God was good and merciful to us when we traveled back to the USA in March for our annual health checkups. The results from our checkups were almost all good, by the grace of God. Results on our stress tests and 2D echocardiograms were fine. Our blood-test results were better than our previous ones. The only concern after the chest CT scan was my ILD (interstitial lung disease), which is irreversible; but, thank God, I passed the breathing test. Some thyroid nodules were seen on the CT scan as well. At first, the doctor suggested that I should cancel our flight back to the Philippines so I could undergo a biopsy of my thyroid nodules, but when they sent the CT scan and ultrasound results to an interventional radiologist for further evaluation, I was informed that I did not meet the criteria for the biopsy. Follow-up scans every year was the doctor’s recommendation.
We had a great blessing from the 2025 Servants’ Conference at the First Baptist Church of Hammond. Preaching from the Bible by great men of God was truly encouraging. Lessons from the veteran pastors were very helpful. We were blessed to reconnect with our brothers and sisters in Christ at FBC, whom we missed during our first year on the mission field. We were also able to visit some churches during our stay in the U.S.
As we returned back to the Philippines, we had the opportunity to visit a new mission work in Central Luzon. We joined their soul-winning activities and won souls for Jesus by God’s grace.
As we have gone back to our home church in Daraga, Albay, Philippines, we were blessed to find out that some of our converts remained faithful in church attendance while we were away. A convert of ours who owns and sells lots in a small community donated a piece of land to the church to be used for the ministry. We are praying that this family will keep growing spiritually and will continue to be faithful in God’s ministry.
However, Satan was not happy with what we are doing here. Just after a week upon arriving back in Daraga, we needed to drive back to Manila. Tess’ mother was very sick. She is 95 years old. We rushed back to Manila, a 12-hour drive, to see her. We took her to the emergency room and found out that she was severely hyponatremic and had a low hemoglobin level. The doctor suggested that she be admitted to the hospital, but Tess’ mother refused. She was discharged against medical advice. At the very moment that Tess’ mother was sick, Tess’ eldest sister in Sydney, Australia, was dying. Tess already had plane tickets to see her, but her mother was not in good shape as well, so she did not go. Her mother wanted Tess to be by her side. Tess’ sister passed away and went to be with the Lord on April 27, 2025. As of this time, Tess’ mother is grieving the loss of her daughter, but health wise, she is much better, by God’s mercy.
Despite all of this, God still led us to 127 souls. We give all the glory to God and praise Him for His mercy and grace. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to shower us with His blessings, love, and protection as we continue to work in His vineyard.
Please continue to pray for:
1. God’s comfort to Tess and her family after the passing of her sister.
2. The power of the Holy Spirit as we saturate more areas; pray that many souls will get to know the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.
3. God to open more doors in public schools in Daraga and Legaspi.
4. The new converts’ spiritual growth and faithfulness.
5. The building project, the right contractor, and the funds.
6. The coming school year 2025-2026, which will start in June; pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to teachers and students in FBA.
7. Spiritual growth of FBC’s young people.
8. God to give us wisdom in the ministry He has entrusted to us, leading us in every decision we have to make.
For Christ’s cause,
Rey & Tess Garcia
