Bato, Catanduanes Missions Outreach

Hillside Christian Church
F. Arban Street Extension, Brgy. Pauli 1, Rizal, Laguna, Philippines

HCC Missions Outreach Ministry
By: Bro. Gani Visey


The Missions Trip in the province of Catanduanes was made possible through the guidance and divine intervention of the Lord God Almighty, prayers and financial support of the brethren. It is also made possible because of our ever supportive Pastor Joe Mauk and wife Mrs. Mauk. The HCC Missions Outreach Ministry is composed of 22 members coming from the Bible Club Reachout, 2:7 Club and Ladies Fellowship. Due to Typhoon Dante, the trip incurred one (1) day delay. The group reached Virac, Catanduanes about 4:40 in the afternoon of May 5, 2009, Tuesday. It was Pastor Pidz Valenzuela of Living Stone Baptist Church of Catanduanes and wife Ate Nene who welcomed the group.

After the snacks, the ladies of the group went to “saud” (the marketplace) to buy food for the dinner. On the other hand, Pastor Pidz, Ate Nene, Nes and Bro. Gani discussed and formulated the schedule of activities. As a result, the Bible Vacation School, House to House Evangelism, Puppet Show and Film Showing would be the activities to be conducted at Living Stone Baptist Church of Catanduanes in the Municipality of Bato, Catanduanes.

Bato is a 5th class municipality in the province of Catanduanes, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 18,738 people in 3,497 households. Bato is politically subdivided into 27 barangays. Bato, the smallest of the eleven (11) municipalities of Catanduanes has a land area of 48.8 sq. km. or 4,880 ha. Bato is located at the southeastern portion of Catanduanes and is bounded on the north by the municipality of San Miguel; on the east by the greatest body of water, the Pacific Ocean; on the south by Cabugao Bay and on the west by Virac, the capital town of Catanduanes which is just 8 kilometers from Bato.

After the program planning, orientation meeting with the HCC VBS Teachers and LSBCC young people was conducted by Bro. Nes while Bro. Gani gave some announcements and details of the activities. Puppet practice followed after the meeting while some of the 2:7 club members went out for a swimming.

Day 1 (May 6, 2009), Wednesday

As early as 3:00 a.m. the ladies and other members of the 2:7 club prepared “Sopas” (soup) for the breakfast. The group left Moonwalk, Virac at exactly 6:30 a.m. to Bato, Catanduanes which is 8 kms. away. The group is provided with two (2) service vehicle by Ptr. Pidz.


About 8:00 a.m. when VBS formally started with 67 registrants. Pastor Pidz gave his opening and welcome remarks. Puppet Show was also conducted and Bro. Nes and Don hosted the program. On the other hand, the members of the 2:7 Club headed by Bro. Gani started their house to house evangelism with only few catches. On their way back to Virac, the vehicle driven by Pastor Pidz met some trouble where it lost its brake. However, the group reached the place when the motor automatically stopped in front of the house. To God be the glory! It was already 10:00 p.m. when the group returned at Moonwalk, Virac. Upon reaching the place, Bro. Gani prepared a letter request addressed to the Bato mayor requesting for a permit for the film showing on the following day.

Day 2 (May 7, 2009), Thursday

The VBS Teachers left the place ahead of the other group for the reason that the other vehicle would undergo repair. While waiting for the vehicle to be repaired, the 2:7 Club members made an evaluation concerning the evangelism conducted during the first day. It was observed that the group members experienced some discouragement due to the negative response of the people of Bato. Bro. Gani gave some words of encouragement and brought the matter in group prayer. When the second batch reached Bato, a good report was received. According to the report, after the counseling session the BVS students became attentive, responsive, cooperative, participative and alive. It was because Jesus Christ was already introduced and there was now a relationship to the Savior. 54 souls accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. To God be the glory!

Concerning the house to house evangelism, it was amazing! Although some responded negatively, God provided numbers of fish to catch. The discouragement felt by the members turned to excitement and overflowing joy because 37 souls came to know the Savior. However, the enemy was actively trying to prevent the furtherance of the ministry. The newly repaired vehicle driven by Pastor Pidz incurred tire blown out on their way to Bato. Praise God it happened just few meters away from the church.

In the afternoon, Pastor Pidz and Bro. Gani sought a Mayor’s Permit for the Film Showing. House to house invitation was made by team members. Again, the people responded negatively.

Puppet show started at 6:00 pm. Buboy Lachano and Yeye Vitangcol gave their testimonies. Don and Erwin did the Rope Trick and Sketch Board Presentation. A special number was rendered by all BVS students. Then Film Showing followed afterwards.

During the film showing members of the team commented that it would be difficult to have the counseling because people there are “come and go and demonstrated a feeling of disinterest”. Technical problems were also encountered. Moreover, there was a total black out in the area that prevented the people to leave the place. Aside from these problems probably it was God’s purpose to have a heavy rain so that the group could have the opportunity to share the Gospel. God is good and all things work together for good because 50 people got save during the film showing. The group reached the base about 10:00 in the evening for their dinner.

Day 3 (May 8, 2009), Friday

After finishing the lessons, BVS graduation immediately followed. Awards and Diploma or Certificate of Attendance were also awarded. It was about 3:00 p.m. when the group took their lunch. After some rest at Moonwalk, Virac, the group proceeded to Living Stone Baptist Church of Catanduanes in San Andres for a prayer meeting.

San Andres is a 4th class municipality in the province of Catanduanes. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 33,781 people in 6,059 households. San Andres is politically subdivided into 38 barangays. San Andres is 14 kms. away from Virac.

In spite of brown out in the area a warm fellowship was conducted with the members of the church including the members of the YWAM (Youth With a Mission). A short devotion was given by Bro. Gani with the title “We Must Speak the Truth Even if the People Responded Negatively for that is our Mandate; to preach the Gospel”. That evening also served as a closing ceremony where Pastor Pidz gave his message thanking all those who supported them in the ministry including the HCC. It is where the Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to HCC. It was 11:00 p.m. when the group reached Virac for their dinner.

Day 4 (May 9, 2009), Saturday

Saturday was a parting moment. But before it happened the group had an opportunity to roam around the town proper to buy some “pasalubong” (presents) and to see the beauty of the Virac. At 10:00 a.m. the group proceeded to Barangay Calatagan, Virac, where Emily’s sister resides. There the group had their lunch where they did enjoy a super delicious “humba”. The word “paalam” (goodbye) is indeed a hard word to utter. But the members of the team had to say this. And the people of Catanduanes tearfully say: “Goodbye, sana bumalik kayo” (Goodbye, hope you will come back).

In the recently concluded HCC Missions Outreach Ministry, 150 people came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. And the breakdown are as follows:
54 - Bible Vacation School; 50 - Film Showing 46 - House to house Evangelism

This ministry would not become possible without the divine guidance and intervention of the God Almighty. To Him be the glory. Special thanks to all who prayed and supported this ministry. God Bless you All!