FROM TEACHER TO MISSIONARY: A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND DEVOTION

IN THIS INSPIRING TESTIMONY, RUFINO DE LOS SANTOS CARTALLA SHARES HIS JOURNEY FROM BEING A TEACHER TO BECOMING A MISSIONARY. DESPITE THE STRUGGLES AND CHALLENGES HE FACED, RUFINO TESTIFIES TO GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AND THE MIRACLES HE WITNESSED IN THE MISSION FIELD. THROUGH THIS ARTICLE, WE WILL DELVE INTO RUFINO’S EXPERIENCES AND LEARN HOW GOD’S CALLING TRANSFORMED HIS LIFE.

Genesis of Faith:

Rufino was born into a devout Roman Catholic family in the municipality of Alcoy, Philippines. However, his life took a transformative turn when he was baptized and converted to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church at the age of 17. This decision marked the beginning of his spiritual journey and set him on a path of ministry

Answering God’s Call:

As a licensed professional teacher, Rufino initially tried to balance his teaching career with his ministry work. However, he soon realized that he was neglecting his spiritual life. Feeling a void in his heart, Rufino prayed to God for guidance. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to resign from his teaching job and join the 1000 Missionary Movement in January 2023.

Despite opposition from some family members, Rufino remained steadfast in his decision to serve God and save souls. Rufino embarked on a mission that required leaving behind his aging parents and having a long-distance relationship with his fiancée, who also shared his missionary calling. After all of these sacrifices, Rufino found solace in the knowledge that God would take care of his loved ones. With unwavering faith, he embraced the challenges that lay ahead.

Stepping into the mission field:

Rufino’s prayers were answered when he was assigned to the mountainous area of Baybay City, Leyte, in the Philippines. Alongside his partner, he embarked on a mission to visit homes, conduct Bible studies, and organize evangelistic meetings.

Living in a dilapidated house and enduring physical hardships, Rufino remained committed to his calling. Through fervent desire and determination to bring the gospel to the unreached, Rufino and his team organized public evangelism. Beset with illness and debates, they witnessed the power of God in unexpected ways, as souls were baptized and lives were transformed. The mission expanded, leading Rufino to lead a team of 28 missionaries with diverse backgrounds and attitudes.

“THROUGH PRAYER AND UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE MINISTRY, THE TEAM EXPERIENCED VICTORIES AND BREAKTHROUGHS .”

Reflecting on the Journey:

As Rufino reflects on his mission, he finds inspiration in 1 Timothy 4:16, which emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the impact it has on those who hear the message. He believes that his mission was not only to save others but also to save himself through his commitment to God’s work. Rufino’s journey from being a teacher to a missionary serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the willingness to answer God’s call. His story reminds us that God qualifies those He calls and that even the smallest act of service can have a significant impact when God is involved. May Rufino’s testimony inspire others to embark on their own unique journeys of faith and service, knowing that God’s calling can lead to extraordinary transformations.

By: Chona Rose Concepcion -Maranatha Editor