Despite his blindness, Jonie actively participated in his local Baptist church, playing his guitar in all the services. However, Jonie’s journey took a turn when he attended a Voice of Youth Crusade in a neighboring area. There, he heard the Adventist message and was deeply moved. After a series of Bible studies, Jonie asked to be baptized despite being the only Adventist believer in his village. With no Adventist church nearby, he continued attending the Baptist church while observing the Sabbath on his own.

Hearing Jonie’s story, we felt a strong burden to visit his village, though we knew it might be challenging to plant a church there given the presence of the Baptist church and pastor. When God provided just enough funds for the transportation and other expenses for a week of evangelistic meetings in the village, we jumped at the opportunity. Jonie was thrilled that his neighbors and family would hear the message of truth. At the end of the week, the villagers requested another week of study! Once again, God provided the necessary funds, allowing us to continue.

During these meetings, we met Jonie’s 56-year-old cousin Melvin. Melvin’s life had been filled with hardship. At 26, he had lost his eyesight to cataracts, and he spiraled into despair, wasting years in the hopelessness of depression and alcoholism. In his darkest moments, when he contemplated ending his life, a mysterious voice stopped him. God came to Melvin in his brokenness!

Over time, Melvin adapted to his blindness, learning to care for himself in a remote village where survival was difficult even for the able-bodied. Melvin cleared his land and planted 500 coconut trees, fruit trees, and root crops. He even climbed the coconut trees to harvest and sell the coconuts, earning enough to build a comfortable home for his mother.

Attending the evangelistic meetings was not easy for Melvin. He had to walk three kilometers and cross two rivers to reach Sitio Baba. When the rivers swelled after heavy rain, Melvin couldn’t make the journey, but he came whenever possible. His determination paid off. Moved by the message of Christ, Melvin made the life-changing decision to prepare for baptism.