MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN

Members of the Teduray tribe—one of the major indigenous groups in Southern Philippines—took intentional steps toward healing the wounds of the heart through Group Healing Sessions and an Initial Equipping session under the Trauma Healing Program. Held from July 22 to 25 at the Indigenous Missions of the Assemblies of God in Maguindanao del Norte, the sessions gathered 21 participants. Twelve of them proceeded to the Initial Equipping session, where they were trained to facilitate and help others on their healing journey.

Among them were Timuays (tribal chieftains) and pastors, and their dedication and deep desire to serve their fellow Teduray people were overwhelming. “It was heart-squeezing to witness them during the Initial Equipping demonstrations,” shared Ptr. Edwin Lorenzo, the Training Facilitator. “They exerted much effort to learn and had a deep passion to help their fellow Teduray, especially those in the remotest areas of Maguindanao del Sur.”

Despite language barriers, they pressed on. The facilitators translated the material into Tagalog and the Teduray language on the spot, as they walked through every lesson, to make the content more accessible.

“They have the heart of Christ,” Ptr. Edwin continued, “to reach their fellow Teduray, even if it means traveling more than 75 kilometers of rocky roads by motorcycle—often with just enough for fuel and food. They work with pure voluntarism.”

“It was heartbreaking [for me] and tear-inducing to listen to their testimonies during the healing sessions.”

Among those who completed the training was Ptra. Jelita Obregon, who is now a certified Apprentice Facilitator. When asked why she chose to join the Initial Equipping session, she answered with her tribe in mind and heart:

Para matutunan ko ang mga bagay tungkol sa trauma at maibahagi [ang mga natutunan ko] sa mga tulad kong [kabilang sa Teduray] Tribe sa bundok.

Another participant, Pastor Orlando Angi, shared:

Nararamdaman ko na makakatulong ito kasi alam na namin [kung] paano ibalanse ang mga sitwasyon—na hindi pwedeng pilitin ang isang [miyembro ng] Teduray tribe na basta na lang kalimutan ang trauma, kundi [i-acknowledge na] it takes time.

Out of the twelve participants in the Initial Equipping, eight were certified as Apprentice Facilitators and can now assist and lead future Group Healing Sessions.

This was the first Trauma Healing event held for the Teduray tribe—and we believe that by God’s grace, it will not be the last. We look forward to seeing these newly trained leaders bring light, healing, and hope to their community, helping them find strength and new beginnings in their journeys.