Michael, Katreena, and Matthew Kaeleb Borja
We praise God for His love, goodness, and faithfulness. Kae and Michael have been working throughout the pandemic. In fact, Kae is working in a long-term care facility that was highly impacted by COVID-19. In spite of these challenges, none of us got COVID-19. More importantly, God is spiritually strengthening and molding us during these difficult times. We also praise God for our supportive families and the people who have been praying for us.
Ligaya Borja
Every time I come to work at the grocery store I don't know how my shift will go...
Am I going to get the virus today?
Am I going to meet overzealous protect-me-freak customers again? (can you wipe and sanitize the counter and pay pad first, can you change your gloves, don't touch my groceries, could you ask the customer at the other register to move farther away...)
Or meet those who complain about other people in the store (too close to me, the mask does not cover the nose, not the right kind of mask, she's panic buying...)
Or am I going to meet customers who are kind and grateful who always thank us for just being there?
Are my customers going to respect and follow the store safety protocols willingly, without criticizing?
Are we going to get shouted at or get the end of their tantrums they brought with them from their homes?
Am I going to be visited by store thieves today? - which by the way we seemed to get a lot more during this pandemic.
I really don't know. I don't know what to expect. I am not sure what will happen. But I know whom to trust in every single day - my GOD. And this keeps me going.
Maryanne Borja
At the end of 2019, I had all these plans for 2020 lined up but the Lord has taken them all away- instead, my focus has been redirected to grow where He has placed me. He blessed me by giving me the Food Service Supervisor position at work. In the beginning, it was hard because people weren’t happy that I got the job. It was a struggle if I should continue being a Supervisor. However, after talking and consulting with people and the Lord I decided to stay. The position He has given me was a blessing from Him and an answered prayer. The struggle taught me how to graciously love difficult people regardless of how I was treated and to take refuge in the LORD. It also reminded me of my dream when I was younger- to help people. As a Supervisor, I am able to help people(staff and patients) in a different way. In the span of one year, our department has undergone a lot of changes. What remains the same is Jesus, my Saviour who sustains and gives me strength each and every day. The pandemic has made my working days busier especially when a unit suddenly declares an outbreak then we would need to adjust our set up, plating, tray delivery service prior to meal service. There are multiple days when I work eight hours or more without eating and I have a hard time sleeping at night because my mind is very active and yet every morning when I wake up I'm refreshed for my Lord continues to give me strength. The pandemic can take away the ‘normalcy’ of my life but it can never take away my Rock. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!
Neslea Navarro
As a frontline worker, working in an Acute hospital as a nurse, it has been very challenging since March 2020. I can honestly say that in the beginning, there were feared going to work and there were challenges in the workplace. But by God’s grace, I was able to conquer all those fears by being vigilant and by adhering to the policies and procedures that were put in place by my organization. Also, I did not let the pandemic hinder me from being involved and active still regarding my ministries at CABC. And I also found ways to remain in contact with family and friends! God is good all the time