A Missionary, But Not Registered

By Brienne Quizon

When I first arrived in my mission field, I had many expectations. I thought I would be assigned

to a remote village in the mountains, yet here I am in a bustling port city. I envisioned no phone

signal or internet, but instead, I have access to 5G. I anticipated being far from civilization, but

I’m only a five-minute walk from McDonald's, in a barangay so large that I have yet to meet

everyone. I imagined there would be few brethren, but our church is one of the busiest in the district. I expected to be isolated with only my partner to carry out the ministry, but I was wrong

on that count too.

What I didn’t expect was to encounter such an inspiring group of young people, particularly

Kuya Diar (26) and Mimi (23). Their character, passion, and unwavering commitment have

made me reflect deeply on my own mission and what it truly means to be a missionary. Since my assignment in Tubigon, both Kuya Diar and Mimi have been indispensable to the ministry here in Bohol. Kuya Diar, our district’s youth president, has so many responsibilities with the young people and the church, yet he joins us daily in our house visitations. Mimi, who is a member of our church and the relative of our house owner, initially joined us while studying for her Criminology board exams. After passing, she vowed to delay starting her career until after we left, choosing instead to focus on ministry. Our relationship with them began simply, with Kuya Diar and Mimi introducing us to the church

members, driving us around on their motorcycles, and translating for us. Over time, however, our

bond grew stronger, and we became what we now call the ''Missionary Team.''

It’s an understatement to say that their help has been invaluable. Without Kuya Diar and Mimi, it would have been incredibly difficult for us to immerse ourselves in the church and the

community. From running personal errands, organizing Vacation Bible School (VBS), leading

the children’s ministry, packing giveaway items, printing materials for visitations, and

conducting Bible studies to identifying baptismal candidates and traveling to district events, they

have been there for it all. When we go for house visitations, it is often Kuya Diar who leads the

devotionals and Bible discussions in Bisaya. When we host crusades, it is Mimi who energizes

the children, getting them excited and involved. Regardless of their fatigue, neither of them has

ever turned down an opportunity to serve. Together, we have braved long hours driving on the

highway for crusades and church events, enduring the scorching sun and pouring rain, all while

singing and laughing through it.

Though I’ve always felt their contribution was important, I didn't fully realize just how essential

they were until Hae Eon and I traveled to Iloilo for 2 ½ weeks for our midterm break in

November. Unlike our fellow missionaries, we left behind key items like our blood pressure

monitor and sugar testing kit because we knew the work would continue in our absence. Kuya

Diar, Mimi, and another youth member, Kuya Jerson, stepped up to carry out the ministry in our stead. They faithfully continued our house visitations every morning and afternoon. They bonded with the people, offered basic medical services, and attended district events in the evening. Mimi consistently sent me reports of their daily activities, detailing who they visited, what they did, and any results from the medical services provided. One evening, as I read through her report in Iloilo, I truly felt God's providence and understood that Hae Eon and I hadn't just found friends in this journey, but fellow disciples in the mission field.

In Matthew 18:16-20, the essence of a missionary is someone sent to share the message of Jesus

with those who have yet to believe. Kuya Diar and Mimi embody this definition perfectly. I

remember a moment during a house visitation when a Nanay asked them if they were

missionaries. With a smile, Mimi joked, "We’re missionaries, but not registered." While they

may not be affiliated with a formal missionary institution, their lives are a testament to the fact

that all of us are missionaries when we make it our mission to share the love of God.

Today, Kuya Diar and Mimi continue to serve alongside us, and our bond has only grown

stronger. Mimi often stays at our house, and together we go to visitations, attend church services,

participate in district events, and enjoy outings. Their dedication reminds me every day that

being a missionary is not about titles or formal recognition; it's about living out the calling to

serve others with love, humility, and unwavering faith. It is also a reminder that you don’t need a

formal title or an organization behind you to share God’s love—it's something anyone can do

through everyday actions. Whether through local outreach, supporting missionaries, or lending a

hand to those in need, there are many ways to participate. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; you can make a difference wherever you are. Like Kuya Diar and Mimi, you can contribute in

meaningful ways, whether locally or abroad. Take the opportunity to be part of the mission and share hope with others.

By Brienne Quizon a 62nd batch of 1000MM assigned in Tubigon, Bohol, Philippines.