From Lack to Love

By JOHN IVERSON LUGAY

I AM a Sunday School teacher. I teach children Bible Stories from where they can learn wholesome Christian living.

Perhaps my calling is really teaching because the course I am taking today is a preparation for the Ministry that the Lord has entrusted to me. Experiences that I have gone through so far— even the trials– are indeed steps towards my calling.

First, we are a family of modest means. My father Oliver is a fisherman, my mother Editha is a housewife taking care of my two siblings and me.

Early on, I could hear my parents the importance of education, what they hoped the best ever inheritance they could give us kids. In the same breath, I could hear them wondering if they would ever afford to send us to college.

I was then a graduating Grade 12 student dreaming of getting an Education course to teach children knowledge as well as virtues to be successful in life.

Answered Prayer

Second, our financial lack actually led us to experience God’s unconditional love and wonderful blessings.

By the grace of the Lord, my mother happened to have a friend who’s an employee at the Pag-asa ng Pamilya Scholarship Foundation. She’s Ma’am Karen Tirados. She told my mother I should try and apply for the scholarship for college. She told me the requirements and I promptly prepared all of them. And I prayed hard that I would qualify.

And, answered prayer: I am one of the Foundation’s chosen ones.

And then, Light and Color

Pag-asa has given my life and that of my family light and color.

Here’s a photo I took with my classmates, during a fun group activity assignment, from left: Rommel Ditablan, Joicsha Nicole Villarico, Leanna Mae Anis, Renso Angelo Olimpo, Donna Mae Nofuente, Jean Andrea Lanaca, and  Angeline Santos. Below, with my classmates during an online class.

Not only has Pag-asa helped me with my financial needs, it has also helped me with my emotional and spiritual growth.

I learn so much during meetings with the members of the Board of Directors and my co-scholars.

With the Coronavirus Pandemic and the consequent quarantines, we now have limited face-to-face meetings. But I learn more from my Pag-asa community as we continue to meet online (above).

It has become a way of life for us to share each other’s life stories, inspiring messages such as what’s now my favorite guiding verse, Isaiah 41:10:

“I am with you; be not afraid. I am your God, fear not. I will strengthen you and help you, protect you, and save you.”

I have experienced that this promise of the Lord is true. He has encouraged me when I am afraid, He has helped me when I am in danger, yes, always keeping me safe.

Although life is hard, it is not an obstacle for us to achieve our dreams. Always remember that there is a God who is always there and He uses various means for us to overcome the challenges of life.

And the Pag-asa ng Pamilya scholarship for me is clear and present proof He is my faithful provider.

Indeed, God is so good and has no equal. I am deeply grateful