Once a Sinner, Now a Servant of God

Education is a basic human right, but for many people, it remains an unreachable dream. It is also considered as an undeserved privilege for families living in poverty who worry more about what they will eat to survive, and don’t have access to quality education.

Like the story of Marian Balmes.

Growing up with seven other siblings, Marian witnessed how her parents constantly fought because of lack of money.

Her father is a farmer, while her mother sells vegetables at the local market. What they could offer to their children was just food on the table and a shelter.

Education was not among the options.

Because of the constant fights between her parents and lack of provision in some cases, Marian felt deprived of parental love and care.

“There came a point that I craved to be taken care of and be loved by a parent,” she shared with tears in her eyes.

But her parents were busy making ends meet.

Thinking that they didn’t care enough for her, Marian grew up hard-hearted and rebelled against her parents.

This affected their family relationships. And when they couldn’t handle it anymore, Marian was sent to her sister’s home in Bulacan.

Little did she know, her life would change the moment she left home.

Marian realized that she needed to do something to change her rebellious ways to have a better life compared to what she grew up in.

For her, education is the answer. She was determined and was willing to change just for her parents to support her financially.

But when they couldn’t, her hope died. When she finally mustered the courage to change, no one showed up to help and support her.

Did you also find yourself in a situation where you knew what you needed to do to change the course of your life, but lacked support?

Were your hopes and dreams once shattered because of your family’s situation?

Did you feel like giving up and was tempted to go back to your old ways?

It was like that for Marian, too.

But thanks be to God, her story didn’t end there!

On the verge of losing hope, her aunt, who is a pastor, encouraged her to sign up to the Back-to-School program of Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm.

This program aims to provide financial help to underprivileged yet deserving students. During the pandemic, this initiative also provided gadgets so that students can attend online classes.

It was in 2019 when Marian’s dream to go to college was answered by God through this very program.

She witnessed firsthand how God can make a way when there seems to be no way, and how God can provide support even when her family couldn’t.

With a renewed hope in her heart, Marian opened her heart to God. She grew a deeper understanding of God’s word. The Lord also softened her heart. That’s why now, she has a good relationship with her family, too.

Marian is in her 2nd year in college, pursuing a degree in elementary education. It’s in her heart to help children who have similar stories like hers.

In her own words, “My way of life changed. The person who was once a sinner, now became a servant of God.”

Are you losing hope in life?

Do you feel like it’s impossible to change your situation?

Bring your concerns to God, for He can and will help you find hope again. So, put your hope in Him. Whether He transforms your heart from a sinner to a servant, or surrounds you with people who can help, God will make a way.

God is a God of hope—this means that those who trust in Him always have reason to be full of hope!

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:5 NLT)

Do you need prayers and encouragement? We are here for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.

You, too, can help students like Marian find hope in God by partnering with us! Visit this page and discover how you can be a blessing today.

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