Jesus is True Bread

[Gemma Panigbatan]

A. Pre-conversion:

 I grew up in a poor family and was always bitter about it. I often felt self-pity thinking that I was the most unlucky, miserable and the loneliest child in this world because I could not have what I wanted. I always dreamed of becoming rich, having my own big and luxurious house, cars and having everything I and my family needs and wants. I thought wealth could give me real joy, peace and contentment.

B. Major Spiritual Influence

After passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers,I was hired as an Elementary teacher  in our province but I only worked for one month because I was not satisfied with my salary. I wanted a higher income. So I decided to go to Manila  with only one goal in mind. That is to look for a high paying job so I can fulfill my dreams. As I worked hard towards my goal I got tired and became more miserable because I never found the contentment I was looking for. In the midst of my frustrations and miseries, Jesus came and rescued me. Shepherdess Minda Achera invited me to attend a Sunday Worship Service in UBF Valenzuela where I met Shepherdess Grace Reytos. I started one on one Bible study with her on Genesis 1:1-2, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth. Now the Earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” I learned here that God is my Almighty God who created me with purpose. I found comfort after my Bible study however I still could not discern spiritual truths and so I kept pursuing my goal. One night, I read that passage again and again. I realized God was speaking through my heart. I knew that Genesis 1:1-2 were for me. I could not find fulfillment, real peace and my mind was wondering in the darkness because my hope was on worldly things and not in God. I also realized how unthankful I am that I did not even see God’s great love for me. Since then I became faithful to my 1 to 1 Bible study and decided to obey God’s calling for me. God had filled my empty life with His words and enlightened my mind to see my direction.God spoke to me again on Luke 4:4, "Jesus answered, ‘It is written, “Man does not live on bread alone.”’” I was so moved by this verse "Jesus is my true bread". When I accepted this verse I felt my heart was freed from something that grips my heart so strongly. So I came to God asking forgiveness from all my sins and accepted Jesus as my true Savior and Lord of my life. I realized only Jesus could give me satisfaction.I really thank God for loving and calling a wretched sinner like me to be one of His servants. I also thank God that through His grace I realized that the richness of Jesus' love is far more precious than the wealth of this world.  

C. Prayer Topics:1. I may always thank God.

2. May God help me to grow more in Jesus' grace (prayerful, often meditation on God's word, work hard in preaching the Gospel to many students)

3. I may love God's given sheep including my students.

4. Continue and finish my Master's Degree for God's glory.

5. May God grant me again a teaching position in Public School.

6.May God help my family and friends to come to know Jesus personally

[Derek Andrew Jaegers]

Gemma - 

"Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry..." John 6

Thank and PRAISE GOD for opening your eyes to seeing our Lord Jesus as your TRUE BREAD that was sent from heaven to give you eternal life!!  I am very moved by your testimony of how God crushed all your hopes to become rich on earth so that you can become rich in God's KINGDOM!!  Thanks be to Him for giving you purpose and direction through the help of your precious sisters Minda and Grace.  I am so thankful that I was able to see HIS WORK come out in the form of your readiness and willingness to always help prepare/cook/clean/wash around Valenzuela.  It is so obvious that God's word in living IN YOU, and I am so encouraged when I think about what a blessing you will be to your husband - when the time comes.  

May God hear your prayers and answer them ALL, one by one.  May God continue to use you as a teacher, shepherd and servant to bring HONOR and GLORY to the name of JESUS!!  AMEN!!

Look forward to meeting with you again :)

Your friends, 

Andrew & Arlene

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