When God Moves, Nothing Can Stop

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

— Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)

During the end-term of the 65th Batch in SEPUM Mindanao, I met a family whose story became more than just a missionary experience. It became a living testimony of God’s unstoppable plan—the family of Nanay Bebot.

Nanay Bebot was battling Stage 4 bone cancer. When I first heard about her condition, I was shocked. She didn’t look like someone who was seriously ill. Yet behind her smile was a body fighting a painful battle. For two weeks, we stayed in their home.

During those days, Nanay Bebot, a respected Barangay Councilor and a devoted Catholic, opened up about her life and how God had been changing her heart. “Back then, I never backed down from a fight. Humility was not in me. But when missionaries came spreading the Word of God, I realized we are just humans who get sick. Maybe this is God’s way of drawing me closer to Him.” Those words stayed with us.

Her sickness had weakened her body, but somehow, it was also opening her heart to God. Despite her condition, Nanay remained kind and welcoming. Her family received us warmly, and we continued visiting them and sharing God’s Word. We often invited Nanay and her family to attend the crusade. But there was a challenge: heavy rains made the journey difficult. 

To reach the venue, they had to cross a river. For a family already facing so much, the distance seemed like another obstacle standing between them and the decision they were beginning to make. But we did not stop. When they could not easily come to the crusade, we brought the Bible studies closer to them. 

We continued studying with Nanay and Tatay in their home. Their children were busy, and one of them, who identified as tomboy, chose not to join. Not everyone was ready to listen. Not everyone was ready to take the same step. But God was quietly working in the hearts of Nanay and Tatay.

Then came Friday night.

Nanay said, “If it rains tomorrow, I won’t be baptized.” Her words revealed the reality of her situation. She was sick. She was weak. And even the weather seemed uncertain.

But Tatay’s heart was already firm. He was determined to be baptized. Then Sabbath morning came. The path was muddy. Nanay’s body was frail. Every step must have required tremendous effort. Yet she continued walking toward the baptism site. And along the way, she prayed for strength. She did not have much strength left—but she knew where to ask for more. Then came the moment we had all been waiting for.

When the baptism began, Nanay hesitated. Looking at the water, she thought: “I cannot do this. I don’t have the strength to stand up again.” For someone battling Stage 4 cancer, this was not a small fear. She knew her physical limitations. She knew how weak her body had become. But instead of allowing fear to have the final word, she prayed.

And then something happened that we will never forget.

When it was Nanay’s turn, she entered the water. And when she came up, she was able to rise with renewed strength. The woman who had doubted whether she could even stand again stood. The woman whose body was weakened by sickness walked forward in faith.

And the woman who once wondered if she could make it to the baptism site made it there—and gave her life to God.

That Sabbath, both Nanay and Tatay were baptized , becoming part of the family of God. It was more than a baptism—it was a moment that reminded us that God had been leading them every step of the way. God had been quietly preparing their hearts for this very day. And perhaps that is what made the moment so powerful: they did not arrive at the water because the journey was easy.

They arrived because God gave them the strength to keep going. When He moves, no one can stand in the way. Nanay’s journey reminds us that faith is not about having perfect strength—it’s about trusting the One who gives it. “When God opens the door, no storm, no sickness, no fear can close it. His plan is unstoppable, and His love is unshakable.” Sometimes, God does not remove the storm before we move.

He simply gives us enough strength to walk through it. Nanay did not know how everything would turn out. She only knew that she needed to take the next step. And she did, that was enough. When God calls you, you may not always have the strength to finish the journey—but if you trust Him, He will give you the strength to take the next step. When God opens the door, nothing can stop His plan.

Name: Ronafie Jay Dawe/66th Batch

Mission Field: New Loon, Asuncion, Davao del Norte.