Hello everyone! My name is Jerome, and I am a licensed social worker. I have worked in both government and non-government organizations. Social Work has always been my dream job because it allows me to help the marginalized sectors of society. I studied Social Work in a religious school for four years, graduated in 2005, and received my license the following year. By the time 2024 came I had a wealth of experience and had served in many capacities and in different organizations. I came to the place however feeling burnt out after being in a work environment filled with corruption and vices.
While checking my email, I came across a job post online for a Social Worker position at Hope for the Island, Siargao. This became an opportunity not only to work but also to visit the island and rest. I passed the interview and was hired effective October 1, 2024. To my surprise, it was a virtual social work position. After a month of working remotely, I asked Ate Jennifer if I could visit the organization to better understand its operations and meet the staff. She granted my request. I was warmly welcomed and given a bible because daily the staff studied Gods word together. It is there I came to faith in Christ and loved his word and work. In this new job, I decided to embrace every opportunity for learning and development, not only professionally but also spiritually.
After six months with Hope, I realized how much I had changed. Even my parents noticed my transformation as I spent more time reading the Bible daily. I became involved in Kalinga house, abilities club, widows, youth, children’s ministries. What once was difficult to understand in Scripture—became clear as the Holy Spirit guided me into truth and enabled me to apply it in life and ministry.
In May 2025, I traveled to Surigao city for a meeting and also took the chance to have a medical check-up. Unexpectedly, the results showed that my creatinine level was dangerously high—around 12. My nephrologist immediately advised hospitalization. I was devastated and cried when I returned to Hope, where my family in Christ comforted me. I then informed Ate Jen that I needed to return to Cagayan de Oro for treatment and dialysis, as my family lived there. Leaving Hope was very emotional because the family who brought me to Christ would now be far from me. Still, God blessed me with a prayer partner, Lovejoy, a Hope staff, who supported me through this trial. My first day of admission involved two painful surgeries on my neck and hand. Soon after, I began regular dialysis where I met other patients—including old schoolmates and a Christian friend from Palawan who became my mentor. The first month of dialysis was very difficult. I had to sacrifice work, time, and diet. I lost weight, could barely sleep, and often couldn’t stand on my own. Yet, my Hope family and friends from different countries prayed for me. Their prayers strengthened my faith, and I held firmly to Jesus despite the trials.
Today, I continue to see God’s hand in my life. Through my situation, I discovered a new ministry: praying for and assisting patients in need of hospitalization, surgery, or medicine. With the help of connections I have been able to help others access free medical assistance. This self-fulfillment comes not only from providing for their physical needs but also from sharing the Gospel and praying with them. I now dedicate this new ministry to God, praying for more souls and more patients to come to know Jesus. Even in my weakness, I have found my greatest strength in Him
Please join me in prayer for a kidney donor as well as more patients to be saved and join the ministry 🙂
Jerome
