Padayon Growth Foundation was born in a quiet but pressing season in 2020, when the world slowed down and hearts were searching for hope. During the uncertainty of the COVID season, the Lord placed the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) deeply within our hearts. It was not a prayer for comfort, but a prayer for God to enlarge His territory, extend His hand upon us, and use our lives for His purposes. What began as a cry before the Lord became a calling as we trusted His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 and followed His leading one step at a time.

The name “Padayon” is a Visayan word that means to continue, to press forward, to persevere, and to pursue what lies ahead. For us, it reflects both the prayer of Jabez and the Christian walk, faithfully moving forward wherever the Lord leads, trusting Him to expand His Kingdom and accomplish His will through surrendered lives.

Our story is not about what we have done, but about what Christ Jesus has done in us. Before coming to Christ, Chester lived a carefree life and was caught up in drugs and the pursuits of the world. Lalaine faced one of life’s greatest challenges as a cancer survivor, learning firsthand the fragility of life and the faithfulness of God through suffering. As an only child, Makayla often lived with a self-centered perspective, as many young people naturally do. Yet God, rich in mercy and abounding in grace, transformed each of our lives. He rescued Chester from a destructive path, carried Lalaine through cancer and deepened her trust in Him, and softened Makayla’s heart, giving her a desire to love and serve others. Through His Word, His people, and His unfailing love, He drew us to Himself and gave us a new purpose in Christ.

Like Nehemiah, we sensed the Lord calling us to help rebuild, not walls of stone, but lives, faith, and broken places within communities. Through seasons of testing, surrender, forgiveness, and obedience, God continued to shape our hearts and teach us to trust His ways above our own. What the enemy intended for evil, the Lord faithfully redeemed for good and for His glory.

Along the journey, the Lord began gathering not only individuals but also families, churches, and ministry partners. What started as a personal calling became a shared mission rooted in Christ and His Word. By His grace, He opened doors we could never have imagined, including the provision of land in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, and opportunities to serve communities in Dumaguete, Philippines, Kitgum, Uganda, and locally in California. What was once only a prayer has become a place of gathering, biblical teaching, outreach, encouragement, and Gospel-centered relationships.

Today, Padayon Growth Foundation exists to help individuals grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through discipleship, outreach, and biblical teaching. This ministry is not built by human effort, but stands as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision. If there is one thing we have learned, it is that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and no life is too broken for Him to redeem.

This is His ministry. We are simply His hands and feet, called to serve, disciple, and love others in the name of Christ. As we continue to press forward, we remain anchored in one truth: all glory, honor, and praise belong to Him alone.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)