Christmas is coming, and for many people, it’s a season of celebration, giving and receiving gifts.

For others, it’s a season of grieving.

Like coping with the loss of a loved one and recovering from a financial crisis.

Or a mother’s desperate cry to have a child, like Joanna Bautista.

Joanna always dreamed of being a mother. Sadly, her condition of having adenomyosis didn’t make it easy.

“I would bleed for a month, and it will stop only for two weeks,” she said.

Still, she went through many painful years of doctors’ appointments and different treatments. She and her husband, Rambo, tried their best.

Even when the first three doctors said she had a 20% chance of having a baby, they waited for a positive result day in and day out.

After weeks of waiting, there was still no answer. Weeks became months, and months turned into years– she’s still not pregnant.

No words could describe how devastated she was.

Joanna grew tired of always trying and doing her best but never receiving her desired result.

So, she stopped hoping and stopped dreaming of having her own child.

How about you? Are you in a desperate plea for help? Do you feel like nothing good will ever happen to you?

It was like that for Joanna, too.

But when all hope seems lost, a glimmer of light shines through during the most unexpected moments in life.

Joanna stumbled upon The 700 Club Asia’s episode and as if it was planned, host Mari Kaimo declared this prayer: “The Lord is going to open your womb, and He’s going to give you that baby that you’ve been hoping and praying and dreaming about. In the name of Jesus.”

It was as if that prayer was specifically for her, so she claimed it!

Since then, it became a part of her life to watch the show every night. She was inspired by how the CBN Asia Family of Ministries was used by God to change the lives of people. She was so touched that it encouraged her to donate consistently.

And God, being the generous Father that He is, also blessed the couple beyond measure.

They were blessed with a new home and a car.

Joanna’s dream of having a baby rekindled, too. So, they went to another doctor and had a consultation. She was told to take a pregnancy test.

While lying in the hospital bed waiting for the doctor’s evaluation, she didn’t know what to think. But later, she heard the words she has dreamt of hearing for many years.

“It was positive.”

Still shocked, she rose from the hospital bed and asked the doctor if she heard him right. She couldn’t believe it at first!

“That was the only time I experienced tears of joy,” Joanna recalled. She learned how to trust God’s ways and surrendered everything to Him.

That’s why even when she had a sensitive pregnancy and gave birth to a premature baby, she knew that God is powerful to turn things around for the better.

Indeed, it was true.

Riley Miguel Bautista, God’s gift to the couple Joanna and Rambo, recovered from his condition.

Knowing Joanna’s story proves that when you take delight in the Lord, he will give you your heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4).

You can be a gift to others, too! We welcome you to partner with us in sharing God’s hope with our kababayans.

Do you need someone to pray for your concerns? The CBN Asia Prayer Center is here to listen and pray for you. Call 8-737-0-700.