A Quiet Sermon

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

About four months ago, one of my regular mission activities was visiting homes and looking for people who needed free medical services. I would offer blood pressure checks, foot massages, health advice, and, most importantly, prayer.

One day, while walking and looking for someone I could help, I met Nanay Cecel, 64, outside her home. I approached her and offered a free blood pressure check and foot massage. She welcomed me and said, “Sure, come inside. I also have a son who cannot walk. Maybe you can check his blood pressure, too.” When I entered their home, I was caught off guard by what I saw.

There was Kuya Rogie, 47, lying down and unable to walk. I came to know that when Rogie was only eight years old, he fell from a coconut tree while he was still in elementary school. The accident left him unable to walk for the rest of his life. Because he cannot stand or move independently, he spends most of his time inside their home. His basic needs—including eating, urinating, and defecating—have to be managed in the same place where he stays.

His condition was difficult to witness. His blood pressure was often extremely high, sometimes reaching 200 or more. He would experience dizziness and pain in his head, neck, and shoulders. But Rogie was not the only person Nanay Cecel was caring for. Her 52-year-old daughter, Ate MaryLou, also has epilepsy. She could experience seizures once, twice, and sometimes even three times in a single day.

Because of this, Nanay Cecel had to watch over her daughter day and night. And somehow, at 64 years old, Nanay Cecel continued to carry it all.She cooked. She cleaned. She looked for food. Sometimes, she even went to the farm to gather vegetables. She cared for Rogie and MaryLou while continuing to face the challenges of everyday life. I often found myself asking, “Lord, where does this woman get her strength?” Their life was not easy.

Yet she kept going. That was why I continued visiting them once or twice a week. I checked their blood pressure, gave foot massages, offered health advice, listened to their concerns, and prayed with them. Over time, I saw their condition become more manageable. Rogie’s blood pressure became more stable, and he told me that after I began visiting, the frequent pain in his head, neck, and shoulders had lessened significantly.

Then came a time when I thought I might never be able to return. Rogie's family is a Jehovah’s Witness, and when their pastor learned that I had been visiting him, we were told that worship or Bible study together would not be allowed. It hurt. I wondered, “Lord, maybe I won’t be able to go back.” So, for two weeks, I stopped visiting. But I never stopped praying for them. Every night, I continued praying for Rogie, MaryLou, and especially Nanay Cecel. I kept asking God for another opportunity to see them, especially because I was worried about their health.

Then, somehow, God opened the door again.

When I returned after two weeks, I was nervous. I wondered if they would still welcome me. Instead, they were genuinely happy to see me. They told me they had been wondering why I suddenly stopped coming. They had become accustomed to my visits. I told them, “Nanay, Kuya Rogie, I have no other purpose in coming here. I believe God sent me here to help you.” Since then, I have continued visiting them—offering medical assistance, foot massage, health advice, and prayer.

Later, Rogie told me that his pastor was now okay with me visiting and providing massage services. To me, it was another small door God had opened. And through it all, I learned something important: prayer must never be left behind. Maybe I cannot always conduct a Bible study. But I can still pray with people. I can still serve them. I can still show the love of Christ through the way I treat them.

Mission work is not always about bringing people to us or reaching them according to our own methods. Sometimes, we need to meet people where they are and allow God to use the approach that reaches their hearts. God did not lead me to them because I could meet all their needs. He led me there so He could use me as a small blessing in their lives. A simple act of service done with love can become a powerful sermon in someone’s life. Because the best sermon is not always what we say. Sometimes, it is what we do.

Name: Marvin Jhon A. Irigan

Mission Field: Lubnac, Vintar, Ilocos Norte