District Apostle Edy Isnugroho visited Southern Mindanao in the working area of Apostle Medie Sabal from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 13, 2025. On Saturday, April 5, in the morning, the National Annual Meeting of the Philippine Council was held, led by Apostle Samuel Handojo, District Rector of the New Apostolic Church Philippines, attended by all Philippines Apostles and representatives from the Church Administration Office in Makati. In the afternoon, the New Apostolic Church Southeast Asia Relief (NACSEARelief) held its annual meeting at our Church in Lagau, General Santos, led by its President, retired District Apostle Urs Hebeisen.

From Sunday, April 6 to Sunday, April 13, the District Apostle, together with Apostles Samuel Handojo Tansahtikno, Joe An Beli-ot, and Medie Sabal, visited congregations in Tupi, Deseket-Tiboli, Sabayol-Kiamba, Bongu-Maan, Lem-blubu-Lake Sebu, Titulok-Sultan Kudarat, and Taliwara-General Santos. The visit to Lisu, Balut Island, had to be postponed due to high sea waves and was replaced with a visit to Lawis, Jose Abad Santos. Except for Tupi, these were first-time visits by a District Apostle.

On Monday, April 7, the District Apostle, together with retired District Apostle Hebeisen and the NACSEARelief Board, traveled to Deseket through rocky, slippery mountainous terrain. The Ford SUV they rented became stuck and could not move. Despite efforts to tow it, the vehicle had to be abandoned temporarily, and the passengers continued with another SUV.

In Deseket, the District Apostle conducted a service using Matthew 13:33: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with forty quarts of flour until it had all risen.” The parable illustrates how God’s kingdom, though hidden at first, works within us and in the Church. By receiving the Holy Spirit and committing ourselves to Christ, the divine life transforms us over time. Though the Church may appear merely human and imperfect, it carries a divine mission to proclaim salvation to all.

After the service, NACSEARelief held a meeting with local farmers who had been supported with seeds, fertilizer, and agricultural advice. I briefly joined the farmers and congregants, many of whom had walked for three to five hours to attend the service. Sitting with them on a bench made of large bamboo, I deeply felt their joy and faithfulness.

Meanwhile, the brothers returned to retrieve the stuck Ford SUV, successfully pulling it out using the NACSEARelief vehicle. We thanked God for His help and for the unplanned decision to rent an additional SUV, which proved crucial.

On Wednesday, April 9, the District Apostle visited Bongu, Maan. The journey involved crossing shallow rivers and navigating rocky, mountainous paths. Twice, the vehicle became stuck on slippery, steep slopes, but ministers and brothers, anticipating the difficulties, were ready to assist with shovels, soil, and strong hands. Despite arriving nearly 90 minutes late, the brothers and sisters waited patiently. The service was based on Romans 5:1: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The congregation followed the service attentively and with joy.

The return trip to General Santos was smoother than expected, despite difficult terrains and river crossings. We humbly recognized God’s protection and help throughout our journeys.

Through this visit to various congregations in Southern Mindanao, he witnessed the challenging terrains our Apostles and Ministers have faced for many years. He expresses deep gratitude for their faithful service and perseverance in caring for God’s children.