The following interview is with “Virgie” Chumalan a 32 year missionary with YWAM. She is currently stationed at our base and I thought she could give interesting insight into missions from the perspective of a “third world” missionary.

Vergie was born in a very remote village called Mayoyao, Ifugao in the northern part of the Philippines. She is the eldest of ten children of a family that is from a very strong animistic and simultaneously Catholic religious background. This led to a confusion in Virgie. In March 1974, a team of YWAM missionaries visited her town and shared the Gospel with her. Right there, she gave her life to Jesus, and made Him her Savior and King.

In June 1975, Virgie joined Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for 2 months exposure. These 2 months, however, have lasted for more than 32 years now, and Lord willing will continue. Virgie has been well equipped for the work that she has been called to do. She completed YWAM Discipleship Training School (1977) in Baguio City. School of Evangelism (1984) in Manila, first term of the School of Biblical Studies (1986) in Hong Kong. Leadership Training School (1987) in Amsterdam. Principles of Redeeming Culture School (1994) in Tonga, South Pacific and lately the Family Ministry School (2003) in Baguio City. During her years of service in missions, she has been actively involved in leading various outreach teams to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Yugoslavia, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and recently to Australia as part of the Great Commission. (Mark 15:16, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.”)

At present, she is the director of Island Breeze in the Philippines and part of the YWAM Baguio leadership team. She also coordinates the College Student Sponsorship Ministry. She welcomes all men and women of God to join her in this adventure.

Q. Vergie how old are you?
A. Fifty-three years old “Virgie” Virgina Chumalan

Did you have a Christian background?
A. I became a Christian in 1974. Before that I used to teach Roman Catholic catechism in a elementary public school. When the YWAM missionaries came to my village they explained things to me in a better way. I found out that Christianity was not about doing “good works” but about loving and obeying Jesus. I could also tell the Missionaries were real Christians by the way they treated each other and us. They also ate the same food as us at a youth camp I attended. I had never seen foreigners eat with Filipinos before.

I was invited to stay in a Christian dormitory that was run by YWAM’s Paul Filler. Even though I was a new Christian they invited me to attend a missionary conference. I also met important speakers like Loren Cunningham and they were very nice to me. Shortly after this I also attended a two week school of evangelism. Later they invited me on an outreach.

I went as a temporary volunteer but it changed my life. After that outreach all I wanted to do was be a missionary and I did not want to go back to college. I went fulltime with YWAM. Ross Tooley, our director and founder, would regularly take us out for evangelism 8 hours a day, 6 days a week for door knocking and evangelism on the streets and in the parks. (Ross Tooley was the director, and is the author of three books on missions, and is a thirty year missionary to Asia. Two of his books mention Virgie)

Q. What was missions like in those days?
A. In those days most of the missionaries were foreigners, there were only six Filipinos and twenty foreigners. We learned so much working with them. We also showed Christian films to the mountain tribes, in the schools and in the movie theatres. I continued to participate in evangelism and training, which led to my becoming a staff member.

Q. What is the “Island Breeze Ministry” which you head up?
A. Island Breeze, teaches tribal people about Jesus in their own cultural context. It shows them that they don’t have to give up their local culture in order to become Christians. It also helps them to redeem the aspects of their culture that are not consistent with the teachings of Jesus. We also use the cultural dances from the Philippines as a tool to gain entry into other cultures (I.e., Europe, and Australia) and then share our testimonies and witness for Christ to those who were merely expecting a cultural exchange program.

Q. How many people have come to the Lord in your ministry?
A. I don’t count people who come forward, I only count those who are still serving God years later so it is hard to tell. I have seen whole villages, converted to the Lord. I know of over 200 people in my hometown. Now I run into their children serving God, and their parents were converted under our ministry in YWAM. This makes me feel good it makes me feel like I have accomplished something for God. However, it is hard to tell the actual numbers, only the Lord knows.

Q. Have you ever regretted your decision to be a missionary?
A. No! Many of my school classmates are very successful in this world but I know the wonderful things I have seen, the places I have been, and the miracles I have seen. I have traveled all over the world, and I have lived in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia. In fact, when I go home on furlough (my vacation), I get bored and sometimes I come back to do the Lord’s work early because this is my life.

Q. What is being a missionary like?
A. I cannot compare it to anything because I became a missionary when I was so young. This is my life. I don’t know anything but to serve God. This is my life. God called me and I answered. This is where I am and this is what I do. When I see new missionaries struggling, sometimes I don’t understand because for me this is how it is. This is missionary life. It just seems like a normal life to me.

Q. What would you tell anyone wanting to be a missionary?
A. Missions is exciting and it is very satisfying serving people and God. God will always provide! He has always taken care of me. I have food, a roof over my head and the simple joys. I come from a very poor family and I did not have money but God always provides for the faithful. When I compare my life with the missionaries in the past I feel like I am very small in comparison to them. My life is joyous and happy. I am very satisfied. This is my life, this is who I am. I do my best and God does all the rest. I like this, if you love God you will too. I would say the most happiness that you can have in life comes from knowing God, knowing you are where God wants you to be, and doing what God calls you to do.

You can see pictures of Virgie here.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him (or her) who brings good news. Who proclaims peace. Who brings glad tidings of good things. Who proclaims salvation.” Isaiah 52:7