"My desire to play cards and gamble began to slowly fade. At first it was a struggle, but now I have totally stopped gambling and I faithfully attend the Bible Study."

- Roda de los Angeles

My name is Roda de los Angeles. I am married and have 4 children. I work as a hired helper washing clothes around my neighborhood. Before my son, Lester, attended the CCMP feeding station, I would spend all of my free time after work playing cards (gambling). I participated in this everyday and it caused my husband and I to quarrel always.

At first, I just would send my son Lester with our neighbor to the feeding station. But then when I started attending the Bible Study that was held for the parents of the children that attended the feeding station, I opened up and began to share about the quarreling between my husband and I. Little by little I began to understand that gambling is not pleasing to God. Even so, I still continued with playing cards.

Soon after, we attended a church service in our barangay. As I entered the church building, I sensed God was there in that building. Before the end of the service, I was praying and was slain in the Holy Spirit. I literally felt that the Lord was embracing me at that time.

My desire to play cards and gamble began to slowly fade. At first it was a struggle, but now I have totally stopped gambling and I faithfully attend the Bible Study. Many ridicule me and call me a fool. Some say I am only going for the food and snacks provided. I continue to press on. It is my desire to grow more in the grace of God. I always challenge those who persecute me to come with me to church so they can also experience what I have experienced.

I give more time now to the needs of my family. Praise God that my son, Lester, is doing so much better now because of the nutritious food, vitamins and deworming medication that he is receiving. When he was dewormed, many worms came out of him. His eating habits are improving and he’s doing wonderful with memorizing scripture verses.

Thank you very much for everything that you have given to us. God bless you all!

P.S. I now know how to pray. Not the memorized one I used to say with the Catholic repetitive prayer. Thanks to Jesus!!