Today's the LAST day of this year and we are thanking the God of the HARVEST for what He did in 2024.
Below is a missions update from Richard who is our Regional Director of Evergreen Missions in the Philippines. Let's praise God together for what He has done to reach the unreached people groups.
Before you read, I want to make an important note... Why are we focusing on the island of Mindanao? Here's why:
There are 31 ethnolinguistic tribes (maybe even more than that)
There is a population of 26 Million
There are still people groups being discovered on this island
The Philippines is a major gateway to missions work to the unreached people groups of Asia
There is grace and the harvest is very ripe
Letter from Richard - Philippines
It is truly a blessing to see that many indigenous people have received and joyfully received the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank the Lord Jesus for the missionaries we support who tirelessly serve Him. Because of their hard work, several missional communities have been set up in the mountains.
Two Church Buildings
In January 2024, Evergreen Missions provided financial assistance to build a church building for a Tinananon tribal ministry in Arakan, North Cotabato. This was a great blessing to them, as they finally have a proper ministry center for fellowship, training, and Sunday worship gatherings.
In August 2024, we also built a training center in Datal Salvan for the missional communities in Tboli, South Cotabato. This center is used for fellowship, training, Sunday worship, and other gatherings for the tribes. The tribes are very happy to have a space where two different tribes can come together and hold meetings.
Establishing Missional Communities
In 2023, we established two missional communities: MC Datal Salvan and MC Sitio Tnulang. We were able to reached out to the indigenous Blaan and Tboli tribes, training local leaders within these communities. In 2024, we reached out to more communities, including MC Matukling and MC 3rd Gate, which are also from the Blaan and Tboli tribes. Additionally, we have been working on outreach efforts in Sapang, a remote mountain. Once we establish a missional community, we hand the discipleship and stewardship over to a local church, Destiny Ministries International, who we are in close partnership/friendship with.
Missions Exposure Trips
We also had 7 short-term mission exposures for both local and international visitors. In March, Caleb Byerly, the founder of Evergreen Missions, and Liston from North Carolina, visited to see the ongoing ministry and missions among the Blaan and Tboli tribes.
In April, Christina, co-founder of Noble Endeavors, visited to discuss potential partnerships, particularly for a Computer Literacy Program. In October, Gateway Church from Texas, led by Rodney and Kathy Moore, visited to bless our tribal communities. Many other Filipinos from other parts of the Philippines came to minister in the tribal areas. They too were deeply impacted by the tribal ministry and ongoing missions in our region. In November, Liston and Trevor also visited for a mission exposure and to discuss future plans for tribal ministries here in Mindanao.
Tribal Leaders Gathering
Over 40 leaders involved in tribal missions in Mindanao came together, sponsored by Evergreen Missions and led by Caleb Byerly, to resolidify God’s mission to the unreached, connect with each other and form strong alliances for missions in Mindanao. The two-day event was a success, and it was meaningful and purposeful for all involved.
Ministry Partnerships
We were also blessed with new partnership opportunities. One of these was with Noble Endeavors, an Australian organization. They generously contributed funds to complete the center in Datal Salvan and became our official partner for the Computer Literacy Program for the tribes.
Blessing the Tribes
We had several opportunities to bless the tribes through gift-giving, feeding programs, medical missions, and other forms of assistance to improve their livelihoods.
Our Ongoing Mission Work
Starting in May 2024, we have been holding monthly training sessions for tribal leaders to prepare them for ministry and missions. This has become a regular part of their routine across different missional communities.
Missions Awareness
This year, there were several opportunities to present the mission work in Mindanao to churches in the Philippines. As a result, many churches expressed interest in joining this mission by praying, supporting, and sending people to the mission field.
Final Remarks
We are especially grateful to the Lord for His grace in expanding the mission work here in Mindanao island. We also thank Evergreen Missions for its continuous support through prayers and finances, enabling us to keep this work going.
In 2025, Evergreen Missions will focus on reaching the 14 unreached tribes in the Philippines.
Glory to God!
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