Patti Angel Honera, or fondly called Pach, started the year by committing her life to the Lord. The way she discovered the church is actually something that would help all of us rethink on how we utilize the digital space. For Pach, it all began when she saw a disciple’s Instagram story, which became another way for the church to evangelize since the pandemic started (when we adapted from face to face to virtual modality). 

Patti’s family started persecuting her while she was still in the middle of her bible study...she was even threatened to be kicked out of the house if she ever decided to be baptized. Yet that did not stop her. Patti’s resiliency and thirst in having a relationship with God made her fight for her faith and she was then baptized on January 10 2021. True enough, Patti was forced to leave their home the day after she was baptized. Thankfully the sisters continued to support her and helped her find a place to live in temporarily. Patti was soon allowed to go back to their house but her family continued to persecute her.  

Another heart-wrenching moment happened to Pach this year, she tested positive for COVID-19. The ministry she belongs to attempted to lighten her burden and show their love by giving her some groceries. Unfortunately, her mother gave it to somebody else when she learned that it was from the church. Upon learning what her mother did, Pach felt really discouraged.

Not long after, Pach’s mother also got sick of COVID-19. The church did not hesitate to help their family again by giving groceries along with providing an oxygen tank. This time, her mother opened her heart and accepted the help extended to them and felt very thankful. She voiced out her realizations, that apart from a few of her friends, the church where her daughter Pach belongs to were the only people who helped them during her times of need.

God is truly amazing because Pach is no longer being persecuted! To add on that praise report, Pach’s grandmother was greatly and positively impacted by the disciples. She has started studying the bible and is currently on the Cross study. Let us all pray that she’ll persevere and see God’s love, the way Pach did.

Just like what we read in the bible, God uses brokenness for his Glory. We just have to keep the faith that God is always with us even in our silent battles.

“I’m personally grateful to witness stories like these that says something about how resilient disciples are. That despite the many challenges, Gospel is still being spread. Thank you everyone and to God be the glory.” - Christian Gonzales