“INTROVERT ON A MISSION”

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

I once believed I wasn’t made for people. I was quiet, withdrawn, and afraid of conversations—especially with strangers. Socializing drained me. I wondered how someone like me could ever be a missionary.

But God had a plan. Through the 1000 Missionary Movement, He gently chipped away at my walls. Bit by bit, I began to open up. Still, I doubted. Bible studies made my heart race—not with excitement, but fear. I thought my introversion would always limit my calling.

Then came our midterm mission in Tarlac. That’s where I met Ate Juliet. It was a hot day, and we stopped at a small halo-halo stall. As my companion chatted with the vendor, I learned she was Bisaya—just like us. Something stirred in me. I joined in, and soon we were laughing, sharing memories of Mindanao. Before we left, we asked if we could visit her. She said yes.

We returned with small acts of kindness—a massage, a prayer, a Bible verse. Her smile that day was different—warm, longing, as if she had been waiting for something deeper than company. We kept visiting. And when the crusade began, she came—every night. After the baptism service, she quietly said, “Jane, you can count on it—I’ll be baptized next time.”

There was no pressure, no convincing. Just friendship, sincerity, and love. And somehow, that was enough. No, it was the Holy Spirit, working through the little we gave. Her heart opened—not to us, but to God.

Today, Ate Juliet and another soul from the crusade, Ate Reña, now attend church every Wednesday, Friday, and Sabbath. They are no longer guests—they are part of our family in Christ.

And me? I still get nervous. I still prefer quiet over crowds. But I’ve learned this: God doesn’t need us to be loud or eloquent. He just needs us to be kind, genuine, and present. If ever you doubt yourself, remember: God doesn’t call the capable—He makes capable those He calls. He just needs your heart. And with that, He can lead someone home.

Name: April Jane P. Mangubat | 1000MM 63rd Batch 

Hometown: Brgy.Sabang, Naval, Biliran

Mission Field : Tagkawayan, Quezon Province