I am Jennifer David but everyone calls me “Jing”. I’ve been working at Hope for the Island for over nine years already. I was part of pioneering the ministry of HOPE. Back then life was very hard and not really enjoyable. Being the very first worker was challenging physically, emotionally and spiritually. Learning to work with foreigners (Derek and Jenn) was a new experience for me. Also there were so many attacks as we tried to open the Word of God in a place with many spiritual strongholds. In those days I thought I would not make it.
Kuya Derek says pioneering HOPE was like trying to dig through concrete. Very hard, slow progress and lots of patience. Through that time God never forsake us as He promised. He keeps reminding me that He has plans and purposes for me in this new place He called me. In my heart I was so certain that God called me to join HOPE. Everything I prayed for God answered and revealed Himself true. So in spite of intense struggles, deep inside I have peace. Trials became a faith training ground where I learned to trust God and experience His goodness.
Being at HOPE for this long allowed me to grow spiritually. I have been encouraged and challenged towards maturity by the leaders. At HOPE my eyes were opened to what it really means to be a Christian. Although I grew up surrounded by Christianity, I did not grasp what it truly means for my life. It is not about religion or works or just knowledge, but having that intimate relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit leads me to grow in my ability to live out the greatest command in loving God and reaching out with His love for others. Every year that passes bring with it struggles but in each moment God’s grace abounds in and through me. I thank God for how He sustains me here and pray He alone gets glory and praises!
