The document describes a missionary's experience being assigned to serve in Tondo, a high-crime area of Manila known for gang violence and drug problems. Though initially shocked by the assignment, the missionary comes to understand through working with local church leaders and members that the area's reputation does not define its people, and that through focusing on Christ they are able to help the ward and find success in their mission.
The document describes a missionary's experience being assigned to serve in Tondo, a high-crime area of Manila known for gang violence and drug problems. Though initially shocked by the assignment, the missionary comes to understand through working with local church leaders and members that the area's reputation does not define its people, and that through focusing on Christ they are able to help the ward and find success in their mission.
The document describes a missionary's experience being assigned to serve in Tondo, a high-crime area of Manila known for gang violence and drug problems. Though initially shocked by the assignment, the missionary comes to understand through working with local church leaders and members that the area's reputation does not define its people, and that through focusing on Christ they are able to help the ward and find success in their mission.
The document describes a missionary's experience being assigned to serve in Tondo, a high-crime area of Manila known for gang violence and drug problems. Though initially shocked by the assignment, the missionary comes to understand through working with local church leaders and members that the area's reputation does not define its people, and that through focusing on Christ they are able to help the ward and find success in their mission.
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Tondo
Breaking Perception
The first time I've heard of Tondo was with my kabahays during my training in San Juan. They describe it as a place where missionaries live next to thrash, having drug-addicts in the street while mobs and gangs go shooting each other off. It just felt amazing and scary listening to Tondo's reputation.
I sometimes wonder about the safety of the missionaries proselyting in the area but one of our kabahay said that only the toughest and most pasaway get to be sent there in Tondo.
So, I did not give a thought about being assigned in Tondo. I was neither tough nor do I plan to be pasaway.
So, can you imagine how I felt when one afternoon during the middle of proselyting at the richest area of San Juan, the AP called and said that the Lord had called me to serve in Tondo?
I was in disbelief, I shouted and told the AP that this is a big mistake. But the AP reminded me with seriousness in his voice that the Lord does not make mistakes.
True to his word, the Holy Ghost had confirmed to me during my first Sunday in Tondo that I am where I am supposed to be. There were about 60 to 70 people at the sacrament and much contention was happening in the ward. Like Nephi, my companion and I went to the closest one we can call as our father [President Fermanis] and seek his guidance (1 Nep. 16:23). The President said, "to point members to Jesus Christ and the Lord will take care of the rest."
Just like what he promised, my companion and I gave much effort in pointing members to Christ, and the Lord "[gave] a portion of His spirit to soften [they're] hearts." (Alma 24:8)
Weeks and months passed away, and we witness the miracles and fruits of our labor. Members started ministering less-active, and both active and less-active started referring their family and friends. Attendance at church slowly increases. Members started mending their relationship, and we started having tons of baptism.
Although we had experienced much success, there is still much labor to be done in Tondo. Members are not perfect nor the best, and we're all from it. It's unfair for us to think that members or people should live the standard and expectations we had personally set.
As a missionary, we only aim to help people grow, even for an inch. I am happy to have witnessed an inch of growth in Tondo. I testify that the Lord does not make mistakes, that we are where we are supposed to be. I testify that President Fermanis is a man chosen by God, and he has the key to direct and hasten His work. I testify that Tondo's reputation is just that, a reputation, and if we love our area it will love us back.
I know that the Church is true, and the Lord did not build his church only to see it fail, even in Tondo.
