Planning My Return

By David (Santa) Riddell on October 28, 2025

A Season of Testing and Grace

Let me first say how much I love and appreciate my sweet wife. This has been a very difficult time for her. Within days of our wedding, I had to return to America due to my mother suffering a stroke. The damage she incurred completely changed our family forever.

Momma was always the one who took care of us, and now we are the ones taking care of her. The pain of seeing her instantly go from living alone, driving herself to church and the market, to now needing help to feed herself, is only softened by the full revelation of her amazing spirit and faith. Even in this transitional phase of her life, she has remained faithful to God and somehow has become even more precious to those of us who love her.

A Rock Beside Me

Through all of this, Myrna has been a rock. I have seen the pain in her face when she whispers, “umuwi ka na” (come home), and then immediately changes and says, “but Momma needs you right now.” I am so thankful for her support and understanding. She is truly amazing.

Pain, Faith, and New Strength

During this time back in America, I have also endured intense pain in my lower back, which put me on my back for nearly four months. Most days, I could only sit or stand for 20 to 30 minutes. Standing up came with a chorus of sounds that only old folks make.

But in this ordeal, I found a new love and deeper understanding of my God and His will for my life. If you haven’t been following my devotions on Facebook and YouTube, I encourage you to take a look. I’ve been sharing what God has been doing in my life there.

Ironically, my health battle isn’t fully over, but the change God has made in me makes me feel like it is. I still hurt—some days more than others—but my heart leaps like a fawn in the meadow as I bask in His glory.

A Bold Vision for the Philippines

My burden for my Philippine community has intensified, and with that so has my vision. I have a bold new mission planned for when I return, and I have full faith that God will help make that vision a reality. That doesn’t mean I won’t have to work, but He will be the ultimate reason for its success.

I’m praying to acquire a different home so that we can turn our current one into a church. I’m looking at used electric pianos with weighted keys, a bass guitar, and electric drums to add to the rhythm guitar and my electric guitar that I’m taking back.

I want to train godly musicians and give them an outlet to worship. I’m also working on a ministry training curriculum for those who feel the call to ministry so they can go into other barangays and duplicate what we are doing in ours. My vision is to see God establish home churches in every barangay in Manila.

Reaching the Next Generation

We were already having Children’s Church and an adult-centered service, but upon my return, I plan to establish a Youth Outreach Program. The youth have always been close to my heart, and I believe God will do something mighty through them.

How You Can Help

We’ve created a budget to help bring this vision to life, and we’re praying that God will move the hearts of His people in America to support us. If 151 people give just $20 a month, we’ll have the finances needed to build this first barangay church.

You can see the budget breakdown on our website at (https://www.santamissions.org/updates.html).

But more than anything, our greatest need is your prayers—that God would anoint us with His Spirit to break the yoke of bondage. Please remember us as we labor for our Master.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6

God Bless,
David (Santa) Riddell

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Author: David (Santa) Riddell