The Island

I will keep from mentioning the name of this isolated island for now, so its name will not appear on search engines. I do not wish to implicate the kind councilor and health worker for allowing us to preach here in the absence of their mayor. This island is a part of Malolos, and can only be reached by taking a 9 kilometer boat ride from Panasahan Fish port.

Two weeks ago my Father sent us funds through brethren in California for use in the ministry. We have kept it until this idea was opened to me one night and it has not left my mind since. The impression to go was so strong that I had to ask the church to include it in the Thursday prayer meetings. One week after, we were on our way there. My daughter and I had previously proclaimed at this fish port, without knowing our next mission farther would take off from the same place.

I could not bring our passionate youth along in this particular trip without testing the waters first, so to speak. I could not sleep the previous night, praying with mixed feelings regarding the unknown risks. I knew we will be taking a boat ride. I just did not know if it will be safe, and what kind of reactions will the people have towards the gospel. That morning, I hugged my wife and son goodbye thinking it was the last time I would be doing so. My daughter wanted to come with me in spite of knowing the risks. We threw all cares to the LORD.

 

This particular preaching venture is no different from our usual outreaches, except of course by the means we employed to reach our destination. Some brethren from another branch of the church along with their pastor also went by boat to an un-reached people group in the province. May the LORD cause our labors to bear fruit for His name's sake.

This river opens to the sea. The island rests on the edge of it.

The island's Pantalan or Fish Port

 

Upon arriving we were met with stares, but everyone politely greeted us with a smile and a 'good morning'. It was a pleasant surprise to find these people so friendly despite the obvious: they certainly know if you are a visitor to the place. We walked the half kilometer main street not knowing where to start and how to talk with them. The street was too small to use the megaphone and we did not want to make ourselves annoying, and it was lined with old folks that sat in front of their houses talking to their neighbors. There was nothing much to do here it seems. 

 

The island had three different churches all beside each other. A Roman Catholic church, a Methodist church, and a seemingly 'Christian' church that was closed and dilapidated. That alone indicated that this place is dead and in darkness. We continued walking towards the end till we reached the last turn, and decided the best option now would be to tread back and start talking with the people one on one instead. Immediately we reached out to the nearest people standing near us.

 

Connecting with them was surprisingly easy, They engaged us without any apprehension, and they were very open to the gospel. Even the electric trike drivers took time and showed interest in talking about Christ. Everyone asked about the paper we had in our hands, and asked for one. It opened a lot of conversations for us. In the middle of it all, we decided to make our visit formal by informing the local baranggay of our activities. Jhet and I walked back to the port where the office of the mayor was.

We were greeted by the councilor who was present, and we registered our names on the logbook. The ongoing virus scare has reached this place, the people were aware, but not one single person wore a mask. The resident health worker was called down to talk with us regarding our errand to the place, and for fear of possible viral transfer we were in a way discouraged to talk with the people (like the way we were talking with them inside the hall while asking permission). They cannot decide whether to let us proceed or not because their mayor was on the mainland, so I asked them upfront, even after taking an expensive boat ride here, if they wanted us to leave right away instead. That made them graciously give us a spot on the corner of the street in front of the hall to share the gospel. Father made a way for our efforts not to be in vain.

As we proceeded to plead with the people, Jordan went to the children playing in the basketball court and invited them for a talk, and before long he was surrounded by children eagerly listening to the gospel, agreeing very much that despite their Catholic upbringing, bowing down to statues was wrong. For 45 minutes the message of the law and the cross echoed above the houses. People went out to see what the noise was all about and listened for a long time. Like in all the places we preached in, nobody wanted to come near. Sin is the same everywhere. 

 

Even in isolated and pleasant neighborhoods.

Photo by Jhet

Heading back to the mainland by which we came. Thinking about the kind invitation some mothers gave us back on the island, "we hope you will return again for us." The day was young, and upon reaching home port we resolved to push through under the blazing heat of the noon time sun towards the other end of Bulacan's borders towards Hagonoy, a public market 22 kilometers from where we were. Our boatman thanked us three times for his new bible.