Bulanao, Kalinga, Republic of the Philippines

Our visit to the Philippines gave us just what we prayed for: clarity and direction. The first day we arrived we found out that the property we wanted (Trish’s dad’s old house) had been leased—a week before we arrived. We were devastated. But yet, it was rented to some people who we know and who used to be members of her parents’ church. In fact, the parents still attend. So, there was hope! We reached out to them and immediately heard back that getting the house would not be a problem. We were thrilled. 

 Yet again, despite hearing numerous times that the house was ours, we did not have peace, and our Filipino team didn’t have peace about it either. What if they changed their minds? What if we put in a lot of repairs and they decided they wanted the house after all? What if they held us to a three-year lease and then changed the terms suddenly? We just weren’t sure it was right. 

 Meanwhile, we were meeting daily with our trusted friends and contacts, praying, and talking and dreaming. Out of the blue (for us, he has been praying about it for years) one of them offered part of his farm as an alternative location if the Taber House fell through. It was definitely not what we planned, but an answer with immense possibilities and actually with more potential than the land-locked house. 

 Still our hearts were drawn toward the Taber House. The sentiment of it was at times overwhelming, especially for Trish. So, we prayed for clarity. Maybe God wanted us to have dual locations. We just prayed and waited. And then we got our answer. We were abruptly informed that the house was not available and never had been. We are not sure why they didn’t tell us that immediately, but sometimes that’s how things work in countries where saying “no” is practically taboo. 

 After a few moments of sadness and processing of this change in events, we were able to accept God’s answer with relief and even joy. God has been so awesome; He was at work for us and in us all the while we were praying for answers. 100 times we said to each other and to our friends, “If we don’t get the house, it’s okay.” So, we didn’t get the house, and it’s okay!

 We have become remarkably close to our friends and contacts here. We have shared our hearts and they have shared theirs. Our vision has been fleshed through many in-depth conversations. It’s not always easy bridging the cultural gaps and teaming up with people who think so differently than we do. Trish has been the “cultural barometer”—constantly measuring the temperature and pressure and keeping things steady. She has helped bridge the gaps and cultural barriers, all the while renewing her understanding of the Ilocano language and the Filipino customs.  

 The new location happens to be up in the hill country overlooking the town where we originally planned to be located. Interestingly enough, our friends called it “the high ridge”. (We could not make this up!!) There are details to work out including obtaining a long-term lease, extending the arm of our non-profit to the Philippines, and forming a board over here so things can be legal here. We have already spoken to an attorney here. 

 One additional victory came early in the process when our partners here agreed with us that our mission is bigger than any one denomination. They agreed that this will be a nondenominational, parachurch ministry primarily for the tribal people of Kalinga and Mountain Province. We have decided to call the ministry Hilltribes Outreach. 

 The tribes are still active and largely unchanged here. The men no longer wear G-strings and don’t carry spears, but tribal disputes and wars are still a way of life. The Philippine government does not get involved and honors the tribal way of settling problems. This usually involves an “eye for an eye” mentality or paying off your “utang” in an agreed-upon manner. We are so incredibly privileged to have a chance to come here and support an outreach into these villages where many people have never heard the Good News. Trish will work with local midwives and some local doctors while we also work with farmers, pastors, indigenous missionaries, and Lord willing, some faithful prayer warriors and friends back home to bring these people news of God’s precious Son. Please continue to pray with and for us. 

Patricia Griffin

02/27/2020