Every once and a while we are blessed to get feedback and testimonies from those God allows us to minister to. Below is an unedited testimony shared by a woman who is dear to our heart.
Marlyn
My name is Marlyn Espanto, a single parent of 7 children.Year 2004 when my husband decided to work in Manila because life is hard here in the province. Since the time he left he never came back for us again. Later on I found out that he is already living in with another woman and never even thought of us, his family.
I don’t know what to do, having to feed 5 children under me since my eldest is already married and is living in another city, and the other one is a working student in Manila also. I started harboring hatred in my heart and then I started to learn how to drink, then neglecting my own kids as well.
One day I just noticed that Joe one of my sons is always not at home during Saturdays. I usually scold him even spank him. One time tried to look for him and to my surprise I found him here at Hope for the Island. I saw him listening to the words of God together with the other kids and led by a staff from Hope.
I cannot spank him nor scold him since then because for the first time again in a long time I have seen my son happy with all the smiles and coming home telling us even his other siblings all that he is learning. And his younger siblings taking so much interest as well. It became a joy in my heart hearing my children having those times of stories, and then I realized that I cannot guide them just by myself, so why not let God work out in the hearts of my kids through the Hope kids Bible study and snack times.
One day Joe shared to his other siblings that we normally forget God when things are all right in our lives. And sometimes trials are helpful to remind us back about God again. Those words pierced my heart and made me decide to stop my drinking and be more attending to my kids. Then I met the couple Derek and Jenn. I shared with them my life and what I can do for a living. I am a trained Masseuse and know reflexology as well. These couple started to introduce me to their other friends for the service I can do, that livened my hope that I can work for a living and provide for my kids. I thank God that situations of life led us to Hope for the Island, helping me raise my other kids without a father beside them, but with a Godly counsel and fear of the Lord, which I know I cannot do if only by myself. Many times I have experienced how Hope is extending help for me who is like a widower and my family. Medical assistance, as I work they also extend their assistance for my kids schooling. Joe is part of the Scholarship program of Hope for the Island. This help is not just being extended to me but to many of those who are in need in this island.
I thank God for Derek’s life for also taking time out in giving guidance to my sons who are also Brison’s friend. He is becoming like a father figure to my children, reminding them and talking to them like that of a Father, as he would to his own son Brison. He has been doing this since my eldest son Joe was still part of the kids and now that he is already part of the young people. Now, I don’t feel alone. I feel like having a family around me, helping me and just there ready to assist me.
I am thankful to you Lord for allowing us to hear and experience your words through the right people and right channel the Hope for the Island. I have seen that they are not just teaching the little children of God’s words but even older people like me are always getting encouragements and learning God’s words from all of them, even from their leaders.
