Amidst the era of cellphones and modern telecommunication, network black spots or off-grid locations—places considered as no-signal zones like Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental—an Adventist group called WATAGOM used walkie-talkies as an evangelism tool to share the message of salvation.
WATAGOM, or Walkie Talkie God’s Ministry, was established by Pastor Leonardo Bualan, District Pastor of Jose Abad Santos—a town with 26 barangays, most of which are unreachable areas where VHF radio communication facilities are most applicable.
The Adventist churches in the territory can be found in Caburan, Culaman, Marabatuan, Mangolibas, Meybio, Cayaponga, Kalbay, Sugal, Barangay Bukid, and Butulan. They are using mobile handheld transceivers or walkie-talkies to exchange communication, and their radio handset ministry is a way to evangelize in rural areas, involving other non-Adventist families using the so-called survival radio—which was first developed and used in Australia in 1923 and became popular around the world, including the Philippines, until the widespread use of cellphones dominated our technology-driven world.
While all handheld radio communicators use “10-codes” to express their messages for various reasons, WATAGOM members—as transceivers reaching out to various message receivers—incorporate Bible verses and sermons tailored to local dialects, eliminating the need for cellular networks or internet access. Most of all, the system enables group prayer, Bible reading, and spiritual encouragement—even across mountains or jungles—as it allows real-time coordination between pastors, lay workers, and volunteers.
In Romans 10:14–15, it says: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? … As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” This verse affirms the urgency and beauty of sharing the gospel—walkie-talkies, as tools for coordination and connection, help bring that “good news” swiftly and effectively to remote places.
Mrs. Ellen G. White’s message could be incorporated into this strategy, saying: “God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” — Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 300
Another inspiring quotation says, “The voice and tongue are gifts from God, and if rightly used, they are a power for God.” — Ellen G. White, Manuscript 40, 1896. “The Lord has shown me that great interest should be taken by Sabbath-keepers to spread the truth in all parts of the land... even in the most remote places.” — Early Writings, p. 61
Let us all pray that the light and truth shared through the old-fashioned walkie-talkies will travel swiftly and effectively—just like cellular phones.
