“FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO HEAVEN”

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from 

there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 3:20

Becoming a missionary was never about comfort—it was about surrender. I thought I was ready. I had the passion. I had the desire. But nothing could truly prepare me for the moments that followed when I stepped into a world so different from my own.

In those early days, I felt small and misplaced. I couldn’t understand the language. The customs were unfamiliar. I often sat in silence, surrounded by people, yet feeling alone. I cried in quiet moments, asking God why He brought me here. But it was there, in that foreign place, that God gently taught me the beauty of patience, humility, and presence. He reminded me that love doesn’t always need words—it needs compassion.

For ten months, I lived in the mountains, in a small tent where the roof shook with the wind and the floor crawled with insects. Every night, the cold bit into my bones. Every day, the sun drains my strength. I was far from comfort, far from what I once called “normal.” But in that place, I found something far greater—God’s nearness.

What surprised me the most was how this hardship shaped my heart. I didn’t just survive—I grew. I learned to love beyond differences, to serve without expecting anything in return, and to find joy in simply sharing God’s love. My mission wasn’t just about reaching others; it was about God reaching me.

Adapting to a new environment on earth reminded me of the deeper journey we all face: preparing to live in the culture of heaven. Earthly life is full of discomforts, unfamiliar situations, and spiritual challenges. But just as I had to adjust to life in the mission field, we must also learn to adjust our hearts, habits, and desires for our eternal home. Heaven’s culture is one of humility, love, selflessness, and perfect obedience to God. The more we walk with Him now, the more our hearts begin to reflect that heavenly way of life.

Being a missionary taught me this truth: Heaven is not just a future destination; it’s a culture we begin to embrace here and now. And while we are still on this earth, every challenge, every act of love, and every surrender draws us one step closer to living like true citizens of heaven.

Name: France S. Mariano | 1000MM 63rd Batch 

Hometown: Butuan City

Mission Field : Carabao Island, Romblon