First Part: A story of gratitude andhope: how MCI scholarship changed everything. Thank you, sir. Sir Aland has been a mentor to me since my youth, and it is such an honor to be introduced by my hero. Last night, Sir Aland and Brad picked me up from the airport and treated me to my very first Texas steak experience. I was on a plane when I thought of making this slide – the past few weeks have been very busy. Yet it was easy to settle on a title that perfectly embodies a story: "Joshua in MCI." This title resonates with my realization of God's guiding presence throughout the inception of MCI and in my personal journey in and out of MCI. Throughout my time being MCI scholar, I have been through many struggles, but MCI has been good and turned all my struggles into possibilities. We found MCI a safe location, with an educational, values that better suits the aspirations of a moder world student. A place where a student can be a student, where teaching is based on physical and spiritual needs. MCI helped me thru scholarship program pulled me, and my family out of the cycle of poverty. For my family and me, MCI means access to opportunities. MCI helped to become Register Nurse, helped me to connect work in abroad like Africa , when previously I had never traveled outside of the Philippines . MCI gave me access to opportunities like my current occupation, working Doctors without borders.Many years ago, during one of our Sunday gathering at MCI, Sir Aland shared this verse to us and it sticks with me forever. Atty Susan Cariaga, who some of you have met, and is a staunch supporter of MCI, when asked what is her life verse – coincindentally also shared this. At large, God has always been in the midst – of my life, of MCI’s, and of everyone involved at MCI. Joshua in MCI – for the Lord God is with you wherever you go.
Coming through my way here last night, reflecting on my experiences made me think: where do I begin? How do I encapsulate 16 years of my life into just a few minutes? Sixteen years ago, I was a 16-year-old boy sitting on a public bus in Compostela Valley, a region in southern Philippines, embarking on a four-hour journey to Davao. With only a few penny left from my parents, all I carried with me was hope—the hope for an opportunity to continue my education when my relatives could no longer support me. That hope led me to discover the MCI office in Davao.
Just few days ago, I found myself navigating a very different journey—leaving war-torn Darfur, Sudan, traversing rough roads and military checkpoints to take the only available humanitarian flight out of the country. Two seemingly different situations, 16 years apart, yet they are interconnected through this singular experience of amazement and gratitude—the experience of being part of the MCI family, standing here tonight with all of you who believed and supported the cause of MCI, and where the vision of MCI began.
What an honor it is to stand before all of you tonight! Reflecting back to my first days at MCI in 2008, I remember being that very shy boy, struggling to speak English. During my initial encounter with Sir Aland, I even found myself unable to say a word.
In the field of science, they say that human bodies are made up of millions of cells, that’s true, but I also infer that our bodies are made up of stories. “Tell me about your story,” was one of the first questions Sir Aland would ask whenever he interviewed students or meet new students. I will not forget he asked me the same question he asked other students that night: “Jerwin, what is your story?” The four walls of MCI that night have heard just one of the thousands of stories of young students who pass through the halls of MCI. Many of those stories weaves together threads of sadness and joy, creating a tapestry of complex tapestry at young age.
However, the message that Sir Aland shared that night has remained etched in my memory. He told us, “No matter what your individual stories may be, remember this: they do not define your worth. Each of you, despite your backgrounds and differences, has a unique place in society. Your circumstances as underprivileged individuals do not determine your future; what truly matters is that you are at MCI, in an environment that nurtures your growth and allows you to discover your gifts. Each of you has a story to tell.”
I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, who is this man?” From that moment on, his words resonated deeply within me and have stayed with me every day since. Now, 16 years later, I stand before you, blessed to share a glimpse of my journey—a journey enriched with invaluable experiences and profound lessons.
That night sparked a fire in me that I couldn't quite believe existed; here was an organization and a man willing to help young people deeply despite not knowing them at all. My young mind only knew one thing: I needed to stay engaged and curious about MCI. I began attending study forums and gradually became an active and involved member. From a shy boy who struggled to express himself, I grew in confidence and learned how to talk.
Sir Aland recognized a potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. He offered me an MCI scholarship that would allow me to continue my education—a pivotal moment that changed the course of my life forever. MCI, as its statement would say, offers a nurturing space where seeds of learning are planted with love and care—a place where dreams can flourish and hope can thrive.
I clearly recall sitting in Sir Aland's office at 16 years old, telling him, “Sir, when I grow up, I want to be like you.” While I may never fully emulate him, his passion and dedication have inspired me to live my life guided by the same values he exemplified. I truly believe that none of us reaches our goals in life without the support of others. We need that fire, that fire ignited by someone who believes in us, to help us soar to greater heights. That fire was lit for me when I came to MCI and known Sir Aland, and it has illuminated my path ever since.
Part 2: The importance of MCI community and support
Sir Aland once wrote, "MCI believes that every one of us has a distinct place in society, a role that cannot be filled by anyone else in the world. MCI provides an opportunity for motivated young people to pursue an education that allows them to maximize their individual gifts." His words echo the essence of what MCI truly represents: a supportive community where we can grow, flourish, and nurture our unique talents.
At MCI, we engage in weekly study forums where we delve into the vital importance of truth, morality, human rights, and the love we show to our families and communities. These discussions, coupled with our weekly fellowship, offer spiritual guidance that helps us cultivate the right virtues. Through annual retreats and various community activities, MCI teaches us that education extends far beyond the confines of a classroom—it's a holistic journey that shapes who we are and lays the groundwork for our success.
In many ways, MCI became a family to us. We spent our formative years immersed in MCI, often more time we spent at MCI than with my own parents. This reality reflects the profound impact that MCI has woven into our lives. It instilled in us essential moral values and taught us discipline—we as students calls it “MCI’s tough love.” I am deeply grateful for the lessons learned through that tough love, for it was never easy. I wouldn’t be here today if I had started out as a perfect student.
In fact, I am one of the worst scholar MCI had during my time. I was once Sir Aland’s biggest frustrations. I was a headache to him. Many times he asked me to just leave and call it quits. I went through hypocricy, double faced and totally drifted away despite the invaluable teachings presented to us during Sunday fellowships and Saturday forums. I will never ever forget when Sir Aland laid out a moment of truth before me: “Jerwin, you are free to leave and do whatever you want, just don’t come back to MCI.”
In that moment, the easiest option would have been to walk away. But through God’s work that time, I got the courage to say "No." I pleaded for another chance—second, third, and even many more chances after other mistakes. I chose to use that opportunity to reflect, further study God’s word, and renew my mind. I often ask myself, “What if I had really given up that night when I was asked to leave?” I am sure I wouldn’t be here where God brought me today. God helps me deeply to be disciplined and learn. Sir Aland would always say “ When you learn from your mistakes, they are no longer mistakes. They are success.”
At MCI, education goes beyond academics; it teaches us how to live principled lives. Yes, the road was filled with challenges, and there were moments when discipline felt constraining. But as they say “There is no glory without sacrifice.”
MCI is a community that provides a platform for us to become our best selves and discover our true potential. Whether our tasks are small or big, we are reminded to always do our best. Every student who has walked through MCI’s doors knows the wisdom of Sir Aland's famous words: “Do your best. Even if it’s cleaning the toilet bowl, do your best.”
I remember a moment when I was at a high-level delegation meeting in Yemen, surrounded by thought leaders from the country. There was a pre-formal discussion about “famous quotes to live by,” the room buzzed with shared wisdom, from Gandhi to Mandela to Mother Teresa. When my turn came, I echoed Sir Aland’s guiding principle, I told everyone in the room “ My quotes to live by is coming from my mentor in life, his name is Aland Mizell, and he said “That in life, whether you are faced with little or monumental task, even if that is just cleaning a toilet everyday, DO YOUR BEST!”. His words, simple yet profound, have become a big part of me and for the way I lead my life.
MCI is more than a scholarship provider; it is a lifeline, a family, and a foundation for all that I am today. And for that, I will be forever thankful.
Part 3: Paying it forward: Gaining life by giving it to others
At MCI, we live by a simple yet powerful slogan: “Gaining Life by Giving It to Others.” MCI says that it looks forward to the day when students will be happy and pleased for knowing that here they found the right soil to grow and develop and thus always be proud to claim MCI as home. Students will pay forward, learning to invest in others as others invested in them. Afterwards, they will do the same thing in the future, using the same fine principles as they pass from one young mind to another, helping other enables to meet total development. This is the very principle that encompasses MCI.
Sir Aland often tells us that the best investments in life are not about things; they are about people. By supporting others, we give them hope and encouragement. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you—those who have supported us in MCI, those who believed in the cause of MCI, those who prayed for its vision, and those who guided Sir Aland back in 2006 when he decided to uproot his life from here in Greenville to Davao. Each of your kindness, generosity, love, and light has shaped who I am today, and I am truly grateful.
You made MCI possible with your help, prayers, and support. You made a life for that then 16-year-old shy boy who is able to stand here tonight possible—and we hope to pay that back by serving in different ways and in our different capacities. Each of you has been a light in the part of the world where there is lesser light. Thanks for showing us the light, so in return we can also share light with others for those who needed it.
The world is full of darkness; I have experienced it firsthand multiple times—I was in Ethiopia at the height of the Tigray war when I was negotiating humanitarian access to a group of militia for us to deliver aid to a location that had been cut off from access for weeks. I shared a coffee with the militia leaders alongside my team and had a face-to-face friendly discussion in what had been a tense environment. We were given temporary access, they allowed us to supply to that place, BUT one week later, the same person and their group ambushed and killed 3 of my colleagues in what seemed to be just a normal ordinary day.
There are so many moments in my life when I am in complicated mazes and crossroads, the dark nights of the soul—but I am always reminded by the light and hope passed on to me by MCI people, which allows me to be able to light others who are in the midst of darkness.
Some of you have visited MCI in Davao, Philippines—that is the very first moment where we got the chance to meet you. Those moments, to tell you, have always been the highlights of every student's journey at MCI—you have flown thousands of miles away, spent your money, and shown your love and time for us—three things so difficult to give in life—time, money, love—but you all are so selfless to share those and show love of God with all of us, in which many of us have been first time to see and feel that authenticity. They are forever etched, and those are some of the moments that personally impact me and what keeps me going no matter how difficult life would be—whether I am somewhere in the middle of the most difficult places in the world. A lot of you, who I met in my life in the Philippines the first time, are here tonight. I wouldn’t name one by one, but each one of you has impacted my life and the lives of the students at MCI so much. THANK YOU—you have shared your light, so that in return we can also share it with others.
I would like to share with you this thought from Sir Aland from years ago, which perfectly encompasses what MCI’s essence is. At this point you may be very well aware of how I am a big fan of what Sir Aland is saying. I mean 16 years... And in fact, I have notes of all the lessons and wisdoms Sir Aland gave us, and I always have them as a mental note—that whenever things are tough in my life or if I ever feel like I am challenged, I always return to it and reflect. He said that this “A young person is a sapling of power, strength, leadership, and intelligence that if trained and educated properly, he or she can become a hero overcoming obstacles and acquire a mind that promises enlightenment to hearts and order to the world."
Part 4: Story of Nurul: “Is it worth it?”
I wanted to close this by sharing to you a story of a kid who I met in 2017 at the height of the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. At that time, the Myanmar military was violently forcing the ethnic Rohingyas out of their homeland, forcing them to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. I have faced many stories from around the world, with the work and life that I did, but I wanted to specifically share the story of Nurul tonight.
Nurul came to the only field hospital we built up at that area – he was hit by a car while running and playing around the refugee camp, trying to live being a kid. He came very bad that his small stomach was severely damage. We had to attend all resuscitation efforts. Thankfully he got stabilized, and when we start settling down and our adrenaline slows down, I notice that I was actually hit by a needle I used to give him treatment. I reported it to my team leader, and I underwent necessary test as well as checking to make sure he is free of any blood borne issues. Thankfully, results all came back clear. That night, my team leader asked me a question, “Jerwin, do you think it is worth it?” I was somehow taken aback by the question and said “Ah what do you mean?”. He asked me again, “Do you think its worth it? Its worth it that you save a life of that child but in exchange you got a blood borne disease?” I have reflected so much on that experience! When I went home to Davao after that, I remembered asking the same question to Sir Aland, “Sir, do you think it is worth it? It is worth it that you been here for many years, met thousands of students, but you only have one whose life changed and impacted?” I don’t have to further tell what Sir Aland told me, but I am sure you know what he said back!
Everyone of you who have touch a life and help at MCI, every moment of guidance, every ounce of support - it is worth it. Thank you to all of you, Thanks to Sir Rod and Ma’am Kay, for surrendering Sir Aland to God and plant his life in Davao, 18 years ago. Thank you, Sir! I always tell him, that whether he likes it or not, I will always be his forever student. I may have graduated, but I will never graduate from being an MCI scholar. He is my mentor in life. You are my hero, Sir Aland. I could not repay you the impact you made to my life, but I always aim to pay it forward.. Thank you for teaching me how to live this life!
Again, my name is Jerwin, and I am very proud to be an MCI scholar, a reflection of all your efforts and the inspiration you ignite to all of us at MCI in the Philippines. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you tonight and giving me a hearing. May God bless all of you!
