Waves Across the Pacific
Two sisters respond differently to the same invitation.
Estelita and Julita are sisters who have lived in the village of Cabigaan for many years. Julita, 72, was an active member of the New Believers Christian church and possessed an enthusiastic desire to study the Scriptures. But her younger sister, Estelita, while also a church member, felt hesitant to accept change—especially when it came in the form of visiting Seventh-day Adventist missionaries.
One afternoon, these missionaries met Estelita. They earnestly invited Estelita to a Bible study, but she didn’t want to go. Knowing her sister’s enthusiasm for the Bible, she told the missionaries about Julita and gave them directions to her house—little realizing that this connection would change her sister’s life.
The next day, the missionaries found Julita sitting in her house and invited her to a short Bible study. “Yes!” she replied. The expression on her face was one of bliss as she internalized newly received truths from the Bible, and Julita agreed to study more. Together, they read about the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation, the law and the Sabbath rest—all of which made a significant impact on Julita. The missionaries wanted to make the Sabbath real for her: they invited her to worship on Sabbath in the local, newly built Seventh-day Adventist church.
On Sabbath morning, Julita entered the church and felt welcome. She even noticed some familiar faces from her village! “Happy Sabbath,” they smilingly greeted her. From that day on, she never missed a Sabbath.
Whether studying the Bible with the villagers or simply meeting their physical needs, the missionaries live to bring God glory. While completing a series of house calls one day, the missionaries knocked on Julita’s door. “Are you home, Julita?” they called. A feeble voice answered, “Yes, I am. I’m sorry for not receiving you well today—I feel faint and weak because of the flu….”
Immediately, the missionaries entered her house and assessed her condition. They found her very weak. “Have you had anything to eat?” they asked.
“No,” she said. “I have not eaten since yesterday. My energy is sapped and I am too weak to light a fire and cook—if I had any rice to cook.”
Right away, the missionaries met the need. They lit a fire, took the pot, bought rice and made porridge. Julita felt her strength returning—she knew that she would have the energy to attend church again the following Sabbath.
Please pray for both sisters. On the day that Estelita declined Bible studies, the Holy Spirit still moved through her to direct the missionaries to Julita. Please pray for Julita’s daily walk with God and her decision to be baptized. Your financial support and faithful prayers are making waves across the Pacific!
Location
Philippines
Author
Edgar and Raylene Espinosa are the directors of Living for Jesus Ministries in the Philippines.
How You Can Help
Pray for Julita as she continues her journey into the light of God’s Word, and pray for those impacted by her conversion to have open hearts to receive the truth.
Pray for the gospel work being conducted in the Palawan Mission.
Give. To help reach other souls with the truth, mark your donations “Philippine Evangelism” or “Philippine Churches” and send to:
Mission Projects International
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501
To give securely online, visit:
www.missionspro.org/donate