“We want a school for our children. We’re too old to change our ways, but our children can learn.”

“We want a school and a church and medical work in our area. Won’t you please send someone?”

“We want a school in our area, too. It is too far for our young children to walk to school. Won’t you build a school near our house?”

I wish we could answer all the requests faster, but little by little, schools are being built at varying distances from Kemantian, staffed by native Palawano Christians when available, by student missionaries serving for nine months to two years, or occasionally by Philippine nationals who are committing their lives to this underserved segment of society. Students ranging in ages from 7 to 20 are taking Christ home to their families and neighbors. At these four small elementary schools and one high school, ranging in attendance from six students to more than 40, more than 100 students are studying about Jesus each day. More than 36 baptized members were converted during their school years.

It is a remarkable thing to watch the students grow in knowledge of their world, but watching them grow in Christ is the most thrilling. It is more exhilarating than watching your firstborn learn to walk or say his first word. It gives me joy to answer “Yes!” when someone asks, “Will you let me come to school? I want to learn so I can have a better character.” It thrills me to hear of Dyuni walking half an hour up a very steep, muddy trail to tell his brother-in-law stories about Jesus because he detects a receptive spirit in him. It moves me when I hear of Kalbu hiking way out of his way to go by the home of a friend and encourage him to accompany him to church. It moves me to tears of praise to God when I hear them preach their first sermons, taking baby-steps towards becoming lay pastors. It tortures my soul when I see them falter and stumble in their walk with Jesus, but I’m encouraged when I see their friends rally around them to pray for them. My heart joins the chorus when I hear children on the trail singing songs of praise to Jesus, usually at the top of their lungs. And I feel deep satisfaction when I overhear grown former students having worship with their own families, their voices raised in hearty song to their Creator. I watch with an overflowing heart as they grow into healthy, happy families raising second-generation Christians, some of whom are already going to school.

I thank God for giving us these schools, these students and teachers, to guide and mentor. I praise Him for His plan that all people have an opportunity to know Him. I pray He will provide more schools and personnel throughout the mountains and foothills of southern Palawan so more people can be led to Jesus Christ their Savior.

• Twitter