From Rags to True Riches
On an island in the Philippines, a humble farming family experiences a transformation.
Tirso Olarte and his family are humble vegetable farmers who rely on their little patches of plants to overcome poverty. “The endless cycle of cultivating, planting, watering, harvesting, and selling is our way of life,” Tirso says. “It seems that we are in an endless cycle . . .”
Aside from finding purpose in survival, life once felt meaningless for the family. Although they were devout Roman Catholics and their home was adorned with images of saints, they knew very little about the Bible for themselves. This is the reality for most people living without enlightenment from the Scriptures: the future holds little promise.
But one day, their despair was interrupted by missionaries who knocked at their door. “I remember being visited by people wearing smiles on their faces [who] inquired about our day,” Tirso recalls. With Bibles in hand, the visitors asked if they could share a few verses from God’s Word. Tirso said yes, and soon the story of Jesus’ love and redemption breathed new hope and direction into their home. Eager to learn more of Him in spite of their busy schedules, the family signed up for free Bible studies with Pastor Edgar each week.
Their life changes were gradual, but sure. The teachings of Jesus began to replace their despair with a new sense of peace. Tirso quickly removed their Catholic relics. “We will send these deaf and mute [images] back to their respected owners,” he announced. When he and his family learned of the Sabbath truth, they decided to attend church on Saturday and to close their vegetable selling business during Sabbath hours as well.
Tirso recognizes that life has a whole new meaning with Jesus at the helm. “Our attention is now directed towards Heaven; now we are thankful,” he says. Although faced with challenges on every side, his family has committed to walk as Jesus did—to study the Bible, learn of God’s love, and then to share it with others. Together, they enjoy a life of faith and humble toil, knowing that in Christ there is rest and salvation.
There are many on their island who are quite isolated from the rest of the other 7,000 islands in the Philippines. Travis Maloney, the director of Living for Jesus Ministries, in partnership with Mission Projects International, is helping to reach the one million souls who live on this remote island. There are scores of people like Tirso Olarte and his family who have given their hearts to Christ and have joined the ranks of believers, yet the work of reaching the masses with the Three Angels’ Messages in Palawan is far from being finished. We invite you to join this mission of hope. We are called to support a movement that considers everyone within the reach of God’s transforming love!
Location
Philippines
Author
Travis Maloney is the director of Living for Jesus (LFJ) Ministries.
How You Can Help
Pray for Tirso as he begins this new journey in Christ and those who will be impacted by his conversion.
Pray for the gospel work that is being conducted in Palawan.
Give. To help reach other souls through the health message, mark your donations “Philippine Evangelism” and send to:
Mission Projects International
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501
To give securely online, visit:
www.missionspro.org/donate