A Testimony of God’s Protection and Provision: The Malaque Family’s Story

By: Ruth Shaina M. Malaque (Fieldworker)

(Editor Note: Your Giving to OFWBI/Foreign Missions helped meet this need. Thank you!)

A recent picture with Maryjane & Family

On January 12, 2025, a tragic vehicular accident deeply impacted the lives of Maryjane Malaque and her daughter, Ruth Shaina Malaque. While traveling together on a red Honda scooter, Maryjane, the mother, suffered a dislocated right leg, and Ruth Shaina, the daughter and driver, sustained multiple bruises and injuries.

That Sunday began as a joyful and ordinary day for the Malaque family. They attended their regular church service from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and afterward joined an afternoon outdoor fellowship activity organized by their church. The event aimed to glorify God and appreciate His creation, with the destination being Tabon Cave in Quezon, Palawan. Several members of the church joined the excursion for worship and fellowship in nature.

Ruth Shaina drove the scooter with her mother riding as the passenger. The road to Quezon Palawan was already challenging, with steep and uneven terrain. However, the path leading to Tabon Cave proved to be even more treacherous—steep, unpredictable, and difficult to navigate.

“The road was high and steep. As I drove my scooter uphill, I struggled. I was hoping for a level area at the top to steady the scooter, but instead, we suddenly went downhill at great speed. The brakes wouldn’t work. All I could do was brace for the impact and pray that God would save us no matter what.”— Ruth Shaina Malaque, driver

By God’s grace, one of the other three motorcycles in their convoy was close behind. The riders witnessed the crash and acted quickly, rescuing Ruth first, who, though protected by a helmet, was bleeding heavily from the chin and neck. Pastor Amenin of the Free Will Baptist Church in Aboabo was notified immediately and rushed back to assist. Church members also returned and helped Maryjane into a van, rushing both mother and daughter to the nearest hospital.

Maryjane was diagnosed with two dislocated bones in her right leg. Ruth sustained severe bruising on her left leg, a neck wound, and required stitches on her chin. Members of the church generously supported the family with hospital expenses and ongoing care.

“It was difficult, but the people at the church are good people. We didn’t expect so much help. I am beyond grateful to God that we met Christians like them.”— Dioscoro Malaque, father

Today, Maryjane is steadily recovering and has returned to church, slowly resuming her normal activities. Despite the trauma and hardship, the family has remained unwavering in their faith. They harbor no bitterness, only gratitude for God’s protection and the loving support of His people.

This experience is a testament that even in life’s darkest valleys, God is near. When on the brink, hold tightly to His hand. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.

Psalm 46:1–2“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

Ruth Shaina later shared her testimony before the church congregation, expressing deep thankfulness to God and recognizing how He used the Foreign Missions ministry to provide unexpected support during their most painful hour. This trial drew their hearts even closer to the Lord. In all things, to God be the glory.