“I would sneak from my parents just to watch 700 Club Asia,” recalls Lt. Jefferson Algarne of his pre-officer days at the Philippine Army. He had chanced upon an episode while surfing channels and was hooked ever since.

“The prayer time was a big deal for me. I would become serious. Sometimes I cried.”

These initial and heartfelt encounters with The 700 Club Asia has deeply ingrained in Jefferson the importance and joy of helping others. From then on, he had given whatever he can to be part of God’s grand idea to bless lesser fortunate individuals.

“If I can afford it, I give a minimum of P100 ($2.5). But if my earnings are higher, I give P500 ($12.5),” he says. “I am encouraged whenever I receive letters and find out how I am helping others. It may only be a hundred pesos but I know it helps a lot.”

Jefferson is not oblivious to the plight of fellow Filipinos. Being a soldier, he has traveled through back roads and remote provinces and has seen the poorest of the poor families. His heart grieved at the rawness of what he saw.

Last November, after four years of giving, Jefferson finally came face to face with CBN Asia. He has been tasked by his superior to take charge of the security needs of a humanitarian organization in Compostela Valley, a province south of the Philippines. Little did he know that it was Operation Blessing, the humanitarian arm of CBN Asia, on a medical mission and livelihood turnover!

“At first I didn’t know who they were. But when I saw the shirt of one of the staff, I said, ah, so this is the Operation Blessing that I have been helping.”

For years, Jefferson had given in faith and by faith, as he had also consistently offered to God his personal requests. So in the midst of this sacrificial giving, when God had brought his promotion as an Army officer, he was ecstatic.

“I cannot completely explain but even if you do not desire a blessing in exchange for your sacrifice, it will definitely happen. God will give you his blessings no matter what.”