Blessings
My Refuge
By CHER CUS
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
I battled crippling depression and anxiety, triggered by childhood trauma including molestation, harassment, and the loss of my brother and mother.
I mistakenly believed my faith meant I shouldn’t feel these emotions, seeing them as sinful.
Joining a church group, The Feast, and their Light Group (LG) was a turning point. Sharing my traumatic past was incredibly difficult, causing physical manifestations of my suppressed emotions.
I almost quit, but the unwavering support from
my LG members, who declared they wouldn’t give up on me, showed me God’s embrace. Their words inspired me not to give up on myself.
The Feast helped me acknowledge my pain and seek professional help.
These strangers became my friends, and The Feast, my refuge.
Depression is a real illness, not a sin. Jesus understands our suffering.
He loves us despite our pain and will never leave us.
Why Me?
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
“Why me?” Sounds familiar? Yes, those two words we often utter when we are asked and tasked to do something outside our comfort zone.
I’ve struggled with my self-esteem since I was a child. I used to be afraid of being noticed or recognized by others. Even if I knew I would be good at something or was interested in it, I was the first person to refuse.
I am my own number one critic. I often feel undeserving of value and unworthy of receiving anything. My mind is clouded with doubts and endless overthinking. But I have thrived in life and matured not just in mind but also in faith. I have agreed with myself to lessen this habit of asking “Why me?” and instead submit my life to God. Now, I see His limitless love for me and the incredible chance to be closer to Jesus through serving in His minis
A Message of Hope
By KIRBY ESTAYAN
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Losing my father left me heartbroken, and a severe battle with COVID-19, pneumonia, and meningitis nearly took my life. I survived but was bedridden for six months.
When a doctor told me the illness had left me with the mind of a seven-year-old, I felt hopeless.
Then, a friend invited me to The Feast. At first, I came for the food. But I stayed because I felt something deeper. The messages felt personal, as if God was speaking directly to me. Even when I only had enough money for transportation, I kept coming back.
Despite my struggle to walk, I was asked to serve at The Feast. I helped by organizing and taping cables– a difficult task– but I later understood it was part of my journey.
The Feast gave me many responsibilities.
My biggest question was: “Bakit ako? Why me?” I eventually realized my co-servants were the people I needed for my healing. Even while I was still recovering, I gave my all.
God told me, “Child, I see you differently than that doctor. I know you, and you will do better to glorify My name.”
I became a hardworking and joyful servant. I am now able to lead the Production team with passion and dedication.
Once broken, I now stand as a testimony of hope, proving that with God, nothing is impossible.
Why Me? …from page 5
I began to accept and love myself every day. Every “YES” I say to Him draws me closer to the person He wants me to be. There are times I fall back to the “Why me?” state. Yet God whispers, “Bakit naman hindi ikaw, anak?” (“And why not you, My child?”).
Then there’s peace in my heart, reassured I’m not alone in this journey. The negative thoughts in my head are far from His ways. I know He brought me to this world for a purpose. And every “YES” I say is one step closer to my courage zone.
I am His work in progress. What is there to be shy about?
I stopped asking “Why me?” And now say, “Let Your will be done to me.”