Our team visited the promised land of Oriental Mindoro from May 27 – 29, 2022. There were merry dances, worship sung at the top of our lungs, and joyous shouts of praise as we joined them in celebration of the church’s 12th anniversary. One of the missionaries, Pastor Michael Seloso, also spoke about Rebuilding the Temple as stated in Haggai 1:1-15, which was reflected among the Mangyans as they knelt in complete obedience to God’s Word. Truly, God has been faithful throughout the church’s journey as He promised in His word declaring, “I am with you.”
Jesus Christ the Rock of our Salvation Church (JCRSC) is led by Ed Cordero alongside his wife, Almira Cordero, their two daughters, Patricia and Kathleen, and youngest son, Edric. It is located at the foot of a mountain surrounded by rivers, which can make traveling difficult due to uncontrolled weather conditions. But, no steep mountains, strong rivers, and unpredictable weather can ever hinder us from establishing relationships with the Alangan Tribe of Mangyan – one of the different Mangyan tribes and the one currently residing in Sitio Mainit.
Evidently, the Filipino spirit for sportsmanship was also witnessed, having been able to see the populace enjoy occasional basketball leagues. Interestingly enough, we would’ve thought that the prize would be wads of cash, trophies, or mere accolades. But to such surprise, we were amazed, yet all the more humbled, by seeing winners receiving sacks of rice as their reward. In that circumstance, our eyes were opened to the reality of their plight, knowing that their basic necessities were scarce. In addition, access to services, such as hospitals, shopping marts, and community transportation among others, were also out of reach given the remoteness of their area.
But praise be to God as the Church was also able to train, equip, and produce leaders amongst the Mangyans. With spiritual eyes, ears, and hearts opened, the plans of the Lord unfolded through the lives of the Mangyans. One of which is Alex – a Mangyan Aplake (Chieftain), as well as Lowton and Robert, who are some of the Mangyans who have stepped up to take part in the fulfillment of His word and pursuit of His promises.
Upon visiting the blessed land of Mindoro, we have witnessed the zealousness and utmost hospitality of the Mangyans. They are high-spirited people who have never shown even an ounce of exhaustion or pain; instead, they always wore smiles on their faces. Indeed, they are a living testimony of how God can work through every tribe and tongue for His glory and purposes. Despite hardships and difficulties, they continued to serve in God’s ministry passionately. They devoted themselves to the advancement of the gospel and the further expansion of His kingdom. Regardless of how little they already have, they eagerly gave to the best of their abilities. With such joyful hearts of service for the Lord’s kingdom, surely, they will be showered with heavenly blessings.
As He says in Matthew 5:3-6, 12:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
More than our genuine missional intent to reach out to the Mangyan tribe, we were completely astonished by what we had witnessed. Despite being economically impoverished and powerless, these people reminded us that those whose hope is anchored in His unfailing love and promises, will surely never lack. Immensely humbled, our team brought back nothing but empowering testimonies of gratitude to our local churches as we witnessed the Lord’s provision of sustaining grace in that populace. We spoke of gratitude knowing that the abundant generosity of the Mangyans had enlightened us, making us reflect on the wide-ranging opportunities, which, at minimum, were basic necessities and easy access to services we were seemingly taking for granted at home.
The Mangyans were living testimonies of giving generously without having to think of their own. Despite visibly experiencing insufficiencies, they withdrew their strength, hope, and trust in the Greatest Source of all. With hearts and cups filled with gratitude, it is our prayer to continually reach out to the unreached people groups such as the Mangyans, who have shown us the outcome of full dependence on the Father, which has cultivated devoted, generous, selfless, and passionate followers for Jesus.
Written by: Ashley Cabria and Thea Vistar
Mindoro Missions Video Highlight
