Filipinos are without a doubt among the happiest people in the world. A joyful spirit and a resilient nature will always be part of who we are. This is especially true for Jennelyn Redoña, a CCT Multipurpose Cooperative community partner from Tacloban City. In front of her house was a small sari-sari store filled with goods, vegetables and spices. As we walked in, we were greeted by the sincerest smile we had ever seen. It was a smile from Jenedel, Jennelyn’s youngest daughter. It did not take us long to realize that Jenedel was one extraordinary child. Diagnosed with Autism, the 8- year old girl loitered boisterously in the living room, mirroring her mom’s genuine smile at all times. Little did we know that behind those beautiful smiles were years of troubles and afflictions.
It was November, 2013 when one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded – Super typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Bagyong Yolanda – destroyed their house in Anibong, Tacloban. Back then, Jennelyn used to buy and sell goods for a living using a small capital borrowed from local bumbays (Indian migrants who lend money with a 20% interest). Realizing that it was unsustainable, Jen stopped her buy and sell business. But she never stopped dreaming of a successful business. What a blessing it was that a pastor from CCT visited their town and started sharing about the microfinance cooperative as well as its benefits and services – an opportunity that Jennelyn and her family did not waste. “My entire family including my relatives joined immediately. The interest of the money we borrow goes to charitable causes. That’s what we love about CCT,” she shared
From 80 dollars, Jennelyn’s loan grew to 1000 dollars, and she is now selling more goods than ever. But despite all the financial and material benefits she gets, she surprised us with her answer when asked about her biggest dream. “What I want is really simple. My biggest dream really is to learn more of God’s Word. That’s the greatest treasure,” she said, quoting her life verse, Matthew 4:4: “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Only then we understood the reason behind all the smile. Jennelyn recalled God’s faithfulness in her life as He answered her prayer for the healing of Jenedel when she was still a baby. “Jenedel had a hole in her heart. My child couldn’t breathe and it was very painful to see. I remember crying out to the Lord so hardly. I had faith in Him. And wiithout any medication, Jenedel’s heart healed the exact day she turned 1-year old.” Truly, God is still in the business of wonders and healing. Jennelyn’s testimony is a solid evidence that God’s hand is always upon us who believe, and that His mighty presence is more than enough to give us joy in the midst of difficulties.