Mel Tabing never imagined she would lead Bible studies. A homemaker with no seminary background, she simply enjoyed joining her local discipleship group. But in 2017, after persistent encouragement from her Bible study leader, she took a step of faith and enrolled in a one-month leadership training. “Sabi ko, ‘Lord, seryoso Ka ba? Dito Mo ba ako talaga dadalhin?’” (Lord, are You serious? Is this really where You’re leading me?), feeling hesitant as a nearly 60-year-old woman.
After graduating, she embarked on fieldwork and intentionally began in Pila, Laguna, where she and her husband were planning to retire. She prayer-walked through the quiet sitios, building genuine connections with everyday people—farmers, laundry workers, carpenters—many without church roots and struggling with broken relationships. “They were ordinary people,” she recalled, “but now I can say some of them have encountered extraordinary faith in God.”
Her journey began with sharing the Gospel to one couple who owned a piggery. From there, doors began to open. Home Bible studies, early morning quiet times, and family devotions grew in number. “Tinawag ng Diyos hindi para makinabang lang, kundi para maging kapakinabangan din sa lahat ng tao,” she reflected. (God didn’t call us just to benefit, but to be a blessing to others.)
Then came a new trial: her husband, Demie, was diagnosed with stage 4 laryngeal cancer.
The family rallied together. Mel vividly recalled the morning of his surgery: “Nakita ko po nakangiti yung asawa ko… pinawi po ng Panginoon ang pangamba.” (I saw my husband smiling… the Lord took away my fear.) Their daughter, Demille, a nurse, took time off work to care for him full-time. Though Demille had long desired to work abroad, doors had closed. “Akala ko po gusto ko mag-abroad, pero nade-deny ako… may purpose pala ang Lord,” she said. (I thought I wanted to go abroad, but I was always denied… the Lord had a purpose.)
Through divine provision, Demie underwent a successful surgery at PGH, aided by a Christian surgeon, Dra. Arquiza. He later completed 33 sessions of radiation and five rounds of chemotherapy, miraculously, without any side effects. “Sabi ng doctor, ‘Bakit nag-gain pa siya ng weight?’” (The doctor even said, ‘Why did he gain weight?’) Demille recounted, crediting their mother’s careful cooking and care.
In time, PET scans showed no metastasis. “Today, God had healed me from my sickness. He had declared me cancer-free,” Demie wrote in a note Mel read aloud.
Mel and Demie began actively discipling new believers in their community. Inspired by her role in caring for her father during his recovery, Demille now leads other families through the complexities of the hospital system. Their story is one of answered prayers, obedient hearts, and a God who both calls and equips.
“To God be the glory,” Mel said. “Dun sa maliit na tinig na narinig ko po noon… alam ko po hindi ‘yun radyo. Tinig yun ng Panginoon na ginamit ang 702 DZAS. Lahat po ng program, lahat ng segment, alam ko po na ginagamit talaga ‘yan ng Panginoon.” (That small voice I heard wasn’t just the radio. It was the voice of God speaking through 702 DZAS. Every program, every segment, I truly believe God uses them all.)
Through discipleship, caregiving, and Gospel sharing, the Tabing family exemplifies what it means to live out the Great Commission in everyday life. Their testimony is a powerful reminder that God uses the humble, the broken, and the willing—at any age, in any situation—to fulfill His purpose. And sometimes, all it takes is one voice on the radio to plant the s eed of faith that changes everything.
When you support FEBC, you help keep that voice of hope on the air, reaching lives, one broadcast at a time.