From Uncertainty To Faith: A Missionary’s Path to Purpose

By: Brienne Quezon (62nd Batch)

As a missionary, there are days when I feel I am making an impact on the people in my mission field, and days when I feel I’m not doing enough. In July 2024, a large evangelistic meeting was held across the province of Bohol, with one of the venues being in Tubigon, where I serve. Everything we had been working toward since arriving was in preparation for this mega-crusade. We were extremely busy, visiting five different barangays each week, building relationships and sharing the Good News. As the date approached, things became even more hectic. During the crusade week, we were on our feet from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. I was in charge of VBS for the week, so there was never a dull moment with the 80 kids my church youth and I were handling. Though exhausting, it was exhilarating and I felt a sense of fulfilment.

However, after July, I noticed a lull in my work. I wasn’t as busy as in previous months, but I stuck to my daily routine: going to the Barangay Hall for blood sugar checks, and visiting homes afterward. Some days I felt useful; other days, I felt like I wasn’t making a difference. Still, I trusted God to guide me where He wanted me to go.

In late August, I received a call from a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) about a Tatay in her Purok who had recently suffered a stroke and was in severe pain due to his leg. She needed someone to take his blood pressure and check his blood sugar, as they didn’t have the necessary equipment. Tatay’s blood pressure and blood sugar were dangerously high, and his leg had turned a strange brownish-black color. After praying with him, I urged his family to monitor it closely.

Three days later, I returned to check on him. The discoloration had worsened, and the skin had turned black and hard like plastic. Alarmed, I contacted a senior missionary who was a doctor, while my partner reached out to another doctor. Both suspected a severe infection and that amputation might be necessary. I urged the family to take him to the hospital immediately. Initially, they hesitated due to financial concerns, but I reassured them that God would provide. The next day, Tatay was rushed to the hospital, and it became clear that his leg was dying.

At that point, I too felt helpless. I couldn’t heal Tatay, nor could I provide financial

assistance. I thought about stepping back from the situation, but instead, I turned to God in prayer, fully aware that I was powerless. My partner and I reached out to our churches in Korea and Canada, as well as to various missionary and family groups, asking for prayers and support. To my surprise, many church members sent donations, for which I was incredibly grateful. Though I couldn’t fix the situation myself, I knew that if it was God’s will, He could heal Tatay.

Over the next few weeks, the infection spread rapidly from his calf to his knee, and the

doctors determined that amputation was necessary. We visited Tatay twice a week, traveling four hours round-trip each time. Despite our visits, he grew weaker. His infection progressed, his breathing became labored, and his heart condition worsened, which delayed the surgery several times.

Finally, on the third Saturday of his hospital stay, Tatay was taken to the operating room, but his heart condition suddenly worsened. The doctor informed his daughter of the heightened risks and asked whether they should proceed, explaining that his heart might not withstand the surgery. His daughter signed the consent form and called me from the hospital. We had become close with the family, visiting regularly and providing them with support, friendship, and worship during those difficult days. When she told me about the situation, my partner and I immediately prayed for Tatay and shared the news with others who were also praying for him.

Three hours later, the surgery was over. The doctors reported no complications, despite the increased risk. Truly, it was a Sabbath day miracle and a powerful reminder of the impact of prayer and faith. Tatay was discharged shortly after, with all his medical bills covered by the government, and the donations were used for his medicine and other needs.

In a recent conversation, Tatay and his wife expressed their deep gratitude. They shared that our visits had brought them a sense of hope and comfort during their hospital stay. Tatay’s spirits were lifted each time we visited, and Nanay was thankful that the BHW had called me to their home and that we stayed with them throughout the ordeal. Today, my partner, some youth from our church, and I visit Tatay and his family two to three times a week, bonding over music, food, and, of course, worship. They’ve expressed interest in visiting our church once Tatay fully recovers, and their grandchildren will soon be joining the church’s Adventurer Club.

This experience reminded me of the incredible power of faith and friendship in the midst of hardship. What started as a simple request to check on a patient turned into an opportunity for God to use our small acts of kindness to create lasting connections and provide hope to a family in need. Even when I felt my presence at the Barangay Hall wasn’t making a difference, God allowed others to see me as someone they could call in times of trouble. These days, the BHW would call me when she requires assistance. I learned that even when we can’t see the bigger picture, God’s plan is always unfolding, often in ways we couldn’t anticipate.

To the youth and others considering missionary work, I encourage you to step out in faith. Missionary work isn’t just about traveling to distant places; it’s about being present where God places you, ready to serve in any way He calls. In doing so, you’ll witness lives transformed—not only through physical help but through the gift of hope and faith in God’s greater plan.

-Brienne & Hyeon

Tubigon, Bohol