Beyond Limits: Called, Equipped, and Sustained by God”

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?

And who will go for Us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.

Isaiah 6:8

Before being sent to our mission field, I believed that everything would be easy—the place, the people, the church, and the work itself. I carried quiet confidence, thinking I was prepared. But as soon as we arrived, I realized how wrong I was.

The environment demanded constant adjustment. The area required caution due to concerns about safety, and communication was a challenge since most people spoke Ilocano instead of Tagalog. Learning their language was not just a necessity—it became a humbling reminder that reaching people requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

One of the most difficult realities I faced was the lack of church participation. Some members were hesitant to be involved and would even choose not to attend if given responsibilities. Despite repeated encouragement, little seemed to change. Many Sabbaths, my partner Tom and I carried most of the program. We took turns leading, speaking, and filling in wherever needed.

It was in those moments that a deeper realization began to form within me: God was not calling me to serve only when it was comfortable or convenient—He was calling me to serve faithfully, even when it was difficult and unseen.

Leadership had always been one of my greatest weaknesses. I was not confident in speaking or leading others. Yet, being placed in situations where I had no choice but to step forward made me realize that my limitations were an opportunity for God to work. Slowly, I learned that leadership is not about confidence in oneself, but dependence on Him.

Rejection also became part of the journey. During house-to-house visits, we offered free health services, yet many people turned us away. At first, it was discouraging. But I came to understand that rejection is not failure—it is part of the mission. Our role is to faithfully plant seeds, trusting God to bring growth in His time.

Even in simple things, like adjusting to different schedules and food preferences with my partner, I realized that mission life is not just about ministry—it is about transformation. It shapes character, patience, and humility.

My greatest personal struggle was sharing Bible studies. I often felt unprepared and unsure of how to speak. But through every “first”—leading worship, speaking in programs, and engaging with people—I realized that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls.

Looking back, I see that the mission field did not change because of me—I was the one who changed. Through every challenge, God was teaching me to trust Him more deeply.

And in that realization, I found growth—not just as a worker, but as a follower of Christ.

Name: Andrei F. Fortu | 64th Batch 1000MM

Hometown: Poblacion, Banton, Romblon

Mission Field: Burgos, Ilocos Sur