“Jesus’ Triumph”

“Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.”

Matthew 4:11, ESV

I praised and thanked God for the experiences He allowed me to witness. Our church assigned a layman and a laywoman to assist in our mission field. I felt truly grateful because I had more companion in ministry. Their main responsibility was to conduct Bible studies, and I had the privilege of joining them every day—both in the morning and in the afternoon.

Through those visits, I learned so much. Although we had studied Bible markings and guides during our campus training, the real-life experience of conducting Bible studies was very different. By observing how the lay workers shared the Word of God, I gained deeper insights and slowly developed my own pattern in leading Bible studies. After each study, we also offered simple medical services such as blood pressure checks, massages, and blood sugar testing. We paired these with prayer ministry for people who needed encouragement and healing.

We continued visiting homes and sharing Bible studies even though not everyone accepted our message. Out of four families and five individuals we had been studying with, only one person decided to prepare for baptism. Even so, those nine Bible students were very precious to me. Seeing even a single soul respond to God’s truth filled my heart with joy.

However, the journey was not always easy. Many of the newly baptized members lived in another sitio, far from the church. Transportation was difficult because public vehicles were scarce, and most people relied on private motorcycles. Despite the challenges, we continued encouraging them to attend Sabbath worship.

One of our Bible students, Ate Chona, had initially decided to be baptized. We carefully explained the baptismal form and discussed the schedule with her. She understood everything clearly and willingly signed the form. We were joyful because we believed that God had already prepared her heart for this important decision.

Ate Chona(Gray Shirt) Bible Study Time

But when we visited her again the next day to confirm the schedule, everything suddenly changed.

She told us that her husband strongly objected to her baptism. He told her not to proceed and asked her to wait for him instead. Although we respected their relationship, it was clear that his decision deeply influenced her. We gently encouraged Ate Chona, reminding her that salvation is a personal choice. We shared with her that salvation is available today—not tomorrow and not later—and that each person must make their own decision to follow Christ.

Even so, her husband’s words weighed heavily on her heart. In the end, she decided to delay her baptism because she did not want to go against him.

At first, I felt discouraged. It seemed as though the enemy had succeeded in stopping one soul from making a decision for Christ.

Yet, God had a better plan.

During our 13th Sabbath gathering at the beach that Sunday, a backslidden family whom we had invited attended the event. When the mother learned that our district pastor was present, she made a heartfelt decision to be re-baptized together with her daughter. Instead of one soul being added to God’s kingdom, two people recommitted their lives to Christ that day.

That experience reminded me that whenever we work for God, the enemy will try to interfere. But no matter the obstacles, God remains in control. Even when our plans seem delayed or disrupted, His purpose always prevails—and His harvest will always come in His perfect time.

Name: Leah Mae C. Lambonao – 1000MM 64^th Batch 

Hometown: Baganga, Davao Oriental 

Mission Field: Siargao District, Surigao del Norte