FAMILY BONDING IN CRISIS

It was during the early days of the enhanced community quarantine when my cousin from Canada asked me to help her start an online bible study with our family. Everyone is in the comfort of his/her home. Some of them are bored, some are doing an all-day movie or TV series marathon, or they are just waiting in agony, fear, and worry of the next day. This is the perfect time to reach out to our family because of the current situations. In this way, we can also update one another on what’s happening to each one. Because this is a bible study, we were not sure at first if the idea would be welcomed. Still, we pursued what God asked us to do. 

We have a family group chat so communication with them is easy. When we asked everyone about our plan, amazingly, they responded and agreed in an instant. Thank You, Jesus! Since that day until today, every day from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, we share the Word of God with one another, open our stories, and pray for each other. It is heartwarming to listen to stories of hope, love, and freedom. And by the way, it is not only my cousin, Ate Kat, or me facilitating and leading the family in prayer. Everyone can now lead and share His Word. 

Here are some of the most unforgettable moments so far: 

1)  Prayers that made us all cry 

I believe that we all pray. However, not everyone speaks the words audibly, more so if it is uncommon in your family. During the first days of our family devotion, Ate Kat, my wife Rheyn, and I always led the family in prayer. If we would ask others to lead, they would point fingers on who should do it. As we go deeper, opening our hearts with one another and to the Lord, everyone has taken the chance to share the Word of God and lead in prayer. One thing is real: God is really working in them and through them. Prayers are powerful, especially if it comes from a childlike, pure, and honest heart. We will never forget the times of prayer led by each of our family members. Their prayers made us all cry. And I know, God cried too, with joy. 

2)  Open heaven of life stories  

Our family is a normal household. We also experienced what other families faced. Conflicts, quarrels, misunderstandings, name them. And what makes them complicated is that they are kept hidden deep in our hearts. One of the fruits of our family devotion is freedom. Chains of doubts, anxiety, and selfishness are broken. Walls of unforgiveness and distrust are shattered. Instead, bridges of love, hope, and forgiveness are built. It is life changing to hear the real stories of our family and experience the work of the Holy Spirit in each one. Don’t worry, we might share some of them here in our blog. ? 

3) Attendance check with our Lola 

Our dearest Lola (grandmother) has slowly deteriorating memory. She recognizes only a few members of the family. It’s our joy to see her everyday even if it’s only through video call like this. After every sharing time, we have this attendance check so that she can see our face, and hopefully, remember us. We’re praying for her continued good health and many good years to enjoy. Please pray with us.  

We are now on our 27th day of our family devotion. Yes, that’s 27 days of sharing the goodness and faithfulness of God in our lives, 27 days of hope and encouragement, and 27 days of a deepening relationship with Jesus. We thank and praise the Lord for what He has done and has been continually doing in our family.  

“And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” – 

Acts 16:31-34