Dec 18, 2024 The Journey From Trusting Spirits to God 

Alma is a simple farmer from Siayan, a rural area nestled in the mountainous terrain of the Philippines.   

She was a part of Cebuano people by birth, but when she married her husband, she became a part of the Subanen tribe.   

The Subanen people, rich in tradition, held their spiritual leaders in high esteem. Alma’s husband was part of this circle, and together, they lived a life deeply rooted in the customs of their ancestors.  

For generations, the Subanen people followed the guidance of the Balyan, the tribe’s spiritual leaders.  

These individuals lead religious rituals, call upon spirits to heal the sick, and perform blessings to ensure a good harvest. The Balyan’s authority was unquestioned, and their influence stretched across every aspect of life.  

Alma and her four children had been curious about Christianity for some time.   

When we began our mission in Siayan, she and her family eagerly attended our Bible studies and the Happy Family, Health, and Bible Seminar. During a month of study, Alma’s heart began to soften. She marveled at the Bible’s hope and peace and found herself drawn to the message of Jesus Christ, particularly the promise of His second coming.   

It was a truth that filled her with joy.  

Despite her growing interest, Alma’s path to full faith wasn’t easy. The Balyan held a powerful place in her life, and she became torn between the new teachings and the traditions she had known since childhood.  

At first, Alma hesitated to abandon these rituals entirely.  

When Alma’s family fell ill, her first instinct was to turn to the Balyan, which consisted of traditional healing rituals that involved offerings of chickens, pigs, wine, and other sacrifices to the spirits. Something that she has done all her life and has been practiced in her tribe for centuries.   

These were customs she knew, and they were effective in the eyes of her people.  

During our visits, she shared her struggles with us, revealing her dependency on the Balyan’s practices. It was clear that Alma valued both the hope offered by Christ and the sense of security she found in her tribal rituals. But we gently explained to her that true healing comes from God alone.  

The Balyan’s ways, which called upon unknown spirits, were not in line with God’s teachings, and that God, in His grace, could bring healing in ways far greater than the rituals of old.  

It is hard to blame Alma for her struggle. She has grown up with these beliefs, and in the mountains of Siayan, where medical help is scarce, it took a lot of work to turn away from the methods handed down through generations. But with time and more Bible studies and prayer, Alma began to see the truth.  

She still faces challenges as a new believer but is slowly incorporating the Christian message into her life. It was a slow process, but Alma’s heart opened more each day.  

Join us in praying for Alma and her family, hoping they will find the strength to stand firm in the face of tradition. Despite the challenges, we can see the light of Christ growing in their lives. It’s a beautiful transformation—a testimony to the power of faith, love, and patience in the journey of belief.