An Unexpected Helper

A JFA Bible Worker Story from the Philippines

Representative Image

Editor’s note: The following story was taken from a report by Miguel*, one of our Bible Workers in the southern Philippines.

My name is Miguel, and I am a Bible Worker in the southern Philippines. 

Nonoy, a man in our village, was a terrible drunkard. I often saw him out with his buddies on drinking binges.

One day, we were holding a work bee to help renovate the church I am serving in when suddenly, I saw Nonoy. He didn’t just pass by, but he came to the area where we were working as if he was going to help. 

Why is he here? I asked myself. Has he really come to help? It would be so much easier if he just ignored us or even insulted us.

Nonoy walked toward the pile of sand where I was standing, and as he approached, I realized he wasn’t drunk that morning. 

“What brought you here?” I asked him. Nonoy didn’t say much but picked up a shovel, shoved it into the pile of sand, and filled a nearby bag with it. Then he picked up the bag and took it to the cement mixer. All morning, he continued his routine. Shovel the sand; fill the bag; carry it to the cement mixer.

Finally, when we took a break for lunch, I asked him again, “What made you want to come and help?”

“I am tired of seeing how my drinking hurts my wife and son,” he said. “I owe it to them to make a change in my life, so I decided to come here and help out.”

Wow! What great news! He wants to make a change in his life. But still, I wondered, what will become of him in the long run?

“I would like to come to your house to visit you and meet your wife and son. Is that okay with you?” I asked.

“Yes, you are welcome to come,” he replied.

After that first visit to Nonoy’s house, I went regularly and had Bible studies with him and his family. To help him avoid alcohol, Nonoy decided to distance himself from his drinking buddies, even walking the other way when they passed by.

When a baptism was announced in church, he and his family asked if they could also be baptized. 

We all rejoiced in the victory wrought by God. Until today, Nonoy and his family have faithfully attended church. And I have continued visiting him and his family and worshiping with them.

Although I don’t know any specifics, I know Nonoy must still have many troubles because of his friends and his past life. Please continue to pray for Nonoy to grow in faith and strength amid whatever trials he faces. 

Editor’s note: Sometimes, like Miguel, we dismiss people based on outward appearances. When we see people that annoy us, we wish they would go away instead of desiring to show God’s love to them. We praise God that Miguel allowed God to change his opinion of Nonoy as he saw how God was working in his life. May we also be willing to have our minds changed so we can serve those who are seemingly unworthy. 

If God is leading you to help enable our Philippines Bible Workers to continue sharing Christ’s love with others, please click the button below.

*Name has been changed.