The Call to Endure

On May 17-26 I was in the mountains of Marilog yet again. I was with teams and individuals from Bukidnon, Pakibato, Davao City, Manila, and the United States. In all of my trips up to the mountains in the past, God always spoke a special word in my heart. During this trip He spoke to me about endurance.

Endurance is the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions. Walking for almost four hours can really cause fatigue. Not knowing when you will get to your destination can definitely cause stress. Riding a motorcycle on descending terrain under a heavy downpour can be considered "adverse conditions".

But why do we push on despite all these? Because we love and we believe. We love what we do and we believe in the message that we carry.

It was such a blessing to go back to a place that has become familiar and yet still held so many treasures to be discovered. I felt at home as people whose stories have become interwoven with mine welcomed me with warm hugs. I felt joy as I watched individuals from different backgrounds become united because they had the same heart. But most of all it was a blessing to hear the back stories of the past and present staff members and volunteers of Tribal Mission Foundation.

I got to spend time with people who build water up in the mountains a years ago. I got to know those who were part of building the Gumitan bridge--people who had to haul materials up to the mountains either by foot or with the help of horses. I got to meet people who helped build church structures even with the language barrier. I got to share stories with those who patiently taught adult literacy classes and those who taught the kids. I was in the company of men and women who would walk for hours under the searing heat of the sun just to bring a team of doctors and nurses to far-flung tribal villages.

And this is how I learned why we must endure. Despite the fatigue, stress, and other adverse conditions. It is for stories that speak of God's power and love, for stories that speak of the power of God's love and the power of one's love for God. We push on because we have heard the call and we believe in the dream that God has placed in our hearts.

I am blessed to have been in the company of people who endured and so have the privilege to tell their stories of endurance and victory. And though I have been tired of waiting for answers to prayers I have uttered months ago, I am encouraged to endure as well that I may live to tell my own story of victory. This is for answered prayers!