Standing on Firm Foundations
For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. – Eph.5:8
Mercy Guyading
It was not easy at all. This is what Mercy Guyading, an Ibaloi tribal lady, experienced after she testified to be a Christian. Their clan took it as a sign of betrayal and were so angry with her. Her older brother was a village diviner. When he died, the clan came together to perform expected spiritual rituals for his funeral. Part of the rituals require offering food to feed the spirits. They would also throw thorns into the grave to ward off evil spirits that could come near it. The thorns, they believe, protect the coffin by hurting their feet and keep them from standing on the grave. Each family member is expected to participate in these rituals.
Understanding that she had to make a stand for her faith, Mercy Guyading refused to participate, breaking tribal tradition and familial expectation. This became an avenue for her to explain her newfound faith and share the truth: she serves the one true God and Jesus Christ is now her Savior and protector from the evil spirits.
NTMPI missionaries Roderick and Leah Tolloy faithfully teach the Word of God to this group so that people, like Mercy Guyading, no longer have to continue living under the dark deception of the devil.
Please pray for Mercy Guyading and other tribal Christians who are under persecution. May the Lord help them to grow and stand firm on their faith enabling them to be Christ’s light and salt within their clans.
