Historical Background

The Story of VMN all started in 1996 when American Missionary, Don Leonard, met up with Noel Livesey (of OMF) in Manila.

Don had worked in Northern Luzon producing videos in the local languages which explained the gospel in a way that minority people groups could understand. He called his organization Vernacular Video Ministries.

After Don's meeting with Noel, Noel returned to Mindanao with a vision to do the same kind of thing amongst the Manobo people. Noel convinced his fellow missionaries that this was a possibility and he soon set about training Danny Catua as a film producer. In that same year, with the help of Sammy Dangpa (who was Don Leonard's film maker in Luzon), the first Manobo film was taken; 'The lost son'. At the same time, Loloy Diansay, Roger Adot, and Supring Gaspar were trained to be film projectionists / evangelists. Very soon, Roger, Loloy and Supring were in great demand to take their equipment to remote Manobo villages to show the films that were being produced. During the film showings, they always gave a short gospel message, highlighting the theme of the film being shown.

From there, VMN continued to grow as Noel worked with Don to channel equipment and expertise into the film making and projection process. Today, VMN consists of 14 full time staff, and 5 volunteers (see page 12 for list of current staff). 15 films have been completed in 6 dialects, as well as two 'Videoke' discs of Christian songs in Manobo (see page 13). Approximately 140 number of film showings were conducted in 2004, and the total number for 2005 is expected to be greater. Countless people have been challenged to turn from their sinful ways to the Living God, and many others have been strengthened in their faith.

Praise God for all that He has done through VMN.