HOPE COMES TO PARUGIS

Parugis is a small Alangan Mangyan community that serves as a resting place for families traveling between the mountains and the town. For many years, it was a place where the Gospel had never taken root. There was no evangelical, Bible-based church, and most of the people followed traditional animistic beliefs, trusting in ancestral spirits for guidance, protection, and healing.

During one outreach visit, one of the tribal leaders and spiritual healers explained that, according to their tradition, before a chapel could be built, a native pig had to be sacrificed in a ritual. They believed that only after the spirits gave their approval could a place of worship be constructed.

These deeply rooted beliefs revealed the great spiritual need in Parugis. Yet they also reminded us that no heart is beyond the reach of God's grace.

For more than a year, local missionaries (And TRIBE Ministry Trips) faithfully returned to Parugis. At first, many welcomed the international teams mainly because they expected relief goods. However, through consistent acts of love, prayer, Bible teaching, children's ministry, and genuine relationships through our TRIBE Students, God gradually began changing hearts. The people came to realize that the missionaries had brought something far greater than material assistance—they had brought the love, hope, and saving message of Jesus Christ.

Today, God has opened a new door.

Bro Johdel with a child from his new church in Parugis

The tribal leaders voluntarily set aside a piece of land for the construction of a simple chapel—without performing the traditional ritual or sacrificing a native pig. This is a powerful testimony that the Gospel is overcoming fear and replacing old beliefs with faith in Jesus Christ.

Over the past week, members of Cadaraga Assemblies of God, led by Pastor Jonathan N. Robles, TRIBE Occidental Mindoro Training Coordinator, have been preparing the site for worship. They built a simple chapel, placed chairs inside, and installed a single solar light

—a beautiful reminder that Jesus is the true Light of the world.

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, one of the TRIBE Institute COBC students, Bro. Ramon Marcos Mambo, arrived in Parugis to begin teaching Alangan Mangyan children the Word of God. Using the TRIBE Oral Bible Story Flip Charts, he shared the biblical account of God's creation of the world, allowing the children to hear God's Word through oral Bible storytelling.

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the first-ever worship service in Parugis was held. The service was led by Bro. Jodhel Robles, a TRIBE Institute CABC student, who will serve as the community's pastor. Beginning July 19th, regular weekly worship services will continue, providing ongoing discipleship and spiritual care for the new fellowship.

What was once a community closed to the Gospel is now becoming a place where the name of Jesus Christ is proclaimed. We praise God for His faithfulness and for the lives He is transforming among the Alangan Mangyan people.

None of this would have been possible without your faithful prayers, generous giving, and continued partnership. Because of your support, communities that once had no Gospel witness are now hearing the Good News, gathering for worship, and establishing Christ-centered local churches.

Thank you for standing with us as we make Christ known among the unreached.

Please continue to pray for the new believers in Parugis, for Bro. Jodhel Robles as he begins shepherding this new fellowship, and for wisdom as we disciple future indigenous church leaders. We also invite you to continue partnering with us so that many more Mangyan communities will experience the same hope that is now shining in Parugis.

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." — Isaiah 9:2