 A picture of my father taken in the United States shortly before he returned to the Philippines in October 1982. He received his calling during a church crusade, at Easter time, in 1937 and made a small felt banner to commemorate the event. However, he did not actually go as a missionary until 1946, arriving in Manila on June 10, 1947. From 1947 till his death in 1983, his life was truly dedicated to serving God. When not in the Philippines, he was on tour raising money for his Philippine work. When he had his heart attack and was in the hospital, he spent much of his time writing newsletters to keep everyone informed and encouraged. Whenever he was away from the Philippines, his heart longed to be with the people he loved. Whenever he was down in spirit, I’d ask him questions about the Philippines and he’d tell me his stories. The more he talked, the joy and love he had for the Philippines and the Filipino people became very evident. His face radiated and his eyes twinkled like shiny stars. He truly was called as a missionary to the Philippines. |
