As always, I spent my fall trip to the Philippines visiting the farmers in their respective areas. This is kind of a ‘strike anywhere’ trip-sleep anywhere, eat whatever, ride whatever transportation works or hike if necessary. So, it is usually a physically demanding trip; yet I always look forward to seeing the farmers in their own elements. I was actually caught in one of the storms in one of these communities. Now as I recall the event, I laughed at myself. It was 4: a.m. and I was awakened by the sounds of strong winds and heavy rains. My lodging was a floor space of a small structure built on a seashore. The structure was shaking badly I thought for sure it could be uprooted and blown onto the sea. Anxiety started to set in; I prayed. I made sure my head lamp and hand flashlights were besides me. Then I decided to be proactive by packing my passport, air tickets, money, cell phone, and a bare minimum of essentials in my small backpack.
The year 2025 seems to be a pioneering time once again for RPRC. We are adopting three new communities: one is the Tiboli tribe group of pastors in the province of Sarangani; the second one is the Palawano tribal group located on the southern the tip of the Palawan Island, and the third is the Malbog Muslim tribal group in the island of Balabac, located off the main island of Palawan. Overall, RPRC will conduct at least 5 trainings in 2025.
