“ GRACE THAT LEADS HOME: A BACKSLIDER’S STORY “

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Zechariah 4:6

When we arrived at the church where we were assigned for a month, we were greeted by the gentle warmth of Nanay Rosita. Though she and her husband were faithful Sabbath keepers, her heart carried a silent burden—some of their children had turned away from the faith. One of them was Auntie Beng, a former devoted Adventist who had drifted away due to the storms of life.

Nanay Rosita introduced us to her, hoping we could help. But quietly, in my heart, I said, “We can’t… but God can.” It was never about what we could do, but about what God, in His mercy, could do through us.

Ante Beng

When we first met Auntie Beng’s family, they were busy running a barber shop. Our invitations to join Sabbath worship were gently declined. But we didn’t stop there. We visited often, stayed in their home, and began sharing simple family worships. Slowly, walls came down. They began to care for us, even giving us medicine when we were sick. In those small acts of love, a bigger love was at work—God’s.

One night after worship, something beautiful happened. The father of the house prayed with tears streaming down his cheeks. His son looked at him and said, “This is the first time I’ve seen Papa like this. He’s touched by you. You're not like others who came. You're different.”

But we knew—we were not different. It was God's Spirit moving in ways we could never take credit for.

Soon after, we saw fruit. The family started attending church again. They joined district fellowships. Their eldest even dreamed of becoming a missionary. Not because of us, but because of God's love rekindled in their hearts.

This experience reminded me that those who have left the church aren't gone forever. Sometimes, all it takes is presence, patience, and prayer. We are only instruments. God does the healing.

May we never underestimate the quiet power of God working through humble hearts. He is still in the business of bringing His children home.

Name: Janice G. Gajardo | 1000MM 63rd batch 

Hometown: Sipalay City, Negros Occidental 

Mission Field: South Upi, Maguindanao Del Sur