Back in Spiritual Home, Strengthened and Loved

I am Maria Eva B. Bautista, and my cell leader is Analyn Alarcon. I felt that I was worthless, fearful, nobody and a mistake – until I received Jesus as my Savior.

When I was 9, I helped my mother, selling food to our neighborhood. My father was a great provider for our family. However, when I was 10 years old, my Father suddenly changed. He became a drunkard, and became strict and abusive to us. He beat me with anything he could find: belts, slippers, shoes… a stick… even the branch of a tree.

When I was 16, I was not allowed suitors. Once, a suitor came to my house to visit, but my father beat him too. I felt ashamed about what happened. 5 years later, he was still angry about what happened. These pains and hardships made me want to die. When I was in college, was eventually set free and allowed to take a job instead. I became a rebellious daughter, always smoking and drinking hard liquor. I was a disgrace to my father, who would shame me in front of my siblings, saying “Look at your sister! She did not finish her college and nothing good will happen to her.”

Until I met my husband, who comforted me. He said “I will not judge you, I love you. Let me help you.” He is a wonderful husband, who helped release me from my addictions to alcohol and tobacco.

Now, I am happily married with 3 kids. I praise God for getting me a job in Hong Kong, and my employer brought me here to 611 ANEW. In that service, I sat there crying and crying until the end of the service. I felt that something was embracing me, as if to welcome me home.

After attending church services and cell group for a week, I started to open up myself. In less than one month, I found courage to call my father and ask for his forgiveness. I even said to him, “I love you Papa!”

I thank God that I was baptized on 30 Sept 2018, and I believe that God is with me all the time. I have no fear anymore because I have Jesus in my Life. Glory to God! • [2018.10.21]