Devotional

Called to Scatter Seed

I recently met with missionary Robin Cabasan, who’s story is featured in this week’s newsletter. His story awakened me to the incredible ways the gospel is being spread and reaping a harvest spanning decades and across continents. His story reminds me of how God has called ALL of us to scatter seed - which is to share the good news of Jesus. In Mark chapter 4, there are several parables related to seed sowers that reveal a few nuggets of wisdom we can glean from:

1) Scatter seed everywhere and don't look for perfect soil

In the parable of the sower, Mark 4:3-20, Jesus shares about how the sower scatters seed that lands in many diverse places. Note that he’s not ‘planting’ seed, he’s ‘scattering’ it, everywhere!  This I believe is an example for us to follow in spreading Jesus, in all aspects of our daily life, anywhere and all the time.

2) Scatter seed and don't worry about how it will grow

The second parable related to seed is in Mark 4:26-29.  This parable tells us that the seed scatterer doesn’t know how long it will take to germinate or how it will grow.  If the farmer doesn’t know the ‘how’ then neither do you!  Sometimes we get wrapped up in how the seed of the gospel will unfold in a person’s life.  We need to remember we don't ‘save’ anyone, it’s the Holy Spirit that draws people to repentance and faith in Jesus.  So after you have scattered seed, your work may be done.  Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to germinate it.

3) Scatter seed and don't worry about how much it will grow

The last parable in Mark 4:30-32, is often referred to as the ‘parable of the mustard seed’.  In this parable the emphasis is on how something so tiny as a mustard seed can become as large as a tree.  Remember, God gives the increase, not us. Too often God calls us into His work assignment and we start planning and over thinking how we’re going to grow it.  For example, think of how much effort is spent by churches and Christian organizations on ‘growing the ministry’.  Who are we to take over God's work?  If God called you into it, then let God accomplish His will.

In Summary

Remember that seeds of the gospel we sow now may outlive us. It may be generations or even when we get to heaven before we see the result.  Let’s boldly step out to scatter seed everywhere we go, and don’t worry about how it will grow, or how much it will grow.

Stories of Faith

From Poverty to Purpose- Pastor Robin’s Story

Have you ever sown a seed and wondered what impact it would have over time?

Now, of course, we always sow seeds with a giving heart and with no attached expectations. But if you’ve ever wondered “How far does my sown seed go?”, then this is the story for you.

From surviving off of salvaged food from the city trash in San Quintin Abra Philippines, to bringing the Gospel - Shelter - and Healing of God to Malawi Africa.

This is the incredible story of Pastor Robin, a man born in poverty, whose life was impacted by a Christian Missionary at a young age, and who then went on to dedicate his life to the Kingdom of God and impacting nations decades later.

From Poverty to Purpose: Pastor Robin's Journey from the Philippines to Malawi

Born on June 8, 1971, in San Quintin, Abra—the northernmost town of Abra province in the Philippines—Pastor Robin's life began in circumstances that would shape his heart for ministry in profound ways. 

Growing up in what he describes as "the poorest family in that municipality", Pastor Robin learned early lessons about survival, resourcefulness, and the value of every provision.

A Childhood of Struggle and Survival

Pastor Robin's early years were marked by extreme poverty. He recalls surviving by searching through restaurant garbage bins in Manila city, diving into barrels to find leftover fried chicken after establishments closed. 

These experiences of hunger and want would later fuel his passion for feeding others and his deep appreciation for God's provision.

Raised in a Catholic family, church attendance was routine but spiritually empty for young Robin. 

"It's a routine, formality, tradition, and seemingly like a little bit of culture", he reflects. The weekly masses provided no real meaning or direction, and despite regular church attendance, Robin admits he was "a bad boy" with no conviction or spiritual transformation.

A Divine Encounter at 16

Everything changed during Robin's high school years when an evangelist visited his municipality. 

After sharing the Gospel with young people at school, this soul-winner continued witnessing to Robin personally while they traveled to a baseball game. 

Walking down the road, the evangelist shared powerful scriptures from Romans—verses about righteousness, sin, death, and God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice.

The Word of God, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, pierced Robin's heart. "Who am I not to receive Jesus Christ when I was enlightened already by the Word of God?", he recalls. 

That very day, Robin surrendered his life to Christ and was baptized just hours after his conversion, immediately identifying with his Savior.

Transformation and Calling

The change in Robin's life was immediate and undeniable. His family, though not yet believers themselves, witnessed such a dramatic transformation that they didn't oppose his new faith. Even neighborhood critics eventually had to acknowledge the positive change in his character.

Without any human encouragement, Robin felt God's call to Bible school—a divine direction that would shape the next phase of his journey. 

He attended three different Bible schools over seven years, graduating in 1994. Despite struggling with insecurity and an inferiority complex about his physical appearance, God was molding him for something greater.

"I never thought about becoming a pastor or missionary”, Robin admits. "Not even a single hint in my life." But God had other plans. Through Scripture memorization competitions and ministry opportunities, his gifts began to emerge, surprising even himself.

From Church Planting to Global Mission

After graduation, Robin began his ministry journey with church planting—first in Mindoro Island in 1997, then returning to his home province of Abra. 

After more than two decades of pioneering and establishing churches in the Philippines, God prepared his son to continue the work, freeing Robin for his next calling: missionary work in Malawi, Africa.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this story, where we'll share more about Robin's missionary work in Malawi, which is ongoing.

To learn more about Pastor Robin, his ministry in Malawi, and ways you can support, please check out:

Financial Update

Gold Market Update: A Stewardship Success Story

Three months ago, in our July 17th newsletter, we shared an analysis suggesting that gold, then trading around $3,300 per ounce, was positioned to possibly revisit and then potentially break through its previous all-time high of $3,600. 

Today, we’re pleased to report that not only did gold revisit that milestone—it shattered it.

Since our July article, gold has surged past $4,000 per ounce for the first time in history, briefly approaching $4,100 before settling around $4,036. This represents an extraordinary gain of approximately 22% in just three months—a remarkable return that has outpaced most traditional investments during the same period.

What's Driving Gold's Historic Rally?

Several converging factors have propelled gold to these unprecedented heights. Central banks worldwide have been aggressively purchasing gold, while Federal Reserve rate decisions, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and trade policy uncertainty, have weakened the U.S. dollar. This surge has been driven by increasing geopolitical risks, strong central bank demand, a weaker dollar, and inflation concerns.

Perhaps most significantly, gold has been the best-performing major asset over the past year, serving as a safe haven during periods of stock market volatility. When economic uncertainty rises, investors traditionally flee to tangible assets—and gold remains the ultimate store of value.

Gold's Performance Against the Stock Market

While the stock market has experienced considerable volatility in 2025, gold's trajectory has been consistently upward. This divergence highlights gold's role as a hedge against economic uncertainty and currency devaluation. The precious metal has provided stability when many equity investors have faced turbulent market conditions, reinforcing the biblical principle of not putting all our eggs in one basket.

Looking Ahead: What Could Happen Next?

If gold continues on its current trajectory, we could see several scenarios unfold. Some analysts warn that the $4,000 psychological barrier may trigger profit-taking among institutional investors. However, the fundamental drivers—central bank purchases, geopolitical tensions, and currency concerns—remain firmly in place.

Key Signals to Monitor

As faithful stewards, here are critical indicators to watch:

Dollar Strength: Gold typically moves inversely to the dollar. A weakening dollar often supports higher gold prices.

Federal Reserve Policy: Interest rate decisions significantly impact gold's attractiveness as a non-yielding asset.

Geopolitical Developments: Trade tensions, conflicts, and policy uncertainty tend to drive investors toward safe-haven assets.

Central Bank Buying: Continued purchases by central banks provide strong structural support for gold prices.

Whether gold maintains these historic levels or experiences a correction, this three-month journey reminds us that prayerful analysis, patience, and wisdom in financial stewardship can bear fruit.

Health Nuggets

Benefits of Fasting

I remember hearing, for the first time, about fasting and I thought….there’s no way I can go without eating for hours. I was programmed to eat 3 meals a day with snacking in between each meal (snacking averaging about 23% of food eaten per day, yikes!).  The average person eats 5.7 times throughout the day, which contributes to the obesity rate tripling in the last sixty years, and the rise of metabolic diseases and faster rate of aging. Dr. Nestle said, “The increasing industrialization of the food supply has not been good for health.”

Our bodies and digestive systems were created to have a rest from eating, called FASTING. The simplest definition of fasting is “not eating”. We need to pay more attention to “when”, not just “what”, we eat. Our bodies weren’t designed to eat all day.

When we fast, our body accelerates the healing process by activating the stem cells to go to work. Introducing a fast regiment to our schedule is key. Discipline is also key. There are so many ways to start a fast by first beginning with a 12 hour fast at night to 12 hours of eating during the day; after a few weeks, increase to 16 hour fast to 8 hours of eating, etc. If you go to bed around 10 pm, try having your last meal by 7 pm, which allows your body plenty of time to digest the last foods you ate before bed (3 hours of no food before bed has major benefits). Some people will do a 24 hour fast once a week, while drinking only water, black coffee/tea. The results are amazing: better sleep, better digestion, more energy, less brain fog and a happier you; and a happier you is a healthier you!

I highly recommend the book by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe titled: The Biblio Diet - Healing Secrets from THE BIBLE.

Let’s start eating the way Jesus ate ;>)!

Note: Health Nuggets are opinions and not medical advice.

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