Palawan, Philippines
Luke Society Palawan
On the shores of the narrow and southwestern-most island of the Philippines, the Luke Society Palawan uses a multifaced approach to bring holistic health to the region.
Founded in 1998, the ministry’s medical component is a base clinic that includes consultations, X-rays, lab services, a pharmacy and birthing services. The ministry also works closely with other government health entities.
“We are given opportunities to reach our goals and aspirations in the ministry through a loving partnership with faithful prayer warriors and gracious donors,” said Dr. Susie Cayaon, who co-directs the ministry with her husband, Ben.
The ministry also founded the Lighthouse Baptist Church in nearby Tabon; a medium frequency radio station operated transmits the Gospel to fishermen at sea; and the Luke Society Kiddie Center offers preschool education to about 50 student per year.
Dr. Susie and Rev. Ben Cayaon
About the ministry:
Name: Luke Society Palawan
Location: Quezon, Philippines
Director: Dr. Susie and Rev. Ben Cayaon
Partnership: 1988-present
Staff: 22
Alumni PMT: Dr. Greg and Marg Kuiper; Dr. Roy and Lydia Bors-Koefoed; Don and Doris Koopman; Samuel and Brenda Zylstra
Our mission:
“To touch the lives of men through health care, children and adult education, and church outreach. We are privileged to be able to spread the gospel and vital community information through our radio station DZRK which stands next to the clinic. We also seek to create closer friendships and meaningful connections with the Muslim community and the cults around us so that God's grace may be felt, appreciated and provide the direction to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.”
Why we love being directors:
“We work with partners, locally and internationally through prayer and financial support; we work together as we face each daily challenges along with our staff and families; we leading a team of Christian workers who are willing to grow in the knowledge of our Lord, and are willing to be change agents in the lives of those that they touch. The community shows trust in our care and leadership.”
About Philippines:
Population: 110.8 million
Size: 300,000 sq. km, or slightly larger than Arizona.
Capital: Manila
Borders: No land borders; located among the South China Sea to the west and the Philippine Sea to the east.
Religious groups: Catholic, 79.5%; Muslim, 6%; Evangelical, 2.4%.
Primary language: Filipino, English
Literacy (age 15+): 96.3%
Physician density: 0.6 doctors per 1,000 people.
Population below international poverty line: 16.7%
Life expectancy: 70.3 years
Infant mortality rate: 20.6 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Major exports: Semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, copper products, coconut oils; fruits.
Climate: Tropical marine; northeast monsoon season from November to April; southwest monsoon season from May-October.
Terrain: Mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands.
