We arrived in the Philippines some years ago with a vision to reach out to an ethnic minority in our area. Our team leader told us how to find them. “They won’t look any different from other Filipinos,” he said, “But you’ll know them by what they are selling in the market. Pretty soon you’ll notice them all over town selling pirated DVD’s, cell phone covers, combs, batteries, and other novelties.” It was certainly true in our neighborhood market. I had to pass a long line of vendors matching his description in order to do my daily shopping.

Soon I learned that all of them lived together in a walled community just a few miles down the road. Friendly Filipinos I met warned me never to try to enter that slum. It was known for violence, drugs, and suspicion towards outsiders. Nearly all of the thousands crowded together inside were from minority tribes. Their religion was the only thing uniting them. After months of getting to know them in the market, I had a rare opportunity to visit one of their homes. A thousand eyes followed me that day!

Imagine my surprise to learn that a group of dedicated Christian women entered the community every day! There, in the heart of darkness, was a kindergarten with Christian teachers serving over a hundred children. I asked for permission to visit, and they graciously allowed it, though it put them at risk because of my obvious white skin. I became part of the ministry team there. I observed how faithfully they served, rain or shine, with little thanks and only a small allowance. With great joy I welcome the news that these dear friends are now members of FilSIM. The partnership that started years ago now has a name and a benefit for these faithful workers.