One week left on our outreach in the Philippines. I would say the time here went really fast but that would be a lie. We had a set plan almost every day of the week complete with traveling all around the province of Davao del Norte, doing many different types of ministries. Looking back now, we have done so much and such a variety of things! Most of us are pretty excited to get back to Hawaii, mainly to get back the luxury of hot running water and toilet seats, which I will never take for granted again. I don’t even know where to begin in sharing about everything we have done and experienced. But there is one thing that has changed my heart and view of the world forever.
In the first few weeks here, we talked with a Filipino pastor who told us about the areas of the Philippines where the people have not even heard about Jesus; unreached people, in the most remote area of the Philippines. These people live with no electricity, their water is from the nearby water source, they get food from the crops that they cultivate, and sleep on the floor of their bamboo houses. What an amazing opportunity and experience; but for me I felt indifferent about it. If we go that’d be good but if not, no big deal. A few weeks ago we began our trip to the tribe with a two hour bus ride that took us to the town Laak, where we then hopped on motorbikes (4 people on a bike), an hour ride to our final destination; the Gebabaon Tribe. It was then a half hour hike on a rocky, muddy road that led to the tribe. It was the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. Palm trees scattered about the lush vegetation, a river running through the middle of the huts, the atmosphere was gentle and quite – total peace. It was paradise. It reminded me of the place that we were created for, where we were originally intended to live. The Garden of Eden.
The people who lived there were even more incredible than the surrounding. Most eat one meal per day since they do not have enough resources on the land to feed everyone. The kids walk 3km to school, so many don’t go. The main job is to cultivate the crops and to just live. Their main concerns are getting enough food for the season and being cautious of malaria and other diseases. Each family has about 6 children as they value family and relationships above anything - there is nothing else really to get in the way of that, nothing that may distract them. The first night there we sat in the church and I was elected to give a sermon that night. I thought, oh great, what do I talk about with these people, are they going to relate to anything I have to say. It came to me that I would talk about my favorite topic ever – the love of God. The sun went down and everything was black except the stars perfectly shining so brightly in the sky. I’ve never experienced such peace in my heart as in that moment. A pastor from the city came with us as an escort and translator. He explained to us that although the Filipino people are so hospitable, since they are in such poverty, they feel like they have nothing to give and therefore many times won’t even come out of their homes. This completely shocked me. I never thought about that they viewed themselves as poor. I thought they would be content about the way they live, for some reason or another. But to be embarrassed about it?! I felt like the way they live is more true, pure and real than our mindset of how life is lived in America. Why is ‘our way’ we live in the Western world better than theirs? Why is our way to live the right way?
A generator was brought into the church to light the small wood structure, and it was completely packed, both nights we were there. We had translation during our sermons and testimonies and I realized something. Even though at first glance these people don’t really have anything in common with me, they still struggle with the same things as the Western world. Alcoholism, the craving for love and acceptance, purpose for their life, the desire to be successful – there truly is no differences in any human heart across the world, no matter what culture or nation. That’s when the reality of Jesus became so real to me, He truly is the answer for anyone and everyone.
There are about 75 people in the tribe. Although most couldn’t speak English at all, they were just blessed and overjoyed by our presence there. That we would care enough to come to them, to spend time with them, give them hope, serve them in any way possible, and to share our faith with them. Most all of the people have never seen a white person before. Can you even imagine that? The last missionary that came to the tribe was in 1990, a Korean missionary. They stayed for an hour… And before that an American missionary came in 1966. I was completely blown away. Here I was with my thoughts of two days before, not even caring if our team came to this tribe or not, when to them, our presence is life changing. To these people it is something they have been waiting for over 40 years. How was I so naive, and blind to the reality of the situation? I was completely convicted but honored and overjoyed at the opportunity that we were there. It seriously was a privilege. I felt that my experience at the tribe was more a gift and life lesson that God gave to me. My eyes were opened to the reality of life in this world, what is truly important, and gave me a heart check, revealing my own tunnel vision that has such tendency to focus on myself.
But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in him.
1 John 2:27
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