A STEPS Mission Visit to the Bohol District Jail – Female Dormitory

At STEPS Mission Inc., we are deeply grateful for every opportunity to bring God’s Word, encouragement, and practical support to those who are often forgotten by society. Recently, we had the privilege of visiting the Bohol District Jail Female Dormitory, where we conducted a Bible Class for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

During this visit, our team spent meaningful time sharing Scripture, testimonies, and prayer with the women. It was a time of listening, reflection, and mutual encouragement, reminding us all that God’s grace reaches far beyond physical walls and circumstances.

One of the most moving moments of the visit was our candle light service, a simple yet powerful ceremony that beautifully illustrates the hope we have in Christ. We placed a large candle in the center, representing Jesus—the Light of the world. Standing together in a circle, each woman took a turn lighting her candle from Jesus’ candle, symbolizing how His light is shared, never diminished, and able to shine even in the darkest places.

As the candles were lit, we took time to thank the Lord for His faithfulness throughout the year that had passed. We prayed together for the new year ahead, lifting up the desires and burdens the Lord had placed on our hearts. Each participant also claimed a Bible verse, holding on to God’s promises as a source of strength, hope, and direction for the days to come.

In addition to spiritual ministry, we were also able to offer practical support by donating a sack of rice and fresh fruits. This small act of giving was our way of expressing care and standing alongside the women in both word and deed.

We thank God for the openness of the women and the cooperation of the jail administration, and we count it a privilege to serve in this ministry. Please continue to pray with us as STEPS Mission Inc. seeks to bring the light of Jesus to places where hope is most needed.

High in the remote mountains of Mangilit, near Gingoog City, lies the home of the Higaonon people. Traditionally a nomadic tribe, their life in the uplands is breathtakingly beautiful but incredibly harsh. In these high-altitude communities, hunger is a daily reality, and access to basic needs—like healthcare and markets—is a constant struggle.
This month, we had the sacred privilege of bringing hope to these mountains through a distribution of rice and snacks for 100 families.
A Daughter of the Mountains ReturnsThis mission was especially close to our hearts because of Gemma. Gemma is a daughter of the Higaonon community, the child of a Datu (tribal leader).
Her family story is a quiet testimony to the hardships faced by those in remote areas. Her father had 23 children; tragically, due to the lack of resources and the difficulty of mountain life, only 11 are alive today.
Over the holidays, Gemma returned to her roots with a heart full of compassion. Using what she had, she organized this distribution to reach her own people with love, dignity, and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
More Than Just FoodIn the city, a bag of rice or a snack might seem like a small thing. But in Mangilit, these provisions become a lifeline. They represent a moment of relief for parents who work tirelessly on small upland farms and a moment of joy for children who often go without.
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” — Proverbs 22:9
Seen, Loved, and Not ForgottenOur goal was simple: to let these precious families know that despite the distance and the altitude, they are seen and loved. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Higaonon community and for Gemma’s leadership in reaching her own people.
Thank you for being part of a community that looks beyond the city limits to the furthest mountains to share the blessings we’ve been given.

What a spectacular way to wrap up the year! Our latest STEPS Mission Children’s Feeding event was a resounding success, filled with laughter, full bellies, and vibrant colors.

Under the theme "Joy in Every Bite and Brush Day," we set out to Serve, Teach, Empower, and Share—and the results were truly magical. It was a day dedicated to the little ones in our community, proving once again that joy is multiplied when it is shared.
A Day of Smiles and Creativity
The children didn’t just receive a meal; they received an experience to remember. The highlights of the day included:

• Nourishing Meals: Every child received a hearty food pack prepared with love.
• Play & Prizes: Fun games brought out the competitive and playful spirit in everyone, with exciting prizes for the winners.
• Living Art: A massive thank you to Abigail Austria Strong and her son for their incredible face-painting talents! They turned eager faces into colorful canvases, putting a unique smile on every single child.

Our Heartfelt Appreciation
An event of this scale requires a village, and we are blessed with a world-class one. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to those who made this day possible:

• Our Swiss Sponsor: Thank you for your continued, generous support that allows us to keep these missions alive for our little ones.
• The Bellevue Resort Bohol: A special thanks to Manager Sir Andrew Fernandes, staff members Ma’am Dianara Jane Guimalan, Koh Yawah, and the entire team. Thank you for providing a safe, beautiful space and for assisting us every step of the way.
• Our Feeding Partners: Gratitude to Fredy Zimmermann and his friends--Rob Simpson, Alfred/Marilyn Vasquez, Rolly, and Jacob—as well as our anonymous donor. Your contributions were the fuel for this mission.
• The STEPS Mission "Happy Helpers": To our dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly in the kitchen cooking and prepping food packages—we simply couldn't do this without your hard work.

Looking Forward
This success belongs to every one of you who donated, volunteered, and cheered us on. As we close out this month and look toward the future, our hearts are full. Happy New Year to our entire STEPS Mission family!

Yesterday, the walls of the prison were transformed. What is often a place of isolation became a sanctuary of presence, joy, and hope as we gathered for our annual Christmas celebration.
It was a day that reminded us all that no matter where someone is, they are never beyond the reach of God's love.
A Day of Fellowship and Celebration:
We spent a deeply moving afternoon together, focusing on what truly matters during the holiday season. The celebration included:

• Reflecting on the Word: A touching time of devotion that brought comfort and peace to everyone in attendance.
• Joyful Connection: Laughter filled the room during our holiday games, providing a much-needed break from the daily routine of prison life.
• A Shared Feast: We sat down to a special Christmas meal that felt like home.

Gifts of Love and Dignity:
Each of the 24 ladies received personal and practical Christmas gifts, along with a cash gift. While these gestures might seem simple to some, they were received with overwhelming gratitude. To these women, these gifts represent more than just items—they represent the fact that they are seen, remembered, and valued.
With Heartfelt Gratitude:
This beautiful day would not have been possible without the radical generosity of our partners. We would like to extend a special thank you to:

• The Bellevue Resort for graciously sponsoring the lechon.
• Our Swiss Sponsor (who wishes to remain anonymous) for providing the sack of rice.
• Chat for the thoughtful Christmas gifts and cash donations.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Thank you for standing with us and helping us bring love, dignity, and a spark of hope to these women this Christmas. Even behind prison walls, the light of the season shines bright.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when our community comes together to celebrate. Just like every year, the STEPS Christmas Party was a vibrant explosion of fun, music, and heartwarming performances.

This year’s celebration was particularly special, as it wasn't just a party—it was a showcase of the talent and spirit of the families we serve.
Songs, Dances, and Bright Smiles

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the performances. Our children and their parents took to the stage, sharing beautifully rehearsed songs and dances. Watching the confidence in the children's eyes and the pride on the parents' faces reminded us all why we do what we do. It was a true reflection of the joy found in the Christmas season.

A Venue Worthy of the Occasion
We want to extend a massive thank you to The Bellevue Resort for their incredible hospitality. They graciously opened their doors and let us use one of their beautifully decorated event halls. The festive atmosphere of the resort provided the perfect backdrop for our families to feel celebrated and honored.

To our sponsors who support STEPS: thank you. Your ongoing commitment ensures that we can create these meaningful memories year after year. This event was truly something to remember.

A Divine Reminder
As we watched the children play and perform, we were reminded of the words in the Gospel:

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Luke 18:16

This party was a celebration of those very children—the heart of our mission and the light of our future.