Are you longing for your father’s presence?
JR Etis was.
His dad worked overseas as an OFW, as a result, he navigated his childhood without a strong father figure. Without his dad by his side, JR often felt vulnerable. In addition to this, he was bullied in school. He had no one to stand up for him, no one to run to for protection.
“My classmates would discourage me, saying that I am hopeless and would not graduate,” he shared.
When his father finally retired and returned home, JR was overjoyed. He believed this was his chance to make up for lost time and to bond with his father, to experience what he had longed for all his life.
But that moment never came. Shortly after coming home, his father became sick.
“The doctors told us he had prostate cancer—stage 4. We were completely shocked. There were no signs,” he recalled.
Before JR could truly get to know his father, he passed away.
Because of this, JR sank into deep depression.
Have you ever felt the same way—like the pain is too much to bear, and you have nowhere to turn?
That was JR’s reality. But little did JR know, God was moving.
He had a friend who never gave up on him—constantly encouraging him and sharing the Gospel. That same friend also urged him to watch The 700 Club Asia.
One night, as he tuned in, he heard the host, Peter Kairuz, praying for someone struggling with depression. Something inside him stirred. Deep down, he knew that prayer was for him.
Desperate for help, he called the number on the screen. A prayer counselor answered, prayed over him, and encouraged him to surrender his life to Christ. Right then and there, JR made the decision to accept Jesus into his heart.
“The prayer counselor advised me to attend church, and I followed,” he shared.
And that decision changed everything. His journey with God wasn’t instant, but it was real. Step by step, JR grew in faith. He found strength in God’s Word, healing in His presence, and hope for the future.
Years later, JR has completed his degree in IT. He, too, is working as an OFW—this time in Abu Dhabi, UAE. But more than just building a career, he is building the Kingdom of God.
He now serves as one of the core group leaders in Every Nation Church in Abu Dhabi, helping others find the same hope and healing he once desperately needed.
JR’s story is a testament to God’s faithfulness. No matter how broken you feel, no matter how deep your sorrow—there is hope in Jesus. He can turn your pain into purpose, just like He did for JR.
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” (Psalm 30:11)
Like JR, are you struggling with grief, depression, or loneliness?
You are not alone. Call us today and allow us to journey with you in prayer.
