Bounty, beauty and blessings

Wednesday, 26th March was, without a doubt, one of the most brilliant days of Albert and Lynne Castelijn’s lives. The Banwaon New Testament is 100% completely translated, printed, and in the hands of the Banwaon believers.

More than a month after the New Testament Dedication Day, their hearts still overflow with gratitude and praise to a great God. Truly His face was shining on them, on the beautiful Banwaon people and on the little village in the mountains of the Philippines. The reality of this still brings tears to Albert and Lynne’s eyes.

One element of the bigger task to which the LORD called them over 30 years ago – being part of a team working towards a healthy, functioning, well discipled, mature body of believers amongst the Banwaon people.

Rejoice with them and celebrate and praise God for His faithfulness at work, and miraculous answers to prayer!

The Philippine Bible Society bent over backwards to get all 2000 copies of the New Testament printed in record time. Nearly 900 of those were hand-carried to Mindanao by our family and guests so we had plenty for Dedication Day.

The weather was BEAUTIFUL for the two main flying days the ONLY fully clear days they had the entire two months they were in the Philippines. The forecast was “100% torrential rain”. Two mission helicopters flew twenty flights those few days. So long as the weather held, they kept on flying in … people and Bibles pouring out of each flight.

Along with their precious family and visitors who flew in, hundreds of people hiked or biked in from the Banwaon and other tribal groups – Higaunon, Tala Andig, Manobo and Visayans.

The Banwaon church leadership had worked hard not only to complete the huge new church building, but to prepare the schedule for those few days. Then there were all the logistics of accommodating and feeding hundreds of extra visitors. They did an absolutely brilliant job in all areas. They especially loved the beautiful juxtaposition and incorporation of traditional Banwaon culture, identity and worship as they praised God for His Word. They also loved the focus on the TEAM it has taken to get this New Testament translated!

It was an honour to have all the faithful Banwaon men and women from the translation team, plus…

  • Their main translation consultant/checker, and his wife!
  • The pastor and an elder from their sending church in Australia, who represent so many who have prayed, encouraged, supported them over the years
  • The field support team – pilots and aviation team, mission chairman, coworkers, and new missionaries still in language study
  • Lynne S. representing all the missionaries who have been involved in the Banwaon ministry over the years
  • Their own kids who have been part of it all from the start, as well as their families
  • And their Filipino New Tribes Mission of the Philippines colleagues and leadership

What a joyous thing to experience – Christ’s Body at work – and celebrating together!

“Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think… to HIM be the glory both now and forever!”

The service ran smoothly and finished just over two hours after starting, as planned.

Over the three days of celebration the Banwaon believers worked tirelessly and cheerfully to feed all the guests. On Dedication Day alone, over 1500 people were fed at the celebration lunch!

As the helicopter came in for the final landing, they had to dodge some mounting clouds. Minutes after landing, heavy rain began. But it didn’t matter. Everyone who needed to be out, was safely in town.

And the great thing is… He’s not done with Albert and Lynne, or the Banwaon people, yet!