Bringing the News of Eternal Life to the Heart of the Philippines

Marinduque, often called “the heart of the Philippines” because of its central location in the archipelago, was the destination of our short-term mission last February. With the goal of sharing the message of eternal life and seeking the youngest members of our heavenly family, we set out filled with hope and anticipation.

Upon arrival, what impressed me most was the members’ attitude toward the gospel. Many of the members at Marinduque Zion were students from nearby Marinduque State University. Despite their demanding academic schedules, they came to Zion whenever they had spare time, eagerly looking for ways to serve and participating wholeheartedly in every task. Seeing members my own age take the lead in Zion and receive blessings through their service deeply inspired us. From morning until evening, we tirelessly walked the streets, determined to find our heavenly family.

We had believed that simply going out to share God’s word would lead many to accept Him. Yet the results fell short of our expectations. As our bodies grew weary and some members saw no visible fruit from their efforts, anxiety quietly began to take root in our hearts. During the Sabbath morning worship, however, the sermon reminded us of a truth we had nearly forgotten: God’s work is accomplished not by human strength or ability, but by His grace alone. My heart sank as I realized that, even subtly, we had been relying on ourselves rather than fully depending on God. That evening, every member of our mission team came to the same realization. With tears of repentance, we humbled ourselves before God and renewed our resolve. We determined to preach the truth not for our own sense of accomplishment or joy, but for Heavenly Father and Mother, who patiently wait for Their children, and for the souls wandering without knowing the way of salvation.

The next day, members from the Lucena area crossed the sea to join us in preaching. Though the round trip took more than ten hours and must have been exhausting, they proclaimed the gospel with bright faces, warm smiles, and powerful voices. We were deeply moved by their dedication. In that moment, we truly felt that we were one heavenly family—united in heart to save even a single soul. As God has promised that unity brings blessing, our entire mission team was able to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit through our united preaching and offer it to God.

One sister who was born again as God’s child that day began coming to Zion almost daily to study the Bible and faithfully attended every worship service. As she learned about God the Father, she reflected deeply on the suffering He endured on this earth. While studying the commandments, she expressed heartfelt gratitude that, among so many people, God had chosen her to understand the truth. Whenever we left Zion to preach, she would encourage us in Korean: “Father and Mother are with you, so be strong! Father and Mother love you!” Her bright faith strengthened us greatly. On the day we returned to Korea, she held us tightly and promised she would never leave Zion. Being able to find a soul who longed for God so earnestly—through our unity with the local members, filled us with overflowing gratitude.

God’s blessings did not end there. Two friends who were baptized side by side quickly gained firm conviction in the truth. With hearts on fire, they eagerly studied the truth and expressed their desire to share the truth with their friends as well. One adult brother, immediately after his baptism, brought his family to Zion, and his family, in turn, guided their friends. In this way, blessings continued to unfold one after another.

Above all, what filled us with the deepest gratitude was seeing more and more members make their way to Zion. When we first arrived and held our first worship service, fewer than ten people attended. By the time of our last worship, that number had grown to more than thirty. Even the number of members attending regular gatherings had doubled. Witnessing not only the addition of new brothers and sisters but also the steady growth of the local church became another source of profound joy for us.

The three weeks we spent in Marinduque remain vivid in my heart, continuing to nourish and strengthen me to this day. We shared a heartfelt longing for souls who had yet to understand the truth and rejoiced together with our heavenly family members who received the blessing of new life. Seeing the local members boldly proclaim the truth gave us a glimpse of Father’s image, and watching them care for one another with genuine love made Mother’s presence tangible. Those precious moments left a deep and lasting imprint on our hearts.

One day, while sharing the truth, a woman listening to the message about God the Mother began to shed tears. I do not know the exact reason, but she said that simply hearing the words “Heavenly Mother” brought tears to her eyes. Seeing her, I was deeply moved by the realization that so many souls still long for God. A sense of urgency filled my heart. What if they never have the chance to hear the gospel because I fail to faithfully carry out my mission? Grateful for the grace of being used as an instrument to share this precious and certain truth, I stepped forward with even greater earnestness and resolve.

Just as blood is essential for sustaining physical life, the new covenant established through God’s precious blood is essential for spiritual life. Within the truth of the new covenant lies the breathtaking promise of a world where there will be no more tears or pain. I earnestly pray that this truth will spread throughout Marinduque and reach even the smallest islands of the Philippines, so that the work of salvation may flourish everywhere. As for me, I will continue striving to fulfill my mission as a messenger of the truth, proclaiming the gospel of heaven to the ends of the earth, always pressing forward with my eyes fixed on the radiant glory prepared at the end of this journey.