"PURPOSE"

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

The first time my partner and I arrived at our new mission field in Barangay Hipantag, Southern Leyte, we quickly realized that this journey would not be easy. Reaching the village itself was already a mission. Before you can enter the community, you must walk for almost two hours, cross about thirty-four rivers, and climb more than 150 steep steps. Imagine carrying your personal belongings while trekking through rivers and mountains under the heat of the sun. It was exhausting.

Yet despite the physical fatigue, we knew in our hearts that it was worth it. Serving the Lord requires surrender—our strength, our comfort, even our health. There were moments when our bodies felt weak and the journey seemed overwhelming, but we held on to God’s promise in Isaiah 40:29: “He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”

And truly, He did.

Nanay Dita

However, the most heartbreaking moment came when we heard from one of the church members that the church in the village was “dying.” That statement deeply saddened me. For almost one and a half years, only one person regularly attended church every Sabbath—Nanay Dita, the church treasurer. Even her own family no longer joined her in worship.

I had so many questions in my mind. Why did this happen? Why did the members stop coming? Why did God send us here if there were only a few households in the village?

But as I prayed and reflected, I realized something important: God placed us here for a reason. Our mission was not simply to visit the village—it was to help bring His sheep back to Him. At first, I wondered if we were capable of doing such a task. But then I remembered another promise of God: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

So, my partner and I started our mission.

During the daytime, it was difficult to meet the villagers because most of them were working in their farms and gardens. Instead of giving up, we adjusted our schedule. We began visiting homes at night, holding small worship services and Bible studies with families.

Even though the visits happened after a long day of work for the villagers, something beautiful began to unfold. I noticed the smiles on their faces every time we came. Despite their exhaustion from farming, they welcomed us warmly. It was as if they could feel God’s presence through our visit. Slowly, friendships formed. They began to open up about their struggles, their personal problems, and even their spiritual journey.

We gently reminded them that God was still calling them. We told them that He was patiently waiting for their return, and that we were simply bridges bringing His message to them.

To be honest, I often felt inadequate. I am not a great preacher, and sometimes I do not know the right words to say. But whenever it was time to share a message, I simply prayed. I asked God to guide my words and to touch the hearts of the people listening. I trusted that the Holy Spirit would speak through me.

Then came our first Sabbath in the village. I honestly expected that only one or two people might come to church.

But God had something greater in store.

That morning, I witnessed a miracle. Almost all those who had stopped attending church came back. They gathered again for worship. Seeing them together in the church moved me to tears. My heart was filled with gratitude because I saw how God was working through our simple efforts.

All the difficult walks, the exhausting climbs, and the long nights of visitation suddenly felt worth it. The greatest reward was seeing our brothers and sisters return to the feet of God.

That moment strengthened my faith deeply.

It reminded me that no matter how hard the mission may be, nothing is impossible when Jesus is with us. He strengthens us, guides us, and works through us—every time, everywhere, and in everything we do.

NAME: Kathrina Maata I 1000MM 64th Batch

HOMETOWN: Misamis Occidental, Oroquieta City, Pines

MISSION FIELD: Leyte, Mahaplag, Visayas