I'm a Survivor!

Before I start, let me share my favorite Bible verse taken from the book of Psalms 31:24 "Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your Heart, all of you that hope in the Lord".

I'm a survivor and I am blessed. Yes I am! Believe it or not, with God's presence, I have overcome some of the most challenging and painful experiences in my life up to this day. If only I can bring back my childhood years, I will change my life because growing up was not so easy for me. My innocence as a child was coupled with bitterness and hatred for my parents because at an early age, they didn't show me the feeling of being loved. They forced me to work that I really don't like but despite of my personal feeling towards them, I was still a good son.

 
During my high school and college days, I tried to become a good child to my parents. I may not have graduated with honors but I was able to complete my studies without any problems. Jealousy developed between me and my siblings because of my mother. It was because during their graduation my mother accompanied them but in my case, it was my father who accompanied me. I'm happy that my father was there but deep inside, I could have been happier if it was my mother who's on my side when I went up the stage to receive my diploma.

After I graduated in college, I reviewed for my board exam. It was my first turning point of really knowing our God. I failed my first exam and thought of killing myself. Yes, I attempted suicide. It came to a point that I questioned His existence and kept on blaming Him because everything was already planned well after I pass my board exam.

But then God didn't leave me behind. He showed me the meaning of life using people as instruments around me. I became an active member of a Charismatic movement and that was the time I got to know more about Jesus. My parents died years back without me even saying “I love you” and “I'm sorry” to them. I admit that it's the hardest part and I’ve been praying for it every night before I go to bed.

It was 2004 when I arrived here in Dubai and I thought that with a new environment, my life and future will be better here than in the Philippines. I will never forget when God gave me another trial that I thought was the end of my life. On Nov. 22, 2006 while at work. I lost a huge amount of money I withdrew from the bank. I was not yet an SFC member that time but with my faith in God and His presence in my life, my fear of spending and living life behind bars never happened.

Again, He showed me that if I pray and surrender all my worries to Him, nothing is impossible and everything will be back in its proper place. I thought that was the hardest part in my life while working here in Dubai. 

 
I went on vacation in December of last year. My excitement of spending my first Christmas with my family as an OFW was ruined and was replaced with disappointment and heartbreaking situations. Our older sister who lived in Japan didn't understand and questioned me why I joined CFC Singles for Christ. She said the most heartbreaking words that broke my heart and I asked myself if I will still continue to be an active member of SFC when I come back to Dubai.

I have a very good relationship with my older sister but I can’t accept the fact that despite of my explanation about SFC, she still can’t understand. When I came back to Dubai, I didn't show my self to my SFC brothers and sisters because I was still thinking of what happened to me and my sister.

After days and weeks, I realized that I will continue to be an active member of SFC and I will lift up to God my relationship with my sister. Whatever happens in my life now, I just lift it all to God. It is because for me, He is my Protector, my Savior, my Everything. So friends, just be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all of you that hope in the Lord.

By Bro Federico Gamboa
SFC UAE