Monday, September 10, 2012

My First Month at Dampaan Mission School
by Nelson Decina
November 1996
 
When I applied as a SULADS missionary to the SULADS president, I didn’t have hope to be accepted because I was not around during the orientation seminar for one week.  Even in the dedication ceremony I was not present because of my appointment in Bright Light Association.  I directed a five day camping that was held in Barangay Lumbayao.   I never thought that I will be accepted because I was not interviewed by the Board of directors.  When I came on campus, one of my friends told me that I am assigned to Dampaan mission school.  I questioned myself, what was Dampaan Mission School all about.  Are those people living there good people?  Are there a lot of discouragements as I have heard from some friends?  Some friends questioned me regarding why I had joined the program when in fact this coming year I should graduate.  I explained to them that it is God’s call and that I should join the program.
 
I didn’t listen to what they were saying.  All I needed to do was to think of doing missionary work.  I packed my things and prepared for my departure.  When I left MVC, I always prayed to God about what might happen in my future.  I prayed for my protection.  When my companion and I reached Laligan, some people told us that it is better that we should take a ride on a motorcycle with boards down each side called a habal-habal.  For me it is quite interesting because it was my first time to see that kind of vehicle.  When the motorcycle started to run, I was afraid because we were riding beside the driver, not at the back of the motorcycle.  I was thinking that I was going to die now because of the rugged road and the big stones in the road.  
 
When we were about to reach Bulacao, a very heavy rain began to fall.  We became very wet as well as our bags.  I prayed to the Lord that He will guide us and will give us hope, courage, and faith to continue.  It was about 2:00 p.m. when we reached Dampaan.  There, I met Datu Tibalawan and the rest of the villagers.  I saw people who were smiling and friendly and so happy.  I was very impressed with the love shown to me.

The next morning, a mother came to our cottage and informed us that her husband has a wound.  We visited the house and when I looked at it, the wound was still bleeding.  I stopped the bleeding by touching the pressure point.  I applied medicine, dressed the wound, and prayed.
 
Then, I understood what the work of the missionary was.  Every day we are so happy.  We enjoy working with the students.  Every Sabbath we  have a ministerial seminar reaching out to some of the neighboring villages.  We sing songs and encourage those who have backslidden from their religious convictions.

Pray that I will be faithful and fulfill the mission for which I have been dedicated.

 

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