I am Shella, 39, married, and a mother to three wonderful children.

I first came to know the Lord in 1999, when my husband and I were having problems with our relationship. Having been married for just three years already seemed a lifetime. I was not enjoying being a wife to him. I was not happy.

My family background was not happy, either. My father was irresponsible; he spent his money and energy on women and also much of his time with his peers. My mother, who’s supposed to take care of us in my father’s absence, used most of her time playing a detective, finding his whereabouts and going after his conquests. My siblings and I watched and waited for their attention and never got it. They were too busy with their own lives, and for them we were just spectators, not a part of a so-called family.

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I am Marites, a single parent of six children.

I grew up in a dysfunctional family. I was sexually molested at the early age of 4, on top of being emotionally, verbally, and physically abused. As a result, I became jealous of good relationships. I was envious, covetous, insecure, self-centered, confused, selfish, gossipy, angry, and very bitter. I always thought that the world was so unfair and that I was always the victim.

My mom was a full-time nagger, my dad a 24/7 gambler and part-time womanizer. My mom was always in fight mode, so my dad was always in flight mode. As early as six years old, I was often left to take care of my two siblings. My mom had high expectations of me because I was the eldest, and I had to know how to perform all the household chores aside from caring for the other children. I never had a childhood myself, acting as the mother to my siblings and taking on all that responsibility. I had to think of my siblings’ needs before my own.

I was ten years old when our business went bankrupt. My mom suffered from depression, and my dad left us for another woman. I was forced to work in order to feed my siblings and face all my mom’s creditors. These creditors were enraged, cursing me for the bounced checks that my mom issued; I received many threats on her behalf.I

In school, my parents were always absent from parents’ meetings. I felt neglected and unloved. I tried to excel in academics, but my insecurities prevented me from having good relationships. I seldom smiled, tried to get attention through angry behavior, and wanted everyone to be miserable like me.

Even though I was studying, I was still forced to wake up before 4:00am to go out and work, or else a heated flat iron on my lap would wake me up on my lap, or lashes from a rubber rope would give me stripes all over my skin.

I rebelled by getting pregnant at 17 to escape from the responsibilities passed on to me and to avoid my molestors and my angry, abusive mom. I was forced to get married out of a superstition that staying unmarried would bring bad luck to the family, but I thought marriage would be my escape. I didn’t know it would be worse than I ever thought. I became a battered wife, beaten black and blue everyday by an irresponsible and alcoholic husband. I had nowhere else to go, so I stayed and tried to be strong. My family advised me to avoid having a broken home.

But after five years, I couldn’t take any more. I was hospitalized with almost broken spine and skull, hematoma (bruises) all over my body, and an X mark on my face. I almost lost all my fingers in self-defense, grabbing the knife that my husband had used to destroy my face.

I hid myself from him and lived in fear of being killed. Many guys offered me a good and comfortable life; I became dependent on relationships and jumped from one to another. Then, I gave in to a married man and became his mistress. He was a surgeon and so very able to provide. He was very gentle and took care of me. I thought we really loved each other; he considered me and the four children we had together his 2nd family. I thought everything was okay.

Although I knew it was immoral to become a mistress, I felt my actions were justified because my family was getting financial help. I believed that if I didn’t ask for counsel from anyone — who cared? Everyone makes mistakes.

I never prayed; I knew God as judgmental and perfectionist. He would just punish me for my sin and condemn me to hell. Why should I pray if it will just go to the trash? It was a waste of time and effort for me. I expected to just pray on my deathbed and confess to a priest with my last breath.

I used material things to pretend I was happy, but deep in myself, I was screaming for help. I tried everything to overcome my emptiness: going to casinos and bars, shopping, and engaging in sex and pornography. I also went to a psychiatrist because I suffered from depression.

But God loves me so much; he heard my silent cry. I heard the gospel in a moment of boredom and found myself thirsting for more. I attended Christian worship services and then accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

The problems did not end right there and then, though. I felt convicted and suddenly had the fear of death. It gave me sleepless nights. I became dependent on sleeping pills to buy just three hours of sleep.

And, I couldn’t give up my comfortable life. My greatest fear was to become poor again. I could afford to live simply, but I couldn’t compromise my four kids’ future. My two older children from my previous relationship came back to me, bringing the total to six kids.

One night, I had an anxiety attack. I couldn’t breathe. I knew I was dying. With my last breath, I cried out to God and begged for another chance to live. In return, I would straighten up my life.

God is good and listened to my prayer. I was so afraid and confused; I didn’t know how to start fulfilling my promise. God then talked to me by showing two roads in a dream. I had to choose. The first road was very pleasing to the eyes and filled with flowers. The second road was so dark. But there, Jesus would walk with me and uphold me each time I fell.

I talked to the surgeon and tried to end the relationship. I asked him to support the kids and set me free, but he refused because, he said, we were his second family. On God’s prompting, I called his wife, and he became extremely angry with me. He believed I had replaced him with another man and threatened to take our 4 kids from me. I was jobless then (2004) and had a four-month-old baby and children aged three, five, six, 12, and 14. I was financially incapable of raising them all. I cried and asked God to help me have the custody of my children; I would lose my mind if they would be taken from me.

I was already attending CCF then, and God spoke to me through Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call unto Me and I will answer and I will show you great and mighty things you do not know.”

One day, the surgeon and his wife visited the four younger kids and brought some stuff that they needed. I thought everything would go smoothly. On the contrary, it resulted in a heated argument and then violence. I was brutally battered in front of my five-year-old son. I was slapped, had my head hit against the wall, and almost choked me to death. The wife boxed, kicked, and poked my head. Thank God I was able to cry for help.

The couple escaped and filed a case against me to protect their reputation. They claimed I beat them both. I never thought of filing a case against them and just reported the incident to the police. God led me all throughout the process, from the police to the hospital, securing all the evidence I needed if anything happened.

It is not easy to follow Jesus. I asked God, “Why did You allow them to hurt me, when all I want is to follow your command to stop being a mistress?” I really couldn’t understand.

My five-year-old son blamed himself for being so small and unable to help me during the attack. My kids suddenly stopped talking and were all traumatized by the fear of losing their dad and the comfortable life they were used to.

At CCF, I learned to pray and read the bible. I drew my strength from the Scripture each time I felt low. I learned to sing praises all the time, even when we had nothing to eat. God said that life is more important than the food we eat and clothes we wear. I finished reading the entire bible in less than 6 months. I discovered the mighty works of God and that He is so forgiving, merciful, loving, and faithful to His promises. I applied the Word to my life.

Then, I tested God’s pomise in Malachi 3:10-12. He promised to return all my tithes and offerings pressed down, shaken together, and running over, and he would open the windows of heaven and bless my health, work, and home. People would call me blessed.

I gave my tithes from everything I received. I heard from Pastor Joby Soriano the story of a farmer crying while planting his very last seeds, trusting God for the outcome. I had my last ₱1000 with me at the time and put it in the tithe box. That meant my kids would have nothing to eat. But I planted it as a seed. I said to myself, “If I keep the ₱1000 in my wallet, it is not enough, even for a week. But I will plant this and trust God to provide for our needs.”

God’s promise is true. He opens the windows of heaven. If I prayed for milk for my baby, three months’ supply of milk for my six kids will arrive, specially delivered by a stranger. I even had some to share with the needy. I was jobless for two years, and God provided for me and for my kids. I never begged nor asked from anyone else. I just applied Philippians 4:6-7; I told God all my needs through prayer and thanked Him for His answers.

There was a time when four of the kids got sick almost every week. I begged for a bottle of medicine from their father, but he refused to help. I cried to God and said, “I know You can change his heart, but you hardened it. Although it’s so painful, I will still thank and praise You because I love You.” Then, my 4 kids were miraculuously healed! I realized that God was teaching me a very powerful prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

God burdened me to give love to street children through the Backstreet Kids ministry. I believe teaching them about God’s love and loving them will help prevent them from becoming criminals someday. God also taught me to be compassionate and called me to become a caregiver for the sick. I volunteered in a hospital and shared the gospel at the same time. I also used to criticize men in uniform and call them names. God led me to participate in and volunteer for the first batch of the Philippine National Police – Purpose-Driven Life ministry. God opened my eyes and helped me to see that these men and women risked their lives for our safety in exchange for a small salary and few benefits. So now, I look at them with compassion and respect.

I was happy but not completely joyful. I still needed some healing.

Court proceedings troubled me. I shook in fear and couldn’t eat. The surgeon and his wife wanted my downfall. The court had decided in my favor before; now the couple was using their money and connections to reverse the decision. I trusted God to be my defender and lawyer. The case they filed against me was dismissed, but the cases filed by the police continued (the doctor was charged with violence against women and children. His wife was charged with physical injury). I could not afford to hire a good lawyer, so I was advised to dismiss the case in exchange for support for my kids. God told me to give up my rights, forgive them, and fully trust Him, so I obeyed.

I realized that if God had not allowed the couple to physically attack me, there would be no record of their violence, and I could have lost custody of the kids. Not only did God answer my prayer to keep my kids, but he also provided for them. The couple would be obliged to give support in exchange for the dismissal of the criminal cases.

God’s thoughts and ways are different from ours. The court order was delayed for two years because the couple had taken the documents. I kept quiet and handed it all to God. We were driven away from the house the surgeon had bought for his four kids with me. People advised me to fight for my kids’ rights and stay put in the house. But God said, “Let go and trust Me,” and I obeyed.

In 2006, I joined a D-Group, and soon, many people were praying for me and the kids. God blessed me w/ a good job. I learned many things about His faithfulness and how to be a good mother. My kids recovered from the trauma, by the grace of God, and with the help of Sunday school teachers who patiently and lovingly taught them about their loving Heavenly Father. My kids are now talking again and excelling in school. (God bless you, Sunday school teachers!)

I thought a tall and handsome guy would be the answer to my prayers, and I planned to remarry. But God said, “No,” so I obeyed. God himself provided for me and comforted me each time I longed for someone. God revealed Himself to me as the best Husband and Father of my fatherless children.

God said to me, “You cannot give what you don’t have,” and led me to join the Glorious Hope program. I knew there was something in me that needed healing and recovery. The program helped me to see my defects and strengths. All my life, I thought I was a victim. Now, I had learned to forgive and accept my past, not with bitterness, but with a thankful heart, allowing God to heal me. I prayed to God to make a way for me to be able to ask for forgiveness from the couple I had harmed by being a mistress.

But then, I was framed. The dismissed case had been reopened; the couple still wanted to reverse the court’s decision. Still, God is so good. I was able to attend the hearing and took the opportunity to humbly ask the couple for forgiveness. I was mocked, humiliated and unforgiven. But God covered me w/ His loving arms, comforted me, and kept me still; I didn’t fight back. By the grace of God, I was free from the curse of unforgiveness. I did my part; the battle was the Lord’s. Fear left me; I fully trusted God to defend me against all their plans to hurt me and my children. I simply chose to trust God and forgive.

Once again, the case was dismissed! And the couple has been compelled to give the kids financial support.

Now, I am happy and content serving God with pure joy. God’s plan and timing is perfect. I have no regrets. I thank God for those hardships. He is using me now to encourage the weak and the hurting. He is so faithful to His promises — he held me up each time I fell, just as he had promised in my dream — and His word shall stand forever.

I am still a work in progress and need a lot of prayers. My prayer is for God to use me, lead me, and guide me where to go and what to say. I pray that I can glorify God and do what he wants, that even after my death, I will never stop glorifying His name.

God is so good all the time! He revealed Himself to me as my provider, husband, Father of my fatherless, healer, defender, lawyer, peace, refuge, rock, strength, and comforter. He is my everything!

Truly, as Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.” To God be all the glory!

Before I became a believer, my life could be compared to a rollercoaster. My early-years memory is filled with the weight of my sister having brain cancer. The emotional stress and financial havoc that a decade-long crisis brought to our family took its toll. My dad became severely alcoholic, and we often got into verbal arguments. This unrestrained battery from my dad made me drift away from my family; in college, I spent most of my time at school. I joined a fraternity and was exposed to impurities in a carefree environment. There I discovered the violent and cruel world of men, characterized by rumbles, bar fights, and machismo activities.

When I started working, my earthly desires and way of life took a turn for worse. My typical weekday ended at around 2:00am, after going out to bars and gimmick places. On weekends, I never went home earlier than 5:00am and partied till I was dead drunk. Sex and experimentation with different drugs made up my mix of immorality.

All of these evil things were part of my life, and I thought it was normal, okay. My then-girlfriend left for Switzerland to study, and I was left behind with the promise that we would marry when she came back. Due to my loneliness, I accepted some fraternity batchmates’ invitation to attend bible study at CCF in 1998. It provided a temporary respite from my sadness, but I remained stagnant. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t fully turn from my sinful ways.

I got the break of my professional career when I was became head of a multinational company’s brand department. I was on top of the world; I thought I had everything! Great job, many friends, material things, parties and gimmicks, a girlfriend I was going to marry. That was my plan, and it was all set.

But we all know that man`s plan is nothing compared to the plan our loving Father has laid out for us.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are called to His purpose.” Just as a master gardener prunes the plant, cuts away dead branches, and plucks out withered leaves, Jesus, our gardener, went to work in my life. And boy, did the pruning come.

My first wake-up call happened in 1999, when my dad developed cancer of the nose. A few months passed, and I got the news from my girlfriend that she was no longer coming back to the Philippines. She was breaking off our relationship and cancelling our marriage plans. Then, one Wednesday after bible study in CCF, I went to a nearby restaurant to eat dinner with some friends. When it was time to go home, I found that my car had been stolen, with several personal possessions inside. The next year, some scheming individuals at my company carried out a plot to get me out of my position; they falsified checks that I supposedly received as kickbacks. I was cleared after months of investigation, but the stigma of being implicated in such a crime affected how others viewed me at work.

So, my dad had cancer, I lost the love of my life, I lost the material possession I cherished most, and I almost lost my job. At this point, I said, I want to change my life and know more about the Lord. And as part of His grand plan, God introduced me to Pastor JP Masakayan.

I attended Pastor JP’s bible study classes with vigor and a remorseful heart. I came to know Christ through the Urdaneta D-Group, and then I started to change my ways. Suddenly, my penchant for bars and gimmick places left me. My friends and officemates were shocked. The party boy was now a home boy. I spent more quality time with my parents and became more generous and more loving to them. I stopped getting drunk, quit smoking, stayed clean from all drugs, and stopped my emotional outbursts and cursing. I was able to invite both my parents to join me in CCF.

But the pruning and faith-stretching situation continued. A couple of years ago, on Christmas Day, my mom suffered a stroke and had severe seizure right in front of me, while we were having our Noche Buena (Christmas feast). I thought we were going to lose her; she stopped breathing and was turning blue. On Christmas Day! By God’s grace, I was able to rush her to a nearby hospital. While my mom was recuperating in the semi-ICU, my dad had a similar life-threatening attack, just five days later. For a couple of weeks, both my parents were in the hospital.

Still more pruning followed. A few years ago, I was stripped of my department head position in my company. They took away my corner office and gave me a desk. It was an exercise in humility, and it also paved the way for me to reexamine my priorities. It allowed me the privilege of being active in numerous ministries at church. I was blessed with the opportunity to teach God’s Word and with more time for my D-12 and D-Group. As I grow in Christ, the Holy Spirit burdens me to give more of my time, talents and finances for His Kingdom.

Involvement with the building fund is one of the areas in my life for which I have been praying. God impressed on me an amount that I was going to commit. But for some time, I never got over the hump of pledging it. Then one day, over breakfast, Mom shared with me that she had committed to a five-digit pledge for the building fund, and she planned to fulfill it in a year. I was floored! My 65-year old mom, with no income, no job, and no savings was, by faith, pledging that amount. So, the very next day after, I pledged a six-digit amount, payable in 2 years, also by faith.

A couple of weeks later, someone in my D-12 invited me to invest in the stock market. I invested with the promise that with whatever amount it might earn, I would give it to the building fund. By God’s amazing power and grace — trust me; I am no stock expert — the stock I bought went through the roof. The amount of my two-year pledge, God provided in two months! And, there was a bonus. The amount I pledged, He doubled in my earnings on that investment. May take home pa!

I said, “I want to give more.”

Last year, during the Ad Congress in Subic, I won ₱50k in a game sponsored by GMA-7. But my company said that there might be a conflict of interest, because my work entails approving media budgets. They wanted me to return the ₱50K. I told GMA-7 about my company’s decision, and they were surprised. They said, their accounting books on the event were already closed. I was in a dilemma. My company wanted me to return the money to the sponsored corporation that did not want to take it back. So I said, why I don’t just give it to CCF, as a contribution to the building fund project? Both companies said yes.

Praise God! It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve and to give. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” I ask for your prayers, that I will continue to burn with passion for service and that I put Jesus at the forefront of everything in my life.

My name is Ickhoy, and I’m BIG for God! To God be the glory!

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Would you like to know God, too?

In 2006, I prayed to God for a partner in ministry. I told God that it really didn’t matter what shape, size, color, or nationality she would have, just as long as I could serve the Lord with her in ministry. So, in February of 2007, He gave me Nikki, to whom I am now engaged to be married this year.

But there is an amazing story behind all this: chunks and pieces of different stories that would culminate in a grand story of faith and once again prove God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in my life.

You see, when I was in college, I started a business as a requirement for my course. But because of some difficulties, I ended up losing a lot of money. My mom, however, was gracious; she helped me shoulder my loss, which became a pay-when-able debt to her.

Fast forward to January of 2007. Burdened to give to the CCF building fund, I asked God, given my situation — entry-level income at the time and still in debt — how much I should pledge.

As I read God’s word one morning, He led me to a promise in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, which says,

“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”

I then computed my salary, minus my expenses, to see what’s left to give to the building fund. But I knew that I had to depend on God and not on my ability to save, so I doubled the amount that was left. To that, God said, “Double your double.” In obedience, I did, and pledged an impossible amount — way beyond my capacity to give.

Last year, 2008, I checked on how close I was to fulfilling my building fund pledge, and I realized how short I was to my commitment. I remember telling Nikki that I was way behind on my pledge, and I casually told her that maybe God will give me a commercial or something. And that He did. I landed a commercial for a multinational toothpaste company, and the talent fee they gave allowed me to give almost half of my building fund pledge — so, fifty percent more to go.

At the start of this year, 2009, I was still in debt, more than halfway to go in fulfilling my pledge, and two years in my relationship with Nikki. But God was preparing to reveal Himself in the most spectacular way.

You see, in seeking to honor God and honor my parents, I promised God that I would not get married until I was free from debt and had completed my building fund pledge. A wedding anytime soon was therefore impossible. But as I spent time reading His word, God taught me that with Him, nothing is impossible.

So assured that God will provide, I asked Nikki’s parents for their blessing on our marriage. This they enthusiastically gave.

At about the same time, however, my grandfather had a major heart attack. His hospital bill was so large, I was greatly burdened to help out financially. I had been able to save a substantial amount together with Nikki. I asked her if it would be okay for us to give what we had to my grandfather, and told her that I would try my best to bring back the amount we saved up.

What was I thinking?! That was the only money we had for our wedding! And besides, I had already talked to her parents and talked about marrying their daughter this year. Not to mention that I was still in debt and had not met my building fund pledge.

Nikki was gracious; she said that we should just give everything and that I didn’t have to give it back. But I still asked God and said, “Lord, are you sure you want us to give this money to my Lolo? I mean, we could use it for something else.”

To this, God asked me, “So if not for your Lolo, what will you use it for?”

I said, “For the wedding.” And then God made me realize that we would be using the money only for ourselves instead of for helping others. God also reminded me that it was His money and not mine. So in faith, Nikki and I gave practically all of our savings to help my Lolo.

With no money in the bank, still in debt, an incomplete building fund pledge, and a forthcoming wedding, I asked my mom to go with me to look for an engagement ring for Nikki. After looking at our options, my mom and I had dinner. I opened up to her and said, “Ma, to be honest, I don’t have money for the ring, I also don’t have money for the wedding, and I owe you this much…” and brought out an accounting of how much I owed her.

What she said next brought me to tears. She told me that she had been setting aside money for me, to help me out with my wedding. She told me how much she was giving me, and after a moment of disbelief, I computed everything in my head, and realized that the amount she was giving me was ten times what Nikki and I gave to my Lolo. With that amount, I could completely pay off my debt to her, buy Nikki a ring, complete my building fund pledge, and still have enough to cover some expenses for the wedding.

I am now debt-free. I have joyfully completed my building fund pledge, and I am now engaged to be married to my lovely partner in life and ministry.

God asked me what I had in my hands, and He said, “Bring it to me.” I did, and in His grace, He multiplied it and gave me back more than I could ever imagine. God truly is amazing!

Please pray for Nikki and me as we prepare for our wedding and our marriage. Pray that we would continue to live in faith and trust God, and that we would be able to give Him all the glory, honor and praise that He alone deserves.

I grew up with the best things in life. My family and I lived very comfortably, because my dad was a very successful businessman. But, looking back, I see there was something missing in my life. That was the loving presence of a father, who made up for his absence by showering us with material things.

Then, we found out that he was fooling around. He had a mistress, with whom he had two children. Because of this, he had become very withdrawn, harsh, and unloving in many ways. I grew up disoriented and what you might call a happy-go-lucky bad boy.

In college, something good finally came. I met Lilli-Ann, who became my girlfriend. She asked me several times to attend worship services, and at the time, I was so allergic to so-called born-again Christians that I declined each time. She then challenged me to a bet. If I lost, I would have to attend and try it out just once. I would never have to again if I didn’t like it. I lost the bet, praise God!

When I entered the church, my hair was standing on end. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. As I was listening to the message, it was about the unconditional love of a father that I so longed for. It was as if God was speaking to me. That day, I accepted Jesus into my life, and it has never been the same.

I was working in my dad’s company when this happened, so during my free time, I would share the story of Jesus with all the employees. This irritated my dad and made him despise me. I remember going home in tears because he would curse me and shout at me in front of the employees. It made me feel very low and degraded. It came to a point when I couldn’t take anymore. At this time, I had found my new security and confidence in God the Father. I decided to leave my father’s business and marry Lilli-Ann so that I could stand on my own and somehow get away from his control.

My wife & I started a small café and dedicated it to the Lord. We gave 10% of gross as tithes. In less than three years, God blessed us with five branches, feeding over 3,000 people daily. But as profits went up, we were also lured by the world. We spent less time with God and eventually stopped tithing faithfully. This was the beginning of our downfall.

God took all our branches away one by one, leaving us to start with nothing. After losing everything, we woke up and realized that this was God’s way of calling us back to Him. As a father who disciplines his child, God disciplined us. He loved us so much that He made a way to call us back. He is so good!

So, by this time, we were at rock bottom. We still had our catering business, but it wasn’t enough. My wife started a small bag manufacturing business, but both businesses could not sustain our family’s needs. I recall having to borrow money from my dad to pay my kids’ tuition fees. He declined to help me, so I had to beg to borrow from my aunt. Several times, we couldn’t pay our utility bills and would fear disconnection at any time. We were at our lowest.

However, amazingly, we had the peace and joy in our hearts. We knew that God would see us through this drought.

In December 2005, we heard the challenge to be a part of the building fund. God impressed it in our hearts to give. My wife had a certain amount in her mind, but she haggled with God. She said that amount was impossible to raise, given our situation. So, she decided to ask me, in the hopes that I would have a smaller amount in mind. To her surprise, God had impressed in my heart the same amount to give.

We took it as a clear calling to pledge that amount by faith, even if it seemed impossible to give. We decided to fulfill that pledge in a year, because we were excited to see how God would make it happen.

We had a major catering event a month afterward, and because it was January, we wanted to start right all over again. We decided to give all of our profits for that catering gig. We were very tempted to just give 10% because we really needed the money to pay bills, but we took to heart and believed in Proverbs 3:9-11: “honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Weeks after, God did three amazing miracles for us. First, business started pouring in for our catering. It was flourishing like never before; we were now catering, not just to hundreds, but to thousands throughout 2006. Second, my wife’s small bag business grew and grew. As she got paid for each order, she would immediately set aside and give her tithe and a portion for the building fund pledge. (The same was done with our catering earnings as well.) From our dream of supplying just a few hundred bags, she was now supplying by the thousands to well-known establishments in Manila throughout 2006.

By the end of that year, exactly a year from when we made our pledge, we were able to complete and give the full amount God had impressed in our hearts to give.

As for the third miracle, when 2006 began, we had an outstanding debt of over ₱2-Million to pay from the loss of our businesses. By January 2007, we were finally debt-free!

All this happened within the year of fulfilling our pledge to the building fund! Praise God who is able to supply exceedingly and abundantly all we need if we honor Him and put Him first!

Let’s go back to my father. Our D-Group meets in our ancestral home every Thursday. My mom would generously prepare dinner for the group before we began Bible study. She and my two sisters used to be my worst persecutors; now, they were also growing in the Lord because of our weekly Bible studies.

When my dad heard of this, he ordered for us to stop the Bible study and threatened to stop my mother’s grocery allowance if we continued. We didn’t tell the group about it, but we kept on praying for him fervently. Several times, we prayed a prayer that Pastor JP taught us — for God to do whatever it takes to save my dad.

On two occasions, when I visited my dad, he asked me what I would do if he left me an inheritance. He wanted to know if I would give 10% tithe to my church even if I didn’t really earn it, because it was just given to me. To this I replied, “Yes, I would have to give, because everything belongs to God, and all He asks for is the 10%; and because it is written in the Bible.” My father was furious and told me several times that I would not get any inheritance from him.

He also asked my then ten-year-old son the same question, and my son answered, yes, he would give his tithe. This made my dad very mad about my faith. But it did not bother us, because we knew that our Father in heaven has the best inheritance kept for me and my family.

Then, God in His goodness heard our prayers. In January 2006, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We had heard that this type of cancer grows very fast. My dad was given a year to make things right. While at his sickbed, I would always lead him to prayers, encouraging him and telling him that God loves him and wants to have a relationship with him, if he would just open his heart. In the months that followed, whenever I visited my dad, he wouldn’t let me leave until we had all prayed together with him.

On one occasion, when we were planning to transfer him to another hospital, I asked him whom he wanted would accompany him to the new hospital. He answered that he wanted Jesus to accompany him. On yet another occasion, I told him that we would have to take him to the US for further treatments because we were getting desperate already. He put my own faith to shame by answering me that Jesus would not let him down. He finally knew that God was in control of everything. In his last days, my dad said that he already wanted to be with Jesus, and in December 2006, he went home to our Savior.

A month later, I tithed from my inheritance. This time, I knew that while I was giving it, my dad was smiling from heaven, because it was for the furtherance of the kingdom.

During my visits to the hospital, while I prayed with and shared the love of Jesus with my dad, his mistress would always be beside us and listening to everything I said. Soon, she too accepted Jesus Christ into her heart and prayed the repentance prayer with us.

I asked her to make things right with my mom by apologizing for the pain she had caused my mother. She took courage, humbled herself, and asked my mom for forgiveness. My mother had mentioned that she would never allow that woman to see my dad’s remains or to attend the wake and memorial services. But on Christmas Eve 2006, with my two half-brothers and my dad’s mistress beside my mom and my whole family, we all as one happy family put my dad’s remains to rest.

What seemed impossible, God made possible.

To God be the glory for all the amazing things He has done, Amen!

What I am about to share with you started as a worrisome period in my life. But I am here to declare that God answered our prayers, provided for our financial needs, and even miraculously healed me.

In November 2007, my eldest brother Kuya Noni suffered shortness of breath and chest pains while vacationing in the U.S. He was diagnosed with blocked arteries. He underwent angioplasty, a heart procedure in which six (6) tubes were inserted into his heart to clear the passageway of blood.

The very next month, my second eldest brother Kuya Chito had a heart attack and was declared dead on arrival at the Medical City Hospital. But by God’s amazing grace, he was revived. He also had an angioplasty. Two (2) tubes were inserted in his heart.

Our brother-in-law and family doctor, Dr. Marcelo Esguerra, advised me to have my heart checked. I was the next possible candidate for heart trouble, especially because I am diabetic.

So on February 4, 2008, I had my heart checked. The doctor’s diagnosis was that two major arteries were 80% blocked and a 3rd artery was possibly blocked, too. The solution was, again, angioplasty.

It would cost ₱450,000-₱600,000. But I did not have that much money. The doctor said that the procedure had to be done within the next two months.

I also had to go through a 2D echo diagnostic test and a stress test at the treadmill. But in my physical condition, I was unable to finish the stress test.

My family and I requested prayers from my Discipleship Group, my Bible Study groups, our children’s Discipleship Groups, the CCF Pastoral Care Ministry, and from CCF Pastors. We prayed for God’s financial provision for the angioplasty, my speedy recovery, protection from complications, and God’s miraculous healing.

Within the required two months’ time, God miraculously provided enough funds for the angioplasty!

The doctor had me undergo a nuclear stress test on April 3, before the operation scheduled for the following day. This time the stress test contained a radioactive substance called thallium. (Editor’s Note: Thallium is injected so that special equipment can take pictures of blood flow to the heart.) Surprisingly, I was able to finish the stress test!

The next day, the day of my scheduled angioplasty, I got the result of my nuclear stress test at 9:00 A.M. I immediately brought it to my doctor. He read the result over and over again; he could not believe what he saw.

The Result: MY HEART FUNCTIONED NORMALLY under stress and during rest.

The Verdict: NO NEED FOR THE HEART PROCEDURE !

The Explanation: New, collateral arteries developed to serve as natural bypasses for the clogged arteries.

In other words, GOD PERFORMED THE BY-PASS OPERATION HIMSELF!

To date, my heart is functioning normally, and I follow the doctor’s advice to watch my diet and to do regular exercises.

MY GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!

MY GOD IS A MIRACLE WORKER!

ALL PRAISES TO GOD!

–
Jaime “Jimmy” Bernardo, 58, came to know the Lord in 1986. He works as a Property Manager and is married to Emy with three children. He is a Bible Teacher and a D12 Leader at CCF.

When I got my US Citizenship in June 2007, the next step was to determine the citizenship status of my wife and children. After consulting with several immigration lawyers it was determined that only our daughter Sarah might have a chance at becoming a US citizen instantly. My wife Lynette and other children would have to be petitioned for and go through the immigration process. As part of that process, I would have to establish residence in the US or their petitions would not be approved.

I prayed for God’s guidance, at the same time doing my part, checking airline schedules and asking permission from Ptr. Peter for a leave of absence from CCF. In reply to my written request, he indicated that I try to leave after the CCF Anniversary. This took me by surprise; we had announced that the next major anniversary service would be in 2009, our 25th year.

When Ptr. Peter asked me when I was leaving and told him of my plan to leave on July 20, he asked, “Who will take care of the anniversary service?” I told him that he indicated for me to “try” to leave after, but found out that he actually meant I could leave only after the anniversary. This gave me a heavy heart. I had already arranged practically everything, and the airline mileage I was using were for a seat available July 20.

However, we are taught to submit to our leaders as those ordained by God over us. I began to search for a new flight schedule and begin preparations for the service at the Araneta Coliseum.

I finally got a flight for September 7. My wife liked this because she wanted me to celebrate my 50th birthday in Manila, even if I really did not want to. I wanted to leave September 2, right after I complied with my obligations on the anniversary service. For me, the sooner I left, the better; I would be able to do what I needed to do and be back as soon as possible.

God had other plans.

On my birthday, the Lord took my father-in-law to be with Him. Just as we arrived from a celebratory dinner, we got a phone call that my father-in-law had passed away. What timing God had! I was faced with a dilemma about whether I would go through with my flight on the 7th. All the while, Lynette had been praying that God would take her father while I was still in Manila so that I could do the wake services. This had been his wish.

I called the airline at 3 A.M. and was told that it would be difficult to move my flight because the award ticket had already been issued. Lynette told me that it was okay with her if I really had to go. We slept on it.

At 6 A.M., I called the airline again and told them of my situation. They said that I would not be penalized for re-booking my flight, but the only space available was in Business Class. I did not have enough mileage to get a round trip business class ticket, and they could not issue a “mixed class” ticket either.

Then, it hit me! As a US Citizen, I did not need to buy a round trip ticket. We canceled the round trip ticket and I had enough miles for a one-way business class ticket to the US. I conducted the wake services of my father-in-law, tied up some other loose ends, and left Manila on September 11. I don’t think many Americans want to travel on 9/11.

When I got to Los Angeles, I began looking for employment — any employment that would satisfy my residency requirements. I searched the Internet and sent my resume to any and all companies with vacancies. My brother, who went ahead of me, spent six months in Las Vegas looking for a job and simply decided to go back to Manila on Septemer 15 because he could not find one. I applied with the US government, an Air Cargo firm, as an Administrative Assistant, as Assistant to a real estate broker, assistant to a finance manager, and even as an assistant to a movie producer. I sent applications to other churches who advertised and also the Evangelical Christian Credit Union. Only one replied back, and it was in the negative.

I then remembered Ptr. Gene Wood. I did not know the name of his church except that it had “Grace” and “Glendora.” I googled the name and got to their website. Because I did not know him that well and I did not have his e-mail address, I used their “contact us” section. I just told Ptr. Gene that I was in the US establishing my domicile and that if he knew of anyone in need of my services, then I was attaching my resume.

I picked up my brother from his friend’s house so that he could spend some time with me before I brought him to the airport on Tuesday morning. We went to Grace Church of Glendora, which was close to his friend’s house. I went to Ptr. Gene after his message and exchanged pleasantries without mentioning my e-mail or why I was there.

I opened my e-mail the next morning and got a reply from Ptr. Gene. He invited me to lunch for a proper warm welcome to California. I had to schedule to borrow a car and was finally able to meet Ptr. Gene over lunch. He asked me what my plans were and I told him outright that I was on leave from CCF and that I had to comply with certain Government requirements. As to my future, I told him that I only want to secure an opportunity for my kids to be able to live in the US if they wanted to. Nothing more, nothing less.

He seemed amused at the timing because someone at grace had just left, and my background seemed to fit the vacuum that was created. He said that this might be a “God thing” and that it would be something to pray about. We finished lunch. As he walked me back to my car, he said, “Give me a number,” and then we might discuss the details of some kind of employment. I discussed the numbers with my brother-in-law and sent an email to Ptr. Gene the next day.

I didn’t get a reply from him until after four days because he had been helping his son Tony with moving. When I did get his reply, he said that the amount I suggested was not a problem and that we had to meet to discuss my duties and responsibilities at Grace Church. I was soon introduced to the staff and then to the Board of Elders and began reporting to work on October 6, 2008.

What is amazing is that Ptr. Gene said, if I had come earlier, there wouldn’t be any need for me because the guy who left would still be there. If I had come later, there wouldn’t be any need for me because the vacancy would most probably be filled. It is indeed a “God thing!”

Who would have expected that I would be gainfully employed, within only three weeks of my arrival in the US, when others are going back home because they cannot find a job?

Who would expect that my brother-in-law, who hesitated to sell me his old car, would bring me with him for a test drive for a new car and decide on the spot to sell me his old one, just in time for me to have transportation to meet the staff and board of elders of Grace Church?

Who would expect that I would be able to comply with domicile requirements and serve God at the same time, by being employed at Grace Church?

Answer: only GOD!

If I had insisted on my schedule, I would not be where I was needed at the right time. I would have probably spent more time looking for work and ended up doing some menial task in eking out a livelihood and fulfilling domicile requirements some other way. Yet I find myself to be right smack in the center of God’s will for me as He has shown me time and time again that there is much blessing in obedience.

As additional blessings, God has allowed our daughter Sarah to be sworn in as a US Citizen last November 3 without hassle from the INS. They initially questioned my own citizenship and the citizenship of my late father. But because God is in control of all the authorities, He allowed me to just have my US passport photocopied, and before we knew it my daughter and my niece were already being sworn in. We even had to scramble for the camera because we were all taken by surprise!

God has also allowed Lynette to be with me for the Christmas Holiday and return to Manila to spend New Year’s with our children. I know this is all God’s handiwork and I am just so blessed to see all this unfolding before my very eyes.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Insong Nolan

Linda Arrienda tells us about the Lord’s providence in her commitment to give to him.