SULADS STORIES

FAKE DOCTOR BECOMES A CHURCH ELDER

by Emi Andin-O

Upper Balambangan Mission School

January 1997

Before the SULADS entered into the area of Upper Balambangan, there was a man named Franco Alumbus who was  a good fake doctor (witch doctor) in the area.  When the SULADS came to Upper Balambangan, they talked with the old man.  At first this fake doctor would not entertain the SULADS but they kept on visiting the house each afternoon. 

The SULADS were using personal ministries to convince the old man.  Before the old fake doctor would talk to the SULADS he would call on his gods in the trees, the rocks, the water, and the mountains to protect him from the SULADS.   He was afraid to talk to lowlanders.  If someone got sick, he would offer a chicken and call on his gods before healing the person. 

Over time the fake doctor learned to trust the SULADS and before long, they convinced him to study the Bible with them.  The fake doctor, after studying for some time, decided to be baptized.  After baptism, he was such a strong supporter of the church, that he was ordained as a local elder.  Now the former fake doctor, Franco Alumbus is the head elder of the Upper Balambangan Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Praise God for the transforming power of His message of Salvation.