Angeles, Pampanga Province — Philippines: The dense tropical air hung heavy, thick with the metallic tang of fresh blood mingling with sweat. Under the scorching 100-degree heat on the streets of Angeles we followed a procession of catholic penitents. These masked men with exposed backs, now stained in blooms of crimson subject themselves to ritual self-flagellation. Tasseled whips lashed bare skin in reverberating tin sounding hits, trailing arcs of scarlet with each agonizing stroke. Children followed the columns, eyes wide, sweat beading on brows as they held small buckets of water. Periodically the bloodied penitents would dip their flagella into the pails, diluting it before resuming their lacerating rhythm. At the front, men shouldered heavy wooden crosses, leading the groups through the side-streets of Angeles city. With each lurching step, flecks of gore splattered outward, misting the ground, walls, and any bystanders with a ghastly red overspray. We were not spared the errant spatter, and immediately wiped away the warm blood that clung to our exposed skin and camera equipment.

Witness: In a world obsessed with human logic, philosophical reason and biased scientific theory, the truth of the supernatural and miraculous is often dismissed or ignored. But as believers, we know we serve a supernatural God who transcends the natural realm. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the supernatural is REAL and it is an integral part of true faith. In fact, it is impossible to truly have a relationship with Christ Jesus if you do not believe that He is the Word made flesh, that He died for our sins, is risen and will come again. Unfortunately, many modern day churches neglect speaking about the supernatural nature of God because it goes against the mainstream ideals of the world. However, when you read the Gospels they are marked from beginning to end with a documentation of miraculous events from the life of Jesus. This is why the apostle Peter emphatically declares, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

Spark: How often do we underestimate the power of a single spark? It takes only one struck match to start a blazing fire. One encouraging word might renew fading hope. One act of kindness can shift a hardened heart. One truthful conversation might plant the seed of salvation. One phone call at just the right moment could prevent tragedy and despair. One prayer lifted up in sincere faith unleashes heavenly power. One decision to surrender your life fully ignites a radical transformation. And like a glowing ember fanned into a flame, a divine spark, though it may seem insignificant at the time, can blaze into a sweeping move of God that changes everything. Here are a few examples of historical sparks that impacted the world.

Christ the Lord and Savior: The foundational truth upon which our faith stands is that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior. As prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” When Jesus walked this earth, He demonstrated His lordship through teachings that astounded the people (Matthew 7:28–29). He displayed authority over sickness, nature, evil spirits and even death itself. After willingly laying down His life on the cross to atone for our sins, Christ proved His supremacy as Savior and Lord through the resurrection. Jesus lovingly calls those who follow Him not merely believers, but friends (John 15:15). Yet we must not lose sight that He is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). As Savior, Jesus bestows the gift of salvation upon all who call upon His name. As Lord, He rules our lives and demands our unwavering allegiance. Christ alone must occupy the throne room of our hearts.

Brothers in Arms: In life’s journey, it’s extremely valuable to have a loyal companion to walk alongside you. As King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” There is strength, support, and blessing when we stand together with true friends and partners. In Biblical times, the closest of friends and allies would formally establish a “covenant of brotherhood” with one another. We see this between David and Jonathan: “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:3). Their brotherly pact meant they were committed to stand by each other no matter what struggles came their way. In life, we too need similar loyal company to form our own band of brothers. But building true friendship and trustworthy partnership does not happen overnight. It takes time, shared experiences, and tests of loyalty. David’s mighty men for example, were warriors who had fought side by side with him. It says in 2 Samuel 23:8–39 they had followed him through thick and thin. By weathering hard times together, they forged unbreakable bonds. We all need that person or group of loyal friends who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us through adversity. And when we find them, we must also strive to be the type of loyal ally that we wish to have, extending generosity and support freely to others.

Trust in Turbulent Times: In seasons of uncertainty, it’s easy to relinquish our trust, succumbing to restlessness, anxiety and fear. The unknown future in life can torment our minds, keeping us trapped in a perpetual loop of “what ifs.” Yet we must recognize that this mindset runs counter to our identity as children of God. As believers, we are called to an existence defined by steadfast trust in the promises of Christ. Though external chaos swirls about us, we must keep our minds stayed on Him — the One who remains constant yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). What does it mean to truly trust during turbulent times? First and foremost, it requires us to place our faith not in our limited human understanding, but wholly in God. Isaiah 55:8–9 affirms, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we cannot trace God’s hand, we can trust His heart.

The “What if” Shift: In our daily lives, it’s common to find ourselves entangled in the relentless “What if” loop, where we often dwell on negative scenarios and potential misfortunes. We tend to theorize about how things might go wrong, and these thoughts often dominate our minds. But what if, amidst these moments of uncertainty, we deliberately initiated a shift in our thinking? What if, instead of succumbing to the fear of the worst possible outcome, we dared to ask ourselves, “What if it all works out?”

The story of the Batwa people is a narrative of displacement, a tale that has unfolded over decades and continues to evolve in the present day. Their unique story sheds light on the complex interplay of cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and the impact of government policies. The Batwa, often referred to as “pygmies,” have faced tremendous hardships. They have a deep connection to the Impenetrable Forest, a lush and biodiverse ecosystem located in western Uganda. For generations, the Batwa lived nomadically in the Impenetrable Forest utilizing its resources for food and shelter. However, their ancestral homeland faced a seismic shift in 1991 when the Ugandan government designated the Impenetrable Forest as a national park, primarily to protect the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas that inhabit the area.

Karamojong: The Karamojong tribes, dwelling in the eastern expanse of Uganda, form a majority community amidst the myriad tribal groups within the region. Their distinctive physical features, characterized by their tall and slender frames, evoke a certain form of elegance as they traverse the vast landscapes. Rooted in a deeply entrenched pastoralist tradition, the Karamojong prize their livestock above all else, revering these cherished animals as the pinnacle of their wealth and prosperity. From a young age, Karamojong boys are immersed in herding duties, diligently caring for goats, sheep, and cattle from dawn till dusk. In adulthood, some men turn to cattle raiding, perpetuating a cycle of violent theft that leaves families devastated.

Social Order: Society is organized by what becomes acceptable and unacceptable. One of the greatest dangers society faces is the erosion of social order through the introduction and acceptance of immoral behavior. When a culture compromises its moral foundation, the consequences are far-reaching and detrimental. Throughout history, we witness how the acceptance and normalization of immorality lead to the decay of social structures and the disintegration of kingdoms, empires, tribes and communities. In the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, we see a stark example of how a society can descend into evil when immorality becomes the prevailing norm. The inhabitants of these cities openly embraced wickedness, engaging in vile practices that were an abomination in the eyes of God.

The Book of Revelation provides a glimpse into future events, unveiling the ultimate victory of God over Satan, the return of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. It highlights the final judgment, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. For us, the Book of Revelation has personally meant so much more after visiting the Isle of Patmos for ourselves. It has shown us another side of the story. Meaning, during that era, when Christians were imprisoned, their survival was rare. Many would have written off John, assuming that his exile on a remote island marked the end of his active involvement in the church and his ministry. However, God had not finished using John yet.

Throughout the Bible, we see the importance of remembering what God has done for His people. In Deuteronomy 8:2, Moses reminds the Israelites, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” God instructed His people to set up memorials and celebrate feasts as a way of remembering His faithfulness (Exodus 12:14, Joshua 4:5–7). These acts of remembrance served as a way for future generations to learn about God’s mighty deeds and to praise Him (Psalm 78:4–7).

Gifts Given: God has a unique purpose and plan for each of our lives. He has gifted us with specific abilities and talents that He expects us to use to further His kingdom. Romans 11:29 tells us that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. This means that if God has called you to do something or gifted you with a specific talent, He won’t change His mind about it. Whether or not you have obeyed God’s call, it’s still there waiting for you.

Repent: Revival is a powerful phenomenon that transforms individuals, communities, and even entire nations. However, true revival cannot happen without genuine repentance. Repentance is a crucial step that precedes revival and is essential for experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and power. Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of action. It involves acknowledging our sin and turning away from it, seeking forgiveness and restoration from God. Without genuine repentance, revival becomes superficial and short-lived.

Putting Up With It: You become what you tolerate. This statement holds a powerful truth that can be applied to every aspect of our lives. The things we tolerate in ourselves and in those around us shape who we are and who we will become. Think about the things you currently tolerate in your life. Are they things that align with your purpose and goals? Or are they things that hold you back and prevent you from reaching your full potential? It’s important to remember that tolerance is not the same as acceptance. Tolerance means putting up with something, while acceptance means embracing it as a part of your life. When it comes to the things we tolerate, we must ask ourselves if they are worth accepting or if they need to be changed.

Active Living: To live an active life you must be a person who acts upon their faith. It is terrifying for most people to cut away from the world that preaches materialism and comfort, but once you do, it will be tough to go back to a “normal” life. For example, many missionaries who return home from extended and even short-term journeys overseas are oftentimes in cultural shock upon re-entering. This is because they have seen another world, lived life differently, escaped the rat race and are trying to articulate their feelings and new found perspective…

I’ve been watching Travel the Road since I was a kid and they inspired me to become a missionary. I only wish I could meet them and tell them what their show means to me. Going on my second mission trip to India soon! God bless yall! — Kaylee

What is steadfastness? Steadfastness is a measure of our resolve and our commitment to our values and beliefs even in the midst of adversity. The dictionary defines it as “firmly fixed in one’s opinion or course of action”. There is no weakness in steadfastness, only strength in the face of difficulties and challenges. It is having the courage to withstand opposition and remain true to our beliefs no matter what the circumstances may be. Some people are steadfast in their relationships, others in their work ethic, and still others in their job. But when the time comes, the most important thing is to be steadfast in your loyalty to God. Everything else in this world is temporary and can always be taken away, but the promises of God are eternal. There are pressures all around us to compromise our faith in order to fit in and be accepted but we must not succumb to this temptation. The world is filled with evil and the acceptance of even a little bit will lead many down a path of destruction. We must only look at the status and erosion of our society currently to see how the enemy has chipped away to the point we are in now. If you put your trust in the world and the goodness of humanity, darkness will envelop and overtake you quickly.

Ultimate Forgiveness: Christ Jesus is the ultimate example of forgiveness. He was innocent and without sin, yet He went to the cross at Calvary and paid the price for the sins of all mankind. He purchased our redemption with His blood and in Him, we have new life. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7. We are not saved by our own good works but by the shed blood of Jesus. When Jesus walked on this Earth He set the example for us to follow; He forgave all who came unto Him, even those who crucified Him. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34.

Confidence from Above: Confidence is a state of mind in which a person has trust and faith and is unafraid of challenges. You won’t achieve much if your confidence is low. Confidence is critical to success, whether it’s in your personal life or professional career. What you believe is what you get. Thoughts of failure cause you to lose confidence, but successful people aren’t afraid to fail because they know that failure is just a part of life. They dust themselves off and press on to try again. Confident people are optimistic about their future and have a positive outlook.