How It All Began
2006 trip from Atlanta, GA to Manila, Philippines
In 1998, Bert Camacho, founder and pastor of Hope Church International in General Santos City, Philippines extended an invitation to Abundant Life Church for a short term mission trip. In the year 2000, Abundant Life Church in Decatur, GA (now Cross Culture Church in Lithonia, GA) embarked on a mission trip that would not be a short-term endeavor, but would blossom into a profound, long-term relationship. Over the years, the church's involvement (along with Hosea Feed The Hungry in Atlanta, GA) has contributed significantly to the economic development of the community. This involvement has resulted in the establishment of numerous churches, which have not only served as places of worship but have also acted as hubs for various community development initiatives!
Abundant Life Missions Team in General Santos City
Pastor Woodrow Walker, Nonobert Malit & Soneta Malit (left to right)
Evangelism
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 28:19
In September of 2000, Nonobert Malit was ordained to begin the Blaan Evangelistic Mission by Pastor Woodrow Walker of then Abundant Life Church. It was that year, the gospel was preached for the first time up in the mountains in Amgu-o village (Pastor Nonobert’s birthplace).
Since that time, many Blaan tribe members have been taught and discipled in the Word of God, and have planted many churches throughout the region. Many youth and young adults are included in the number of pastors and assistant pastors (which is customary in the Philippines), who still have effective ministries today.
As a result, many have come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Blaan Dalel Christian Academy
2016 cement paved road into Amguo completed
Community Development
In 2001, Blaan Dalel Christian Academy was founded by Nonobert and Soneta Malit. The Hosea Feed the Hungry foundation funded the establishment of the school. BDCA was the first school built for the Blaan by the Blaan!
Up until 2016, the path leading up to Amgu-o village was a dirt road. Since then a cement road has been paved creating easier access to and from the village.
Sustaining Blaan Tradition
Bead making, weaving banana cloth and textiles became integrated in the school curriculum in order to preserve the rich Blaan customs and heritage.
Due to the preservation of _____ several of the Blaan have created their own businesses (not related to the Blaan Evangelistic Mission) featuring beadwork and textiles while others have promoted awareness of the Blaan culture in various ways.
In 2018, Amgu-o village was one of the proud winners of a reality show called Quest For Love hosted by Gina Lopez. This was a nationwide search for community leaders to jumpstart projects such as Eco-tourism sites, and heritage and wellness villages to help uplift the lives of their people. Out of 128 participants, there were only 8 winners, Amgu-o village being among them. As a result of winning this contest, the Blaan Wellness Village was created.
Weaving banana fiber into fabric locally known as “abaca”
Bamboo artisan cups
Dr. Barbara Williams-Emerson breaking ground on the school’s first science building and major donor to Blaan Dalel Christian Academy.
Graduating class of 2011
Education
After the foundation of the Blaan Dalel Christian Academy funded by Hosea Feed the Hungry, Dr. Barbara Williams-Emerson was instrumental in obtaining the school’s accreditation by funding the school’s first science building.
Since 2001 BDCA has produced many teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs and professionals in many fields!