What if the saints of old walked among us today-would we honor their triumphs, or whisper about their secrets?
Zarinna knows the weight of hidden truths. Once devoted, now marked by choices she cannot undo, she carries shame like a shadow she cannot...
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DAVID STRETCHED HIS HANDS, and took hold of his motorcycle's throttle once more. The sun was already high, and he needed to reach Bokod before the Saturday fellowship began. It had been a long time since he last visited, and the excitement he felt at the thought of seeing the congregants there again urged him to speed up.
As he reached a curve, another motorcycle speeding behind him caught his attention. He looked closer through the side mirror. The driver sounded his horn, as if calling for David's attention. Curious, David slowed down and drove to the side of the road to see what the driver needed—and to his surprise, it wasn't just any driver. It was Greg, a fellow pastor.
"Hey, Pastor! What's going on? I thought you guys were staying in the main church?" David asked, removing the helmet from his head.
"Yeah, that was the original plan, Pastor," Greg replied. "But then Pastor Henry informed us that our outreach church in Mountain Province needs you for tomorrow. You were the one originally scheduled there. It's just that there was a mix-up in the schedule. No one will be preaching tomorrow if you can't go."
"Ah, really? How did that happen?" David asked, confusion flashing across his face.
"There was a mistake during our last meeting," Greg explained. "What Rhea announced was the schedule from last month. She misplaced the updated one for this month, and Pastor Henry only found it this morning. As soon as he saw it, he sent me to Bokod to inform you that you're assigned to Mountain Province tomorrow."
David nodded, understanding dawning on him. "Aye pay, good thing Pastor Henry found that schedule. If he hadn't, no one would be delivering the message in Mountain Province tomorrow."
"Indeed, Pastor. Especially now that Pastor Nestor was invited as the guest speaker for the church anniversary in Kapangan. My, somebody should really be trained in that outreach church—so that in times like this, there'd be someone to take charge."
"You're right, Pastor," David sighed. "Well, I'd better get going then. Looks like I've got another three hours ahead of me, since it's Mountain Province I'm heading to."
Pastor Greg smiled and slid his helmet back on. "Alrightie, Pastor! Take care!" he exclaimed, then exited with his motorcycle. David quickly followed behind until they parted ways to reach their respective assignments. Mountain Province was much farther than Bokod. Bokod was only two hours from the city, while Mountain Province took six.
With this, David leaned forward and increased his speed, the wind blowing furiously against his body as the motorcycle advanced.
"Ah, if this is the case, I'll be enjoying a long ride," David sighed. "Much longer than I expected." He continued onward.
FOUR HOURS PASSED—several stopovers along the way—and finally, David saw signs of Kin-iway. He drove his way toward Payeo, where the church stood. As soon as he parked his motorcycle, he dismounted and headed for the church entrance. The faint sound of music and singing grew stronger as he approached.
"Hi, Pastor!" Gina, one of the youth leaders, greeted cheerfully as soon as she saw David enter the sanctuary.
"Hello, Sister. How's everything so far?"
"Ah, everything's doing fine, Pastor. We just finished worship practice, actually."
David nodded in acknowledgment and took a seat on one of the wooden pews. The church's interior never failed to fascinate him—the shining wooden floors, the carpeted altar, and the ethnic curtains adorning the windows and furniture all harmonized with the bright wooden tones of the sanctuary.
"Oh, great! So, shall we have a short worship and soaking before we go?" David suggested.
A bright smile lit Gina's face. "Sure! We should, Pastor. Hold on, I'll call the worship team."
She went up to the platform and called for the others, leaving David in quiet prayer on the pew. One by one, the youth arrived, filling the room with a reverent anticipation.
"What's up, Pastor?" Jake greeted, lifting his hand for a high five. David chuckled and met his palm.
"I haven't seen you in a while! Praise God you're assigned here again today!" Jake continued, grinning.
"Yes, indeed, Jake. How have you all been?" David asked, watching him take a seat beside him.
"We've been doing well, Pastor—praise God. It's Pastor Levi we're worried about. He seems to be getting weaker and weaker as the days go by. We don't know if it's because of his old age, or..."
David listened intently as Jake recounted recent events. Indeed, what Pastor Henry told him a few days ago was true.
Animism was still a strong practice in some parts of Mountain Province. The older generations who had practiced it all their lives found it hard to embrace the good news being preached. Some devoted animists persecuted the younger Christians, while others—even more zealous—attempted physical harm in the name of culture preservation.
David deeply loved his heritage. He never denied, nor was ashamed of his Igorot blood. But he also knew that some aspects of culture, like idolatry, were not to be upheld.
Tribal tensions were worsening—and to make matters more troubling, one of the church's pastors was gravely ill.
What would happen if Pastor Levi were called home to heaven soon? The thought pressed heavily on David's heart. The loss would be great... workers are already so few.
"Aye pay," David sighed softly. "Well, let's continue to pray for him. I'm sure these are just trials," he said, looking at the youth gathered before him. "No matter what the enemy throws at us, brothers and sisters, let's remember what Romans 8:37 says—We are more than conquerors through Jesus who loved us."
"Amen," the group replied in unison.
Jake began to play the guitar, and the worship leader lifted her voice. Soon, they all joined in—their hearts united, their spirits yearning to feel the Presence of the Lord.
No matter what happens, Lord... we trust You.
An hour passed, and the worship-soaking ended. David checked his phone—it was already four p.m.
"Sister Gina, I think it's time for me to get going now," David said, rising from his seat.
"Oh, of course, Pastor. Won't you be staying downstairs in the Pastoral House?"
"Nah, I think I'll visit my grandmother tonight," he replied.
Gina nodded in assent. "Alright then, Pastor. See you tomorrow!"
David smiled, bowed his head slightly, and headed for the exit. As soon as he stepped outside, sunlight met his skin, compelling him to fan himself against the humid air.
He started his motorcycle, the warm wind rushing past him as the engine roared to life.
I bet Grandmother's going to be so surprised when she sees me, he thought, a faint smile curving his lips.
~
Payeo- One of the barangays of Besao, south of Kin-iway.
