I AM Gio. As you can see, there’s an arc in front of me that looks like a rainbow just miraculously appearing on this, my picture for this, my sharing.

It’s been said the rainbow is a sign of God’s Presence.*

So, I believe God is here with me as I write this– which, come to think of it, is His story as our God of Love.

Here goes…

I was born on January 21, 1957, in Macalelon, Quezon, the fourth among six children.

My parents blessed me with a good education– elementary grades at the Macalelon Elementary School; high school at the Arellano University, Sta. Ana, Manila; and college also at Arellano University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, major in Accounting.

*The Book of Genesis, Chapters 6-9, narrates that ten generations after the time of Adam and Eve, the Earth became corrupt and filled with violence. God thus decided to destroy the Earth through a massive flood. God, however, saved a righteous man, Noah, and his clan. Then God made a covenant with Noah:

Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood, never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth…I have placed my rainbow in the clouds…

Yes, the rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth. — Genesis 9:14-16.

Life Happens…

Here, I sit and look back at my past life … I married twice.

In my first marriage, we were blessed with two children. Our marriage ended up annulled, for some reason I’d rather not talk about.

Now, in my second marriage, we are blessed with one son.

We used to live in Alabang. Then, I worked in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, for seven years as a secretary in a company…I can no longer remember the company’s name.

My manager in Dubai allowed me to work in Japan as a program facilitator.

I worked there for five years until my manager decided to transfer me back to Dubai.

But I decided to just work as a freelancer. I worked as a freelancer for two years. The job, however, was not along my career path. So, I just decided to go back to the Philippines.

During my stay in the Philippines, I worked as a transport manager at the Manila Peninsula Hotel. But, let’s just say I wasn’t happy with that job, so, I resigned.

Thereafter, I became a licensed broker.

I dedicated my life to working and providing for my beloved family.

But the time came when I just wanted to enjoy my life and my hard-earned money. So, I decided to retire in my early 50s.

And I did enjoy…I became a happy-go-lucky guy. I abused myself and lived for myself without thinking about my family and God. I became selfish throughout.

But as often said, life happens– with twists and turns.

My New Home

At age 57, I suffered a cerebrovascular accident–a stroke. Half of my body was paralyzed, and I was unable to do anything without someone’s assistance.

I did not know what to do, as my life swiftly fell, hitting rock bottom. Neither did my family know how to take care of me.

My wife was already old. My son already has a family of his own and they had migrated to Sydney, Australia.

I did not want to be a burden to my family, particularly to my wife. So,

I decided to leave her and I went to live with distant relatives who kindly allowed me to stay with them– temporarily. With families of their own and limited resources, even my relatives could not take care of me.

I have five siblings but the first two already joined our Creator. I have no idea as to the whereabouts of my three other siblings.

But yes, God is Good. By His Divine Design, I happened to have a friend who happened to know about Anawim. She referred me to Anawim and Anawim kindly welcomed me.

I was accepted on December 15, 2022. Anawim is my Home now where I am embraced with unconditional love.

I am so grateful to Anawim for supporting me. I’ve received blessings more than I imagined– shelter, meals, medicines, dental care, and regular exercise to keep me strong.

Another blessing: joyful fellowship with my co-residents. I am an introvert but here, their love and the loving caring of Anawim leaders, personnel, servants gently encouraged me to come out of my shell.

Fulfilled Promise

Above all, I met Jesus– or He came and met me just where I was. And I’ve found peace in Him through Anawim.

Here, I learned this verse, Isaiah 43:2, which I’ve felt God speaks just for me:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

And He truly fulfills this promise to me in Anawim.

Glory to God!

This story was first published in the Feast Family Online News Magazine.

Published by THE FEAST MERCY MINSTRY (April 21 , 2024)