JUST call me Elle. I am using a pseudonym to protect the privacy of the people, especially my family, involved in my story.

I must admit at the outset, I would not be the kind my loved ones would be proud of.

I was a lazy kid, procrastinating in doing household chores, hardly motivated to attend to my studies. There were times when I forgot about my homework, so I would submit nothing the next day.

Along the way, I became pregnant, and… sorry, I am not really comfortable sharing this part of my life.

By Divine Grace, as I struggled with my pregnancy, I got to know a social worker from Bethany, a shelter for children who have no family or have been abandoned by their parents.

And the social worker introduced me to Grace To Be Born. Thus began my new life of dignity and spiritual nourishment through Holy Mass, like above, prayer gatherings, and pastoral care.

Trustworthy Message

On June 27, 2022, my father, my uncle, and the social worker brought me to Grace To Be Born.

Grace kindly, warmly accepted me, and life has never been better for me as I live here.

First, I found a loving family— the Admin leaders, personnel, health care volunteers, social workers — heroic front liners all— and my co-beneficiaries.

Second, I love the lessons I’ve learned. Grace has taught me the real value of life and so, I’ve been able to accept and nurture the baby in my womb.

Third, I really appreciate the livelihood training courses Grace provides, preparing me to fend for myself and my baby when we go and live in the world outside.

And fourth, the best ever, I treasure the spiritual nourishment I get from the Holy Mass, the Light of Jesus Family’s faith gathering, The Feast, the pastoral care, and all.

I learned from a preacher that

I cannot learn lessons in life if I cannot pay attention to God and praise and serve Him.

I’ve been spiritually awakened here as I’ve come to know Jesus and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. I’m so amazed that He loves me and He has forgiven me!

Here, I learned what is now my favorite Bible verse, Titus 1:9: “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

For me, first among “others” in that verse is my baby to whom I hope to pass on lessons I am learning in Grace.

Praise and glory to God!

— As told to Cybill P. Bayto