The Fuel of Faith and the Ministry on Wheels

On the various roads of Biliran, one might catch a glimpse of a Foton Harabas TM 300 adorned with a large sign that reads “Ministry On Wheels.”

It also features a customized design with a vibrant, religious-themed painting that uses bright, inviting colors, making it stand out.

The main part of the mural depicts a serene and idyllic scene.

At the center, the painting features Jesus Christ, surrounded by several children.

Above this main scene, on the side of the customized vehicle, the words “Ministry on Wheels” are elegantly inscribed in a flowing script, indicating the vehicle’s purpose.

Beyond the vehicle’s design is its noble objective—to serve. It transports housing materials, food, medical supplies, and fellow missionaries to various mission fields in far-flung areas, especially those affected by calamities.

In other times, this vehicle carries messengers of God’s love, entering previously unentered communities to spread the gospel. They hold feedings, children’s Bible classes, free medical missions, and several other ways to connect to the community.

The “Ministry on Wheels” started through the faith of a woman—Merlyn Maderazo. The vehicle, a Foton Harabas TM 300, didn’t come from fundraising efforts or the pocket of this mission-driven individual.

She believes this was God’s gift, and answer to her seven-year prayer for a vehicle to be used in her ministry.  

Several years ago, she started this personal ministry after God lifted her from the pit of depression and humiliation.

Her husband lost a political battle as the mayor of their town and was sentenced to years in prison for a crime she believes he never committed. She and her children endured deep humiliation, but she knew she couldn’t lose herself to despair. She had to stay strong for the kids that she had to raise alone.

From her own pocket, she began serving God by repairing or building houses for the homeless. Doing something for the least of His children makes her happy, and this ministry diverted her mind from her own pain and miseries. She then understood what it meant to be resilient, and that was to be grounded in the comfort of His love and promises.

However, transporting the housing materials to far-flung areas was challenging. The rental cost alone was another struggle to overcome. With deep longing in her heart to continue her ministry in an easier way, she prayed for a vehicle—a wing van that could transport materials and bring them to their mission fields.

One day, she learned about a benefactor from the USA through a Christian community, a man known for his generous spirit in completing unfinished Adventist churches. At the time, he was visiting his girlfriend, having just arrived from the US.

A fervent desire stirred within her—she had to talk to that man!

During this time in the year 2022, Merlyn herself had already seen three of her light-material churches rise—Ebenezer, a testament to God’s guidance; Agape, a beacon of divine love; and Maranatha, a promise of His imminent return. Yet, her heart continued to yearn for something more, a deeper calling to the rapid spread of the gospel.

One morning, believing she could meet the man, she prayed. “Lord, what car should I ask from this man who helps build churches, something that will truly speed the spread of your gospel?”

Instantly, a vivid image flashed into her mind: a wing van with three sides that could open. A mobile outreach unit.

A quick Google search confirmed her vision – such a vehicle indeed existed, similar to what she had envisioned.

Moreover, her imagination was clear and precise: the van would be filled with housing materials and supplies for her community outreach programs.

It would have windows and be adorned with paintings that express God’s love, along with signage that clearly communicates the vehicle’s purpose to anyone who sees it.

She also envisioned the vehicle to be equipped with a TV screen and speakers for film showings in remote barangays. It should have benches for those who would join her in ministry, and most importantly, equipments to transport patients to clinics or rescue people during calamities.

But the burning question remained: how to reach this man, convey God’s plan, and introduce herself?

She prayed again and said, “Lord, if I can see him now, it means he will give me this car.” It was one of the signs she was asking God to fulfill to show His approval.

The next morning, at around seven, Merlyn positioned herself strategically in front of the girlfriend’s house, a basket of freshly harvested rambutan from her farm clutched in her hand.

She waited. Hours ticked by—7, 8, 9, and 10 a.m. Finally, at about ten, an American man emerged from the house and headed directly for a motorcycle in the garage, seemingly focused on repairing it.

Merlyn approached cautiously and offered a morning greeting. However, he looked at her with annoyance, then turned and went back inside, leaving Merlyn standing alone with a basket of fruit and a heart full of confusion.

An hour later, his girlfriend emerged, apologizing for his reaction. She explained his aversion to unannounced visitors. Shame, frustration, and disappointment washed over Merlyn as she handed over the fruit and departed.

The following Sabbath brought a renewed sense of purpose. Merlyn was invited to speak at the divine worship service, her soul re-energized by the prospect of another encounter with the man.

As the service began, the man and his girlfriend arrived. Merlyn’s heart pounded against her ears, and she prayed silently for wisdom, asking God for words that would touch him.

As she delivered her message, she saw his face light up, a thirst for taking a part in sharing God’s word evident in his rapt attention.

After the service, brimming with renewed aspiration and determination, Merlyn swore to approach him and tell him about the car. More of the signs she was asking for were already granted.

During lunch, she tried to stand near him, but a throng of people surrounded him, eager for his attention. He was leaving for the USA that very hour.

Merlyn moved from one vantage point to another, inside and outside the church, but to no avail.

“This is it,” she conceded, “Stop now, Merlyn. You’ve done so much, and nothing has happened.” Defeated, she headed for her car.

Then, she remembered something she’d forgotten inside the church and turned back. Halfway down the road, she saw him—the American man, her target, walking with his girlfriend. They were heading away, presumably to leave for the US.

Her heart pounded anew. Her mind screamed, “Go ahead, talk to him!” But her heart recoiled, “No.”

It was a fierce battle between mind and emotion. Finally, a resolve settled: she would speak.

When they met in the middle of the road, Merlyn approached him and poured out the vision God had shown her about the car.

Overwhelmed, he asked, “What kind of car?” Without a picture, Merlyn struggled to describe the customized vehicle, which featured windows, benches, a TV, and speakers.

Despite the difficulty in understanding her, he pressed on, “How much?” Merlyn had a rough idea for the car itself, but the customization costs weren’t anticipated.

“Okay,” he said, “since you don’t know how much. Then inquire as soon as possible.”

Merlyn returned home, her heart soaring, clinging to his words that he would provide the car. He simply needed the exact price and features.

She shared her joy with her sisters. With pen and paper, she meticulously drew the customized van, noting the estimated costs for each addition—windows, benches, TV, speakers. She then sent the details to his fiancée.

Unfortunately, two weeks later, a message arrived: the man withdrew his commitment to provide the car.

It was Friday, and Sabbath drawing near. The Sabbath arrived, but Merlyn couldn’t attend church; Typhoon Paeng was ravaging their area. As the storm roared, Merlyn’s heart groaned. “What happened, Lord?” she cried.

She had asked for not just one, but twelve signs –all confirmed! The first was seeing him that morning with the rambutan, though it hadn’t impressed him.

And eleven more signs had affirmed the car. Yet, now, it was cancelled.

What would she tell her sisters, who already knew the good news? How would she explain it to others? Questions tormented her on that Sabbath, resembling the natural chaos outside her house.

On Sunday morning, Merlyn went to Maranatha, their farm, to clear the surroundings with her small grass cutter. Her mind reeled with the cancellation, questioning God’s confirmation of twelve signs, only for it to end in nothing.

She begged for a second chance. Around 10 a.m., an understanding dawned, like the stories of Abraham and Isaac, or the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:26-30. “Yes, this is a test,” she concluded. “Thank you, Lord, this is only a test.”

As she arrived home that evening, a message awaited her: “The US guy or the sponsor has given you another chance. He wanted to know the details of the van and the exact amount, and do it as soon as possible.”

Early Monday morning, Merlyn and her son Mark headed to Tacloban for a flight to Manila. The sky was black, the clouds dense—another storm brewing.

As they boarded the plane, Merlyn told her son, “Thank you, the storm isn’t so strong; the wind has stopped.”

Mark looked at her, “No, it hasn’t.” He pointed to the distance, and she saw coconut trees swaying violently, plants nearby whipping in the wind.

Another desperate prayer ascended: “Please, God, stop the storm.” The man’s urgent request was in her mind, and she couldn’t afford to fail him.

Then, a still, small voice whispered, “Don’t worry, Merlyn, beyond those dark clouds, the sun is shining.”

Merlyn took a deep breath. As the plane ascended, penetrating the dark clouds, a deep blue, cloudless sky appeared. The sun shone with brilliant strength. Merlyn wondered: Are typhoons truly just below the atmosphere, below the clouds?

She didn’t understand how the wind and rain could rage below while above was so peaceful and quiet. The sun was smiling until they landed in Manila.

They went directly to the store where the van was displayed. They sent the pictures and the exact amount. And on that day, the first van was paid for. Thus, the Ministry on Wheels began.

Furthermore, the Ministry on Wheels has more than one vehicle. A second van was acquired in April 2025, further expanding their outreach.

This month, July 2025, the sponsor purchased a new vehicle that can reach areas inaccessible to standard cars—the Bajaj Maxima Z. This three-wheeled vehicle, commonly referred to as a “tricycle” in the Philippines, is designed for both passenger transport and cargo delivery.

Additionally, the Ministry on Wheels will begin constructing a Center of Hope, a place where people in need can find support and encouragement.

Merlyn’s journey is a testament to faith and divine providence. Her story serves as a living testimony that, in some cases, God answers prayers according to the petitioner’s level of faith.

She shares her favorite Bible verse from the book of Psalms 28:7, which states: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song, I will praise Him.”