"JOEL"

It was way back 2012 when I chose Feast Ortigas as the place of my service where I became part of the Warmth Ministry. Back then, I do not know anything much about the community or how to give your 100% service to God wholeheartedly. When I was introduced to this guy, there's a sense of being "kuya" in him that clicked on me. Its like he's saying that you are accepted here and that you are loved here. And instantly at that moment, Feast Ortigas became my family. He showed me that serving God need not to be perfect. You don't need to be stressed or worry to much. Instead, serving God is actually fun as long as you are sincere in what you do. He also taught us that when serving God, people might not applaude you but He who knows everything always sees your efforts in what you do. After several after-Feast dinners, going to different places, attending several Feast Ortigas related seminars and after one-on-one meetings, I can truly say that he is like a true Brother to me. We might not hangout as often as before but the one thing that makes Bro. Joel different is that he constantly assures me that he is just one message away when I ask questions or someone to talk to. He never forces me to be ok when I'm not. He never uses any bible verses or deep theological words just to appease me. Instead, he just listens. I never felt any judgement from him, and instead He just reiterates what I already know and learned from the community. That God loves me. That God delights in me. And that God is always the end goal of everything that we do. He is not perfect of course, nevertheless Bro. Joel, just like what I have said earlier - whatever growth that I'll be attaining in the next few years in LOJ, I will always and forever be thankful to you (and also Bro. JPaul..) You were the first person who believe that I can be more! You always make me feel that God is proud of me even the slightest service that I did. You became my first KUYA in the community whom I know I can confide anytime. And as you continue to inspire other people as a Builder of Feast Ortigas, I pray that God will also continue to shower you with joy, peace, blessings, love till you overflow... Thank you once again kuya!

#Blessed #NotJustFriendButFamily