I had to leave my job in the Philippines when an opportunity of going abroad came. I was offered the job through direct-hiring and I am paid above the minimum wage. I told myself that our family did not need to struggle to pay all the bills any more. However, as a single parent, the pain of leaving my three children of six, nine and twelve years of age was really hard to bear. It turned out that I found a nice and loving couple. They brought me to St. Francis Church, Ma On Shan, where I am now a member of the lector group. And now, I have been with them for almost 15 years. I have taken care of their two kids, Feroz and Gayatri, ages 14 and 12. Sometimes I feel bad as I have been away from my children this long. My consolation is that I was able to send them to school and modesty aside, they have never given me any trouble. When a door closed in my life, it caused so much pain. But God has opened so many windows bringing hope and joy to my life.
— Ruby Juan
I n 2017, I was just inside the church when I suddenly collapsed. I was sent to the hospital. At first I thought that it was only a normal headache but when the doctors had their tests conducted they said that I needed to be confined for observation. I was later diagnosed with aneurysm. I was worried and thought perhaps God has forsaken me. During my hospitalisation I always prayed to God to heal me soon. After 29 days of staying in the hospital I learned how to accept the fact that everything in this world is just only temporary and no one can escape death. I realised that I was fully cared by God because that happened while I was inside the church. What if it had occured at a time that I was alone and there would be no one to help me, then perhaps something even worse could have happened. As I reflected on the incident I felt God opened a window for me to remind me to be aware of my health.
— Bernadette Mendoza
When God closes a door, he will surely open a window because God knows what is best for you. The window he opens is the right thing you should have. We should not be disappointed if we don’t get what we want and never lose hope or give up because there is always a better opportunity that is waiting for us. Just hold on to God and he will not forsake you.
— Mhelanie Millano
I got a call one day from my mum telling me that my son was tested positive for dengue virus and at that moment I didn’t know what to do. I was worried. What if it turned out to be the Covid-19 virus? What would I do to comfort my son? How can I go home with all the quarantine procedures? There were lots of questions in my mind until I went to church and prayed. My faith was really tested that moment, especially when I was told that a private hospital refused to admit my son unless he went for a swab test first. I was so hopeless but I never questioned God. I prayed and trusted him more and also asked others for prayers. God is an amazing God! My son was admitted by an infirmary which gave him timely treatment without asking for a swab test. He stayed there for three days until he got well. I was really grateful that even though he had been refused by the first hospital, there was a better one admitting him. God chose a better place for my son to be treated.
— Maricel Tabilin
In 2014, I got pregnant but the doctor told me to abort the baby because I have four big fibroids inside my uterous and it will be a dangerous pregnancy. However I put my trust in God with all my heart and I chose my baby. Then 2015 during my time for cesarean delivery, I saw my weak body on the operating table. And I felt it might be the end. In my heart, I prayed to God and begged him to let me live as I still wanted to stay with my family and take care of my newborn baby. Truly God heard my prayer. He opened.a much bigger window for me. He gave me a chance to enjoy life with my family. If we trust God wholeheartedly with perseverance and humility we will find that God’s window will never be closed on us.
— Gina Quines
My answer is NO. He opens not only a window for me but he opens a door for me for a new beginning. When Covid-19 started, I was so sad. Masses were suspended and our activities were affected. I was worried about my family back in the Philippines specially my youngest son. But I realised that God opened a window to give me calmness and peace in my heart in spite of the difficult situation. Now I can easily talk to my son when I call him, who now stays at home because of quarantine measures, while in the past I could barely find him because he’s always out with his friends. Now we have time to pray the rosary and do the Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayers together virtually. Isn’t it wonderful?
— Elsie Quinzon
When I was in my darkest moments because of the challenges I could no longer cope up with, I felt God has closed the door for me. I did not see the opportunities he gave me. But God in his mighty goodness enlightened me and he opened the window for me through the grace of acceptance. He placed people as his instruments to guide me. My anger was replaced with serenity. I am presently living a peaceful life, contented with the blessings God has showered me with.
— Rizza Mae Zubiaga
