Datal Salvan holds a special place in the story of these missional communities. It was the first missional community established in the area—a place where leaders have been discipled, equipped, and sent to strengthen other communities. Men like Bibom and Kuya Sal were shaped there before being entrusted with leadership in other villages.

Before there were missional communities hidden among the mountains of Mindanao, there were prayers. Before there were worship gatherings echoing through the hills of Third Gate, Purok Lahak, Datal Salvan, and Purok Nanon, there were two missionaries carrying a burden from the Lord. Years ago, I remember listening to Ptr. Jeffrey Dapanas and his wife, Malen, shared what God had been stirring in their hearts. Heart Message from an Immersion Trip to the Missional Communities

There are many wonderful camps designed for children, teenagers, or adults. But we sensed a growing need for something different—a place where entire families could grow together. Instead of separating parents from children, we wanted to create an environment where families could worship, play, learn, and simply enjoy being together.

The unreached are often found in places that are inconvenient, uncomfortable, and sometimes even unsafe. We face difficulties, delays, spiritual resistance, exhaustion, and at times real danger. These are not rare experiences—they are common companions on the road of missions.

At Evergreen Missions, we believe that true missions are not measured by how much we do, but by how much remains when we’re gone. The heartbeat of missions isn’t dependency — it’s multiplication. It’s not about how many we reach today, but how many will still be reaching others long after we leave.