FROM OVERSEAS TO U.S. MISSIONS

Called to Serve: Arbee Tabo

“I have always had a heart to do service and missions. My passion started when I was attending La Sierra University (LSU). I was helping with maintenance in the girls dorm when Jodi Cahill, the director of Home Base Missions and dean at that time, approached me and said, “God talked to me and told me to tell you to work for me.” After thinking and praying about it, I decided to accept her offer and join Home Base. As part of Home Base, I was one of the team leaders in which I had the responsibility to organize students to serve in various ways in churches and schools. 

One of the schools that Home Base visited was Holbrook Indian School. My group oversaw recruiting [for LSU] and doing a week of prayer. One night after the program, we were standing outside behind the girls dorm looking at the stars and I mentioned to one of my friends, “I can see myself living here one day.” Little did I know the plans God had in stored for me.

One of the schools that Home Base visited was Holbrook Indian School. My group oversaw recruiting [for LSU] and doing a week of prayer. One night after the program, we were standing outside behind the girl’s dorm looking at the stars and I mentioned to one of my friends, “I can see myself living here one day.” Little did I know the plans God had in stored for me.

Upon my return from Pohnpei, I finished my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. At that time, I was asked to be a youth pastor at the Loma Linda Japanese Church (Mission Road SDA Church) by Pastor Dean Horinouchi. I inquired of the pastor as to why he had asked me when my background was not in religious studies or theology but in physical education. He said, “It is because you have more experience than anyone that has just graduated with a degree in religion.” Reflecting on his words brought back to mind a quote that was taped up at Home Base. It stated, “God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” I was humbled and accepted the position.

During my first year at the Japanese church, I was offered a job by Dr. Janet Claymore-Ross to work at Holbrook Indian School as a physical education teacher. I was torn; here was an opportunity to work full time and do something that I had prepared my life for, but I had just begun work as a youth pastor. Good relationships take about two years to develop, and it didn’t seem right for me to leave suddenly after the bond had been made. That was one of the reasons I decided to be a student missionary for two years instead of one. I wanted to let the students know that I was invested in them and that I truly care about them. Sadly, I told Dr. Ross that I would have to decline her offer.

By 2010, I had worked for the Japanese church for three years. I also did substitute teaching and coaching part-time to make an income. It was still in my heart to become a teacher at an Adventist school, but the job opportunities at that time were slim. I needed something more stable. I decided I was going to pursue a different career, something that was in demand, so I applied at Loma Linda University to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).

While working on my prerequisites for the PTA program, I received a call from La Sierra University that they were doing teacher interviews, and I was welcome to join. During the teacher interviews, I became reacquainted with Dr. Ross, the principal at Holbrook Indian School at the time. She remembered me and asked, “Are you ready to work for me?” I said yes, but I didn’t think much about it since, in my mind, I was going to go to Loma Linda University.

The next few weeks after the teacher interviews were filled with anticipation. I was waiting to see if I got accepted into to the PTA program. I remember praying, “Lord, I’ve wanted to be a teacher at an Adventist school for a long time, but it looks like there are no opportunities. If you want me to be a teacher, please open a door for me. If you don’t want me to be a teacher, I am fine with that. Just help me get into Loma Linda.”

A few days after that prayer, I got my acceptance letter from Loma Linda University stating that I was accepted to be part of the program. About the same time, I received a call to work at Monument Valley. I told them my predicament and declined the offer. A month after receiving my acceptance letter and the offer to work at Monument Valley, I received a call from Dr. Ross. She told me that there was an opening for the assistant boys dean position at Holbrook Indian School and that she wanted me to interview for it. I begin to wonder if this was the direction that God wanted me to go. This was the third time that there had been a call to work with Native Americans, and I believe that when God asks you to do something three times, it must be important. After the interview at Holbrook, I accepted the position as the assistant boys dean and told Loma Linda that I was no longer going to attend their program. That was the best decision that I’ve made.

This year will be my 14th year at Holbrook Indian School. Currently I am the athletic director, health teacher, and a youth Sabbath School teacher. Knowing that God called me to this place is why I am still here. Looking back on my life, I can see how God worked to create opportunities for me to develop the skills and knowledge that I am using right now. If you are willing to let God use you, you can do great things. “God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” He knows the desires of your heart and wants the best for you.”