When Compassion Crossed the Sea

From the Heart of Caleb Byerly

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

On June 8, 2026, a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao. In less than a minute, buildings collapsed, lives were lost, families were displaced, and entire communities were forever changed.

Among the hardest-hit areas were General Santos City, South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, and Davao Occidental—places where many of our missionaries, ministry partners, and missional communities faithfully serve.

As we watched the devastation unfold, we knew we could not simply observe from a distance.

We had to respond.

Not only with relief goods, but with the love and compassion of Jesus.

When we shared the need, God stirred the hearts of His people. Friends from both the Philippines and the United States, churches, individuals, NGOs, and ministry partners responded with incredible generosity. Together with our ministry partner, Destiny Ministries International (DMI), we organized a two-day relief operation to serve communities devastated by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami.

For days, volunteers packed food, medicine, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies. On the evening before the trip, we loaded everything onto a rented truck, preparing to leave before sunrise.

Travel to Balangonan, JAS, and to Laker, Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

Day One: Crossing the Sea with Hope

Our team departed General Santos City at 4:00 AM, filled with anticipation and prayer.

After arriving at the Port of Balangonan in Jose Abad Santos, local volunteers warmly welcomed us and immediately began helping transfer our relief supplies from the truck onto the waiting boat. Their willingness to serve reminded us that compassion multiplies when God's people work together.

Our first stop was Barangay Laker in the Municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental. There, our team went door to door, personally delivering relief goods to 21 families before sharing lunch with the community.

Brgy. Laker, Sarangani, Davao Occidental

From Barangay Laker, we traveled by motorboat to Purok Sucor, another coastal community devastated not only by the earthquake but also by the tsunami. Homes had been flooded by seawater, while others had been completely washed away.

Before distributing relief goods to 60 families, Ariel shared a message of hope from God's Word. Together we prayed, believing that while homes can be rebuilt, hope must first be restored in people's hearts.

Purok Sucor, Brgy. Laker, Sarangani, Davao Occidental

Our final destination for the day was Barangay Camahoal.

Of all the communities we visited, Camahoal bore some of the deepest scars. The tsunami had dramatically reshaped the shoreline. Many homes had been destroyed, others swept away entirely, and nearly 300 families had been affected.

When our boat docked, another challenge awaited us.

Every sack of rice, every box of relief supplies, and every container of essentials had to be carried nearly 500 meters from the shoreline to the distribution site.

It was exhausting work.

But once again, the community came alongside us.

Residents joined our team, helping carry the supplies until everything reached the gathering place. Their willingness to serve one another in the midst of their own suffering was deeply humbling.

Before the distribution began, Jeff, Ariel, and Star each shared a brief message of hope and encouragement. We reminded the community that even in seasons of unimaginable loss, God had not abandoned them.

As we handed out relief packs, what we received in return was something we'll never forget.

Smiles. Tears. Grateful embraces. Simple words of thanks.

Those moments reminded me that sometimes the greatest gift we can offer isn't just what we bring—it's simply showing up.

Brgy. Camahoal, Sarangani, Davao Occidental

As the sun began to set, we departed Camahoal and arrived on Balut Island later that evening.

The team was physically exhausted after hours of traveling by land and sea, carrying supplies, and ministering to communities.

But our hearts were full.

That night, we shared dinner together, thanked God for His faithfulness throughout the day, and rested in preparation for another full day ahead.

Day Two: Finishing Strong

The next morning, we rose early, ready to continue the work.

Originally, we had planned to travel to Batuganding for another relief distribution. After prayerfully considering the travel time, distance, and the physical condition of our team, we decided to partner with another relief team already serving the area. They gladly agreed to distribute the supplies we had prepared alongside their own, allowing the community to be served while enabling our team to steward our strength for the remaining communities.

After docking once again in Balangonan, we traveled directly to Malabinuang, where we distributed relief goods to affected families before stopping for a quick lunch at a local carinderia.

Brgy. Malabinuang, JAS, Davao Occidental

Our final destination was the Sangil and Blaan tribal community in Sitio Nacolyeel, Small Margus, Glan, Sarangani.

This stop held special significance for us.

The Sangil are among the least-reached peoples in Mindanao. Even in the midst of crisis and grief, God opened a door for us to fulfill the very mission He has placed on our hearts—to reach the unreached and touch the untouchable with His redeeming love.

It was a profound privilege to serve them.

The people of Nacolyeel had received very little outside assistance. As we distributed relief goods, many were moved to tears. Their gratitude reminded us that acts of compassion become powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness.

Sitio Nacolyeel, Brgy. Small Margus, Glan, Sarangani.

We were also grateful to partner with Seed Care, another ministry serving the community. Together, we distributed relief supplies, prayed with families, and encouraged them with the hope found in Christ.

By late afternoon, we safely returned to General Santos City with grateful hearts.

More Than Relief

Over the course of two days, we crossed seas, traveled rough roads, loaded and unloaded countless boxes, carried supplies across damaged communities, and met hundreds of families whose lives had been forever changed.

But this trip was never just about relief goods.

It was about reminding people that they are not forgotten.

That Christ still sees them.

That His Church still stands with them.

I want to personally thank every individual, church, ministry, and organization that prayed, gave, packed supplies, volunteered, and partnered with us. Your generosity became food for the hungry, encouragement for the weary, and hope for families beginning the long journey of rebuilding.

The work is far from over.

Many families are still rebuilding homes.

Many are still grieving.

Many are still recovering.

Please continue praying for the people of Mindanao. Pray for the pastors, missionaries, tribal leaders, and local churches faithfully serving their communities. Pray that the love of Christ would continue to be seen—not only through our words, but through our compassion and our willingness to walk alongside those who are suffering.

To everyone who stood with us—

Thank you.

Your partnership carried hope across the sea.

And together, we were able to remind hundreds of families that they are deeply loved by God and not forgotten by His people.

To God alone be all the glory.