REVIVAL HELD
IN BANLAG OVER CHIRSTMAS 1997
by Fred L. Webb
Cherry Joven spent October, 1996 until October 1997 working
in the mountains with the indigenous tribes.
During that time she taught many children as well as adults to read and
write. She taught them how to eat more
healthfully and to care for the cleanliness of their bodies and homes. She organized two mass weddings of villagers
whose marriage was not recognized by the Philippine government. Cherry won the hearts of the government
officials as well as the village leaders.
But the thing that challenged Cherry the most was teaching
the villagers about Jesus who died for the villagers that they might experience
everlasting life. When her year was up,
she cried because she would no longer be out in the mountain working for these
very needy people but attending classes at Mountain View College where she is
preparing to become a worker for the Lord.
As she looked about for something to fill the longing in her
heart to share her love for Jesus, she learned of the village of Banlag where
there was a small Seventh-day Adventist Church but the membership was much
larger than the attendance. She
determined that she would hold some meetings there over the Christmas
holidays. Cherry talked with two of her
friends who agreed to work with her in this village on the fringes of
civilization. They planned their program
and prepared their talks. The day came
for Cherry to go but she could not find her companions. Cherry proceeded to Banlag alone.
Upon arrival in the village, Cherry obtained living quarters from one of the church members there and several others promised to help in providing her food. For some reason, the food from the other members was not forth-coming. Undaunted, Cherry began her meetings with a story hour for the children at 4 pm, continued with a health lecture at 6 pm and a Bible lecture at 7 pm. Since she was all alone, Cherry did all the speaking.
Before going out, Cherry had requested Arlene Webb,
Professor in Elementary Education, to come out on Sabbath, December 20, to tell
Bible Stories and give a health lecture.
She had said that the roads were good and there would be no problem in
reaching Banlag. Sabbath afternoon,
December 20, Mrs. Webb, along with her husband, Dr. Fred Webb, and Dr. Webb’s
sister and brother-in-law Verda and Bill Lyons, started out to Banlag. Mr. Gernimo Guarino accompanied them as a
guide. As they got closer to Banlag, the
roads got worse and worse. Not only was
it very rough but there were large rocks in the road to be avoided and sharp
rocks which could puncture tires. At
last Dr. Webb decided that he would not go any farther only to learn that they
had arrived at the meeting hall. The
story hour had already convened so Mrs. Webb quickly took her felts from the
car and proceeded to tell a story which held the children spellbound. Later she delivered her health lecture.
The Webb’s learned that Cherry had not been getting enough
to eat and was quite discouraged. They
encouraged her and gave her a small amount for food. Seeing the discouragement in Cherry’s face,
they decided to return on Christmas day to bring some cheer. Cherry continued her lectures daily and had
an audience of around 50-75 persons nightly.
Due to the availability of the SULADS jeep which would be
used for the second trip, the Webbs decided to go out on Christmas Eve. That morning, Cherry arrived at MVC seeking
certificates for all those attending her meetings and some food as she was out
of food again. She reported that one of
her companions had been attending a Master Guide campout and had reported to
Banlag on Tuesday of Christmas Week.
After gathering her things, Cherry rode with the Webbs back to Banlag
with the company of Mrs. Elsa Lonergan.
This was a much smoother and less scary trip as the four-wheel-drive
vehicle was designed for this type of road.
Arriving at Banlag just at 4 pm, again Mrs. Webb hurried to tell her
story. At 6 pm, Mrs. Lonergan gave a
health lecture which all could understand.
At 7 pm, Dr. Webb told the Gospel Story including the Christmas
story. Cherry continued the meetings and
concluded them on Sabbath, January 2.
Would she do it again? Cherry can hardly wait to graduate so she can devote her full time to spreading the good news of salvation. Please continue to pray for the unreached of Mindanao and for the students at Mountain View College, like Cherry, whose main goal in life is to spread the gospel story.
No comments:
Post a Comment