Dustin Bartolome (Highschool Student)
During the pandemic, there were many challenges I had to face. It is difficult to remind myself to glorify God every day. Being given the amount of work and assignments daily puts me in a position of vulnerability to satisfy the works of society and man when I know that God wants me to do everything for Him. I would look for satisfaction in my friends and tell them my issues because they would give an answer that would make me happy. I know that I should be finding answers in God and rely on Him more and focus more on Him.
However, I am thankful for the alternatives of technology to learn more things about our God. Listening to the church services and music about God gives me a reminder of why I love Him so much, knowing there is always a way to seek Him. As I am doing school online, it's tempting to be fed with societal information and take part in them. All the sins and hatred of society will always be somewhere whenever I am on social media, and I realize how much of the world doesn’t know much about God. I try my best to always share His Word with my friends and be forever grateful knowing that He washed away all my sins so that I can have everlasting life with God.
As I grow through these troubled times, I know I will always find answers from Him and as a student in high school, God is always there for me every day. Reaching out to Him simply through prayers sets aside my stress from focusing on education and being given work. Anytime, anywhere, and anyplace, God will always be at the center of my heart. He most definitely has open arms to seek his path and gives the strength and knowledge to get through a pandemic. There is still more to learn as I'm still in my youth but I know for now that whatever happens, it happens for a reason and I will forever glorify our God.
Kevin Batrina (High-School Student)
Following the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have started to feel as though I have drifted from the Church and my faith in Christ. As a high school student in Grade 10 during these times, I have felt my schedule seems too packed to be focused on my relationship with the LORD, and I have felt less encouraged to be studying His word, as the School Board’s cohort-learning plans for us students during the lockdown continues to be an interruptive struggle in all aspects of my daily life. Due to restrictions, I have also felt further away from the Church, as I feel I cannot be in fellowship as well as I had been with my brothers and sisters in Christ prior to the pandemic. Although in the midst of these continuous hassles, my God has graced me and I am reminded that He has continued to teach me patience at school and at home, by granting me the privileges of joy, laughter, rest, and becoming more understanding, even during virtual meets with others (especially including my brothers and sisters in Christ), I am shown how His love prevails, even during a nationwide crisis. He alone has brought me great joy and achievement in the past quad, and He continues to lead me through my studies, time management, and other painful inconveniences, including those online, in the comfort of my own home, and my mental health. I praise God that even though I have doubted my faith and am living in the midst of a pandemic, I am constantly reminded of His significance in my life and that I end up turning back to His word at the end of the day. I have been inspired by His word and presence in my life that I am able to resist doubting my faith, continuing to study His Word, and bring glory to His name, even amidst current events.
Faith Calauad (High-School Student)
Hi, my name is Faith and I’m currently in grade 11. Our quarantine and lockdown in Toronto started after March break and students like myself had to adjust to full-at-home learning. It was difficult at first because it was new to many students. I would be on social media as soon as I get my work done, especially YouTube. Looking back, God had used some YouTubers to encourage me to do my daily devotions regularly and made me want to grow my relationship with Him. I thank God that during those difficult times of adjusting to a different environment, He reminded me that He is my strength every day. He taught me that He was and is my Sustainer.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 ESV
Shasha Santos (University/College Student)
My last year an undergrad has surprisingly been a blessing. Though it was fully online, I've still had the privilege to serve within York Chinese Christian Fellowship's committee. Through this pandemic, God has taught me that I don't need to be "Sha the Sunday school teacher", “Sha the Calvinist” or "Sha the YCCF leader" to be used by Him. I can just simply be "Sha the student" and God will still remain as the great I AM nonetheless.
God has sent me numerous Christian friends from York University to keep me from discouragement. One of my favorite encouragements a brother told me was, “Fellowship starts where fellowship ends”. And so, though meeting in-person to study or pray ended-- the pandemic did not stop my brothers and sisters from calling me at 3 in the morning to pray for me. The pandemic did not stop my brothers and sisters from studying alongside me over skype. The pandemic did not stop my brothers and sisters from doing Bible study with me via zoom call.