Jun 2, 2021 Jungle Computers for God’s glory

I thought everyone lived like us, just farming and living a simple life. I had never even heard about computers. Farming and an early pre-arranged marriage were all I imagined for my future. My worldview was so small, shared Lucel, a twelfth-grade student at the SULADS High School.

Lucel was born in the jungle of San Fernando, Bukidnon, Philippines. Her parents were abacca (Philippine hemp) farmers. Lucel had no idea about how big the world was. In rural life, there was farming and family, going to school never even crossed her mind.

I was curious when the SULADS missionaries came, recalls Lucel. They were friendly and encouraged the children of my village to come study. When they visited me, they helped me with my reading skills. Slowly, my mind started opening to the possibilities of what life could be if I continued learning.

The SULADS missionaries also invited Lucel to continue her studies at the SULADS High School. At first, she was faced with a lot of challenges such as lack of financial aid and homesickness. The students come from all over the rural islands of Palawan, speaking different dialects. There are currently about 12 different language dialects at the SULADS school.

At first, some days were so hard and challenging. The culture and language differences made me feel so misunderstood and awkward. It was the first time I had ever lived away from home, and I missed my family like crazy, said Lucel, remembering her first few months. But I was learning so much. I was excited for all the opportunities, and I knew I couldn’t give up now. I was determined to stay.

Lucel and the other SULADS students have basic high school courses such as math, science, history, English and others, in addition to Bible classes at this Seventh-day Adventist Christian school. SULADS teachers believe it’s important to incorporate Biblical principles into every class, because truly all wisdom comes from the Bible.

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

Recently, all the SULADS students have been blessed by computers provided by QHM CaresÑreaching across borders. There’s now a computer class where they learn the basics of how to navigate and research on the internet, how to use the Microsoft Office suite as well as other skills like photo and video editing.

The first time I heard about computers, I thought they were talking about some type of food, laughed Lucel, I really had no idea what it was. A friend later explained to her what computers are and she was finally able to see one and attend computer classes! Lucel made sure she never missed a class, and she was a determined learner. Whenever she didn’t understand a feature or function, or when she failed a task, rather than give up, she asked questions.

Many things that seemed to come so naturally for others didn’t for me, explained Lucel. I asked a lot of questions. I practiced a lot. I tried tasks over and over again until I finally got it. I was determined.

When Lucel was assigned as a speaker for the midweek prayer service, she asked to use PowerPoint slides for her presentation. The teacher thought that she was just kidding, but, sure enough, Lucel used slides during her sermon and applied the things her teacher had taught her. Everyone was amazed that this young lady who had believed that those in her small village were the only people existing in the world, was now using technology for God’s glory.

After her sermon, her teacher congratulated her and said, Now that you know how to use the computer, use it for the glory of God.” Lucel assured him that she would indeed use her education to share the Word of God and thus glorify God through technology. Sir, she replied, I thank God that He uses people to teach us and that He also provided this equipment to help us learn.

Lucel is now a graduating student and her life is a testimony of God’s love. She has only recently learned to use a computer, but she will continue to learn more and more. She was encouraged to proceed to college and take her new skills further. Lucel has learned that education is a gift that keeps growing when used for God’s glory.

By sharing our gifts of education, shared Lucel, many lives will be changedÑlives that will be freed from the bondage of ignorance. These lives can become full of meaning and hope, especially in the knowledge of God.

To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His. Job 12:13

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Please pray for our international partners, and pray for many young people like Lucel who are searching for God’s leading for their lives.

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