bantayan
MISSION
Every Gift Reaches a Soul
On the beautiful Island of Bantayan, in Burgos Street, Purok Helinggero, Barangay Talangnan, Madridejos, the hand of God is at work through the Apostolic Independent Mission, Inc.
Here, the Lord has planted His ministry, and countless souls have been touched by His power and love. Through the faithful support of God’s people—both in prayers and in giving—the Gospel continues to reach hearts and transform lives.
From joyful children’s ministries, to powerful crusades, and life-changing evangelism, every effort is dedicated to lifting up the name of Jesus and bringing His light into the community.
This is more than just a mission—it is a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Truly, the work of the Lord is alive in Bantayan, and many more are yet to be reached for His glory.
Pastor Roger Desuyo – From Child of the Mission to Shepherd of Souls
The Bantayan Mission holds a very special place in my heart because it is where I first labored in God’s vineyard. By God’s grace, one of the greatest fruits of that ministry is Pastor Roger Desuyo.
As a young boy, Roger was active in our children’s ministry. He was full of energy and joy, leading in singing, music, and faithfully echoing memory verses during services. At the time, he simply loved to sing — but God was already planting a deeper seed in his heart.
Through the years, the Lord began to open Roger’s eyes and shape his calling. What started with simple songs of praise grew into a genuine hunger for God’s Word and a desire to serve His people. Step by step, the Spirit of God prepared him for greater responsibility.
Today, that same child who once helped in worship and children’s ministry now stands as the pastor of Bantayan Mission. His life is a testimony of God’s faithfulness — from a little helper in the church to a shepherd leading souls to Christ.
We are grateful to see how God continues to use Pastor Roger to minister in Bantayan. His story reminds us that no investment in children is ever wasted — for every song, every verse, and every act of service can grow into a life fully surrendered to God. — Nelia Storz
Outreach Ministries
Children's Ministry
Open-Air Gathering
Home bible study
The hand of God has been faithful in raising up a thriving Apostolic Independent Mission here in Madridejos, Cebu. Souls have been touched, children have been discipled, and communities have been reached with the Gospel. But the work is not finished yet.
Bantayan Island is made up of three towns: Madridejos, Bantayan, and Santa Fe. At present, the mission is planted in Madridejos, but our vision is bigger. By God’s leading, we desire to extend the ministry into the other two towns — Bantayan and Santa Fe — so that the whole island may be filled with the light of the Apostolic message.
We believe that every town needs a strong apostolic witness — a lighthouse of truth where families can find salvation, children can grow in faith, and communities can be transformed by the power of God.
This vision cannot be accomplished by one person alone. It will take prayer, support, and partnership from God’s people. With your help, we can:
• Establish new house churches and worship gatherings.
• Train and send workers into Bantayan and Santa Fe.
• Provide Bibles, teaching materials, and resources for new believers.
• Host evangelistic crusades and children’s ministries to reach the lost.
Together, we can see the Gospel of Jesus Christ cover every corner of Bantayan Island.
Our Goal: Expanding the Mission Across Bantayan Island
Our Goal Extentions
Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us to build these new works? Every gift, every prayer, and every act of support makes a difference for eternity.
Missionaries Behind the Work
The Bantayan Mission is not the work of one person but the work of God through willing servants. We give glory to Jesus Christ who calls ordinary people to do His extraordinary work. Here are some of the faithful laborers behind this mission.
The Storz Family — Bro. Trae Albert Storz and Sis. Nelia Caranzo Storz have been faithful supporters of the Bantayan Mission for many years. Their commitment goes beyond prayers, as they also extend financial help and personal effort for the work of the Lord. Sis. Nelia, though now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, continues to carry a deep love for Bantayan Island. With an unwavering heart for God’s work, she founded this Bantayan Mission campaign and has remained a driving force behind it. Each year, she returns to the island to hold outreach crusades, sometimes bringing her family along. Through her vision and dedication, together with the support of her family, the mission has continued to grow—strengthening the laborers in the field and helping the work of God reach across the three municipalities.
Sister Mhai and Sister Olevia — Both have shown a genuine heart for service by willingly volunteering in the ministries in whatever way they can. Through their efforts, financial support, and constant dedication, they have been a great encouragement, especially to the youth in the ministry. Sis. Mhai also serves as a teacher in the Children’s Ministry, helping guide the younger generation in their walk with the Lord. Their faithfulness and willingness to serve continue to be a blessing to the work of God here in Bantayan.
The Youth — The young people of the church have also been very active in the ministry of the Lord. Bro. Marlinito has been a faithful helper to the pastor, sometimes assisting in Sunday school and even sharing sermons, as well as serving in the music ministry as a musician. Sis. Reynamae, Sis. Regine Mae, and Sis. Leslie have devoted themselves to the Children’s Ministry. With patience and dedication, they teach and guide the little ones across the municipality of Madridejos, faithfully molding young hearts to grow in the knowledge of God and in the way He desires them to be. Their commitment is a true blessing to the work of the Lord on the island.
The Bantayan Mission is made possible through the grace of God and the faithful labor of His people. We give thanks to the Lord for raising up missionaries and supporters who have given their time, resources, and prayers to see the Gospel spread in Bantayan.
• Sister Catherine Walling - A faithful servant who has traveled to the Philippines to conduct children’s ministry crusades, help purchase instruments such as a piano, and continues to support the mission financially and prayerfully. Her dedication has brought joy and encouragement to many lives.
• Sister Inez - A committed supporter who helps financially and prayerfully, keeping in close contact with the mission to encourage the young people. Her words and acts of love continue to inspire faith and perseverance.
• Sister Rachel - Has traveled twice to the Philippines to join in children’s crusades, supporting both financially and spiritually. Her willingness to give and to serve has been a blessing to the mission work.
• Sister Lynn Hogdon - First visited the Philippines around 2001, as a missionary a powerful Bible teacher. Upon learning recently about the work in Bantayan, she immediately responded with both financial and prayerful support for the crusade. Her generosity and devotion reveal her love for God’s mission and His people.
We are so thankful for the partnership and friendship of Sister Ailsa and Sister Sue, two faithful women of God from Australia who have worked hand-in-hand to support the Bantayan Mission. When asked to help fund crusades and feeding for the children, they have always responded with open hearts—sending financial offerings and lifting the work in prayer.
These two ladies also have a wonderful ministry to the deaf, a work that continues to grow as God uses them tremendously. Their lives are a testimony of faith and service, showing the love of Christ not only in their own country but reaching across the seas to encourage and bless the mission in Bantayan.
We give thanks to God for the faithful lives of Pastor William and Sister Faye Wilkett, a sweet couple whose hearts are devoted to the work of the Lord. Their untiring support has been a blessing to the Bantayan Mission, especially in caring for Sister Mai, one of our local missionaries.
For quite a long time now, they have faithfully provided for her personal needs, showing love not only in giving but also in encouragement. Through phone calls and video calls, they make sure she is uplifted and strengthened in her service to the Lord.
Papa William and Sister Faye Wilkett are elders who lead by example—quietly, consistently, and with deep compassion. Their kindness and dedication remind us of the truth that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love” (Hebrews 6:10).
Pastor and Sister Dykes — My former pastors at First Apostolic Church in Tulsa have been faithful supporters of the Bantayan Mission through the years. Their prayers and financial support have always been a source of strength, especially each time I prepare to travel to the Philippines. Their heart for missions and their encouragement have been a blessing, helping carry the Gospel to Bantayan and beyond.
We give thanks for Elder Art Gillana , who once served as pastor of this local church and continues to be a blessing to the work of God. We are grateful for his faithful ministry, his preaching, teaching, and advise and the support he and Sister Emma (his wife) have given to the church. Their love, prayers, and encouragement remain a source of strength for the saints in Bantayan.
We are thankful for Matthew and Lovely, who visited Bantayan in 2025 and extended financial help that was used for children’s feeding, church needs, and the support of the mission. Their love, generosity, and encouragement have blessed the saints and strengthened the work of God on the island.
Pastor and Sister Carroll — My current pastors have shown tremendous love and support for the Bantayan Mission. This year, they helped make our missionary journey possible by supporting my travel as well as covering the expenses of my team. Their generosity, prayers, and encouragement reflect their deep commitment to the work of God and have been a great blessing to the mission in Bantayan.
We are grateful for Brother Todd Conner, who visited the Philippines in 2018. During his visits, he extended financial help and gave encouragement that strengthened both the saints and the mission. His support has been a blessing to the work of God in Bantayan.
We are thankful for Sister Susan Templet, who has visited Bantayan twice, ministering to the children, encouraging the saints, and sharing her missionary testimonies from Ecuador. Her support and prayers continue to strengthen the work here.
We are deeply grateful for Umesh Mahtani, whose generosity has been a true blessing to the Bantayan Mission. From providing instruments for worship, to groceries, and financial help, his support has strengthened both the ministry and the people we serve.
All glory belongs to God, and we honor Him for using faithful hearts like Umesh Mahtani to make a difference in the mission.
Missionaries at Work—Visiting Philippines
Help Us Go and Serve
Every year, our team travels from the United States to the Philippines to visit and strengthen the Bantayan Mission. We go not just to encourage the local church but also to bring resources, training, and the love of Christ face-to-face. If you feel led, you can help us cover airfare and travel expenses so that we can continue visiting regularly and pouring into the mission personally. Your gift towards travel makes it possible for us to be present on the ground—to pray with the people, to teach, and to strengthen the work in Bantayan.
First Missionary Visit Year 2012
Giving Turns into Smiles
Giving School Supplies
