“THE PLACE I THOUGHT I WASN'T NEEDED”

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”                Job 23:10

God had brought me to a place I never imagined—deep in the mountains of Leyte. Life there was hard. Most people earned a living by making kupra and producing alcohol from coconut trees. Clean water was scarce—we had to wash clothes and fetch water from small streams. There was no cellphone signal, only electricity and a few piso net shops. The local language was Waray, and that became one of my greatest challenges. The elderly and even the children couldn’t speak Tagalog, and I felt completely out of place.

To make things harder, there were reports of rebels nearby, people spent their time in cockfights and drinking, and the homes were tucked along muddy, rocky trails. Only one Catholic church stood in the area, and none seemed interested in hearing about Jesus.

Discouraged, I often questioned why God had sent me there. "Why share the Word when no one wants to listen?" I prayed earnestly, and God answered. He sent two faithful laymen—Kuya Monching and Kuya Vergil—who became my strength. We began each day with worship at 4:30 AM and spent the entire day visiting homes, even when we knew we weren’t welcome. We offered blood pressure checks, gave massages, and I played basketball with the youth. Slowly, people began to know us—and love us.

God started opening hearts. Families welcomed Bible studies, and friendships blossomed. We held a crusade, and over 50 children came, along with 30 adults. I was overwhelmed with joy seeing how God provided for every need. By His mercy, 10 people were baptized—many of them are youth.

We held nightly worship and built strong bonds, even by the riverside. But with the nearest church 15 kilometers away, we prayed—and God answered. A piece of land was donated for a small church. I wept, overwhelmed by God’s grace and my love for the people.

Just when things seemed to fall into place, I faced my greatest trial—my girlfriend left me. Heartbroken and weak, I lay in bed for a week, questioning everything. But God’s love found me again—through the care of the newly baptized, who brought food and stayed by my side.

I came to this mountain village feeling unneeded, unwanted, and unprepared. But as I cried out to God, Mark 15:19 reminded me—Jesus suffered far more. That truth brought me back to my knees. This mission wasn’t about comfort—it was about surrender. In the place I thought I wasn’t needed, God showed me I was exactly where He wanted me. He didn’t just use me—He changed me.

Name: Phil Christian Arlantico Barbero | 1000MM 63rd Batch 

Hometown:  Nueva Ecija 

Mission Field : San Pedro Jaro Leyte