MAPLINE | July 2025 | Medical Ambassadors Philippines Inc.

EMPOWERING THE LEAST REACHED: HEALTH, SPIRITUAL CARE, TRANSFORMATION

Medical Ambassadors Philippines exists to deliver health, and spiritual care to least reached people, for them to be empowered to care for their own people, and others as well. We envision seeing Godhonoring communities in places where there are no multiplying followers of Jesus. We mobilize likeminded groups to partner with us in reaching the least reached.

Medical Ambassadors Philippines will always be grateful for God’s faithfulness. The word of God says in Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor will my covenant of peace removed,” says the Lord who has compassion on you.

For over 50 years, MAP has been serving thousands of vulnerable, marginalized, and least-reached communities, including those in urban areas, among fisher folks, and in the remotest parts of the country, through holistic ministry Throughout these years, we have experienced both times of abundance and times of need.

However, God has remained faithful to MAP and its missionaries Dad Eli Sarmiento would come to the office to sign checks with unwavering faith, believing that God would fill our empty vessels. He once said, "As long as we open ourselves for Him to fill our empty vessels, He will fill them up"

The challenge of completing tasks among the unreached and least reached people through discipleship and transformational development continue to be a significant task ahead of us We invite you to come alongside us in uniting with God’s heart for the nations, in kingdom life transformation of both a person and his/her community

-Ate Alice Banas, MAP BOT

least reached

PALAWAN MINISTRY PALAWAN MINISTRY

Trainings in Primary Health Care -South Palawan, in Ethnos Training School Operation Mobilization

People Group: Ethnic people group and others

Area: Balabac, and Mainland Palawan

Staff: Julius and Precious Melad

Program: Primary and Wholistic Care Approach (Spiritual/Discipleship) for unreached tribes

The mission, led by Julius and Precious Melad together with their sons North and Tov, continues to reach the ethnic communities in Balabac and mainland Palawan through MAP’s wholistic approach integrating both spiritual discipleship and primary health care. At the core of their efforts is the Molbog tribe, one of the 14 unreached and unengaged people groups in the Philippines, who remain central to their calling and commitment

From March 2024 to March 2025, the mission focused on strengthening local churches, evangelism, and discipleship through spiritual and health programs Mobilization efforts were also carried out in Puerto Princesa to build stronger partnerships with churches and volunteer groups. The wholistic strategy included spiritual mentorship, leadership training, and access to essential health services

Primary health care training took place from October 25 to November 6, 2024, in collaboration with Ethnos Training Center and OM Palawan A total of 16 participants including local student-leaders, volunteers, and guests from Singapore received instruction from experienced trainers in areas such as basic health care, clinical health, peer counseling, and first aid In addition, around 30 consultations were conducted both in-person and online, benefiting at least 20 households with essential medicines, courtesy of UEC Palawan

JULIUS, PRECIOUS WITH SONS, NORTH AND TOV

Spiritual care was advanced through oral storytelling and discipleship training sessions, including a leadership training held in April 2024 with 20 local participants, and an oral exegesis training in Mindanao in November 2024 Weekly mentoring sessions supported emerging leaders, while construction began on a mission and multipurpose student home near the PSU Extension campus in Balabac an initiative to provide a safe space for students being discipled. (See 1 photo, bottom page). st

Partnerships remained a key strength of the mission Collaborations with six groups including UEC Palawan, OM Palawan, and Ethnos Training School enabled participation in various equipping sessions. These included modules on creation care, children’s ministry, and strategic missions with Operation Mobilization, on board MV Doulos (see 2 photo bottom page) Dr Precious was invited to give free health services via “We Care” medical mission by United Evangelical Church, Palawan, last November and about 150 patients were seen

Looking ahead, the team envisions raising 20 to 50 student-leaders over the next five years individuals who will initiate positive change within their communities and model healthy living through proper sanitation and clean water practices The prayer remains for more volunteers, house parents for the mission home, and for students and leaders who are ready to be discipled

PRAYER REQUEST FOR PALAWAN MISSIONS:

God continuously provides for the discipleship program, with resources and with students and leaders to be discipled, that God will prepare them

The couple’s kids and disciples/volunteers will be hearers and doers of God’s Word And also us as we model and teach them in grace.

The family’s health, that in it being well, (or not) God’s purpose be accomplished through them

MINDORO MINISTRY

“ThelastfrontierofMangyanMissions

intheIslandofMindoroProvince”

In November, the Sinag Coffee Mission Outreach organized a health teaching session on proper hygiene for children, distributing 70 packs of soap and shampoo A medical mission also provided check-ups for 90 patients, while a feeding program reached 200-300 people

BY PAUL & ASH BANAS, PARTNERS FROM SINAG COFFEE ROASTERY

The mission to reach the Bangon Tribe in Mindoro began in 2015 during a Tribal Kairos Course, where missionaries and pastors near Abra de Ilog learned about the Bangons through Mangyan pastors The Bangon people were identified as the last unreached group among the Mangyan tribes, known for their isolation and only venturing into lowland areas to trade goods like root crops, livestock, and rice This realization sparked the desire to bring spiritual and medical support to the community

In 2017, the first ocular visit to the Bangon tribe was conducted by Dr. Francis Daytec, Kuya Carl Magbuhos, and Tatay Hagnay Caring, a Batangan Evangelical Church elder and guide to the Bangon communities. By May 2017, the team successfully carried out the first medical mission in Sitio Linyama, providing much-needed healthcare assistance The mission solidified its direction in January 2018 when Paul Bañas, Giovanni Afuang, and Dr Francis Daytec met Pastor Iting Samuel, who was introduced by SPIEM President Pastor Lando Sama This meeting marked the official launch of the Bangon Tribe outreach, laying the foundation for future discipleship, health initiatives, and community engagement

The Bangon Ministry has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the community through medical missions and outreach programs In February 2024, a Medical-Dental-Surgical Mission was conducted in partnership with MMI at Bongabong District Hospital, providing essential healthcare services to the locals By April, the team visited Sitio Ambang, Puerto Galera, alongside Sinag Coffee Staff and Tanglaw Medical Outreach, where they conducted a medical mission and distributed clothes, bags, and soaps to families in need In May, a Medical-Dental Mission with MCTV served over 100 medical patients, 35 dental cases, and dewormed 140 individuals, significantly impacting the health of the Bangon community

June brought a special opportunity for Paul Bañas and Pastor Iting Samuel, who were invited by the United Evangelical Church of the Philippines – Manila to attend the Missionary Recall, a bi-annual gathering for UECP-supported missionaries In August, a new water pump was installed in the church compound, benefiting 30-40 families. However, issues with the depth of the pipe fittings affected its functionality, leading to continued efforts in finding an alternative water source. From September to October, community visits were halted due to security concerns arising from NPA insurgencies and a death threat to Pastor Iting. Thankfully, these threats were later resolved, allowing the mission to resume safely.

From December 2024 to March 2025, although no physical visitations took place, constant communication with Pastor Iting was maintained, ensuring that prayer requests and immediate needs were addressed through phone calls and cash transfers

PRAYER REQUEST FOR BANGON MISSIONS:

Pray for Pastor Iting and his team of pastor teachers currently conducting Bible School Classes among 19 students from different towns and villages

Pray for provisions for Pastor Iting and family as they continue the field work of evangelizing and discipling the Bangon Tribe and as they fulfill their obligations as parents to their children.

Pray for divine protection for Pastor Iting and the whole member of true believers in Christ, that in times of persecution and struggles The Holy Spirit will protect them and give them wisdom

Pray for MCTV and MAP Inc. as these organizations is overseeing the ministry among the Bangon Tribe

Pray for sustained joy and a constant worshipping spirit among Pastor Iting, among supporters and other mission partners

Pray for wisdom and perseverance for Pastor Iting as he continue the work of Bible Translation spearheaded by WyCliffe

UMIRAY, GEN. NAKAR, QUEZON PROVINCE

The Umiray Ministry in General Nakar, Quezon Province has made significant strides in addressing the health and spiritual needs of the local community

On March 8, 2024, MAP initiated a community meeting with leaders from various sitios, barangay officials, military personnel, and Christian leaders to assess the primary health concerns of the people An ocular survey was conducted in the following months, including a visit to Sitio Madaraque, the farthest sitio covered by Umiray

By June, a community diagnosis was formulated based on the gathered data, highlighting pressing health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, malnutrition, dengue, and tuberculosis, along with environmental concerns like poor waste management and lack of potable water This diagnosis was presented to sitio leaders and residents to create a roadmap for interventions.

In July, a leadership training was conducted, engaging 13 women, 12 of whom completed the program The youth were also active participants in this initiative This effort culminated in September, with the graduation ceremony of the health committee trainees, which was attended by sitio leaders, barangay officials, and military personnel

The formation of the Sitio Health Committee (SHC) marked a pivotal step toward community-led health initiatives, with the election of a leader to oversee its activities

By September 30, the newly formed committee held the first-ever community assembly, emphasizing the importance of environmental cleanliness and sanitation.

The sanitation program gained traction with the barangay council’s recognition of the SHC’s leadership Ate Tess, the SHC chairperson, was invited to a barangay session to discuss future projects, leading to the establishment of a community-wide cleanup drive every Saturday Additionally, every household was required to build a waste pit to manage garbage properly In line with these efforts, a medical and dental mission was held on November 26, 2024, in Sitio Pulang Lupa, marking a milestone as the first-ever medical mission in the area. The mission exceeded expectations, serving 262 patients, conducting 134 consultations, performing 129 tooth extractions, and distributing hygiene kits to the first 100 patients

Beyond medical care, the ministry also focused on spiritual outreach Evangelism efforts included house-to-house visits, home visitations for the sick, and Bible studies Medical missions were not only an avenue for physical healing but also an opportunity to share the Gospel with patients, volunteers, and the wider community A weekly Bible study program was introduced as part of the spiritual growth series for those who had completed leadership training These programs continue to plant the seeds of faith among the Dumagat people and sitio residents

As the first quarter of 2025 unfolds, MAP has maintained close coordination with barangay officials and the SHC to strengthen their partnership Ate Tess provided reports on the emerging health issues in the community and outlined the progress of ongoing projects, such as the weekly cleanup drive Moving forward, the ministry seeks prayers for the community-based primary healthcare program, the spiritual revival of believers, and the upcoming Sitio Health Workers training, which has already attracted ten participants The ministry also prays for a safe place to stay during visits, protection for travels, and continued wisdom and strength to serve the people of Umiray

UMIRAY, GEN. NAKAR, QUEZON PROVINCE

Prayer Concerns

Community-Based Primary Health Care

Pray for the readiness of the Sitio Health Committee (SHC) to implement health projects in the sitio For Ate Tess, the Sitio Health Committee Chairman, to lead the committee and the community with knowledge and wisdom and to be even more courageous in sharing her faith. Pray for the community to support the Sitio Health Committee and willingly participate in health projects implemented in the sitio, especially on environmental sanitation Pray for the upcoming health training; Pray for 10 who have signed up for Sitio Health Workers training. May this be an avenue for the trainees to get to know God and deepen their relationship with Him

Spiritual Care Program

Pray for spiritual revivals of believers in the community so that they once again be committed to serving God Pray for more families and households to open their homes to the Lord and get interested in studying the Scriptures

Spiritual growth of the Sitio health committee and be even more courageous in sharing their faith Pray for an appropriate strategy for sharing God's Word with the Dumagat people

Personal

A deeper faith in God. Good health and wisdom

A place to stay and where training can also be held

Protection for our travel to Nakar and back to Laur

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