“THE WALLS BETWEEN US”

"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not 

only the gospel of God but our lives as well."

1 Thessalonians 2:8 

When I first arrived in the community, I carried a heart full of hope—but also a lot of questions. Would they accept me? Would I be able to connect? I knew I was there to serve, but I also knew that real connection takes time, patience, and love. This is how it began…

In the first few weeks, I could feel it—that quiet hesitance. Some locals would smile, but there was something in their eyes… a kind of caution. They were kind, yes, but also guarded. I could sense they were unsure—maybe of my intentions, or maybe they were just tired of being let down. And honestly, I understood. Trust doesn’t come instantly. It’s something you earn, one small step at a time.

So I prayed,  “Lord, help me love them well. Let them see You, not me.”

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

So I didn’t give up. I started small—visiting their homes, helping carry water from the poso, offering a foot massage, checking blood pressure or sugar, saying a prayer for someone who was sick. I didn’t always know what to say, but I showed up—with my time, with love, and with a heart ready to serve.

I helped patch up walls, sang with the children about Jesus, and sat beside families just to listen when they needed someone. And little by little, I saw something change. People started opening up. Our conversations slowly shifted from casual greetings to real, heart-level talks. It was like the walls between us started to soften—not because of anything I did, but because of how God was working through all of it.

I realized I wasn’t just sharing the Gospel—I was living it.

We began little Bible studies, kids would come running, feet dusty, faces lit up, ready to sing and learn. And somehow, love started to grow in the quiet places. Suspicion gave way to curiosity. Distance turned into friendship. People who once kept their distance started inviting me in, offering food, sharing their stories, letting me into their lives.

And in all of it—in the small acts, the simple words, the shared moments—I saw the beauty of Jesus at work. Not through big sermons, but through quiet presence, real love, and a heart willing to stay.

Name: Raquel M. Hemoroz | 1000MM 63rd batch 

Hometown: Buri, Matanao , Davao Del Sur 

Mission Field : Salvacion, Albuera Leyte