Botolan, Zambales - Village of Bihawo
Botolan is the first site of the ministry. We knew what a “barangay” was (a neighborhood) but didn’t know this barangay was “Bihawo”. It started with a chalkboard for Lakas High School and everyone saw how great the needs were. A feeding program, medical and dental services, and clothing drive was added. Before long, we had the respect and friendship of this community. At the same time, home bible studies were started and people started accepting Jesus as Lord.
The baptisms began and a small church started meeting in a small thatched hut (Kubo or Nipa hut).
A new Aeta believer donated a parcel of land for perpetual use and the first church on Aeta indigenous land was built. Pastor Jesse Commandante joined as the full time pastor and serves the community.
It all started with a chalkboard!
Iba, Zambales - Olpoy Village
The neighboring community church - Cabungan Church of Christ heard what was happening in Botolan and wanted to be reaching their Aeta neighbors in Olpoy. We met with them and discussed ways we could work together to bring the gospel to Olpoy, a small community about 1 hour north of Botolan and close to the city of Iba, the capital of the county of Zambales. Pastor Henry from the Iba church ministers to the Olpoy community.
Feedings and outreach programs have begun. Several baptisms have occurred, home bible studies and Sunday services have begun in the temporary church that was built have begun. The first medical mission event was held on January 18, 2025.
January 2025 - Bihawo Elementary School Feeding of 300
Medical Mission Event - January 2025
Church Dedication November 9, 2024
Tarlac City - Papaac Village
Roger, one of the early believers in Botolan, asked us to visit his original home near Tarlac City, where he is chieftain of a small barangay. Naturally, this request was met with enthusiasm. The first visit was in 2024 and we look forward to teaming up with a local church to minister to this community and share the gospel of Jesus.
We are working with the Church of Christ at Papaac, about 1 kilometer from the village. The local pastor, Efren, has started a feeding program and other events in the village. Additional help is being provided by a larger Church of Christ in San Clemente, about an hour drive from Tarlac City. One of their members is Nancy, who owns the largest local rice mill in the area. She has provided large quantities of rice at a greatly discounted price. We look forward to working to see the Lord work with us and partners in this small village.
Papaac Village - January 2025
Subic - Olongapo Village of Naugsol
We have begun working in the Subic - Olongapo community of Naugsol. Pastor Nestor has a church in Subic that he and his wife minister at and they have reached out to this local village not far from their home and church. A Christmas event and was put on for the village and when visited in January, a feeding and new sandals were distributed to the village children. Pastor Nestor has been given permission to start a Sunday School class for the children as well as teaching those children that are not in school reading and writing. The curriculum for those students will be bible stories.
While the community is not Aeta, but an Ambala aboriginal tribe, we look forward to bringing the gospel to them and seeing what He has for this small village.
Naugsol Village - January 2025 - feeding and sandals
Pastor Nestor, Bei Dodds
