Sowing Seeds

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

We left our mission field with heavy hearts—but also with a deep sense of peace. It didn’t feel like an ending, but more like a quiet “you did your part.” The harvest isn’t here yet, but we know we planted seeds. And honestly, that changed how I see success in ministry.

Looking back on the past ten months, it really was a rollercoaster. There were highs that made everything feel worth it, and lows that made me question if I was even doing things right. There were moments of doubt, fear, and overthinking—but through all of it, God stayed consistent. He showed up every time. Not always in big, obvious ways, but in the small moments that reminded me, “I’m still here.”

The place was beautiful, yes—but the people? They were the real highlight. And somewhere along the way, I realized something I didn’t expect: the mission field wasn’t just “out there.” It was also in me, in my partner, and in the quiet spaces where God was working on our hearts.

We met people who weren’t just looking for Bible studies—they were looking for connection. For a place to belong. For someone to actually listen. One of them was Ate Almira, a mom of two. She knew where her spiritual home was, but because of past hurt, she found it hard to return. The pain she experienced from people in the church stayed with her.

So we didn’t start with preaching—we started with showing up. Simple things. Medical help. Foot massages. Just being there. And somehow, those small acts became something bigger. Trust started to grow. She began inviting us over, sharing meals, opening up little by little.

She smiled a lot, but you could tell there was more behind it.

When we asked if we could hold worship in her home, she said yes right away—with a smile that felt real and hopeful. Every night, we went there, prayed with her, and just spent time in God’s presence together. Quietly, we prayed that she would find her way back—not by focusing on people who hurt her, but by looking at God again.

Even now that we’ve left, we still carry her in our prayers.

This mission really shifted something in me. I realized that ministry isn’t about being impressive—it’s about being real. Before you can reach others, God has to work in you first. Service became our bridge. Meeting physical needs opened doors to deeper conversations.

And the biggest lesson? We’re not always called to harvest—sometimes we’re called to plant. Results aren’t our job. Faithfulness is.

At the end of the day, being a missionary isn’t just about teaching truth. It’s about presence. It’s about showing people, in the simplest ways, that they are seen, heard, and not alone.

Name: Shardy Ombayan I 64th Bacth 1000MM

Mission Field: Toong, Cebu City

Address: Kapatagan, Laak, Davao de Oro