The Palawano are a group of shy, fun-loving people who are also brave, persevering and resilient. They have gone through a lot and are not rich in worldly goods, but they are by far the happiest people I have ever met. They live simply, getting their resources directly from nature, and are skillful with their hands. Most, if not all, of what they own are things they have made. They weave baskets, build houses, carve wooden figures, and do many other creative things.

However, no matter how peaceful life is here in the mountains, I have experienced and witnessed firsthand the darkness that besets them.

These people are animists. Many live in fear, oppressed, and sometimes possessed by the spirits. There are still unreached villages, and some people in the reached parts resist the gospel. Moreover, many who have already accepted the gospel have not attended church for years.

Much work is needed, but I praise God for having this project in His hands.

As I spend my last days here in the mountains, I am filled with gratefulness to God for leading me to the jungles of Palawan. My time here is one that I will never forget. How do I even begin to express how I feel?

Here, I learned significantly more about what it means to surrender to Jesus. Like Jacob, I realized that victory is not gained by fighting in our own finite strength but through surrender to Him. Here, I understood more the significance of having peace, that despite not being in control, God is working everything out for the good of His children. Here, God has searched my heart and convicted me of things initially unbeknownst to me, which, if continually cherished, would eventually cost me my salvation. Here, God has taught me more about what it means to have a contrite spirit and a broken heart because of sin and how to experience the fulfillment of His promise that He is near (Psalm 34:18). Here, God has humbled me as I realized my helplessness, and that my only hope is in making Christ my refuge.

I came for the salvation of others, but throughout time, I realized that God brought me here first to save me. There were times when I wanted to take the first flight home, but as I lifted my eyes to the mountains, God would remind me of where my help comes from (Psalms 121:1-2). As I experienced feeling misunderstood, homesick, and lonely, He would remind me that it is He who satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness (Psalm 107:9).

Because of Him, I will go again as a missionary. I don’t know where that may be, but as He sends me, I will go, “not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit” (Zechariah 4:1).

“Go . . . and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Author’s note:
The Palawano project is working with Child Impact International (CII) to provide students in grades K-5 with hot meals, school and hygiene supplies, a creative learning environment, and an opportunity to learn more about Jesus. To donate, please call Child Impact International (CII) at 423-910-0667.

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