“I’ve Always Been Proud of You, My Son”: A Missionary’s Journey of Faith and Family

Preparing for my mission was not easy. I have sacrificed a lot and my family has too. We came from a humble background, and like many Filipino families, our biggest dream has always been education. My parents wanted nothing more than seeing me graduate. We even made a promise: I will finish my studies before serving a mission.

But when 2025 came, something began to stir me in my heart. I could not stop thinking about serving the Lord. I was torn between keeping our family promise and following the quiet prompting to serve. 

So, I fasted and prayed. I applied to several universities, thinking that maybe education was what the Lord wanted me to pursue first. However, one by one, doors started closing down on me, like failed exams, cancelled permits, and missed deadlines. 

Then came For the Strength of Youth conference. That experience ignited a fire in me to serve God. When I got home, I ran to my father, hugged him tightly, and said through tears, “Pa, gusto ko na munang mag-mission.” And to my surprise, he said yes.

But that was just the beginning. 

My father had been a less active member of the Church for ten years. Still, his testimony never completely faded. He always encouraged our family to go to church.

As I started my mission papers, my father opened up. He reminded me of our agreement, saying, “Sayang, anak. Dapat tinupad mo muna yung usapan natin na mag-aaral ka bago mag-mission.” Those words pierced my heart. I have already disappointed him once but I worked hard and made a promise that one day he is going to hang a medal around my neck. I just couldn’t bear disappointing him again.

The days that followed were hard. The atmosphere at home grew tense. My father avoided me, and I could feel his disappointment. Each night I cried and prayed to God that He would give me strength and understanding.

Then came Father’s Day, a day I will never forget. After church, I greeted him cheerfully, “Happy Father’s Day, Pa!” But he stayed quiet, still burdened by his feelings about my mission. Soon, he and my mother began discussing it again. As I listened, I saw tears fall from my father’s eyes.

I sat beside him and said softly, “Pa, buong buhay ko wala akong ibang hinangad kundi ang maging proud kayo sa akin. Alam ko may plano ang Panginoon para sa atin. Hindi ako mawawalan ng pag-asa na darating ang araw na sasabihin mong, ‘Proud ako na may anak akong nag-mission.’”

Then, with tears in his eyes, he looked at me and said, “Palagi akong proud sayo, anak.”

We hugged each other tightly, both crying but smiling. A sacred moment that reminded me of how the gospel truly strengthens families.

In July 2025, I successfully submitted my mission papers. Soon after, I received my mission call and I will leave on my father’s birthday.

 

This journey has taught me that the Lord truly works in mysterious and tender ways. I have felt how painful it can be to choose faith when family expectations seem to stand in the way. But I have also witnessed how God heals hearts, softens relationships, and unites families through prayer and trust in Him.

I know that our Heavenly Father loves us deeply. He allows us to be tested so that our faith may grow. And when we choose to serve Him, He blesses us and also the people we love.

 

ELDER ARCILLA
Philippines Manila Mission
January 2026 - January 2028

---