On May 15 and 16, Pasuk church partner Grace Alone Reformed Church (GARC) made a mission trip to Capas, Tarlac, near Mount Pinatubo. The purpose of this trip was to bring the Gospel to children and families from the Aeta community. Pasuk Foundation was able to support this trip in a practical way by providing school supplies and other basic necessities for the children. In this way, together with our church partner GARC, we were able to give concrete expression to our mission: supporting children in poverty with hope and education.
What began as a visit to about 35 children grew into a special meeting with about 55 children, their parents, and several local pastors. Yet there were enough supplies to give something to every child.
May His name endure forever;
May His name increase as long as the sun shines;
Let all nations be blessed in Him;
Let all nations call Him blessed.
– Psalm 72:17
Read more below the video.
Who are the Aeta?
The Aeta are among the indigenous peoples of the Philippines. They are often counted among the so-called Negrito peoples: population groups in Southeast Asia known as descendants of very ancient inhabitants of this region, often with dark skin, curly hair, and a smaller physical build. Several Aeta communities live in the mountainous areas of Luzon, including the area around Mount Pinatubo. This volcano became known worldwide because of its major eruption in 1991. For many Aeta communities, that disaster meant not only the loss of homes, but also the loss of farmland, livelihoods, and a familiar living environment.
Many families still live in vulnerable circumstances. Their daily life often depends on small-scale farming, work in the surrounding area, or products from the mountains. As a result, education can be vulnerable for children. Not because parents do not consider education important, but because basic needs such as food, clothing, transportation, and school supplies often place immediate pressure on family life.
Alongside their own history and way of life, many Aeta communities also have ancient spiritual traditions. In some communities, belief in spirits, ancestors, and spiritual powers in nature plays a role. At the same time, Aeta communities differ from one another, and customs have changed over the years. Against this background, the meeting with the Aeta children and their families gains extra significance.
Serving in a hard-to-reach place
The mission trip took place in an area that is not easy to reach. Members of the community gathered at a local shelter, because it was difficult to carry the supplies further up the hill. For the GARC team, this place served as a simple place to stay for almost two days.
Practical facilities were also limited. Mobile signal was weak, and electricity and water supply were not something to be taken for granted. Yet the team did not see these circumstances as an obstacle, but as a reminder of the joy and privilege of serving the Lord in places where the need is great.
School supplies at the right time
The children received, among other things, school supplies, toys, hygiene kits, slippers, and T-shirts that they can use for the new school year. They were also happy with the Pasuk ballpoint pens and glow-in-the-dark wristbands with the words: “Jesus is the Light of the World.”
For the parents, this help came at exactly the right time. When the team asked about their current needs, several parents said that the school supplies were very welcome, especially because the opening of the schools was drawing near. Some parents said they experienced the help as an answer to prayer, and gave God the glory for it.
More than practical help
Yet this mission trip was not only about distributing supplies. The desire of the team was to reach the Aeta children and their families with the message of the Gospel. During the gathering, the children were able to hear from God’s Word. About fifteen parents were also present and were given a separate opportunity to listen to the Gospel message: the liberating message of Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world.
Later that day, the team also met several Aeta pastors. They spoke with them about the authority and clarity of God’s Word, and about how the Bible gives us everything we need to know God and serve Him. In this way, practical help for children could go hand in hand with the greater desire that families and communities would come to know the hope of the Gospel and be further built up through sound teaching from God’s Word.
Thankful for God’s provision
We are thankful that the Lord has opened this door. We are also thankful for the good cooperation with the GARC team, for their great love for vulnerable children in this area, and for their desire to reach them with the Gospel.
In addition, we are thankful for our faithful donors. Thanks to your contribution, we were able to stand alongside these children and families in a very concrete way through GARC.
Will you pray with us for these children and their families? Pray that the school supplies will help them begin the school year with renewed courage. Pray also for the parents, that they may experience God’s nearness in their daily concerns. And pray for the local pastors and churches in this area, that they may remain rooted in God’s Word and be a blessing in their community.
Soli Deo Gloria!
