"An Unexpected Return: A Story of Grace"

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

John 13:7

After months of preparation, God opened a meaningful opportunity for us to share His truth with people longing for hope and salvation. Through a large evangelistic gathering, we came together with one purpose—to bring light into the lives of those in need.

During the final week of September 2025, the South Central Mindanao Mission an evangelistic campaign centered on the theme Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health Seminar. For three weeks, we prayed earnestly and prepared wholeheartedly, trusting that God would lead every step.

Inviting people was not always easy. Some declined our invitations, yet we continued visiting homes with kindness and patience. Despite the challenges, we remained committed to reaching out.

One experience, in particular, left a lasting impact on me.

We met Ate Grezzelle Palma Gascon, who had been born into the Adventist faith but had drifted away after marriage. She became involved in another church, but difficult experiences eventually led her to step back from it as well. Though she had been away from her original faith for years, her Adventist relatives never stopped caring for her.

Before our team arrived, a lay worker had already begun visiting her, though the visits had stopped for some time. When we were led to her home, we resumed those visits, not knowing the full story at first. Together with the church members, we reached out not only through Bible studies but also by helping meet some of her family’s basic needs.

At first, she joined the Bible studies regularly with her children. However, as time passed, there were moments when only her children were present during our visits.

We later invited her to attend the evangelistic meetings. Although she missed the first day, she began attending from the second to the fifth day, together with her children.

After several nights of study, a Sabbath worship service was held. She accepted our invitation to attend, this time coming alone. At the close of the service, an appeal was made for anyone who wished to share their testimony or commit their life to Christ.

To our surprise, she stood up.

With humility, she shared her journey and made a heartfelt decision—to return to the Lord. That same Sabbath, she chose to be re-baptized.

Today, she continues to worship with us.

Her story is a powerful reminder that God’s grace never gives up on us. No matter how far we may wander, He continues to call us back—with love, patience, and perfect timing.

NAME: Jay Mark Mateo I 64th Batch 1000MM

HOMETOWN: Cebu City Belgium Street Suba blk 2

MISSION FIELD: Poblacion Bagumbayan Sultan Kudarat