, “Yes, SULADS Education is good.”

The world is never thirsty of greatness. The world is crying out for more kindness, more gentleness, more courtesy, and more love in action. SULADS Missionaries are never great in any way they are just humble instruments of love and care. This is our mission to the unreached, TO LOVE, TO CARE, and TO SERVE!

AS THE LORD PREPARES THE WAY

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:16:38 GMT

As a missionary to a pioneering mission field particularly to the place of the Badjao tribe, we were very cautious with all our dealings with them. Being new to them, I have always in mind to study and understand their culture. What I have in mind are the things I learned in our AMR Seminar. We stand in our name and identity as Seventh-day Adventists.

One night, my partner and I were engaged in a conversation with the tribal leader and some members of his family. We shared to them all we have known about Muslims and things we appreciate in their culture. With the run of our conversation, we noticed their interest on all the things we have known about Muslims. In the middle of our conversation a man blurted and said,” Wait I will get something in my house and I want to show you something.” We then waited eagerly for him to come back. Then when he came back, he brought with him a black bag. From that bag he drew out a picture and from the bag I saw a black book and it looked very familiar. Then I asked him about the book inside his bag and he showed me a Bible translated into Tausug. I then exclaimed, “I also have that book with me.” Then without any hesitation I mentioned all the people in the Bible that would be familiar to them as they are also mentioned in Quran.

That was a precious night to me. It was just a couple of weeks after our arrival in the village and did our pioneering work. That very early part of our stay the BIBLE had been already introduced and I couldn’t contain my joy. In that night I also found that the good Lord affirmed our purpose of sending us to pioneer the village. It is for this Badjao village to know more of the Bible.

I realized that we are in a great mission and in this great mission all we have to do is connect ourselves to the source of everything because God would take care of the hearts. God would take care of the seeds we are to plant in their hearts about Jesus and the truth of the Bible accounts. The answers for all their questions would be answered not in our capacity but in God’s very own ways.

What an amazing mission! To pioneer means to actually work like literally hand and hand with God. He takes all the leading and the planning and we do all the moving and working!

This is how it is to pioneer. The LORD has already prepared the way for us. When the Lord prepares the way it is more than perfect. It is truly amazing! It is truly the best!

ESCAPED FROM THE EVIL WARRIORS

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:16:35 GMT

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 is my favorite text. We are serving God as SULADS Missionaries, my husband, my 5 year old son and 11 year old daughter and me. We started the 3 hour hike to the nearest barangay. We would be going to MVC that day because we thought it was already time for our reporting. We prayed before we started our long walk for His protection and guidance. We also prayed for a good weather so that my children would not have hard time. We were climbing down in a very steep mountain and I know my children would really have a hard time.

God had always been faithful. The weather was cool and everything was fine. But deep inside me my being a worrier is still here and I am praying hard not to rain. When we crossed the first river, we saw a group of unfamiliar faces. And they told us that there was an on-going conflict on the other side of the mountain. We did not talk long and we went to our own way.

Arriving Valencia, we directly called our supervisor and we inquired if it is really the time for our reporting. But he told us that it is not yet time and we are asked to go back to our mission school. Then we tried to negotiate with him if we could go to MVC first because we wanted to get the radio speaker for us to use in our mission field. We would use it during our worship.

But when we arrived at MVC we were instructed by our supervisor to stay a little longer because he needed assistance for the SULADS Booth during the Congress. And my husband would be the cook during the whole congress time. Couple of days later we saw one villager and told us that right after we left, there were armed men who ambushed our village in search of a gunman.

Right then and there I understood why God pushed us to go down even not knowing the exact date of our reporting. He had not directly talked to us about the danger but he instructed us to just go down. God would really take care of His children and He is faithful to us all along the way.

God had spared us from witnessing a deadly encounter. God had spared our children from witnessing the chaos. Many times in our lives in the mountains that God had indeed worked marvelously that we were not able to witness troubles and dangers. God knows our hearts. God knows how terrible would it be for us to experience those things. God allows things only that we could trustfully bear.

Indeed I have a marvelous God who never fails to show His marvelous works TO THOSE HE LOVES!

THE SIMPLE JOYS

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:16:32 GMT

I woke up one morning in thankful praise of the beautiful sunrise. We behold in our very eyes the love of God through the beauty of the nature around us. My partner expressed, “Wow! God really loves us so much!” This statement made me so happy too.

During that day we planned of buying our drinking water. We borrowed a small boat and started to sail. Everything was a first taste to me. When we went farther and farther from our island, I fail to manage the boat and in my struggle to keep it stable I fell on the waters. People around me with their boat saw what happened and they all were worried and inquired in chorus, “Are you Ok?” and I said with a grin, “Yes!” That was a joyous time for me.

It may be a very clumsy and awkward moment for me, but it was an enjoyable time in my time serving the Lord. Those simple awkward moments had given me moments of simple joys and unending ripples of gratitude. My moment of unexpected mishaps was turned by God into bundles of joys.

Our mission work is not all about the serious struggles and controversy, there are so many times that the day would just be simple. There is a day when the sailing is just smooth, calm, peaceful and clumsy (fun). I can’t stop but notice how God uses my simple waking up and clumsiness to cheer my spirit up.

In this life filled with struggle and strife let us not forget our simple joys and fun. These are blessings as much as the miracle. The spark of joy it causes your heart is God’s simple ways of unfolding His love. This little and simple fun that warms our hearts are like how the simple flower brightens the gloom.

STAR

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 01:46:49 GMT

I was assigned to serve as a pioneering missionary in the verdant mountains of Sitio Kilogib, Brgy. Midtungok, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, the place where most of Manobo Dulangan tribe are living. Long before we started working as missionaries in the area, we were already oriented about the culture and practices of the different tribes. We were also informed that in general, most of Manobo living in the island of Mindanao have some similar traditions and life practices such as: clothing, diet, house structure, tribal marriage laws, polygamy, language and arts, handicrafts, child birth, and etc. This information guided our preparation for the mission that was planned in Kilogib. As a missionary, preparedness in any circumstances is essential.

Around seven o’clock in the morning, a sudden screaming caught our attention. The voice of a woman was heard from an old Manobo house, shouting in Manobo dialect: "Sir! Madaphag lumusot bata I Dyna!" Knowing that this woman was pregnant and is about to give birth to her child, I immediately turn back to our house to get the first aid kit and other supplies that are useful in assisting in the laboring of the mother. As I enter the house, where the mother is about to give birth, there were already three (3) women surrounding the mother and one of them is the Mananabang (Tribal midwife). I was confident to assist them because of her presence, knowing that she already knew how to assist the laboring mother. But suddenly, the Mananabang asked, “Sir, what shall we do with this?” My confidence turned into an apathetic state, because it was my first time to witness this kind of event; and I never tried to assist a mother giving birth in my entire life. I did not expect that even the Mananabang will rely on me, casting all the burdens to their Maestro (Teacher). That moment, I didn't know how to handle the situation. So I lifted my voice to God in prayer, asking for discernment, because I really didn't know what to do. When we really believe that God loves us and means to do us good, we shall cease to worry. After I prayed, the Lord guided my thoughts. To the mother I said, “Go! Utong (Push)! The head of the baby was crowning. I kept encouraging the mother, “Just do your best, always rely on God.” And she continued pressing on; and suddenly, a baby girl was successfully delivered in my hands. So I held the baby by holding her feet and gently tap her back, then she cried. After a few minutes, I’ve noticed that one of the women inside the house immediately grabbed a piece of an old knife. And I asked her, “What will you do with that knife?” She replied, “You can use this, Sir, in cutting the umbilical cord of the child.” “No!” I said, “That piece of knife might cause serious infection to the child. I have a sterilized scissor intended for cutting the cord. This will protect the child from further infection.” So I tied the umbilical cord with a thread and cut it gently with a scissor. I also took charge of bathing the baby; putting a " bigkis "(bandage) around her umbilical cord, dressing her, and offered the newly born baby into the hands of the mother.

I’ve heard some painful experiences of other women from the community during their post-partum stage. One mother said that its part in their culture that women after giving birth are obliged to do household chores and other laborious work during the next day. Those unhealthy practices led them to suffer and experience death. Finally, I gave a friendly reminders to the parents concerning the mother’s food preparation and hygienic practices. Before I went home, the mother asked me, “Sir, can you give a name for my child?” “Sure, why not,” I said. So I named the baby girl, Esther, a famous female character in the Bible. The name, Esther, can also be translated in Persian as Star. This child will serve as the guiding star to her family. Esther Dumato was born on September 7, 2017.

This experience taught me to trust in the power of God. “Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish.” Ministry of Healing, p. 509. When we realize that we cannot do everything, that’s the time when God will step in and accomplish everything we cannot do.

CHARCOAL + PRAYER

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:31 GMT

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In our mission school, we become the paramedics without the kit and ambulance except the black powder and prayer. In the village medical conditions could go severe and we could not help but trust on what the good Lord will grant us. And He indeed had enabled us in every emergencies, He never had failed us in anyway. What the Lord had used to reveal His healing power is the CHARCOAL. It is the only medicine we have for all the emergencies. We know it could not apply to all illnesses but we praise God that in prayer things would just go as we prayed for.

The first patient we had was our very own daughter. She was feeling ill, and when I checked she was having high fever. As fast as I could, I prepared a glass of warm water and placed a tablespoon full of charcoal. I waited for the charcoal to settle on the bottom of the glass and after I administered it to my daughter. God, please bless the water for my baby to be well. I pleaded and pleaded to God. After she drank the whole glass she fell asleep. We let her sleep peacefully and when she woke up I was so glad to see her active and already very playful. God, you are just amazing. We are in the care of a great high God. I just felt God’s warmth and love for my daughter and my whole family.

The second patient was my student named Mark. His foot was swollen. It was hit by his uncle’s bolo during our manual labor time in the garden. At first it was just a simple wound. I didn’t expect that the wound be infected. The next few days he wasn’t able to walk and attend school. The swelling went up to his knees and it was really very painful. When he wasn’t able to attend school I made my way to go and visited him and brought some charcoal powder. I found out that he was already suffering for several nights because of the severe pain. First, I asked his father to pray with us before I apply the charcoal poultice. Then I also prepared a glass of water with charcoal for him to drink. After two days, Mark showed up at school. And I was so amazed how come his wound got healed so fast. It was another miracle from God, showing me His love.

Satisfying my curiosity despite the obvious evidence of God’s power, I asked him, “what did you do?” He then told me that, “I only applied what you have given me, ma’am. I just used that charcoal.” Do I needed more evidence of God’s outworking.

Many days later, a Datu of our village came to us, Datu Roman told us that he had been having severe headache for three days already. He was trying to force himself to lift up heavy objects hoping that the pain would subside. With what we heard, we urged him not to force his body to work too hard. He should take some rest so that his body would have time to heal. My husband suggested having a charcoal drink everytime he would have headache. So he gave the Datu some charcoal and instructed him to drink especially in the morning. Before the Datu left the house my husband asked him if he could pray for him. The next morning, the Datu came to the house so early and told my husband, “Sir, what you have given me was really good. I am not feeling ill anymore.”

After that many more stories followed with our villagers being healed with a dose of black powder and most of all prayer. One time I had asked, “What is the charcoal doing inside our body, how come it is able to heal?” But I realized that it is not all about what is the charcoal doing inside the body. It is not about the effectiveness of the charcoal, but it is indeed all about our PRAYERS and GOD’S Mighty works of healing.

The things that are impossible will be made possible with our strong faith! God has already prepared the healing all we need to do is do the doing!

THE DAY THE TEACHER FORGOT TO COOL DOWN

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:28 GMT

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The value of a smile is priceless, yet it is the cheapest, easiest, most rewarding and most sincere gift to anyone that crosses your path. A smile is like a virus that spreads very fast. It can also or most of the time make someone’s day even to the person who is a stranger to you. This is the very gift you can give to a lonely person, to an angry man and to everyone.

There was this day when the teacher forgot to cool down. It was a day when the teacher forgot even to smile. The teacher entered her classroom with very irritated feelings. Despite those negative feelings the teacher managed to start the class with prayer or “Sambahayang” in Samal language. She also managed to be courteous by greeting, “Good Afternoon!” Yet after all these formalities the teacher wasn’t able to hide her irksome feeling inside her anymore because her face is painting the annoyance.

Without delay, she then started the lesson by writing on the board things for the pupils to read. When she ordered them to read the class could barely read a word. This aggravated the temper inside her and she tapped the board fiercely. Again and again she pointed on the words written on the board for them to read but the children were just dumb founded by their teacher’s flare. In the teacher’s disgust she ordered her students to go out of the classroom.

When the students went out she started to reflect on her actions and she realized how grievous her actions were- she just miss-represented Jesus in front of her Muslim Students. Having cooled down she then called the students back with a big, bright and beautiful smile.

This time she showed patience and diligence in teaching them how to read what she had written on the board. It was a class well ended after all.

This is more than a story because this is reality. Reality when we put our work, our business and our own personal agenda on top of what God has asked us to do. God asked the teacher to teach and represent Him in the classroom. The teacher could be the Jesus the students could see. But on that day filled with her personal issues she’d faced her mission a failure. But praise the Lord, the story ended with grace. The teacher was able to regain her students’ favour.

In our day bombarded with business we even forget to smile, we forget to show a little kindness and most of all we become unconscious of the influence we are casting aside. In our day we forget to count the so many things and reasons to be happy about. We often forget also the many things we are to be thankful for. We forget that there God up above who sees you and knows you.

Whatever comes our day let us hold on to God’s promise in Jeremiah 31:13 “I will turn your mourning into gladness; I will give you comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Let us take courage if we give him our feelings and everything inside us He is always true and faithful to his people.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:27 GMT

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During our SULADS Missionary Training, I was feeling an intense longing to be assigned in my own village. I had this feeling even before joining the training. This longing grew to be an intense desire- to serve my own tribe. I am also a lumad and a product of SULADS Missionary work back in the early 90’s. I am from Mahayag Village, Sacramento Valley, San Fernando, Bukidnon. It never came to me that I would be sent to another mission field. I thought my desire is the desire of my God for me. When the time came for the announcement of our assignment, I was disheartened hearing our assignment is in a different village. In the wisdom of the Lord, He assigned us in Zubiri Village, P-5, Brgy. Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon. I was dismayed but my submission to His will remained in my heart. I did not see clearly the point of not putting me in my own people but my spirit was quiet inside me.

Few days later, we were sent to our assigned mission field. It was a great comfort being welcomed by the entire village. Day after day, the good Lord opened my eyes to the very mission He intended me to do in Zubiri Village. And the beautiful story of restoration to the village’s backsliding spirit started to unfold.

I would like to introduce to you a village member named Agustine. Agustine is a student of SULADS Missionaries’ Bobby Llamera and Neil Tagaraw in Basak, Sinuda Mission School back in the 90’s. These missionaries had learned that Agustine had slipped farther and farther away from God. He went farther and farther until it was very hard for him to be on the right path again. Since 2003, he lived a life of vices and faithlessness. He deliberately chose a life of freedom to obey the call of his human nature. The two missionary teachers of Agustine were praying for a miracle of his reconversion.

Agustine is a no ordinary man, because he is truly a gifted singer. He sings really well and I admire him for his voice offered to God. SULADS and the SDA church family had witness the ministry of his voice with his songs. There were many attempts for him to sing abroad. It was during the SULADS Jamboree that I got to know Agustine and he had been known for his gift in singing. I know he is nobody. I know that he is truly somebody in God.

Seeing Agustine in the path He had chosen had kindled my earnest desire to win him back. As a young boy in Mahayag mission School, I believe we had been taught the same precious spiritual lessons from our missionary teachers. It pained me and my wife so much to see a friend, a brother wallowing in the mud of a darkened and clouded life. I can feel his misery.

Let me bring you to a short flashback. Before reaching our village I was able to connect to the SULADS teacher who nurtured the faith inside him during our mission school days. His wife then told me, “Well, one of your missions is Agustine to be back in faith.” Amid my unhappy feelings not being assigned in my own village, I gave her this assurance, “With God’s help, ma’am, I will do that.” And reaching the mission school the very first thing the Lord made me do is form a children’s singing group. Having formed the group, I then asked Agustine, “Can you assist me in this mission?” Without any hesitation he accepted my plea.

What should we do next? Without any delay, I told him my earnest desire and prayer for him to be back in the old path of living with God. I told him that I do not need to give him Bible studies again. I believe he has never forgotten all the teachings. I believe he still has God in his heart. I believe he is very open for God to renew his heart. After hearing my words, Agustine in his rueful manner answered me, “I don’t know sir, if I could still come back to Church. My body is already filled with nicotine. What good does it do when I am enslaved with this vice already?”

What Agustine answered me was a flickering hope of his reconversion to the old faith. In full assurance of God’s work in His heart I was beaming with joy thinking of that day when Agustine will be with me in church and together with me in offering to God our voices.

Two weeks after that serious talk with Agustine, I went back to visit him again. I could say that that visit was the best visit ever. I did not know where to put my astonishment when Agustine asked me, “Sir, where will you go to church this Sabbath? I would like to go with you together with my family.” He then expressed his realizations and blurted, “I don’t want to miss heaven!”

Hearing those words from Agustine at that very time made me want to jump, to shout and cry for joy. That was truly feeling the joy of heaven of a soul back in the arms of Jesus again. Before leaving his place, I offered prayer for him and his family. The very Sabbath of that week I saw Agustine with his wife and children dressed and ready to worship with us. We also had with us our Children’s singing group. I stood silently for a moment and whispered to God, “Mission Accomplished!”

I know Agustine would still have great struggles of leaving completely his previous life and his addiction to nicotine. But in my simple faith to the God who had assigned me to Zubiri Village, I know He will be faithful to uphold Agustine in His righteous right hand.

There is no other joy in a missionary’s life than to see a brother brought to the right path. There is no other joy than to see a backslidden brother back into the fold again. There is no greater joy in a man’s life than to help a brother in need, to snatch a sister in darkness and to work for the perishing souls. There is no greater joy in heaven than to see the church doing all the work in Jesus’ name. That heaven may soon declare, “WELL DONE, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!”

A MEAL DELIVERY FROM HEAVEN

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:25 GMT

It was a tough day. The missionary work had become a tiring routine. I had been feeling melancholic and sluggish. The zest was gone. I had a mission to teach my T’Boli children. But sadly all I could think of was my bothering tummy. I was feeling so hungry most of the time. I badly wanted to eat rice. I literaly felt hungry everyday that I could not concentrate on things anymore. I had headache and hunger pangs most of the time.

My husband on the other hand was still the very man I got married with. He was trying his best to till the soil in our vegetable garden. In due season we could have a plentiful supply of fresh vegetables.

While I struggle for my appetite for rice, my husband had been grateful of any food we could have in our table. He was happy with only tubers for almost every meal. I had been in this mountain before as a misisonary too for a year but this time was a different thing already.

My husband could see I was suffering, and he never had failed to comfort me with God’s promises of provision. I was comforted but I still had the hungering tummy, so that very day, I groaned to God, “Lord, I need some rice. Even just a little, please.” It was not yet the season for rice. The whole village ate the same thing we ate. With this in mind, I also did some comforting not to mind my appetite for rice and be contented of what was served on the table.

Who would expect that a missionary dedicated to serve the Lord in the mountains would still suffer for an appetite for rice? Of all the the challenges how come that I had this struggles. I had to battle moment by moment to remind myself of my husband’s words and God’s faithfulness in my personal walk with Him. God is not just a God who rescues people in danger and in great troubles. He is a God who cares even to the very struggle for an appetite to eat rice. He is a God who had seen me, the growing sluggish missionary in the mountain. I could not see my self commendable in any way for those times but my God loves me so. He just loves dearly all His children and He takes care as if you are the only person in the world.

Before that day had ended, fresh young corns were handed to us. You must had seen how we grinned and our eyes grew big of the surprise of a special food. In the mountain this was already a great treat. It was already a feast for my husband and I? We thought the surprise was only until there, so after we gave our overflowing thanksgiving for God’s faithful provisions in my credulous ways, I still dared to say my earnest plea, “Haven’t there any rice Lord?” Not waiting too long for my plea to be granted, another child was bringing something for us and it was…what do you think? It was a plastic of rice! I know you could picture how grateful I was that moment. I know you could picture how I had reflected on who the God I am serving. He is my God. He is your God, too!

A special meal for me and my husband a meal delivery from Heaven. Though having that meal did not prevented me from many more discomforts of the day but that day was a very especial one because my God delivered my rice for that meal. A meal with rice just for me!

God said in Psalm 34:8, “O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD,…” We serve a living God. We serve a God who is also concerned even the most unreasonable wishes we have like my rice. When He says He will provide, He will surely will! If the thing will not harm you and will not bring you to glory with yourself. If everything will be for the glory of God. Surely prayer, Granted!

Indeed, great is the measure of our God’s Love!

ABUNDANCE IN SCARCITY

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:23 GMT

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The lofty mountains picture life and abundance as we gaze from the plain; but the bitter reality is that a good food supply is one of the many challenges living in the mountains. We were assigned in Datal Kadi, a Sitio (village) under the locality of Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The people in this mountain are famous of their expertise in upland rice production. But while waiting for the due season of the harvest these people eat the many lists of root crops like sweet potato, tubers, young corn, and some wild vegetables. What the village people eat the missionaries would also eat. Whatever is available in the village is the main staple food we have too. You can never bring a sack of rice from the town and make it last for another month. Missionaries are there to share with the village anything they have. Your good budgeting skill should include the whole village for the good food you wanted to eat.

It was Friday morning when we noticed that we only have ½ small can of rice left for our consumption that weekend. So my partner and I decided to spare the rice and only eat boiled young corn and wild tubers for our breakfast. We would just wait for the time when we would crave for rice to cook our remaining one.

After our morning class, I saw the mother of our student living with us coming for a visit. She had with her other 3 little children. She was from a 3 kilometer away hike and I saw in her face great excitement to see her son.

Upon seeing them coming, we then decided to cook the rice that was intended to be cooked in case we would badly want to eat some. We also cooked the traditional mountain soup which was composed of mixed vegetables. This is very intentional so that our very meager rice would not directly be consumed since we were having soup. We were worried that our rice would not be enough for our number.

After cooking we then invited them to eat with us. Their faces showed that they were really hungry as we looked at them. But I asked myself in silence, “how can we divide this rice for the eight of us?” They were hungry and I was also hungry and so as my partner. But I did not say a word of complain as we gathered around the food but showed them an accommodating smile to let them feel welcomed to eat with us.

Before eating, my partner prayed in T’boli vernacular. As the word “Amen” was uttered, I really wanted to take my share first because I was afraid I would not have any left of our cooked rice. Rice was like as precious as gold to us that very time. But I was still able to keep myself calm amidst my cravings by thinking of their need first. I thought, if I was hungry maybe they were hungrier than I am. So I allowed my partner to divide the rice. As my partner divided the food I noticed that he was able to fill the eight plates with rice but there was still enough rice left in the pot. Then I gestured something to my partner and whispered, “how did you divide the small amount of rice to eight of us?”

Everyone enjoyed eating like the five thousand who were fed by Jesus with only two fishes and five loaves of bread. Yes, it is true that we usually suffer from scarcity of food but our faith makes the difference. Our faith makes us experience in abundance in the midst of scarcity because of the unlimited miracles that God does to us every day in the mission field.

EXCLUSIVE FOR BADJAOS

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:21 GMT

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“They may just be the most unbearable people on the streets; noisy, dirty, and the master of all beggars but to them the eyes of the Lord are set upon. It is to them that Jesus also died. It is to them that education and a brighter future also should be given. They are the BADJAOS and they deserve something better too.”

It was a day of big surprise when Mayor Rejie told me to open a new school for the Badjaos. Upon hearing her I was humbled of the trust she has for our SULADS work in Tawi-Tawi. I then said my bi “Yes, Ma’am!” it has been my earnest desire to put up a school exclusive only for the Badjao tribe children.

The following day we went to Bayac Village at Barangay Tongbangkaw. The name “Tongbangkaw” means the end part of the Mangrove area. When we reached the place, I saw the faces of the Badjao children so eager to study. A parent related that before their children were attending in a school with the Tausugs but a war broke out among the Tausug tribe and their children were forced to stop schooling because of fear.

The parents are also dreaming of having their children sent in a school where all students are Badjaos. What Mayor Rejie told me was the very fulfillment of the Badjao’s dream of an exclusive school.

The missionaries to pioneer this ministry are Ronie P. dela Cruz and Hilson V. Badang Jr. Please include this pioneering ministry of a school exclusive for the Badjao children. This is a good start for us to reach more this very underprivileged and demeaned group of our society.

“Badjao” is the lowest class of tribe in the Muslim community. They are a people hard to reach because they are just NOMADS OF THE SEA. They are contented just to have something to eat from begging or anything comfortable for them to do. This pioneering work of the SULADS Tawi-Tawi for the Badjaos is God opening the door to their hearts. May their hearts be reached of Jesus’ love and care for them through our SULADS work.

Are our eyes set on to the forgotten and undermined? Do we still have hearts for the miserable and hopeless neighbors of ours? Are our hands still open to help the poorest and the dirtiest? Do we still dream to contribute to alleviate the sorrows and pain of this world?

WHY TAKE THE BABY’S LIFE ?

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:19 GMT

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“Feu Flafus!" The T’boli Brethren greeted us "good morning" with their sweet smiles one Sabbath day. “Fius neh, few Kdaw Saftu!” (Happy Sabbath!) My husband and I gave our sweet reply. That was our very first exchange of conversation with them.

After a while, a man with a baby in his arms ran desperately towards us. “My baby is sick." These were the only words he mustered. Without delay, I got the baby in his arms and checked the baby's condition. The baby was covered with dirt. It was obvious he was unkempt. My husband and I did our best to spruce up the helpless baby. While doing so, I noticed the baby had stopped breathing. I was not frantic but quivered intensely inside. I did my best to stay calm. I did CPR for infants as I was taught how to do it during our SULADS Missionary Training, yet I availed nothing. My husband and I sent a desperate plea to God but nothing happened. The heaven seemed silent--the baby was still dead. The mother cried bitterly for her child. The father was inconsolable. The whole church grieved. My husband and I wept too. Though it was hard to extend our sympathy since our own child, Zion was healthy and strong, I felt the family's loss.

As a mother, I could not imagine the pain they felt to lose their baby. We felt the great burden of the loss. Everyone's grief for the child did not end so soon. My husband and I wondered why the baby had died in our hands. We asked God why He did not intervene and revived the child for witnessing sake. I questioned Him, "Lord, for the sake of the parents?”

Later, we realized that it is not all about miracles but it is all about the many things in life--things we can and could not control. With all these, we are not to pass on the blame to God for allowing things to happen contradictory to what we expect to happen. Instead of whining of the whys and what ifs, we can think of what to do to prevent the things we can control, while in recognition that everything is in God's hands. Because of what happened with the baby, we started the prayer ministry for all the babies in the village. We have our baby Zion, too and as she is kept safe in the hands of her guardian Angels, we would like to appeal for all the babies as well. Together with that is our desire to establish Sanitation and health programs.

This time, we are enjoying the Bible sharing with the parents in the village and the whole community. We are not pioneering missionaries in this village. They heard the truth many times but there is a great need for them to be reminded of this precious truth we hold as Seventh-day Adventist. Nothing can take away our trust in the wisdom of our God, the Creator. Nothing can separate us from His love and from fulfilling His porpuses--may it be good, bad or any events. My husband and I believe with all our hearts that behind our many defeats are victories in concealment!

GOD SENT HIS ANGELS

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:18 GMT

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“It is the Lord who goes before you, He will be with you, He will not fail you or forsake you; do not feat or be dismayed. “ – Deuteronomy 31:3

SULADS Comprehensive High School for the Lumads is a Boarding School. The students are coming from different places and they come from different tribes. Not long after the Matrial Law was declared was the opening of the classes for School year 2017-2018. The Martial Law throughout the land of Mindanao is to stop the war that is now happening in some parts of this area. Because of this declaration you will see police or army checkpoints on different designated places along the highways and public roads. All travellers are required to have their identification card or ID.

Students coming from Esperanza, Agusan del Sur wanted to continue their studies at SCHSL. It is in their greatest want to be in an SDA Christian High School that has the heart for the lumads (natives of Mindanao). Now for their dream to be fulfilled their first step is to ride the bus without an ID. This is no joke to travel without an ID because the officers might mistook as a bad man and you might be detained and this is scary for grade 7 students. With real passion to be schooled in SCHSL they pursued with brave hearts to travel without IDs. They pursued in full faith that the lord will intervene.

While in the bus they had in their minds the fear of being held by the officers. What will they do if this happens? Not long after the bus stopped and the passengers showed their IDs but to them they did not have one to show. The officers interrogated them and asked them several questions. During the interrogation the students felt really afraid because they were thought to be rebels and not students.

Despite telling the officers that they are Seventh-day Adventists believers and they will be students at SULADS COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE LUMADS still they were charged as rebels. With this allegation of their identity the bus went without them. They were afraid and was wondering what will happen to them. But in their fear they never failed to remember to pray. They offered a fervent prayer for God’s intervention. As soon as they finished praying, in their surprise, somebody came and asked if they can sing Christian songs, and recite Bible verses. They were product of our mission schools and by God’s grace they rendered a beautiful song and sang it beautifully for God. They were able to recite Bible verses too.

Everybody who heard them was in great awe of their talents. That person who came and asked them to sing and recite Bible verses then told the officers, “I can testify they are good people and faithful believers in their denomination.” After this statement they were all released by the soldiers and immediately rode another bus and they had arrived safely to our Mountain School. Now they are officially enrolled at SCHSL.

Who that person was they did not know? They did not even see him after they were released. Our School is filled with stories and miracles of how the Lord had brought our students in this Mountain School. This is just but one inspiring story that as the father of this little mountain school would love to share and retell. My students in SCHSL are sent not by anybody else but by God and God alone and I and the whole teaching staff are in the most holy calling to feed them, care for them, love them and most of all bring in them lessons of righteousness.

TATAY RUDY SAVED THE DAY!

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:16 GMT

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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. " Philippians 4:6

It was Sunday morning; I was awakened by a knock on the door. I opened it and saw Gellean, one of our Deaf students. It was her group’s assignment to cook for the day. She was explaining that the supplies left were not enough for all of us for that day. Expressing in my face a sign of “don’t worry”, I told her to visit our farm to look for any fresh vegetables. I thought things were ok then.

But after few minutes there was a knock on my door again. It was Gellean again, informing me that she cannot find any vegetables. I was not satisfied of her report so I decided to go with her to the garden.

To my disappointment the crops in the garden are not yet ready for harvest. And I thought that we needed to wait another 1 month for the harvest. I know we are in trouble. We had a great deal of mouths to feed and our food supply was not meeting our needs.

So I went back inside the room and looked for some goods my wife had kept for emergencies like this. After sorting I decided to go to the store a walking distance away from the school and thought of buying some things to fill in our table.

At the store I was already busy choosing vegetables and some spices when suddenly I remembered that I didn’t have that much in my wallet. With my few pesos I just bought what I could afford. While I was walking, I kept talking to myself. “What shall I do?” “May be I will call my friends to borrow some amount for another month’s survival or what if I find a sponsor?” All these things went through my mind. Somewhat like brilliant ideas but I know deep within me that they weren’t. I know I can’t help myself by worrying so much.

On the other hand I am confident that God is faithful and He will provide and find ways for us to be sustained. In my thoughts ran my prayers and pleadings of His blessings for the food supply of our school. I recalled God’s promise in Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Not long after I had that time with God, I heard a voice from a distance, “I have vegetables for you.” I could not believe what I just heard and I hurried to turn back to see who this angel was. To my surprise I saw an old man, it was Tatay Rudy. He is our neighbor who also has his vegetable garden for a living. He brought a wealth of vegetables for us to feast on. He then explained, “I had more than enough profit from my harvest and have these remains. I wanted to give all these that are left.”

My heart leapt with joy for this miracle that God had done for our deaf students. After thanking him with all my heart I then called my students to glean as many as they can for our food supply. I could not expressed my joy for Tatay Rudy’s benevolence for us that day and for the followings days as we were sustained by the vegetable surplus.

So I say this line, “Let us keep trusting God and He will surely supply all our need.” A Miracle? A miracle indeed!

A CORRECTED PERSPECTIVE

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:14 GMT

I was already acquainted with SULADS since I was young because I attended Lumbayao SDA Church in Valencia City. This church is attended by some of the SULADS missionaries like Sir Bobby Enabong, Sir Lowel Limbagan, Daguplo Brothers and the Luad Family. Hearing from all their testimonies I have understood that SULADS work is all about climbing mountains, crossing flooded rivers, long distance hiking, visiting dangerous areas and a life of survival in the mountains. All of these things made me realize that this work is not fitted for me. I am but little in size with a fracture in my right clavicle. This injury has given me great discomfort and pain in lifting heavy objects. My parents had never also had any interest in sending me to be a SULADS missionary because of my limitations.

On my part, I also do not have any interest. Why would I join? SULADS is only a “choice” to experience hardships and sacrifices. But along the way of my youthful life this very negative had been rightly corrected by the Lord and He showed me the great ministry in the SULADS for His people in the mountains and islands.

Right before my College graduation in 2016, I had some plans to join SULADS but it was not a fully surrendered desire to serve the Lord. I had met people who had discouraged me to join SULADS and I was persuaded by them and lost my zeal to join SULADS. After my graduation, I received a call to a pastoral work and accepted the offer. I’ve seen that despite my efforts to do my responsibilities I still find myself ineffective of what I am doing. Without delay I sought the Lord’s will in my life. What He really wanted me to do and where He wanted me to go. The Lord in that prayer had providentially answered me and arranged events and used people to lead me to the direction I needed to take.

Here is how the Lord arranged everything. Right after my term ended in that church, the SULADS training started. Second, I unexpectedly heard a beautiful testimony of a SULADS Product. He is Solomon Olantao. Hearing him had changed my perspective a lot about SULADS and I saw that SULADS ministry is not only all about adventures, hardships and sacrifices but it is mainly on touching lives, affecting communities and brining people at Jesus’ feet.

Without hesitation I joined the training and currently I am assigned in Lana-Lanas, Molon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. No other joy you can find elsewhere that can exceed the joy in the service of the king. It is not only touching people’s lives but letting God touch my life as well.

And now I am not anymore bothered when someone asks me, “Why are you in SULADS?” but I rather ask them, “Why are you not here?”

May the direction we are taking now is the direction God has for us. Let us continue to evaluate our direction if it is truly pointing where God wants us to be. Being in the direction where God wants you to be makes a greater difference!

WHO WILL PROVIDE FOR MY PEOPLE?

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:13 GMT

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It is rare to have the Spirit of giving because ever since our fore parents committed a sin, the nature of humanity has been changed to greed. And it can be seen in young children, that when you try to give them for example a candy and try to ask it back, for sure they will not give it back to you. And when you ask their parents if they teach their children like that, they would say, “NO! We did not teach our children like that!”

It seems funny yet it is true that we were born greedy human beings. But as we grow older God will find many ways to bring back our original nature -the selfless nature of man. And that’s what I have experienced now, I mean not totally generous but gradually growing. This year will be my 6th year in the service as a SULADS Missionary worker and what I have observed in these years of service is that, the selfless service to my co-lumads and this kind of spirit was being inherited from my teachers before in this school that I’ve studied with.

I felt what they have felt before that those sacrifices of time seemed to be never enough because my students needed more aspects of learning in which our pockets could not afford. We could not go beyond our pockets because we have very limited resources too. By not being able to provide some basic needs of the school for the students upgrading. It is so tempting for them to transfer to public schools because they could easily have them be provided with the basic academic needs. I know the risk of Public Schools for a lumad. I desire to have my students remain to study in SCHSL as they would learn about God.

As a Lumad myself it is a big challenge that I know that they also have the very right to know and be provided by the education I have achieved or even surpassed what I have reached. The need of my students for facilities and equipment to be used for them to be trained on necessary skills they needed to learn is greatly huge.

I can see in their eyes their cries for a real desktop computer, a functioning one. There need to be trained and to have an actual hands-on is heavy upon my shoulders. But for now, I lay these concerns to God. I lay everything to His hands. Who will provide for my people? I don’t know. An SDA? A Non-SDA? I have no idea. I just really hope and pray that my students will be given what they deserve and not what are leftovers of the best things in this world.

I love my own people. They are my students now. With bended knees together we plead God for help that they may be given the right facilities for them to be more learned and equip for the future use in the ministry.

MISSIONARY SPRING

Thu, 20 May 2021 07:39:25 GMT

It was May 25, 2017 after the Sulads Comprehensive High School for the Lumads seminar at Edlimar Spring resort, Maramag Bukidnon, we (my husband and 3 children age 6, 2, and 1) decided to be at our beloved territory as early as possible so we could reach there when the sun is still up.

When we reached the point where we would start the walk up to the school, my husband suddenly blurted out , " Mama you go ahead because I have something to do for our vehicle for awhile” Without question and delay I followed his suggestion. It was never reasonable for him to say that because our children are with us. Our 2-year-old needs his assistance but with whole hearted approval of my husband's wisdom I cheered the kids to start our hike without Papa yet. Our 6 years old son carried his back pack, our 2 years old daughter just walked her way and our 1 year old daughter hanged in front of me with her carrier. It was never a burdensome walk for me with my three children. We were enjoying the hike the three of us. I tell them Bible stories and we sang together their favorite Sabbath School songs.

When we reached the slippery part my children put off their foot wears and on foot they trod the mud. For all of us it was a very happy walk. Then after a while without our notice we are on the highest peak without my husband. That moment I looked at my 2 year old daughter. It was a great joy in my heart as I witness in amazement how she endured the walk without any assistance from his dad. It was her first time. A mother to see her child enduring discomforts as if just an ordinary play time had brought me to so many reflections. I am a witness how their angels walked with us. I believe with all my heart our angels had watched each of our steps and cheered us with all the songs we were singing.

Not long after my husband saw as that we were already on the top, so he ran as fast as he could to our end.

It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon and the heat of the day was scorching. Under the extreme heat our children started to ask water. They were already thirsty. We never had a single water bottle brought in my desire to carry on light I forgot our water bottle. My husband seeing the need immediately looked around for a spring somewhere.

That day could just be one of our ordinary hike up to the school. But the provision of the Lord for water made it really extra especial. My husband found a small spring of water and without delay we quenched our thirst. We felt alive again. To us it had become our happiest walk ever in our many missionary walks. When we saw right in our very eyes the faithfulness of God to give us that little missionary spring to drink. Who are we? We are just but ordinary missionary family. My children, my husband and I were no special people but the Lord had given us right away the spring. We are nobodies but the good Lord greatly loves the nobodies too. Because to HIM NOBODY IS A SOMEBODY. He loves EVERYBODY the very same way.

In many of our missionary walks there would be times we will be caught in situations where we will be so dried up and exhausted by the heat around. Where we will be tested by the heat of life. Heat that sometimes would lead us to question God or even test God. But like my husband the answer is just but another single step to look for God's provision. The Lord will always provide but we are to make a single step.

In our walk with the Lord as missionaries we are blessed to be in this constant point of reflecting God's goodness even in a simple spring of water. It is our prayer that we continue to grow into a missionary family who will continue to count the goodness of the Lord how small it may be. It is not on how big the miracle is. It is on the truth that the good Lord is faithful. On this truth we will continue to nurture our children.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR THE LINES!

Thu, 20 May 2021 07:39:24 GMT

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”- Romans 6:23

Inside the classroom, I was sweating profusely, either because of the humid Island temperature, or because of the uneasy feeling inside me for not being able to prepare my lesson that day. What should I teach? What activity must I give? How would I convey to the class an object lesson from today’s subject? Sweating, smiling to the class as if fully prepared, but inside my mind I was asking God to give me wisdom immediately and He did!

It was during Geometry class. I was teaching my students about lines, line segments, and rays. But all these would be of little significance without day to day examples and object lessons. Coconut trees, clothesline, flagpole, posts, wires, and boat paddle-those are some of the everyday objects that they have given as examples. But as we tried to dig deeper for spiritual implications, a Eureka moment gleamed in my students’ eyes. A beam of wisdom flashed from the Almighty source.

“Ma’am, A LINE IS JUST LIKE THE LINE OF GOD- IT’S INFINITE!” one student excitedly exclaimed.

“Ma’am, THE RAY IS JUST LIKE HUMAN BEINGS, WE HAVE A BEGINNING AT BIRTH; BUT IF WE STAY FAITHFUL, WE WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE- AN INFINITE END!” another student blurted out.

“How about the segment, class?”

They had a hard time thinking on this one, but God suddenly impressed me that SEGMENT REPRESENTS THE SAD LIFE OF THOSE WHO WILL MAINTAIN TO DO WICKED THINGS. THEY HAVE A BEGINNING AT BIRTH BUT THEY WILL ALSO HAVE AN END- THE SECOND DEATH.

“So class, what do you want to become- a segment or a ray?”

I ended my class as if I had all the preparation. Praise the Lord for the lines!

WELL PROVIDED

Thu, 20 May 2021 07:39:23 GMT

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you..”- 1 Peter 5:7

Food is a basic need. Food means survival. Food is a miracle. When this run out even we are missionaries we also tend to worry. Despite the daily provisions of God, we honestly tend to get worried. For more than a month our stipend coming from the government of Panglima Sugala has not arrived yet.

Every 1st two weeks of the month we have enough and in abundance of supplies but during the 3rd and 4th week our supplies gradually become scarce. In the highlands if papaya is only a part of the ingredient of our dishes, here in the Island papaya is our main dish. We have our “Ginataang Papaya”, papaya pickles, and next time I’m planning to make a patty. This is just simple joy in our Island life.

I am very glad that even it is only fish that is the main food source of the Island; the Lord did not fail to let the vegetables grow in our presence. We grow vegetables of various kinds. But at this very time we are barely four months and our vegetables are just sprouts. It is in this very time that we have the experience of scarcity, but the Lord will never allow any of His people go hungry. Here is our testimony:

One day, as I checked our rice storage and our water tank as well, I found out that we didn’t have enough rice. Maybe it will only last us for two days and after that I know we would not have anything to eat or even drink. I went to my bed and prayed to God to give us food even just rice and I also did not fail to ask for water. I then remembered His promises in the Bible of His provisions and I claimed them.

The next day, it was a sunny afternoon and still there’s no rain, I whispered, “Lord, send us rain”. I noticed nothing was happening. It was already getting dark and time for sleep without any sign of rain. After some time of resting in my bed I started to hear sounds from the roof. I knew right away without a doubt it was the answer of my prayer. I got out from my bed and offered a thanksgiving prayer.

Two days after that heavy rain, it was Friday and our SULADS companion from Liaburan went to visit us and it was a great surprise of God’s provisions, they brought with them about 10 kilos of rice, seaweeds, and dried fish. That was not yet the end of God’s blessing because after a while more people came and brought a bunch of malunggay. Wow! This is how the Lord provides!

I was very happy and thankful to God for He did not forget His missionaries and He provided us with our basic needs through other people. That same day I received a text from my brother and he told me that he had sent some amount for our food. I only asked God for rice and rain but He had included our viand.

God is really great and indeed our great provider!

When you work for God YOU ARE MORE THAN PROVIDED!

Alhamdullilah!