LALAG SUL A DS J ou rna l April - June 2016
Abnate Hosts 1st Jamboree
FAITH IN ACT!ON Born to Be in SULADS
SULADS
reaching the unreached feature 8 COVER STORY
FAITH IN ACTION Alejandro C. Panes
12 BORN TO BE IN SULADS Edgar P. Sugdan
14 MOLDED TO BE
Rebecca C. Sugdan
columns 3 EDITOR’S NOTE Unseen Heroes
4 NEWS 13 H.E.A.L. CORNER
The Garden in My Heart
17 STAFF SPACE
Hidden Behind
18 UPCOMING EVENTS 19 PRAYER LIST 20 SNAPSHOT
about the cover The beautiful decorative wall inside the SULADS Office located in Mountain View College, where the SULADS staff work inside and outside the walls of this unique-roofed building.
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Editor Liz Darnelle Ang
Contributors
Bethel Jane Ranarez Alejandro C. Panes Edgar P. Sugdan Rebecca C. Sugdan Renato S. Calinga
EDITOR’S NOTE Liz Darnelle Ang Editor
Unseen Heroes We’re still searching for heroes to inspire and motivate us to be better people even in our high-tech savvy society. But the heroes we often mention of are not ones we know personally. We may have seen and heard of them in the media or read about them in books or magazines. In this issue real-life illustrations of people who quietly and without a front made themselves available to God, came to serve SULADS, and went to do the tasks before them. The truth is that there are unseen heroes all around us. I would not be surprised if when we get to heaven we’ll find out that it is these unsung heroes of this earth who made the greatest impact. Sometimes within the four corners of the office, people may consider this work as a mundane unadventuring ministry. But it is within these simple walls where we discover the priceless treasure of people’s kind hearts.
LALAG (Manobo term meaning Message) is a journal published triannually by SULADS, Inc., a non-government charitable educational institution in the Philippines which aims to educate and inspire the unreached people groups. SULADS come from the Manobo term sulad which means brother or sister. It is also an acronym for Socio-ecomic Uplift, Literacy, Anthropological, and Developmental Services.
connect with us www.suladsasia.org info@suladsasia.org
(+63) 905-426-7637 (G) (+63) 907-330-9388 (S)
SULADS, Inc. Mountain View College Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon 8709
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NEWS SULADS Corn Mill Opens Soon The long been awaited Corn Mill will soon to rise in the village who has long been promised of this infrustructure by many NGO’s. For almost five decades Sto. Domingo waited for a corn mill to be built in their village. The generous donation of Mr. Job Flaga (a former Sulad) and Mary Jane Shepherd made the village’s dream into a beautiful fulfillment. On January 13 - 14, 2016, SULADS Staff came to celebrate the groundbreaking of the site where the SULADS Corn Mill Building will be established. The whole village represented by the Datus gratefully headed the preparation of the lot where the corn mill will stand. A dream come true giving Sto. Domingo a bright tomorrow.
Sign of the soon to come Corn Mill
SULADS Corn Mill Groundbreaking
SULADS Welcomes New Members
Ezerjhon Cagubcob
Ezerjhon Cagubcob, BS Accounting Tech Student, shared his working hours at the Business Office to SULADS. He is assisting SULADS Finance Dept. Accounting Work. A labor on his schedule but an act of his service in heart. Sarah Gaid has so kindly taken up the post as Treasurer for SULADS. With her years experience in the bank plus the faithful evidence of the Lord, in faith we claim, “SULADS to Go Forward!”
Sarah Gaid
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NEWS New Year - New President
Pastor Ephraim Pitogo
This new year of 2016 brings us lots of new people into SULADS which includes our new president, Pastor Ephraim Pitogo. He recently is Manager for HOPE Channel at South Philippine Union Conference located in Cagayan de Oro. But when called to assist SULADS, he could not deny the opportunity to give back to what had helped him “go into the mountains as a boy and come out as a man�. Ever since going to school in Mountain View College (MVC), he is involved in broadcasting for DXCR. Later, he continued that ministry through Longvine HOPE Radio in Bagontaas. His passion continues as he is trying to start an Online Radio at SULADS Campus in MVC.
DXCR Broadcaster in the Past
He invisions that SULADS will not only touch hearts in the mountains and islands, but will rekindle the passion for missions in the people who connect and understands what SULADS stands for through our media and publications. He prays that SULADS may do even more in the future than what it is doing now in the hearts of men. Signing of the paperworks
Pitogo Family
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NEWS Abnate Hosts 1st Jamboree
Opening Ceremony
Abnate, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur (Pioneering Territory) hosted the Cluster 3 (South Cotabato & Davao Territories) Jamboree on February 7 14, 2016. Students from the 5 Literacy Centers and the Sto. Domingo High School Students joined together to form 8 groups. Each student enjoyed the bliss of newfound friends, first-time camping experience, inspiring spiritual encouragements, and a fun-filled ride with the Blue Jeep. The experience was highlighted by a very special miracle where we had “12 baskets full of leftovers” of rice distributed to all schools. A dose of Pathfindering, intercultural exposure brought indeed a bliss!
Parade
Pathfinder Fancy Drill
Fire Building Game
Cultural Night - T’boli Dance
Sulads Went Through the Mud
Monkey Bridge
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NEWS
HOPE Channel - Davao
Sabbath Divine Service
Social Night - Marching
Fully Loaded Blue Jeep Leaving
Dr. Webb Visits MVC
On February 22-23, 2016, G.O. Director of Philippines, Dr. Fred Webb, came to visit SULADS to hear reports of the different fields that we are reaching out to. We are blessed with his words of encouragement to keep faithful in our selfless work for the Lord for the unreached. SULADS | JAN - MAR 2016 7
COVER STORY
n o ! t n Ac
i h t i Fa
T
o always travel for the Lord’s work requires a greater dose of faith than the usual amount we have when at the office. Going for church promotions, evaluating different literacy centers, and accompanying donors to visit mission schools are the responsibilities I have to do in SULADS Ministry. It is in these travels that I come to see and experience God more vividly. It is where faith comes to be in real action! The following stories are the visits that has given me a visual picture of how the Lord will deliver with His righteous right hand His laborers in the field. 1st: VISIT TO LAPANGON WITH ELDER CHUN - CINNAMON BREAD AND THE MAGAHAT
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I had requested Elder Chun several times to translate the book Miracle at Lapangon by Fred L. Webb into Korean that it may be used to promote the SULADS work in South Korea. After much prying, Elder Chun had not given me the positive reply. But one day when I tried to bother him again with my request, he just blurted, “Ok, but bring me to Lapangon first.” Without hesitation I said, “Yes.” Then quickly prepared a team to accompany us to go up to Lapangon. That was a 17-hour back and forth hike we did. On our way up, I sensed some dangers; but instead of minding it, I gave it to the Lord. “Lord, you know my desire to help the SULADS and this is a big help if the book will be translated. If
the book will be ready, the South Koreans and the commission to ‘reach the unreached’ will be shared to them - a great revival of missions to the unreached will happen.” Our walk went smoothly, but I still sensed danger. Not long after, we saw a great number of men coming towards us with all their bolos (machetes). Trying to be friendly to them, we offered some of our MVC cinnamon bread. The group of Manobo men happily ate everything and chatted with us in a friendly way. I was trying to observe them and noticed there were no kids or women with them. This was a sign of danger! I was just waiting for any bad moves; but by God’s grace, there was none. The group left, and we started to hike again to reach the village which was already close by. Taking only some few steps away our eyes met sticks forming X and the red marks on a tree trunk that stated they are on magahat (tribal war) mode. That meant no one was allowed to pass by the village or else they will be killed by the men. “What in the world had just happened to us? We were supposed to be dead. We were supposed to be chopped into pieces; but with some loaves of cinnamon bread, our lives were spared.”
The story didn’t end there because upon our hike going back along the trail I was about to get a hold of a big brown vine when suddenly one of our companions got his bolo and smashed it almost in my palm. I was terrified of his actions and dumbfounded but was releaved when he then brought out with his bolo a very poisonous snake that I had almost held. The brown thing I thought was a vine was a deadly snake. “The work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” With courage going forth facing the dangers untold the Lord will be faithful to deliver. This was a visit that I couldn’t forget. Facing the dangers requires great faith in action! My vision for the book Miracle at Lapangon (Korean version) has indeed came into reality. And copies per copies are now reaching the South Koreans’ homes, and I pray they respond to the needs of the SULADS Ministry. 2nd: VISIT TO MALINAWON AND SAGABALAN SULADS LITERACY CENTERS, ESPERANZA, AGUSAN DEL SUR - OUR TRUE COLORS SULADS | JAN - MAR 2016 9
Coming back to MVC, Elder Chun asked me to visit another distant literacy centers of SULADS in Agusan - they were Malinawon and Sagabalan. Without hesitation I said, “Yes.” We had Ronnie, the SULADS Volunteer and a Lumad of that place, as our guide. He was used to the trail and the possibility of ever being lost in the jungle was
The real colors of a true Christian are exposed in times of difficulties. very slim. But what had happened was we really did get lost. We could not understand what happened that we weren’t able to find the way. We felt like we were going back and forth in the same place. We did not want to exhaust ourselves and decided to sleep in the middle of the jungle. Without flashlights in hand, we made our bonfire and slept with our hammocks. One companion did not have a hammock and had a child. Without any second thought, Elder Chun gave his hammock and slept with a piece of plastic to protect him against the cold. In the morning, we continued our hike and helped carry the boy on our
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shoulders since he could not stand the long hike any longer. The hike was filled with mishaps and unexpected detours, but it was in these situations that we got to see our real colors. The real colors of a true Christian are exposed in times of difficulties. No single time spent for blame and pointing fingers on who should be held responsible, but rather we all were united in our prayers to get through the journey safely. Again for the second time, I almost picked up that same snake I held in Lapangon when I thought that another brown thing on the road was a snake. Quickly, Ronnie was able to notice the snake and killed it. Same dangers are being faced by His people. We are not spared from any mishaps or even dangers because in them heaven gets to see the real faith in us. The real colors of our hearts are the characters that we possess. 3rd: VISIT TO SIMUNOL ISLAND, TAWI-TAWI - READY FOR THE SHARKS I visited Laa Island with Dr. Llanto to show him the SULADS Literacy Centers and the growing work for our Muslim brothers and sisters. He was so impressed by what he had seen and the much
flourishing of the school that he insisted to visit another island where another Literacy Center was. I had second thoughts because seeing the clouds, I could saw thick and dark formations afar. I was suspecting heavy-duty rain, and it would surely be extremely dangerous. But with the assurance of the captain of the motor operated boat and Dr. Llanto’s convincing spirit, I went with him to visit the other island. Anyways, the boat ride was supposed to take about 30-40 minutes. We embarked right away, but WAIT - I can’t stop the surging feeling of danger inside me… With this feeling, I immediately talked to God to spare our lives. After a few minutes in prayer, I felt raindrops starting to pour, and we were beginning to be soaked to the bone. The thunders and lightning flashes were scary; and worse of all, the boat was starting to be tossed to and fro. Everybody was feeling nauseated. Dark clouds were above us, and at one moment, we found ourselves floating on the sea. We were floating in the shark-infested sea. Women were already crying in fear of the sharks. The passengers from the island knew at any time, the sharks would be feasting on us. I knew deep within there was nowhere to escape from the
shark. I was crying deep in my heart of this tragedy, but I have this faith that ending my life in this manner in the Lord’s work is never a shame. I did not waste any moment and recommitted my life to God that if by His will we will be saved from this calamity, I would always support any work that needs my help and my expertise until I die. Three and a half hours of floating on the sea - Alhamdullilah (Praise be to God) for the sharks never came. Soon we’re rescued. The enemy would always want God’s work to be delayed, and he would want God’s workers dead. But the gracious right hand of the Lord would never lack His care and protection. The One who called us has promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20) What then shall we be afraid to move forward in faith for any work assignment He is giving us right now! Let us move forward in faith. Because engaging in the Lord’s work is where you’ll always witness faith in action. Alejandro C. Panes is a retired, former SULADS President, who continues to support SULADS.
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BORN to BE in SULADS R
at is my favorite. Snake is the most delicious snack for me. I would walk around naked just like any other Manobo kids around in Bulalang, San Fernando. I did not have a view of a life more than what I was used to, then came SULADS to my village. I was but a kid and knew nothing of what they were up to. Then one of the Maestros (Teachers), Daryl Famisaran, started to give me some pieces of clothes they called “sinina�. Oh, how I hated to wear them. I was more comfortable in having nothing put on my body. The Maestro never stopped; he was so deter-
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mined to tame my wild nature. He started to treat me like his younger brother. That was the start of my journey in becoming a Sulad. SULADS has completely reversed my fate. SULADS came and had clothed my destiny with a beautiful robe of service and and a will for mission. I went as a Sulad to my own village and served as a teacher in 1994. I then married a SULADS Volunteer and a Lumad like myself. With my whole family, we have been serving the SULADS Main Office for 9 years already. I graduated from Education, but my
passion is found in the automotive work. And the very vehicle that has become so close to my heart is the Blue Jeep, which was manufactured in 1969 – the same year I was born. I have been a great witness of God’s miracles through this Blue Jeep. As its driver and mechanic, my experiences are my treasures. I truly cannot exchange the vehicle for any other vehicle for it has
To me the Blue Jeep is a dear friend and companion.
Revived Blue Jeep with Sto. Domingo Datus
helped build my faith in the Lord. To me the Blue Jeep is a dear friend and companion. Only the good Lord knows how much time will I still be in SULADS. As for me I have this in my mind, “God made me to be a Sulad, and in SULADS I will serve for this is where I had a personal contact with God.”
Edgar P. Sugdan serves as SULADS Driver/ Mechanic.
SULADS Blue Jeep fully loaded
We would be glad to read your mission stories, comments, and suggestions! You can share it with us at pub@suladsasia.org. SULADS | JAN - MAR 2016 13
Molded to Be
I
have witnessed the beginnings of SULADS and how God has brought miracles upon miracles, change upon change for it to survive and still do God’s entrusted work. I lived with the pioneers. I worked as a villager, and we ate under the same roof. These people have molded me to be one of the SULADS to replace them and to continue to kindle the light of the pioneers in these days where the Spirit is much needed. With my husband and my whole family, I am serving as a custodian at this point. But in the length of my stay here as a worker in the SULADS Main Office, God has given me different jobs and various fields of duty that has truly given me a great and satisfying experience. The SULADS pioneers have molded me to be in SULADS to serve SULADS and to pass on their spirit. A life of a volunteer is truly full of so many uncertainties and so many difficulties. So many times, I have wanted to be out and find more stability and peace; but
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in those so many times, the Lord has never failed to assure me that in these uncertainties - He will be given the chance to prove His love and His power. In these tough times, He will be able to refine my character and my life to be more fitted in the service. The office work could be very sedentary, and people may take it so lightly and may consider it not a real missionary work. The office work may not be a great field or missionary assignment where danger and instability surrounds you; but I have been in the field and now in the office, and the challenge is the same. The character needed is truly the same. The amount of strength and grace to carry the daily work no matter how light or taxing it may be for the brain still is to God a work - a grand missionary work. “So in the humbliest duties and lowliest positions of life, we may walk and work with Jesus.” Steps to Christ, p. 82. Rebecca C. Sugdan serves as SULADS Custodian.
H.E.A.L. CORNER
Health | Education Agriculture | Livelihood
The
Garden in My Heart
A
fter my college graduation at Mountain View College (MVC), God has led me to serve SULADS in different mission schools in Agusan and Quezon. The variety of places I have been to, the variety of Lumads I have served, and the variety of partners I have been paired up with have given me various colorful experiences that I can never exchange in my life. Being a SULADS missionary has molded me to be in the passion I have in my heart - the passion for plants and flowers.
It has become so natural for me to turn a jungle, a dry land, or a desolate field into a dwelling place for beautiful plants and flowers. I did not have the proper training for landscaping - I just use my instinct while in Sto. Dominigo in SULADS Comprehensive High School for the Lumads (SCHSL) for 9 years and here in SULADS Campus in MVC for 4 years. I just feel it in my heart. I use my heart to arrange the plants and to put them in the ground, and by God’s grace every flower would turned out to shine and to grow like it has naturally been placed there. SULADS | JAN - MAR 2016 15
H.E.A.L. CORNER I do not have the taste of a real landscaper, but I truly have the heart for these plants and that’s what makes the difference. The heart to do things that you love is what counts best for God. A heart that loves to do what he does is a heart that will shine. Being in the missionary field before and now serving the main office, I have nothing but only my heart’s dedication to serve God with the strength of my hands. In these wonderful creations of God, I am not the only one who is blessed with the greenery, but I believe every eye who would behold them will come to praise my Savior. This is the wonderful inspiration I truly cherish in my work as a landscaper in SULADS Main Campus that when they see my plants, they will behold the beauty and the glory of God and His great love for mankind and nature. I’ve learned “wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing.” Steps to Christ, p. 77. A daily dose of this prayer is offered, “Lord, may every eye who will see these plants will remember You. May every eye who will see this natural scene will see Your majesty, and may every tongue will praise Your Name!” Renato S. Calinga is serving as a SULADS Campus Landscaper.
10 Things You Can Learn from NATURE 1. God is the Creator of Love 2. Spring back from sorrow 3. Peace and harmony 4. Beauty in simplicity and symmetry 5. Keep growing 6. Versatility 7. Self-giving and uninhibited 8. Even small things are important 9. Be flexible 10. Mathematics and Science
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“Next to the Bible, nature is to be our great lesson book.” Child Guidance, p. 45
STAFF SPACE
Hidden Behind Hidden behind the sweet, kind smile Is a worried soul that’s in trial. Hidden behind the computers Are minds on the SULADS’ future. Hidden behind the real numbers Try to solve the funds - that’s under. Hidden behind the paper stack One cries out, “God, what do I lack?” Hidden behind the foliage green Is nature’s story yet not seen. Hidden behind the netted mask Praying for honey – a great task. Hidden behind the hours to fix When God makes the Blue Jeep do tricks. Hidden behind the broom and rag “There is nothing which I could brag.” In all the simple daily deeds God continues to guide and lead. Though helplessly weak we may be We found courage while on our knees. While we’re still on this earth below, We pray for God’s heavenly glow. Hidden behind the SULADS’ heart Is God’s stories that’ll never part.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Come! Learn to optimize your time in God’s service in the mountains and islands of Philippines by being trained to teach, to heal, & to help these different tribes. Go to www.suladsasia.org and register or call us for more information at (+63) 905-426-7637 (Globe) or (+63) 907-330-9388 (Smart).
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PRAYER LIST
Prayer of Praise
“Count the mercies! count the mercies! Number all the gifts of love; Keep a daily, faithful record Of the comforts from above.”
New SULADS Staff - Ptr. Ephraim Pitogo, President; Sarah Gaid, Treasurer; & Ezerjhon Cagubcob, Student Accountant. Donations and Revival of the Blue Jeep Wonderful Jamboree in Abnate through the Help of Many Donors Donations MVC PE Dept. & Dr. & Valencia San. for SCHSL Students SULADS Asia Online Radio Faithful Prayer Warriors and Supporters
Prayer Request/Needs Coming Up SULADS Training • More Territories that Need to Be Opened • More Trainees • More Donors and Supporters Computer for the 24/7 Online Radio Streaming Unity in Service for God and Mankind YOU TOO CAN HELP! Banco de Oro (BDO) Dollar Account Account Name: SULADS, INC Account Number: 103-2100-35355 Swift Code: BNORPHMM Banco de Oro (BDO) Peso Account Account Name: SULADS, INC Account Number: 321-001-8337 Kindly notify us at care@suladsasia.org about your donation details.
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SNAPSHOT
We cherished this picture for we knew it depicted the olden days of SULADS. Not knowing that this photo shows Pastor Ephraim Pitogo, the new SULADS President, sitting in the front (the third from the right) with his 6 other 1988 SULADS Batch. When he first entered the SULADS Office, he pointed to himself and exclaimed, “Ako ma ni! (This is me!)�
We would be glad to see your photos in the mission field with the story behind it. Send it to pub@suladsasia.org.
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