Faye Latorilla (Childcare director)
Psalms 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. Early this year, I was temporarily laid off when we had our first lockdown in Toronto. I was very lost and was confused on why this was happening. Prior to the lockdown, I was very much occupied with my work as a Childcare Director. I relied on my job to provide for my family. By being temporarily laid off, God had revealed to me that He is in control at all times. The verse that helped me the most was Psalms 46:10 “He says, Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” I needed to be still and rely on Him alone. God had indeed provided for me and my family during the time that I was temporarily laid off.
In April 2020, I was called back to work. Again, I was confused on why I was called back to work, as our childcare was not yet open. Then in the month of May, we received news that we were able to open our childcare centers again. I was scared and not ready to open up our childcare. What if I become sick and give this to my family? Am I ready to lead my staff and care for other children and their families through this pandemic? Yet again I was doubting but God had reminded me of the verse Psalms 46:10 “..Be still and know that I am God…”
God had guided me through the times of our childcare reopening. He had reminded me that He has placed me in my workplace to be a light in the dark times (pandemic). He has reminded me countless times that he has placed me here to bless others who I encounter daily, especially my staff, the children, and their families in my childcare.
Yes, 2020 was challenging but 2020 has also taught me many lessons. I have learned to rely on God and to know that no matter what happens, He is my God and He is in control. I continue to pray that God will use me wherever I may be - at home, with my family and friends or at work. I pray that others may be strengthened and encouraged in their faith because of the relationship I have with them.
To God be the Glory!
Alain Sangalang
One of the main things I think God revealed to me both before and after I got my job is patience. Patience not only in waiting for opportunities and receiving news on applications but patience in God's plan for my life. Rather than just simply seeing what God would have in store for me regarding my career, reflecting back I was able to see how He had a purpose for the year I was unemployed and I wasn't simply just waiting. He used that time to help me grow spiritually in new ways, specifically in my role as a leader for the YPM. In that time, He not only revealed to me the patience I would need for my life but how I would grow spiritually while I put my trust in him and patiently waited.