Spiritually Impacting Students
Laura and Ruth, SEND co-workers, returned to the Philippines in 2003 uncertain of what ministry God was leading them toward. Pastor Tony, a Filipino friend, strongly encouraged them to train believers to teach the Bible in schools. Hesitant at first, Laura and Ruth were hooked after observing Pastor Tony and his team teach lessons on prayer in a local elementary school.
Laura, Ruth, Pastor Tony and others began praying for direction on how to reach students in classrooms.
As they prayed and talked with Filipino pastors, God guided Laura and Ruth to think about curriculum. Since no suitable material could be found, Ruth and Lou (a pastor’s wife) began writing modules on biblical values.
School Doors Opened
While Laura and Ruth were busy developing a program, Gloria Arroyo, the Philippines President, was observing a decline of morals in the country. To address that serious problem, Arroyo announced the following on July 12, 2004. “I would like to direct the Department of Education to allow non-government organizations of various religions to teach values formation once again in public schools…”
Arroyo’s announcement confirmed to Laura and Ruth that God was indeed opening doors for biblical values to be taught in the classroom!
The following week, 46 volunteers squeezed into the SEND Office in Manila to receive training on how to teach the curriculum. On August 2, in a nearby elementary school, values lessons were taught for the first time!
Laura and Ruth were overjoyed as they observed volunteers teach on truth and honesty.
In April 2005, VOICE Philippines (Values Orientation In Classroom Education) was incorporated. New modules were developed. The already-taught curriculum was revised and prepared for publication. Promotion and the training of new volunteers were ongoing. The VOICE staff grew.
Dramatic Impact
As students studied the biblical values, their hearts were changed. One student, after learning that she was created in the image of God and was precious to Him, decided not to end her life. A school principal observed a 60% decline in problems brought to the Guidance Office. Teachers and parents also noticed a difference in the children - so they too wanted to study the Bible!
Laura recently learned about Beverly*. Her interest in God was piqued through studying the values lessons. Last year, Beverly began attending a weekly study sponsored by 2 churches to learn more about the Bible. During those sessions Beverly asked thoughtful questions. It is not exactly clear when she trusted Christ, but the transformation in her life is remarkable!
Today, Beverly attends a youth fellowship and small group at a local church.
VOICE is now completely staffed by Filipinos and is in all 81 provinces except two!
Praise God for how students are being spiritually impacted through the teaching of biblical values!
*Name changed for security reasons.
Additional Posts
Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
Learn about the spiritual harmony in Vietnam & how missionaries engage with college students. Join us in sharing the gospel!
Explore Georgia's spiritual heritage and the impact of SEND International's mission. Join us in fostering authentic relationships today!
