MISSIONARIES:  JHON AND ANALINE "BHING" MARCIAL

Our project among the Agta tribe of Palanan, Isabela started in 2006. Jhon and Bhing have been working in the area since May 2019. The Agta people maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle as hunter gatherers. In earlier years, they would stay in an area until the available resources for food like fish and pigs run out and then move to a new area. There are about 180 individuals (not counting the children) in this Agta village where John and Bhing live. 
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When the missionaries first came to this village, the Agtas did not have a permanent house. They often move back into the jungle. Today it seems civilization is catching up with them. Many now maintain a permanent residence in the barrio where our missionaries stay. Nowadays, they still move not only when there is no more game to hunt but when their debts get too big for them to ignore.

It is, of course, challenging to evangelize to people who may be here today but you wouldn’t be able to find on the next three to four weeks. Despite this, through perseverance and the Holy Spirit’s help, 16-25 individuals have been attending the Sabbath worship services (the number depends on their nomadic timetable). In addition to this, there are 16 bible interests.

An example of God’s power to change people can be seen in the story of a 30 year-old Agta man, who the missionaries stayed with. He was addicted to smoking, drinking and gambling. He refused to give up his vices, despite being continually witnessed to for 10 years. In 2015, he had a stroke and became an invalid. The missionaries continued to minister to him and point him to God’s love. Finally, he had a change of heart and was baptized in August 2016. Today, he is a powerful witness to this tribe.
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Please continue to support the Agta Project with your prayers and financial support so that one day, we may be able to reach the hearts of the entire tribe.