The House We Almost Passed By

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” —Hebrews 13:2(KJV)

“Lord, what if we had never stopped at that house?”

September was a special month in our missionary journey because it marked our midterm. All missionaries under the Southwest Philippines Union Conference (SWPUC) gathered in Pangantucan, Bukidnon, for a week of evangelistic seminars.

One day, while doing our house-to-house visitation, I noticed an elderly man standing outside his home, preparing to sit in his wheelchair. Something in my heart told me, “Do not pass this house.” We approached him and his wife, offering health services such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as I saw both of them needed it the most. As we talked, they shared their family struggles. Both had been previously married and had children from their previous marriages. While the wife's children continued to visit and supported her, Tatay's children rarely visited him, even though some lived nearby.

As he shared his story, Tatay began to cry. His birthday had been only a few days earlier, but none of his children had visited, called, or even sent him a message. Imagine celebrating another year of life while waiting for a greeting that never comes. Imagine having a family yet feeling forgotten by the very people you long to see. Seeing his tears, I could feel the weight of his loneliness. My heart broke. I thought of my own grandparents, whom I had lost, and suddenly, Tatay felt like my own grandfather.

I wanted to comfort him, but my Bisaya was limited. I could not find the right words to express everything I felt, so I did the simplest thing I could: I sat beside him and hugged him. Before we left, we promised to return and celebrate his birthday with him. Since the couple struggled to attend our seminars, we brought fellowship to their home. We sang, prayed, and shared God's Word.

Some missionaries bought rice and a cake, and I had the privilege of placing the cake before him. He cried again—not because of what he lacked, but because someone had remembered him on his birthday. That simple gesture was enough. Reminding him that God's love had not forgotten his home. As I reflected on that visit, one question kept coming back: What if we had simply walked past? We might have reached another house, perhaps even several more. But we would have missed the chance to remind this couple that they mattered.

The next day, when I led a smaller visitation group, I made one decision: not to skip any house. I had been so focused on reaching more homes that I had almost forgotten why we were visiting in the first place. House-to-house ministry is not just about how many doors we knock on; it is about the people behind them. Because, the most meaningful part of ministry is not reaching a hundred homes. It is making a difference in one.

Name: Dafne Perez | 66th Batch 1000MM

Hometown: Mexico

Mission Field: Ayala, Zamboanga City