I want you to meet Hannah. I met Hannah when she was just about 8 or 9 years old. She was at the children's home that I served at in 2011 and 2013-2014. She was and still is a firecracker. We didn't always see eye to eye nor did we always get along. However, when I lived in Malaybalay in 2013, she and I started growing a lot and got to know each other a lot better. She became like a daughter/little sister to me.
Hannah had a lot of anger built up inside of her and didn't trust people very well. It's very understandable because she went through a lot in her young age. It took a lot for her to trust me and open up to me. We hung out together. We baked together. We did each other's hair. I was able to be there for her and kind of mentor her.
I saw how far away from Christ she was. She just didn't understand it. She was hurting and didn't think God was there for her. That's very similar to how I felt as a young person around her age.
Fast forward to July 2019. I came to the Philippines for one month. I got to see my Hannah again. I could tell that God was working on her, and that she was still growing. I had been praying for her and could see that God was planting a seed in her heart. I left the Philippines to go back home knowing that God had a plan for me, and it involved the Philippines and Hannah.
Now, it's 2021 and I am seeing first hand the young woman that God is growing Hannah to be. Is she perfect, no, but none of us are. She is growing up to be such a beautiful young woman, inside and out. She has a huge heart for the Lord and a heart for serving Him. She has a beautiful voice and uses that voice to
help lead worship at our youth events. She is also an intern serving at the ministry center.
I got to be a part of her debut (a birthday celebration for when a young lady turns 18). I also got to help baptize her when she committed her life to the Lord! She is a part of my belong/small group. I've really enjoyed getting be a part of what God is doing in her life.
So why do I want you to meet her? She is an example of why God has called me to the Philippines. Ever since I became a Christian at the age of 16, I've always wanted to
minister to young girls. I just never really knew how God was going to use that desire. I have really seen God's answers to my prayers here in the Philippines. I've gotten to build relationships with so many young ladies, especially with Hannah. If God is calling you to something, open your heart and mind to see/hear how He wants you to fulfill that calling.
Supporters like you help me be able to minister to young people like Hannah. You are a huge part of this ministry. Thank you so much for your impact on my life and this ministry.
God Bless you.
Beautiful story!!