STORY of JOSHUA RAMOS
HEALING, LOVE, PROVISIONS, PURPOSE, and PRAYER
Brothers and sisters, have you ever wondered
HEALING, LOVE, PROVISIONS, PURPOSE, and PRAYER
Brothers and sisters, have you ever wondered
why something bad happened to
you?
you?
Hi everyone, my name is Joshua David Ramos, born in the year 1998.
I am presently a third year high school student at Trinity Christian School.
Last year 2011 in December, I had undergone the most difficult experience of my
life. I got sick with a very strange disease that affected my brain.
Doctors could not explain whether it was caused by a virus or bacteria.
All they knew was that it was a dangerous one that threatened my life.
It was exams week in school when the fever and headache happened.
I was brought to the clinic of my doctor and was given medicine.
But when the fever did not go away and the headache became more painful, I was admitted to the
hospital where many tests were made. Things got bad at the hospital - I could no longer sleep because of the severe pain in my head, I could not eat much because I would vomit what I ate. Sounds and light irritated me. I would feel hot and sweat a lot, and then I would feel cold again. My body jerked and my eyes
crossed. When I heard the doctor say that they had to make a test by injecting a big needle through my spinal cord to take out sample fluid, I cried before my parents and asked why this was happening to me. Mama, who was crying with me, hugged me tightly and kept on praying to Jesus.
Things got so bad that I was transferred to the ICU, and I didn’t know what happened anymore.
ICU is a room where serious cases like mine where placed.
The first days at the ICU were times that were most hard for my parents – all signs showed that they could lose me at any moment – my heart rate was too fast, my blood pressure was very high. I learned later that my mother fainted and my father cried. Mama had low blood pressure while Papa had high blood pressure.
I woke up one day, surprised at the tubes attached to the different parts of my body.
I jokingly said later that I felt like an octopus. The NGT attached through my nose made me feel like an elephant. The NGT was the tube where they let the liquid food pass through my nose to my tummy. The worst thing was the intubating machine that was inserted through my mouth. Its tube was so long it
reached down to my chest… and it was painful. It was the one that helped me breathe because my lung muscles were not working anymore, along with other parts of my body like my digestive system.
I was scared… I was very uncomfortable… I was in pain. I could not even drink water nor eat my favourite foods … and how I wanted to drink Coke float at that time. I could not stand, walk, move my body nor even hold things… I became like a baby and nurses were the ones doing things for me. I could not talk because of the tube in my mouth … I only had to make sign languages with my very weak hands and arms… and it was hard to let them know what I wanted to say.
My ICU room was like a zoo because of the way my lolas and other people looked at me.
Sometimes I also felt like my doctors where studying me like a frog.
The worst thing was when it came to a point that I could not see anything anymore … I became blind. I opened my eyes one morning and the room was dark, I thought the lights were off. It was scary but Mama held me tight again and said it is going to be ok because Jesus will restore my sight. More tests were
made and by then doctors were even more puzzled. New medicines were started.
During those times, many people prayed to God for my healing – my Papa and Mama, my sister, my Lolo and Lolas, my Titos and Titas, my cousins, our church family – His Life and our youth network – YX, my schools – teachers, classmates and friends and even people from other churches here in Bacolod and even in
other places around the world…there were many of them whom I did not even know… there were even children in a school in China who prayed for me and sent me money and get-well-soon letters.
Day and night people did not stop praying to the Lord, fasting and claiming my healing, doing spiritual warfare for me. My family believed God’s promises of healing in the Bible and did not give up. I was touched that many people loved me – even my lolo, a tough man cried, and so did my lolas, titos and titas. My church family were so helpful especially nurses from our YX group who took turns taking care of me. Many titos and titas in church were always supporting us in many ways. I am also grateful to the Lord for my doctors and nurses in the hospital who handled me very well.
I thank the Lord very much for answering all our prayers – Jesus healed me just as He promised! There were prophecies and visions released for my healing. The first Bible story my mother shared to me at the hospital was the one about Jesus going into the house of Peter and healing the mother-in-law who was sick with fever. She got healed, stood up and waited on Jesus. Mama told me to ask Jesus to come into my room to lay His hands on my head, and I cried to Jesus to do just that. One of my Titas who did not know about my prayer to Jesus was given a vision some time after my prayer. In the vision she saw Jesus, after praying on a mountain, went down, entered my hospital room, laid his hands on my head and never left my side. My sister Trina also had a dream that I stood up and we went to the beach because Jesus healed me already. Several people from our church also shared to my parents the same vision and prophecy that one day I would stand up.
And so here I am today, standing before you completely healed by the power of Jesus! I would like to share this verse revealed by the Lord to my Mama while I was recovering at the hospital:
Acts 3:16:
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”
Because of the love and power of our God, I can now see, walk, talk, jump and run … I am back to school and I’m back in church… I play computer again, I go to the mall with family and friends, I enjoy my favourite foods. Jesus is so good and great!
It was not only the miracle of healing that I received from the Lord. He also miraculously provided for our hospital bill of more than 2 million pesos through many people who gave – family and relatives, our His Life church, other churches, my schools and many people from around the world, and again, many of them I
have not yet met. God is also our Provider!
I have learned from this experience that nothing is impossible to God if we just believe. Now I know why this very bad thing happened to me last year. It was for a purpose… and the purpose is that God will be glorified! The complete healing He gave me will let people know about His great power and love. My life
now belongs to God. I want to always thank Him and give Him all the glory for what He has done for me.
========================
I am presently a third year high school student at Trinity Christian School.
Last year 2011 in December, I had undergone the most difficult experience of my
life. I got sick with a very strange disease that affected my brain.
Doctors could not explain whether it was caused by a virus or bacteria.
All they knew was that it was a dangerous one that threatened my life.
It was exams week in school when the fever and headache happened.
I was brought to the clinic of my doctor and was given medicine.
But when the fever did not go away and the headache became more painful, I was admitted to the
hospital where many tests were made. Things got bad at the hospital - I could no longer sleep because of the severe pain in my head, I could not eat much because I would vomit what I ate. Sounds and light irritated me. I would feel hot and sweat a lot, and then I would feel cold again. My body jerked and my eyes
crossed. When I heard the doctor say that they had to make a test by injecting a big needle through my spinal cord to take out sample fluid, I cried before my parents and asked why this was happening to me. Mama, who was crying with me, hugged me tightly and kept on praying to Jesus.
Things got so bad that I was transferred to the ICU, and I didn’t know what happened anymore.
ICU is a room where serious cases like mine where placed.
The first days at the ICU were times that were most hard for my parents – all signs showed that they could lose me at any moment – my heart rate was too fast, my blood pressure was very high. I learned later that my mother fainted and my father cried. Mama had low blood pressure while Papa had high blood pressure.
I woke up one day, surprised at the tubes attached to the different parts of my body.
I jokingly said later that I felt like an octopus. The NGT attached through my nose made me feel like an elephant. The NGT was the tube where they let the liquid food pass through my nose to my tummy. The worst thing was the intubating machine that was inserted through my mouth. Its tube was so long it
reached down to my chest… and it was painful. It was the one that helped me breathe because my lung muscles were not working anymore, along with other parts of my body like my digestive system.
I was scared… I was very uncomfortable… I was in pain. I could not even drink water nor eat my favourite foods … and how I wanted to drink Coke float at that time. I could not stand, walk, move my body nor even hold things… I became like a baby and nurses were the ones doing things for me. I could not talk because of the tube in my mouth … I only had to make sign languages with my very weak hands and arms… and it was hard to let them know what I wanted to say.
My ICU room was like a zoo because of the way my lolas and other people looked at me.
Sometimes I also felt like my doctors where studying me like a frog.
The worst thing was when it came to a point that I could not see anything anymore … I became blind. I opened my eyes one morning and the room was dark, I thought the lights were off. It was scary but Mama held me tight again and said it is going to be ok because Jesus will restore my sight. More tests were
made and by then doctors were even more puzzled. New medicines were started.
During those times, many people prayed to God for my healing – my Papa and Mama, my sister, my Lolo and Lolas, my Titos and Titas, my cousins, our church family – His Life and our youth network – YX, my schools – teachers, classmates and friends and even people from other churches here in Bacolod and even in
other places around the world…there were many of them whom I did not even know… there were even children in a school in China who prayed for me and sent me money and get-well-soon letters.
Day and night people did not stop praying to the Lord, fasting and claiming my healing, doing spiritual warfare for me. My family believed God’s promises of healing in the Bible and did not give up. I was touched that many people loved me – even my lolo, a tough man cried, and so did my lolas, titos and titas. My church family were so helpful especially nurses from our YX group who took turns taking care of me. Many titos and titas in church were always supporting us in many ways. I am also grateful to the Lord for my doctors and nurses in the hospital who handled me very well.
I thank the Lord very much for answering all our prayers – Jesus healed me just as He promised! There were prophecies and visions released for my healing. The first Bible story my mother shared to me at the hospital was the one about Jesus going into the house of Peter and healing the mother-in-law who was sick with fever. She got healed, stood up and waited on Jesus. Mama told me to ask Jesus to come into my room to lay His hands on my head, and I cried to Jesus to do just that. One of my Titas who did not know about my prayer to Jesus was given a vision some time after my prayer. In the vision she saw Jesus, after praying on a mountain, went down, entered my hospital room, laid his hands on my head and never left my side. My sister Trina also had a dream that I stood up and we went to the beach because Jesus healed me already. Several people from our church also shared to my parents the same vision and prophecy that one day I would stand up.
And so here I am today, standing before you completely healed by the power of Jesus! I would like to share this verse revealed by the Lord to my Mama while I was recovering at the hospital:
Acts 3:16:
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”
Because of the love and power of our God, I can now see, walk, talk, jump and run … I am back to school and I’m back in church… I play computer again, I go to the mall with family and friends, I enjoy my favourite foods. Jesus is so good and great!
It was not only the miracle of healing that I received from the Lord. He also miraculously provided for our hospital bill of more than 2 million pesos through many people who gave – family and relatives, our His Life church, other churches, my schools and many people from around the world, and again, many of them I
have not yet met. God is also our Provider!
I have learned from this experience that nothing is impossible to God if we just believe. Now I know why this very bad thing happened to me last year. It was for a purpose… and the purpose is that God will be glorified! The complete healing He gave me will let people know about His great power and love. My life
now belongs to God. I want to always thank Him and give Him all the glory for what He has done for me.
========================
Story of Kevin Arjay Gever
I was a 9 year old boy when both of my parents James and Mercy Gever went to the United States to secure our future in search for greener pastures. It was hard for me to comprehend such scale of anxiety, a separation so real a child could not bear. “Toto Arjay,” my mom whispered, “I give you the responsibility to look after your siblings, I cannot trust anyone only you” and in tears they both said, “Toto Arjay palangga ka guid namon, we love you.” Trying to be strong by not letting them see a tear fall, I immediately hugged them, said nothing and went upstairs only to burst, hearing my siblings cry I just cannot contain. The day they left, I and my siblings can only sleep if there is someone tapping or rubbing our backs just to let us feel as if everything is going to be alright. Bitterness governs my heart asking “If they really love us why do they need to leave us?” wrong and bitter questions keeps my heart farther and farther away out of love with my parents and so also affecting my siblings. A year passed waiting for their promised return, it never happened. Bitter, insecure and lost, I don’t know where I should place myself in these desperate moments. My siblings and I were brought to Bacolod City, leaving the painful memories back in Hinigaran, we were provided very well but for me it’s not enough. I was excited to be in the city, new place, new adventure, new people and I said to myself these might help ease out and forget the pain. Growing up as a teenager I started to look for love, somehow to replace what my parents had failed to give to me. I’ve been in an immature relationship at an early age of 12, been with a girl whose 10 years older than me when I was 14, to count I’ve been to eleven different relationship not including those whom I consider then as “flings.” Been introduced to marijuana to fit in, tried the happy pill “ecstasy” for fun. Went home a lot of times drunk and not being caught, YES! I only want to do what I feel right, things that would cover up the pain, hurts, bitterness, insecurities and the feeling of being unwanted despite being in the limelight and winning awards, I felt alone in the middle of a crowd. People see me as a “good kid” It’s just that I know how to wear coat to cover up everything. I don’t care with parents so how much more with my siblings. I enjoy what I want to enjoy now, use people in my advantage even with my very family. But every time when I’m about to close my eyes, senses always comes up to me. I started to remember what my parents’ last words to me before they left and felt sorry for what I am doing. I started to search for peace when one day a student-aid of our university went up to me and ask to join his small group (life group now), I immediately said yes though I have no idea what is it all about. Came July 24, 2009, at 16 years old I accepted Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Growing up in a Christian Family, i never believe in Jesus after this encounter, the reality of the resurrection of the Jesus had never been so true and real, that encounter changed me. After that day my life turned drastically around; my relationship with mom and pop has been restored forgiveness in the name of Jesus prevailed, by grace I stood up for my siblings in moment when they feel helpless and alone to their accusers, at an early age I decided to be a father. What love and peace that I am looking for is not found in people or in what they do, what I was looking for is something that would fit in my heart which was made for eternity, God in His Son Jesus’ picture of love in the cross can only then fit in my eternal heart. God wrote a story in me that made me who I am today that though in my eyes I am forgotten, unwanted and weak but in His unfailing love, sufficient grace, mercies anew and a sense of identity in Him I stood up, not only for my siblings and my parents, I chose to stand for my generation and the generations to come in Jesus Name.
Yes teenage years are such a pain I say, but it is a crucial point of one’s life that if not fathered, he or she will falter. To all fathers here you know who you are, and to all fathers by choice like me; let’s continue to stand and father this generation in the design God has destined us to be in Jesus Name. To you, happy father’s day.
THE Legaspi’s CANADA DREAM
STORY of VISION MISSION FAMILY-UNITY
Jun Jun:
Our road to the Canada dream started almost 14 years ago. It was in 1999, while both Karleen and I were still single but already in a relationship that we faced a crossroad in our lives. Karleen had just arrived from a short term mission trip to India and was planning to go back for a long term missionary work. I also had a pending immigration application to Canada, with the dream to become rich and help my family.
However, separately both of our respective visas were denied. We felt dissapointed and discouraged but God had better plans for us. We got married in 2000 and started to build our family in the Lord. Three years after, Ethan John was born but the dream to have a better life continued. I inquired from New Zealand and Australia but our papers were going nowhere. I decided then that my dream, my will had to die but for His dream, His will to be realized in us. To help us in our commitment not to entertain opportunities abroad, we resolved to follow in the saying, “ALL Go or NO Go”.
We devoted our time to ministry and God’s agenda by discipling men and women in our respective networks and taking leadership roles in the church. When an opportunity to plant a church in the East area of Bacolod City came in 2008, we volunteered to serve together with our life groups. However, with much encouragement from Pastor Joebert, we found ourselves not only volunteering but pastoring what is now known as the Eastview evening service. It was another first for us as God was telling us that you can pastor a church though not in a full time capacity. The Lord was faithful as He allowed us to serve that church for one year and eight months.
By January of 2011, my brother, who was now a Permanent Resident of Canada offered to sponsor our immigration to said country. Noah Elliot, our youngest son was already born and was two years old at that time. God was indeed preparing our hearts because my wife Karleen who was previously against the idea of going to a “reached” country for many years was now open and excited to the possibility of us going out.
Karleen:
One Saturday of 2011, while cleaning the bathroom, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in the clearest way in my life so far. He said, “In the midst of revival you will go. You will go not because you need money but because I have called you to go. Because that’s the reason revival happens. You will go and many more will follow….” That moment has assured us no matter what obstacle we encountered along the way.
Jun Jun:
When our initial application was approved October of 2011, Karleen had already signified her intention to plant a church in Canada. I said then “Okay, you plant a church and I will work and support you.” However, deep in her heart, she believed that both of us should embrace this calling.
January of 2012, while I was in the shower, I heard the gentle voice of God speaking to my spirit, “JunJun, what will you do in Canada? Is it just to work, make lots of money and get rich? That is so easy for me to do”, continued the Lord. “I want you to go with a higher purpose, according to my will and plan, I want you to plant a church in Canada.” Surprisingly, I did not reason out, I simply said, “Yes Lord, I will obey”.
When we sometimes experience fear and doubt about how to accomplish this awesome task in a new place and a different culture, the Lord constantly reminds us that He is already there preparing the way. How to build the church and make it grow is the Lord’s work, our response is simply to obey.
As we prepare to leave middle of March this year, for months now we have been mobilizing our prayer partner support. One of our intial needs is for our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being as we adapt and acclimatize to a new place and culture. Please pray for God’s supernatural provision for the needs of the family as we land in Canada and to find a suitable job not only to support us financially, but most importantly to establish contacts with people to help us realize the vision.
We ask you to join us in this great endeavour. Who would have thought that His Life’s dream of going to the nations would now be fulfilled and my family is at the forefront of such a great call. We believe that this is but a first of many waves of His Life church planters deployed to all nations to the ends of the earth. Who knows, it could be you next.
Glorify God and Make Disciplies, the vision remains the same, whether in Canada and other nations that God will call us. Occupy until He comes. For His glory and purposes alone, to God be the glory.
==========================
STORY OF ANALYN GARINGANAO
FORGIVNESS POWER VICTORY FAMILY
-------------------------------------------------------
FORGIVNESS POWER VICTORY FAMILY
Before I had a personal relationship with God, I was so
impatient, prideful and condemned those who sinned against me.
Impatient, because even with a little misunderstanding
with my friends, children and husband I would burst into anger.
Prideful, because the phrase " I'm sorry" was
not in my dictionary even if it was my fault.
Prideful because I couldn't forgive easily. I condemned my husband for giving me so much
pain. I was upset, angry, messed up and depressed. I was physically, mentally
and emotionally broken, and was full of negativity.
We had a bumpy
marriage. And I laid all the blame on my husband. Forgiveness was something I
couldn't give to him. It became so bad that I just wanted to end our marriage.
And just as I was about to do so, God's mercy, grace and
love poured down on us. When I came to know Jesus, I realized how amazing His
grace was to us, how unfathomable was His love and mercy.
And I realized, that who was I to not forgive, when I
myself was forgiven?
Who was I to not give second chances, when I myself was
given a chance I did not even deserve?
Who was I to destroy, when I myself was rebuilt?
Who was I to condemn, when I was given a Not Guity verdict
by a God who could just give, and equally just take away? He could have easily and
justly condemned me and sent me away from Him, but He instead welcomed me back
with open arms, and cast away all condemnation.
God's love is unconditional despite our flaws and
imperfections.
Now, our family is blessed with so much love and mutual
respect. My husband is now an active member of the HLM Worship Team. My two
kids serve the Lord at the YX Worship and Click Ministries. And the Lord has
moved me to serve at the HLML'Fisher site. How sweeter can it get than this?
This time, the ride is smoother.
I thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to know and
serve you. To God be the Glory! (SOON STORY OR BROTHER ERIC GARINGANAO)
==========================
STORY of JRDV of YX
BITTERNESS AGNOSTICISM ENLIGHTENMENT DISCOVERY
Thomas
Aquinas wrote, “There is within every soul a thirst for happiness and meaning.”
That’s what I was as a teenager. I was hungry for love. I was starving for
happiness and meaning that I’ve been desperately want to experience. I went to
a relationship in an early age of 13 because I thought it can give me meaning
and purpose. I went to pornography in which I thought it can provide me
satisfaction. I can’t go to my family because at that time it was breaking
apart. I was simply exhausted and confused. It all started because of my
father.
I
remember coming home from school when my mother was crying and told my father
to leave us. My heart was broken when I heard it. Later I found out that he was
having a relationship with another woman. Even though my mother told him to
leave, he stayed for some reason. That was the beginning of the difficult rocky
road journey of my family. That was also the time that I began to hate my
father. Every time they got into fights and quarrels, I cannot avoid feeling
angry towards my father. I promised myself that when I grow up and become
successful, I will shame him for everything he has done to my family. It was the
beginning of my journey towards agnosticism.
That
was the time that I shut the door on God’s face! I thought if God is also a
Father, then He will also betray me and hurt me just like my biological father
did to us. I hated God also because I thought He determined it for my father to
betray my mother and betray us. I hated both God and my father (Later I learned
that in his book, The Faith of the
Fatherless, psychologist Paul Vitz explained that our conception of our
father may affect the way we conceive God). So I focused myself in pursuing
intellectual activities for many months when I terribly shocked to hear my high
school best friend talked about God and the Bible.
I
always thought that religion is for weak people. I also thought that all
Christians were ugly, I thought if you have nothing to do in life you become a
Christian (Of course, that’s false. Because every time I attend YX services, my
sisters in Christ are winsomely beautiful)!
I thought that Christians are walking idiots! Then here I was in the front of
my best friend, terribly smart and intellectually sharp, is talking about God!
I was intrigued by his demeanour that I began to listen to him, asked questions
and introduced me to his disciple. What perplexed me is his disciple (a good
friend of mine now), a valedictorian graduate in HS and a candidate for Cum
Laude in Silliman University with his course, Accounting. Yet he’s also a
devoted follower of Jesus and a leader in Campus Crusade for Christ. That hit
me like a bull’s eye, because I always thought that Christians are morons. So I
listen, I argue with him, secretly mocked him and pretended at times that I
agree with him!
But
because of the positive changes of my friends, especially my best friend, and
it was winsome and attractive so I decided to look again at my cherished
beliefs of agnosticism and skepticism. What if they are right? Maybe something
or Someone…really changed their lives? So I began to research the credibility
of Christianity. My intention was not for truth, but rather to refute my
friends by showing them that Christianity is a hoax. In my research I made a
goal. If I could refute one or two of these propositions then I could destroy
Christianity. Here is the framework in which I based my research:
·
Does
God exist?
·
Is
the Bible Historically reliable?
·
Did
Jesus Rise Again from the Dead?
As a high school student I could
only do one thing, read books! So I read both Catholic and Protestant books on
the subject for many months. Listed all the data that I think can help me with
my research and what I found shocked me and bewildered me! Here’s what I found
to the questions above:
·
Does God exist? Yes, I discovered
that in the past 50 years, scientists have discovered, based on Einstein’s
calculations that the universe began in some finite time ago, and it came
literally from nothing. Of course, out of
nothing, nothing comes!The evidence was overwhelming, from radiation echo,
the entropy of the universe, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, to the expansion
of the universe. The universe just can’t pop into existence, uncaused, out of
nothing. There must be a First-caused, timeless, spaceless, immaterial, and
enormously powerful and smart Being that can bring the universe into existence.
That Being is the God of the bible.
·
Is the Bible
Historically reliable?
Yes, in fact, the books of the New Testament were written in the generation of
the eye witnesses, written in the 1st century where the apostles and
the disciples of the apostles (the so-called apostolic fathers) were still
alive that if error would arise they would correct it in the Christian
community. Also aside from the Gospels, Paul’s letters are so early (40 – 70 AD)
that it is impossible for myths to creep in. And then of course, there are I
think approximately 25, 000 manuscripts (plus the quotations of the early
church fathers of the whole NT) from Greek, Alexandrian, Coptic to Latin that
even if the original manuscripts are gone, we could reconstruct the originals
based on those manuscripts.
·
Did Jesus Rise Again
from the Dead?
Yes, the facts: the death of Jesus, His post-mortem appearances, the conversion
of Paul and James, and the rise of early Christianity cannot be explained away
if Jesus did not rise from the dead. Philosophers call this “The inference to
the best explanation.” Those facts that listed above cannot be explained away
by mere naturalistic explanations, but the best explanation of it is that God raised
Jesus from the dead.
So there I was, totally shocked
by the resources I have uncovered. The evidence just backfired on me! I cannot
believe the results of my research. Many times that I don’t want to believe it
or I try to stay away from it. My mind was convinced that Christianity is true,
but my heart is not willing to believe. There are reasons why I don’t want to believe. One reason is
that I don’t want a God to judge me or make me accountable to my actions; I
just don’t want Him to intervene with my pornography!
One time I was with my friends,
along with their disciple, sharing the Word of God to us. Then I remember when
he read to us the Four Spiritual Laws on how to receive Jesus as Savior and
Lord and how to receive eternal life (The Four Spiritual Laws could be found in
this site here, http://www.campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm). It was the first
time that I heard that Jesus loves me and that He died on the Cross just to
rescue me from sins and the emptiness of my life. That it’s not enough to
believe intellectually who Jesus is but to trust Him of who He is and what He
has done on the Cross for me. They prayed that prayer while I did nothing. I
went home that afternoon alone in my room, very confused about the things that
came my way. I got the yellow pad; draw a line in the middle. On the other side
I wrote the evidence against Christianity and on the other side the evidence
for Christianity.
As I wrote the pros and cons I
discovered that the cons are very tiny in comparison to the pros so I write and
write and write and then put the pen down and thought, “I just can’t swim
against the tide of the avalanche of evidence for Christianity!” Got the Four
Spiritual Laws, read it and I prayed that prayer to receive Christ. As I read
it peace began to dominate my whole being with a matching sensation of drama
that I felt that afternoon. It was the first and for the long time that I cry
(Since it was fiesta my siblings and mother was out preparing for food). I gave
my life to Jesus Christ and asked Him if He could fill my emptiness and love
unconditionally, then I would serve Him all of my life. I felt the Holy Spirit
filled me and empowered me to get up! As far as I could remember, it was November
4, 2007.
Here’s the interesting thing, on
the pursuing months I began to notice some changes in my attitudes, actions,
philosophy in life, the way I look at girls and the way I
relate to my friends and family. I was a new man! The wonderful thing is that
my unpleasant feelings towards my father were gone --- the person that I hate.
I remember kissing him and hugged him for the first time and was rather
surprised by it. Yes, I forgave him. It was at that moment that they began to
notice the changes that were happening to me. My friends noticed it. I also
thought that because of that changes in me my father went to be reconciled with
my mother and they joined the Couples for Christ again, a Catholic charismatic
ministry. Maybe or maybe not, I’m not sure. But I think my coming to Christ was
a way so that my parents may live in peace and faithfulness again.
Here I am today, five years later,
walking with my Love who died for me and rescued me from the inferno I was
heading. The Person who finally gave me the fulfilment and the love that I
haven’t experienced for many years. Enjoyed His fellowship, grace, forgiveness
and love for almost 6 years now.And finally living out His promise that
satisfied the emptiness of my heart when He said, “Because I live, you shall live also.” John 14: 19.
-------------------------------------------------------
more stories
HERE FROM UNWIND
1. Why do you consider your work as a blessing to you?
2. Is your work an answer to prayer? Tell the background of your desire to work in prayer?
3. What are your thoughts regarding people to love their work? What should they do? What should be their attitude?
I consider my work as a blessing because I became more responsible in the tasked assigned to me. It helps me grow as an individual and a living vessel of God’s love to people. It also teaches me to stand on the principles God has taught me through His word.
Yes, definitely an answered prayer. Being a working student in college, books were all around me and I feel so exhausted looking around, 5years in college with books around. And I came to the point to step out on comfort zone, to apply on my desired field. There, I was hired in CDO Foodsphere which really helps me grow maturely and that God’s love manifested.
Sure enough, people who love their work are also valuing the given tasks. I know that technologies are a trend now which people are tempted to look for things not related to work. Loving your work is also keeping it and doing your best. If you treasure something, I know you will do everything just to keep it, so I guess if you treasure, love your work, you’ll do the same.
My testimony – paki basa nyo na lang please.. hehehe!
It is my desire to work after I graduated college because I really needed money to finance my family. I’m the youngest among the four, yet, I feel the need that I have to help my family with everything. With the poverty since my elementary years, it is a motivation for me to do everything just to finish my school.
I came to know Jesus during my college days, and I feel so blessed whenever I look back that I became a part of the so called “fool for Jesus.” After I graduated college, just one day rest and someone had offered me a work. I grab the chance of working immediately. But, true to the fact that human being is insatiable, after 5months, I feel so tired working on books. So I decided to look for a new job, which in lines to my course as management accounting and applied economics. God never leaves me anyway. One week of looking for a job, I am overwhelmed that He had provided me suited to what I desire. I became a part of the CDO family . After being an assistant on the branch, I wanted for a new responsibility. I cried out to God, asking Him to grant again my heart’s desire. Would you believe that God answered again? I can’t explain the feeling when an Auditor asked me to become a Credit Analyst for CDO-Main which is in Valenzuela. Yes, it was a second answered prayer. God is so good and He is so willing to give what we wanted aligning to His will. My life in Manila is not that so good which seldom I can attend to church. I feel so tired going out on Sundays, which I will always justify that’s the only time I can rest. As a child of God, time came that I feel the need of my God, my Father, I feel the spiritual thirst.
Just in time, God promoted me for a higher responsibility in life. God is truly faithful even I fail to worship and praise Him for the wonderful things He had been doing in my entire life. As I was transferred back home, I feel to rest upon Him. Surrendered in His love.
I am Marianne S. Austria, now working as Branch Controller and part of the Young Associate for Jesus. To God be the honor and glory.
000000000000000000
1. Why do you consider your work as a blessing to you?
2. Is your work an answer to prayer? Tell the background of your desire to work in prayer?
- After knowing about the plan of the church to launch UNWIND, i was so convicted to pray to God for a job here in Bacolod City. I then started to look for a job online. After a week of not ceasing to pray and applying for a job at the same time, God answered my prayer. A certain company called in to schedule me for an interview. And right now, I am just waiting for them to inform me on what date to report. Glory be to God!
3. What are your thoughts regarding people to love their work? What should they do? What should be their attitude?
- Whatever nature of job you are into, have a mindset that you are not just serving an earthly employer but instead you are serving our Heavenly Employer. Serving earthly employers can only frustrate us. We may even feel that we are unjustly compensated. God uses our jobs and even our employers to mold us to become mature Christians. Contentment comes from knowing that we are serving working for our Heavenly Father.
0000000000000000000000
EAST VIEW HOTEL:
By Laumer Milan:
"I am a Customer Service Associate in Convergys Bacolod. By God's grace, I became a lender and a provider, my heart in tithing continued to grow, my JaM (Jesus and Me) time became more enjoyable, and my desire to stand up for Him, even to a point of being persecuted, fired up. I am thankful because He instilled in my heart that that the job He has given me in a call center is just "pa-aman"; that His plan for me is to consider His business my business... and that is to glorify Him through making disciples." †
By Michelle Cindi Ta-octa:
Hello, goodmorning.:)
"I am Michelle Cindi Ta-octa, a nurse. I love being a nurse and serving people. But I admit however, that sometimes it requires much more than just service, but also sacrifice. I say this because being a nurse means that you may be at work on a holiday instead of spending time with your family and loved ones, more often than not as you start your career you will be giving free services and won’t get compensated financially at all. The hardest of course is that your patience and character will be put to the test as you act as a “shock absorber” to your patients and other members of the health care team.
These all can sometimes drain me of my energy. But I’m so blessed that God’s love enables me to keep going. Knowing that it is the Lord whom I am serving helps me to do my work with excellence against many odds. I’m also very thankful that Unwind helps me to keep focused on serving God while working in my profession. I look forward to Friday nights because I know I will be receiving again, enjoy the company of other young people, and filled up w/ God’s joy and strength. To God be the glory."
ROBINSONS CINEMA 5:
By Marjorie Alejano
I am Marjorie Alejano, a nurse and at the same time a servant of God. Ever since, God showed me His favor but when I went through difficulties in life, I tend to complain and forget that I am still favored bu God. But He led me to the story of Job, about the hardships he had undergone but still praise and trust God. From then on, I always ask myself "what if God will take everything from me? What will i do?" I prayed to God that He would just give me strength to accept things, then He spoke to me saying "In me you are secured". In that promise, all my fears and worries were gone and filled it with joy.
I waited so long to get hired in a Hospital but no signs are clear, all I know is that God has a plan for my life. I continued serving God as part of the Worship Team in UNWIND and MAIN and allowed Him to use the talents and capabilities that He gave for His glory. He proved to me that when you obey, blessings will come. Finally, I got a job! Praise be to God!!!
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. God bless you!:)
By Adeline Sy
Hi! I’m a NURSE! If I was asked to give this testimony weeks ago I would tell you “don’t go into this profession, look at me, I am stuck here –stressed out, lost, uncertain of my future. Luckily, in the middle of NOW and those past few weeks, God found me, so that I can tell you how His love revived me when I was on the verge of giving up on my chosen profession.
When I started serving God, and entrusted my life and career to him, I became happier with my job. It felt like somebody lifted the heavy weight of worry and fear from my shoulders. You see, being a nurse is really tiring. Oh by the way, it’s not just the work that’s taking the life out of you, dealing with your co workers and patients is yet another challenge. But with God, every day I am renewed, stress free, alive and ready to walk by His side!
By Marifi "Dang" Facturan
Hello! My name is Marifi "Dang" Facturan, working as a doctor secretary. I consider my work as a big blessing to me because this is an answered prayer. I asked God to provide me a work that has a Sunday off so i could attend sunday worship celebrations. Pero may bonus pa si Lord sa akon! i don't just attend sunday worship celebrations but i get to serve Him as well for being part of the worship team. I really don't have a beautiful voice, but still He is using me for His glory. I love my work but most of all i love serving God. To all who have the oppurtunity to work, love your work not only because of the salary that you're earning from it, but because you want to Glorify God by being a blessing to others.
HERE FROM UNWIND
1. Why do you consider your work as a blessing to you?
2. Is your work an answer to prayer? Tell the background of your desire to work in prayer?
3. What are your thoughts regarding people to love their work? What should they do? What should be their attitude?
I consider my work as a blessing because I became more responsible in the tasked assigned to me. It helps me grow as an individual and a living vessel of God’s love to people. It also teaches me to stand on the principles God has taught me through His word.
Yes, definitely an answered prayer. Being a working student in college, books were all around me and I feel so exhausted looking around, 5years in college with books around. And I came to the point to step out on comfort zone, to apply on my desired field. There, I was hired in CDO Foodsphere which really helps me grow maturely and that God’s love manifested.
Sure enough, people who love their work are also valuing the given tasks. I know that technologies are a trend now which people are tempted to look for things not related to work. Loving your work is also keeping it and doing your best. If you treasure something, I know you will do everything just to keep it, so I guess if you treasure, love your work, you’ll do the same.
My testimony – paki basa nyo na lang please.. hehehe!
It is my desire to work after I graduated college because I really needed money to finance my family. I’m the youngest among the four, yet, I feel the need that I have to help my family with everything. With the poverty since my elementary years, it is a motivation for me to do everything just to finish my school.
I came to know Jesus during my college days, and I feel so blessed whenever I look back that I became a part of the so called “fool for Jesus.” After I graduated college, just one day rest and someone had offered me a work. I grab the chance of working immediately. But, true to the fact that human being is insatiable, after 5months, I feel so tired working on books. So I decided to look for a new job, which in lines to my course as management accounting and applied economics. God never leaves me anyway. One week of looking for a job, I am overwhelmed that He had provided me suited to what I desire. I became a part of the CDO family . After being an assistant on the branch, I wanted for a new responsibility. I cried out to God, asking Him to grant again my heart’s desire. Would you believe that God answered again? I can’t explain the feeling when an Auditor asked me to become a Credit Analyst for CDO-Main which is in Valenzuela. Yes, it was a second answered prayer. God is so good and He is so willing to give what we wanted aligning to His will. My life in Manila is not that so good which seldom I can attend to church. I feel so tired going out on Sundays, which I will always justify that’s the only time I can rest. As a child of God, time came that I feel the need of my God, my Father, I feel the spiritual thirst.
Just in time, God promoted me for a higher responsibility in life. God is truly faithful even I fail to worship and praise Him for the wonderful things He had been doing in my entire life. As I was transferred back home, I feel to rest upon Him. Surrendered in His love.
I am Marianne S. Austria, now working as Branch Controller and part of the Young Associate for Jesus. To God be the honor and glory.
000000000000000000
1. Why do you consider your work as a blessing to you?
2. Is your work an answer to prayer? Tell the background of your desire to work in prayer?
- After knowing about the plan of the church to launch UNWIND, i was so convicted to pray to God for a job here in Bacolod City. I then started to look for a job online. After a week of not ceasing to pray and applying for a job at the same time, God answered my prayer. A certain company called in to schedule me for an interview. And right now, I am just waiting for them to inform me on what date to report. Glory be to God!
3. What are your thoughts regarding people to love their work? What should they do? What should be their attitude?
- Whatever nature of job you are into, have a mindset that you are not just serving an earthly employer but instead you are serving our Heavenly Employer. Serving earthly employers can only frustrate us. We may even feel that we are unjustly compensated. God uses our jobs and even our employers to mold us to become mature Christians. Contentment comes from knowing that we are serving working for our Heavenly Father.
0000000000000000000000
EAST VIEW HOTEL:
By Laumer Milan:
"I am a Customer Service Associate in Convergys Bacolod. By God's grace, I became a lender and a provider, my heart in tithing continued to grow, my JaM (Jesus and Me) time became more enjoyable, and my desire to stand up for Him, even to a point of being persecuted, fired up. I am thankful because He instilled in my heart that that the job He has given me in a call center is just "pa-aman"; that His plan for me is to consider His business my business... and that is to glorify Him through making disciples." †
By Michelle Cindi Ta-octa:
Hello, goodmorning.:)
"I am Michelle Cindi Ta-octa, a nurse. I love being a nurse and serving people. But I admit however, that sometimes it requires much more than just service, but also sacrifice. I say this because being a nurse means that you may be at work on a holiday instead of spending time with your family and loved ones, more often than not as you start your career you will be giving free services and won’t get compensated financially at all. The hardest of course is that your patience and character will be put to the test as you act as a “shock absorber” to your patients and other members of the health care team.
These all can sometimes drain me of my energy. But I’m so blessed that God’s love enables me to keep going. Knowing that it is the Lord whom I am serving helps me to do my work with excellence against many odds. I’m also very thankful that Unwind helps me to keep focused on serving God while working in my profession. I look forward to Friday nights because I know I will be receiving again, enjoy the company of other young people, and filled up w/ God’s joy and strength. To God be the glory."
ROBINSONS CINEMA 5:
By Marjorie Alejano
I am Marjorie Alejano, a nurse and at the same time a servant of God. Ever since, God showed me His favor but when I went through difficulties in life, I tend to complain and forget that I am still favored bu God. But He led me to the story of Job, about the hardships he had undergone but still praise and trust God. From then on, I always ask myself "what if God will take everything from me? What will i do?" I prayed to God that He would just give me strength to accept things, then He spoke to me saying "In me you are secured". In that promise, all my fears and worries were gone and filled it with joy.
I waited so long to get hired in a Hospital but no signs are clear, all I know is that God has a plan for my life. I continued serving God as part of the Worship Team in UNWIND and MAIN and allowed Him to use the talents and capabilities that He gave for His glory. He proved to me that when you obey, blessings will come. Finally, I got a job! Praise be to God!!!
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. God bless you!:)
By Adeline Sy
Hi! I’m a NURSE! If I was asked to give this testimony weeks ago I would tell you “don’t go into this profession, look at me, I am stuck here –stressed out, lost, uncertain of my future. Luckily, in the middle of NOW and those past few weeks, God found me, so that I can tell you how His love revived me when I was on the verge of giving up on my chosen profession.
When I started serving God, and entrusted my life and career to him, I became happier with my job. It felt like somebody lifted the heavy weight of worry and fear from my shoulders. You see, being a nurse is really tiring. Oh by the way, it’s not just the work that’s taking the life out of you, dealing with your co workers and patients is yet another challenge. But with God, every day I am renewed, stress free, alive and ready to walk by His side!
By Marifi "Dang" Facturan
Hello! My name is Marifi "Dang" Facturan, working as a doctor secretary. I consider my work as a big blessing to me because this is an answered prayer. I asked God to provide me a work that has a Sunday off so i could attend sunday worship celebrations. Pero may bonus pa si Lord sa akon! i don't just attend sunday worship celebrations but i get to serve Him as well for being part of the worship team. I really don't have a beautiful voice, but still He is using me for His glory. I love my work but most of all i love serving God. To all who have the oppurtunity to work, love your work not only because of the salary that you're earning from it, but because you want to Glorify God by being a blessing to others.
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