"The Muddy Road"

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:13-15 KJV

For the past few months, my usual ministry partner has not been with me. But praise God—He always provides. The Lord sent a new lay partner, a recent graduate of Central Philippines Adventist College (CPAC), who has now been assigned here in Fatima, Bohol.

Truly, when one-chapter closes, God opens another.

Our visitation work has been both amazing and challenging. One of the biggest struggles has been finding new Bible study prospects. As part of our outreach, we offer free massage services and blood pressure check-ups to connect with the community. Some people politely refuse, and at times it can feel discouraging. But ministry has taught me that rejection is never the end of the story—sometimes it’s just redirection.

In the middle of these challenges, God allowed us to witness something beautiful.

There is a young boy named Junriel. He was baptized during our last Friendship Camp. Naturally shy and soft-spoken, he surprised us with his deep eagerness to learn the Bible. Even before his baptism, you could see that his desire to know God was genuine. What made his story even more powerful was that he did not inform his parents beforehand. It was a bold step of faith for someone so young.

When he returned home and eventually told his mother, her response was unexpected yet comforting. She simply said, “It’s okay. We still worship the same God.” That moment reminded me that God prepares hearts in ways we do not always see.

It has now been seven months since Junriel’s baptism, and he faithfully attends church every Sabbath. His consistency became a silent testimony at home. Soon, his two younger sisters started attending church as well. Because of their interest, we began conducting Bible studies with them—and with Junriel too. Watching siblings grow together spiritually is something truly special.

But here’s where the story gets even better.

One day, Junriel himself told us that we should start conducting Bible studies at their house for the whole family. Honestly, we were surprised. Their home is located in the middle of a rice field, and reaching it is no easy task. We have to walk along a narrow road—about a foot wide—and during rainy days, it becomes muddy and slippery. It’s not the most convenient path.

Yet every time we arrive, our exhaustion quickly disappears. Waiting for us is a large family eager to listen to the Word of God. Junriel has eight siblings— Not all of them are always present during Bible study, but many attend regularly. His aunties and cousins join as well. What touched us the most was seeing even his grandparents sit down and listen whenever we visit. Imagine that: three generations gathered in one humble home, studying Scripture together.

Moments like this remind me that ministry is not about convenience; it is about commitment. It is not about how wide the road is, but about how open the hearts are at the end of it.

May the Lord bless us all, and may our lives continue to be a blessing to others.

Name: Gerald Davo I 1000MM 64th Batch

Hometown: Isulan Sultan Kudarat

Mission Field: Fatima Bohol