FROM BROKENNESS TO PURPOSE

Brother Mercian Yabut’s journey is a powerful testimony of God’s grace, redemption, and faithfulness. His story reminds us that no matter how far one has wandered, when the heart is surrendered, God transforms lives, restores families, and equips His servants to reach the lost.

Brother Mercian Guarino Yabut will be turning 49 on October 10, 2025. He is blessed with a wonderful family – his wife, Sister Badeth, who is 43 years old, and their son, Aaron Miguel, who turned 19 in September 2025. Originally from GMA, Cavite, Philippines, the family has been residing in Singapore for about 17 years, after Brother Mercian first went there as an OFW. His wife and son joined him 14 years ago.

A life-changing moment came for Brother Mercian on July 3, 2008 – the very day he set foot in Singapore. Having resigned from his position as Senior Internal Auditor at First Solid Group of Companies in the Philippines to seek new opportunities, he was not looking for God at the time. Yet, in His sovereignty, the Lord orchestrated events that led Mercian to know Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

Before his salvation, Mercian was a devoted Roman Catholic, practicing traditional rituals. He attended Mass every Sunday, believing that his participation could reduce his sins. He joined religious festivities, took part in street processions with graven images, and even used handkerchiefs that touched these images seeking healing. He believed that his good works could earn God’s mercy and salvation, yet despite his efforts, he struggled with recurring sins and lacked assurance of salvation.

Mercian grew up in a broken family. His sister passed away years ago, and despite moments of joy during celebrations with relatives, he recalls frequent drinking sessions at home, often leading to arguments and fights. His early family life was reminiscent of the stories told in Filipino TV shows like “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” Determined not to repeat his family’s mistakes, Mercian resolved to break the cycle of brokenness, vices, and misunderstandings, focusing on his education. He completed his primary education at Francisco Benitez Elementary School and secondary education at Pamantasan ng Makati (formerly Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Buendia Campus).

Life took a detour when he dropped out of college propelled by the desire to just focus on dancing, something that he have always longed to do in life; greatly disappointing his grandmother. As a teenager, he pursued a lifestyle of pleasure, fame, and freedom, which included drinking and womanizing.

God, however, remained faithful. Good friends encouraged him to return to school, leading him to enroll at Perpetual Help System in Binan, Laguna, studying HRM. Yet, worldly distractions again led him back to dance competitions across Cavite, Laguna, Manila, and Pampanga. Later, he enrolled at Philippine Christian University for a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, balancing his studies, work, and passion for dance. But repeated exposure to drinking and worldly temptations left him unfulfilled.

Tragedy struck when his grandmother and sister passed away, leaving his mother struggling with alcoholism. Mercian himself fell into drinking as a way to escape. Although he completed his college degree, he felt hopeless, aimless, and unfulfilled. Memories of childhood church experiences prompted him to revisit Mass and youth programs, but they could not break his cycle of sin.

Mercian’s life took a turning point in 2000, when he met a young working student, later his wife, Badeth. Despite their six-year age gap, they endured challenges and were married in 2006. In September 2006, their son Aaron Miguel was born, providing new motivation to pursue a better life. In 2008, Mercian resigned from his auditing job and moved to Singapore – a step that would lead to a spiritual transformation.

After Salvation

On July 3, 2008, the same day he arrived in Singapore, Mercian accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, trusting in His finished work on Calvary. The following Sunday, he attended worship service with a new understanding of his identity as a child of God (John 1:12).

As Mercian grew in faith, he realized that a relationship with God required consistent engagement with His Word and fellowship with believers. God surrounded him with godly friends who encouraged his spiritual growth. He began attending Bible studies, joining fellowships, and building a community of believers who shared his passion for God.

The gift of salvation ignited a desire in Mercian to share the gospel. Upon returning to the Philippines, he shared the Good News with his wife, mother, and friends. While some were skeptical or dismissive, Mercian remained faithful to witness first in his “Jerusalem” (Acts 1:8). Over time, he made it a habit to return to the Philippines to share Christ with loved ones, making evangelism a part of his life.

Mercian’s heart’s desire was for his family to join him in Singapore to worship together. God answered that prayer, bringing his wife and son to Singapore. His wife was baptized, and his son understood and accepted the gospel at a young age. The family became actively involved in church ministries, with his wife serving in the choir, children’s ministry, and women’s ministries, and his son participating in music and AV ministries (3 John 1:4).

In 2013, Mercian felt God’s call to serve full-time as a missionary, but fear initially held him back. Concerns about income, supporting his family, and sending his son to school made him hesitant. Despite these fears, he remained faithful in ministry.

A breakthrough came in 2022 when a chance encounter with pastors from International Teams Philippines led him to discover ITeams. He completed Access 1 training online and Access 2 in Taiwan, where he deepened his understanding of global missions and gained a supportive community of fellow believers.

Mercian also joined the Bless Canada Program and was blessed to receive his visa approval, demonstrating God’s faithfulness (Luke 1:37).

Today, Brother Mercian’s life is a living testimony of God’s grace. From a life of sin and worldly pursuits, he is now fully devoted to serving God and reaching the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He serves in Singapore as a missionary and continues to pray for God’s guidance for his family and himself to fulfill His calling, giving all glory to God.

Luke 15:10: “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

From being in the world to being in the Word, Brother Mercian now lives to share Jesus with a lost world – a testament to God’s redeeming power and faithfulness.