The Aswang?

Somewhere in Mindanao, Philippines, there are still people who believe in the Aswang—a human that supposedly turns into a monster and eats people, especially unborn babies. In Filipino culture, the Aswang is known as the “national monster.” For generations, stories of encounters with this creature have been passed down. But none of them were ever proven true. What’s worse is that some people accuse others of being Aswang without any evidence. And because of that, many innocent lives were lost to fear, hatred, and superstition. Injustice.

And that’s exactly what happened in 2015, in the mission field of Roen and Sammy in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao. One day, while they are doing house visitations, the couple noticed an old, creepy, shabby house that looked abandoned. But to their surprise, someone was living there—an old couple who looked tired, forgotten, and completely alone. upon seeing that situation Roen and Sammy’s hearts were moved with compassion. so They promised to come back and help them.

But before they could, some people in the area warned them— “Hey you! Don’t go there. That old couple are monsters. They also say that the woman transforms into a beast at night.” The villagers were convinced that Nanay and Tatay, the old couple, were Aswangs. As missionaries, Roen and Sammy felt deep sadness hearing such cruel words. They had met the couple themselves. They saw the kindness in their eyes. They knew these were lies. Now they understood why no one ever visited or helped Nanay and Tatay— the whole community was afraid of them.

But Roen and Sammy remembered what Jesus would do. Instead of turning away, they chose to love. They prayed for the couple and decided to show them the compassion of Christ. When their allowance arrived, they didn’t hesitate. They went to the grocery store and spent almost everything they had to buy food and supplies for Nanay And tatay. Then, smiling and waving, they walked back to that shabby little house. Nanay and Tatay couldn’t believe it. They burst into tears—because since their adopted son left them, no one had ever visited or cared for them anymore.

They had been abandoned, rejected, and called monsters. The only way they could survive was when Tatay went into town to beg for food and money from strangers. Roen and Sammy cried too upon hearing this. That day, the missionaries became their family. They washed their clothes, cleaned their house, and cared for Nanay, who was already weak. And they did this almost every day.

Reconstructing the Elderyly couples house

Because of this, the villagers started avoiding Roen and Sammy as well. Some even accused them of being Aswang too. But they didn’t care. They continued to love and serve. Soon, with the help of the 17th batch senior missionaries, they raised funds and rebuilt Nanay and Tatay’s home. Their love revealed the truth— that the couple were not monsters, but victims of lies and fear. Through the love of the missionaries, Nanay and Tatay opened their hearts to Jesus. They believed the message easily—because they saw it lived out in the lives of Roen and Sammy.

Eventually, both of them were baptized and became members of the Adventist Church in Initao, Brgy. Kanitoan, Misamis Oriental. THE MISSIONARIES WERE SO HAPPY TO SEE NANAY AND TATAY ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR PERSONAL SAVIOR. Years later, Nanay passed away due to old age— but she died with a grateful heart, knowing she had experienced the love of God through His missionaries. This story reminds us that missionaries are God’s hands and feet— TO LOVE THE UNLOVED to defend the oppressed, to care for the forgotten, and to reveal truth where lies once lived. If you are watching this video, remember this: God might be calling you today TO FIND MORE PEOPLE WHO NEEDS THE LOVE OF JESUS.

Roen preparing a meal for them

Before Sammuel and Roen Left their missionfield this house was completed