Joy’s River Journey to Christ

The Philippines – This Dumagat tribe student testimony tells the story of Joy de la Cruz Araojo, a young woman from the highlands of Tanay, Rizal. Joy has carried a lifelong dream of finishing college and becoming a teacher.

She shared her journey in her own words:

“Hi, my name is Joy de la Cruz Araojo. I’m from the Dumagat tribe in a community in the highland of Tanay, Rizal. My lifetime dream is to finish college education as a teacher. I attended elementary education in our community school in Kinabuan, Sta. Ines. I attended high school at Sta. Ines which is about 45 minutes walk one way. The distance did not deter me from completing my high school education. Every day we cross four rivers to reach our school. During the rainy season, the water level is high so we have no choice but to brave crossing the river so as not to miss our classes. We have to bring extra clothes to change into before we enter our classroom. My elementary and high school education was not pleasant. I have eight siblings and my dad is a farmer. Oftentimes we have no rice at home so I ended up with a boiled Yucca (Kamoting Kahoy) or yam or sometimes just a boiled banana for my lunch at school. The hardships I experienced did not deter me from stopping my schooling. I said to myself that I need to finish my college education so I can help my family and my siblings pursue their dream careers too. I chose to be a teacher to inspire other Dumagat children in my community to fulfill their dreams.”

Pastor Carlo Arilla, a church planter to the Dumagat community, first discovered the area in 2018 through his wife, who worked with an NGO there. He and his team walked two to three hours from the nearest town to reach the village.

Pastor Carlo later baptized Joy in one of the same rivers she crossed each day to attend school.

During the summer, he and his team visited Joy’s community and nearby villages to provide supplies, hold Bible studies, and sometimes lead worship services. On one of these visits in 2023, Pastor Carlo met Joy and her family. He began holding Bible studies in their home, and in August 2023 the entire family received Christ as their Lord and Savior and were baptized.

During our STM ministry in February 2024, the family stayed at camp the whole time we were there. I had the opportunity to talk with Joy and her friends and hear their stories. Before we left, I challenged them: if they finish high school, I will help them pursue their college education in the city.

Joy is now in Antipolo City, under the care of Pastor Carlo’s family. She is attending Sunday worship services and Bible studies at his church while pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher in college. She is one of several students Indigenous Ministries Southeast Asia (IMSEA) is supporting.

Resty and Mel Enguerra continue to faithfully minister with our Philippine teams in several areas. The Life Anchor Christian Church, for example, is reaching the lost and poor in their neighborhoods. We will share more next month on their vital ministry.

A prayer request recently came from one of the teachers:

“Every Sunday we have a Sunday School program for children. But this particular Sunday, we have no class but instead the children are preparing our quarterly acting presentation of the kids to the church. The children showcase the lessons that they learned from Sunday school. In this presentation we show God’s love, protection and faithfulness through the story of Prophet Daniel and his friends.” – Danielle Guiang, Children Program Teacher

Thank you for your prayers and support. Please pray for additional funds to help another Dumagat student attend college and for a pastor’s daughter to finish her degree. Pray also for the health and strength of our summer ministry volunteers. We praise God for His work as He continues drawing these students and many others to Himself.

– Resty and Mel Enguerra, Indigenous Ministries Southeast Asia Director

Learn more about the Dumagat tribe in the Philippines from UNDP Philippines