Josefina is a married mother of two children. The family lives in the Malasugui community in the Philippines. Not long ago, she was extremely introverted with no relationships outside of her home, where she lives with her husband, John, and two teenage children.
“Although I lived in Malasugui for six years, I did not know my neighbors,” Josephina explained.
“My seclusion was mirrored in my children, who also tended not to engage with others. It was sad to me, because I really wanted to share God’s Word with the people in my neighborhood. But I knew they wouldn’t listen to what I would say, because they did not know me.”
So Josefina prayed for an opportunity to connect with her neighbors and the community.
An Answer To Prayer
She learned about Food for the Hungry (FH) programs in her area and slowly became involved. First, she attended community training sessions.
Soon, Josefina was volunteering in many FH activities, including the local values formation classes, the free-range chicken group, and assisting local children with reading remediation. Eventually, she became a volunteer coordinator with FH’s partner church in the community, Miracle of Life International. But the interaction with others was initially very difficult for her.
“My life began to change when I opened my heart for Christ to use me. I had to forget who I am and become who God wants me to be,” she explained. “Then it was possible for me to open up to others.”
Josefina said it keeps her humble to remember that only through God’s grace can she do all these things.
Faith Creates Boldness
“God used these opportunities I’ve gained through FH to unleash my boldness. I am passionate about the love Christ has for every soul in the community, and that makes me bold. And now I am excited to see what God can do for others through me.”
Her entire family now participates in FH activities made possible by the support of child sponsors who sponsor children in the Philippines.
Josefina’s husband works as a volunteer driver, private tutor, and pioneering pastor at the church. Her son has developed teaching skills through his FH volunteer activities. “He once never left the house,” Josefina said. “Now he has many friends.”
Her daughter also became a volunteer kids’ teacher with FH, Josefina said. “She learned that she loves to share her life with others.”
A Beautiful Life
As for Josefina, she says she has discovered that having good relationships and being active in the community makes life beautiful.
“God makes everything beautiful,” she said. “And one of the best parts is, as each of us serves God, we have grown closer as a family.
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