On the remote ridges of Sitio Moling, a predominantly Ata-Manobo village in Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, the sound of hymns now fills a newly built church that seems to touch the clouds. Perched near the breathtaking Linow to Gabon, often called the “Sea of Clouds,” this once-isolated community marked a historic milestone: their first Sabbath worship inside their own house of prayer.
What makes the story remarkable is not just the setting, but the speed. In only six days, the believers of Sitio Moling, together with volunteers and supporters, erected a church building—a feat they describe as possible only by faith, prayer, and unity.
From Home Visits to Baptisms
The journey began months earlier, when Pr. Wilfredo Anib and his team brought the gospel through home visits and evangelism in May 2024. Their efforts bore fruit in baptisms that gave birth to a small but growing fellowship. Without a building, the new believers worshiped in homes, encouraging one another and finding strength in small groups.
Nearby congregations from Umayam and Melale Center joined in, offering nurture, discipleship, and culturally sensitive approaches to strengthen the faith of the Ata-Manobo members. These partnerships emphasized not just worship, but also spiritual maturity, leadership development, and community care—laying a foundation deeper than concrete.
A Church Built on Generosity and Mission
Recognizing the need for a permanent place of worship, the Northern Davao Mission purchased a 1,000-square-meter property for the church. The Abelgas family then stepped forward in generosity, sponsoring the initial construction. What began as bamboo and wood swiftly rose into a sturdy framework for a sanctuary—proof that when believers unite for God’s mission, mountains can indeed be moved.
“This church is a reminder that the gospel is not bound by distance or terrain,” said Pr. Jeguien Jeong Nietes, Melale district leader, during the service. “God’s mission reaches the mountaintops and the farthest villages, where hearts are open to Him.”
Phases of Growth
Under the leadership of Pr. Brayan Ybañez, the project was divided into phases. The first phase gave Sitio Moling a functional house of worship—a shelter for fellowship, prayer, and learning. The coming phases will add concrete walls, flooring, and electrical works, turning this humble beginning into a lasting testimony of faith.
Yet even now, the church stands as more than a structure. For the Ata-Manobo believers, it is a beacon of hope, a gathering place for transformation, and a symbol of their place in God’s family.
More Than Buildings
Like the apostle Paul, who reminded the early church that mission is about people, not just buildings, the Sitio Moling believers view this new church as a launching pad for service. It is where children will grow in Sabbath School, families will be nurtured in faith, and communities will be drawn closer to Christ.
Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7—“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”—resonate deeply here, calling this small mountain village to perseverance and mission.
From the “Sea of Clouds” that crowns their home to the prayers that lifted their church walls, Sitio Moling’s story is a reminder to all: faith can build, unity can sustain, and God’s mission can reach the highest peaks.
[The original article was posted by Laak 3 Melale District of Northern Davao Mission]
