ABWE Missionary Responds to Davao Bombing
By Jewl Spoelhof, interviewed by S.G.D. 3/12/03
On March 4, 2003, a bomb at the Davao City airport in the Philippines killed Southern Baptist missionary William P. Hyde. The military suspected the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been blamed for other recent attacks in the Philippines. The rebels have been fighting for a separate Muslim homeland in the impoverished southern Philippines for three decades. We spoke with ABWE missionary Jewl Spoelhof, who serves in Davao, to ask her about the current situation there.
What was your response to the attack?
I heard the bomb that day; I live only one kilometer from the airport, straight across the field. After contacting Manila and the principal of the Faith Academy Davao, where I teach, we suspended classes for the next day. Our motivation was to show respect for Bill Hyde, who taught at Faith for 11 years. We were, of course, sobered by the tragedy, but we did not feel in any heightened danger. We believe the bomb was a random attack, not targeted to Americans or missionaries. I have no desire to leave; I trust in God's protection.
What has been the impact of the bomb on the atmosphere of the city?
Although there was talk of extra security, I have not seen evidence of it. I have been able to go about my daily routines without interruption, to get up at 6 AM and go to school. We already had two national policemen providing additional security at the school for the last four weeks. The kids completely ignore the extra security; we even held an International Day here on Friday. The Philippines has been experiencing unrest for some time, but we do not see much impact in the city. At Bill Hyde's memorial service, there was a military presence, but that was not specifically for missionaries, rather for the expatriate community in general-everyone from Americans to Koreans.
Because of previous unrest, I assume you were already taking precautions?
Yes. I have not felt in danger, but we all use discretion here. We are constantly in mind of what we should and should not be doing. I have automatic locks on my car. I keep alert to the warnings of my neighbors. Having spent years as a missionary in Bangladesh, I am very grateful for new high-tech. My cell phone allows me to be in immediate communication-I was able to call my parents and home church pastor in the States after the attack and assure them of my safety. In Bangladesh, we often had to wait days or weeks before giving or receiving word.
What has the response of the nationals been?
I cannot stress enough how concerned the Filipinos are for our presence and safety. They provide a wall of protection around us, and act as the Lord's angels. The pastor of my church suspended Bible study last week, because he didn't want me driving alone at night. At our next Bible study, the church arranged to have it moved to someone's home and to have someone pick me up in their car, for my safety. My landlord lives only one house away, and he and his wife are both involved in the government. They know when it is wise for me to be out on the streets, and when it might be wiser to stay home. The Filipinos are incredibly protective.
Has the attack opened any opportunities for ministry?
Yes! When I came back from furlough last year, the owner of my hotel said, "Oh, you're brave to be here." I said, No, I'm not brave. I'm here because God wants me to be here, and because He does, I have peace. Both before and after the bombing, Filipinos have remarked, "You're not afraid!" So I've had the opportunity to explain why I'm not afraid, because I believe in a living God who is here with me.
I recently taught from Exodus 13 and 14 on "God's Crisis Management Guidelines": fear not; stand firm on the promises God has given; expect that God will do mighty things through the crisis; God will give a spirit of peace, not of fear. If God could lead the Israelites safely through the crisis of fleeing Egypt, surely He can take care of us in any situation.
Do you have a closing message?
I would like to ask for prayer for all the missionaries around the world who may be impacted by the possible war with Iraq or by growing unrest. We don't know what the Lord will allow to happen in reaction, but we do trust in His sovereignty.
We should not only pray for missionaries, but also for countries, governments, terrorists, nationals. The prayer strategist for the Southern Baptists, Randy Sprinkle, in response to Bill Hyde's death, called on churches to "pray like we've never prayed before for those who hate us"-and follow Jesus into the world to love them.
For more information on William Hyde, the Southern Baptist killed in the bombing, visit http://imb.org/urgent
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