A Son’s Unwavering Faith

A Son’s Unwavering Faith

Lowell Ramos“You keep going to these things, but you still haven’t changed!” Twenty-year old Lowell Ramos recalls these words were often hurled at him by his mother, Nanay Tarcy, whenever they had disagreements. She didn’t approve of him attending youth services at Victory Cabanatuan because of her preconceived notions about Christian culture. She also thought Lowell was just wasting his time. After all, he wasn’t exactly the epitome of obedience. His mother knew that he spent time drinking and cutting classes to hang out with his friends. He lived by his rules alone, and had no regard for discipline and responsibilities.

For Lowell, however, that’s all part of his past. Ever since he attended a youth service after being invited by a friend, his life drastically changed. “After the service, I was invited to attend a life group,” Lowell narrates. “Someone asked me if I wanted to do ONE 2 ONE, and I knew that I needed it, so I said yes.”

It was during ONE 2 ONE when Lowell encountered Jesus, and all his questions about his purpose and direction were finally answered. While consistently attending Victory group meetings, he learned more about God’s word and promises.

Lowell and NanayHe also learned how to handle persecution at home. Being the only Christian in their family, Lowell wanted nothing more but salvation for all his family members. “That had always been my cry to God,” he reveals, “But my family knew about my past, so I understand why it was hard for them to believe me,” he shares.

There were times he was tempted to give up, especially when his faith would become the cause of their disputes at home. He was also challenged to debates, but he kept quiet, because he knew it wasn’t the best way to engage them. “I just continued praying for them, especially Nanay,” Lowell says, “I know I am Christ’s ambassador–outside, and especially at home.”

Eventually, Lowell started leading other people to ONE 2 ONE. He also started his own Victory group, composed of fellow college students from his school, Wesleyan University. Last May 2015, he was also given the opportunity to join a Ten Days mission trip to Thailand. With all these positive changes happening in his life, Lowell wanted nothing more than to share it with his family. He didn’t stop, literally praying over his family while they slept.

God knew the desires of Lowell’s heart because last January, after prayer and fasting week, Nanay Tarcy finally asked him about Victory. “She was curious why I spend a lot of time there,” he shares, “So I told her about my ministry. I told her my testimony, how God changed me.” Lowell mustered the courage and asked his mother to join him at the worship service the following Sunday. To his surprise, she said yes.

>That day at the worship service, after Lowell prayed for her for nearly four years, Nanay Tarcy received Jesus as her Lord and Savior. “I was overwhelmed with joy!” Lowell exclaims, “At the start of the year, I dared to believe God for the salvation of my mother, and now a week after prayer and fasting, He answers it!”

Nanay's Victory GroupThe Sunday worship service became a regular routine for both mother and son. They praised God together, sang worship songs together, and also studied God’s word together. Today, Nanay Tarcy is now part of a Victory group and is being discipled through One 2 One. From someone who used to persecute him, she is now Lowell’s biggest supporter as he disciples other people and lead them to Christ.

Last mid-year prayer and fasting week, she and Lowell dared to believe God together for the salvation of the rest of their family. “God’s grace extends beyond you. It extends to your family, too!” Lowell says when asked what God has revealed to Him through this experience. He continues to pray for the salvation of the rest of his family. This time, he has Nanay Tarcy by his side and together, they’re daring to believe God for more.

Typhoon Pedring Update: How Can we Help?

Typhoon Pedring Update: How Can we Help?

On Tuesday, September 27, tropical storm Pedring raged into Philippine land, with the provinces of Central Luzon being the hardest hit in our nation, due to the strong wind and rains.

The province of Bulacan was declared under state of calamity. Countless families lost their homes and main roads were impassable due to floodwaters.

Let us see what we can do to help! Right now, Victory Malolos is spearheading relief operations in Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong in Bulacan. Their center is open as a temporary shelter for evacuations. To know how you can help, please call the following numbers:

  • 0922 8512794
  • 0917 8002794
  • 0920 9512794
  • (044) 896 1615

 

Victory Caloocan is open to receive donations in kind (clothes, beddings, instant noodles, canned goods, and bottled water) to be sent to Malolos. You may also send your donations directly to Victory Malolos at 2nd flr. Balaga Bldg., Dakila, Malolos City, 3000.

Cash donations can also be deposited through PS Bank Paseo del Congresso Malolos in this account:

  • Account name: Victory Christian Fellowship of Malolos, Inc.
  • Account number: 0281 1200 1353

You may also take part in Victory Cabanatuan’s Crisis and Calamity Ministry,  for rescue and relief operations, as well as in clean-up campaigns and medical assistance. More details are available by contacting 0915 8914208.

Let’s pray for our brothers and sisters in Central Luzon who have been struck by the typhoon, and for the men and women who have volunteered their time and resources to help in relief operations.

Thank you for your generosity! We believe that as you have refreshed others, you will be blessed in return.

Note: By contributing to this project, ministry partners acknowledge that funds given to Every Nation will be directed to provide assistance to those affected by this disaster, and redirected, as necessary, should the funds contributed be in excess of the need. Every Nation partners as well with other non-government organizations who work in these areas.