When a church celebrates an anniversary, people usually think of special programs, fellowship meals, and looking back on God’s faithfulness through the years. But as JRAM Asia Parañaque marked its seventh anniversary, a different question shaped our celebration:
How can we make much of Christ?
That question set the direction for the day.
On May 31, long before sunrise, volunteers and ministry leaders were already awake and preparing for a six-hour journey to Iba, Zambales. It was a long drive, but as we left the city behind, we were reminded that the mission of the church is not simply to gather. Christ calls His people to go – to bring the hope of the gospel to those who need to hear it.
At the end of a long road, far from the conveniences many of us take for granted, we met brothers and sisters in Christ whose faith quietly bears witness to God’s sustaining grace. There is no electricity and no infrastructure in the area. Yet every week, some families walk nearly two hours just to gather for worship and sit under the preaching of God’s Word.
Their example was both humbling and deeply encouraging.
Precious sisters in Christ bowed before the throne of grace, pouring out their hearts to the One who hears every whisper, counts every tear, and knows every burden they carry
In a time when many struggle to make room for worship in their schedules, these believers gladly endure hardship for the privilege of gathering with God’s people and hearing His Word proclaimed.
There, once again, we witnessed the goodness of God.
Through the Adopt-A-Family Mission Outreach, JRAM Asia PQ was able to share rice, groceries, first-aid supplies, and toys for the children. But more importantly, we were able to share the one message every person truly needs – the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because humanity’s greatest need is not material but spiritual.
What people need most is not merely provision for today, but the Bread of Life who gives eternal life.
During the program, JRAM Asia Executive Pastor Edith Mendoza reminded us of a truth that lies at the very heart of the gospel: beneath the grace of God, we all stand on equal ground. No one is closer to salvation because of personal merit, status, or background. Every one of us is a sinner in need of mercy. And every believer has been saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Perhaps that was the greatest lesson of the day.
There is no other name under heaven by which sinners may be saved but Jesus Christ alone.
We did not travel to Zambales as people who had something others lacked. We came as recipients of God’s mercy ourselves. And having received the love of Christ, we desired to share that same love with others.
In the end, what stayed with us was not the long journey, the weeks of preparation, or even the gifts that were distributed.
Matthew 25:40 “…Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”
What remained was a renewed reminder that the gospel is for every people, every tribe, every community, and every generation.
And if anything good was accomplished that day, all glory belongs to God alone.
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36, BSB)
Special thanks to all the JRAM Asia PQ small group leaders, volunteers, ministry partners, and private donors who made this tribal mission outreach hugely successful. Grace to you in Christ Jesus our Lord!