“DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN A WAITING SHED”

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighted in His way.”                  Psalms 37:23

One day, my partner and I went out as usual—but instead of our usual path, we took the quieter back road. There weren’t many houses there, but our plan was simple: to sit in a waiting shed near the entrance of the sitio and offer free blood pressure and sugar testing.

Before lunch, we stopped at a sari-sari store for a snack. The elderly woman declined our offer for testing but pointed us to a nearby house, saying, “She might want to.”

The music was loud, so it took a while before she noticed

us. But when she did, she smiled warmly. After we explained our purpose, she welcomed us in. As I checked her sugar and blood pressure, she asked who we were, and we shared that we were missionaries serving through care and the love of Christ. Before leaving, we prayed with her and promised to return for a foot massage—she joyfully agreed.

The next day, we came back with the local pastor to introduce Bible studies. She welcomed us like old friends; her daughter had even prepared food for our visit. As my partner gave the massage, she shared her life stories and said she missed having fellowship. She gladly accepted the Bible study invitation and said she would prepare.

We were overjoyed. Finally, a soul interested in the Gospel. We shared the news with the brethren we stayed with, but instead of encouragement, we were told that Bible teaching should be left only to elders or pastors. Even though the pastor would be there, their words stung and shook our confidence. Were we really not qualified? Was that why God was leading us away? Still, we decided to move forward in faith.

The next day, our director called—we were being reassigned to a new mission field.It broke our hearts, having already formed bonds even with those in the farthest parts of the sitio. But I held on to what a mentor once said: If God puts you somewhere, no one can remove you. And if He moves you, no one can make you stay. So we accepted it as His will.

We spent our final days visiting every home, saying our goodbyes. Many wept, our last stop was the woman we’d just met. She cried, saying we were the only ones she ever truly welcomed into her home—because she felt at peace with us from the start. Though sad, she understood we had to go and promised her door would always be open.

That moment confirmed what we already knew—God had been with us. Meeting her was no accident. Though our time there was short, we believe every encounter had a purpose. The seeds planted will grow—in God’s perfect time.

Name: Jahazel Yvon P. Amplayo | 1000MM 63rd Batch

Hometown: Butuan City, Caraga 

Mission Field: Dasmariñas, Cavite