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I have always wanted to be a Lector, probably because I have realized that God gave me the gift to speak well. But as they say, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Until in late August, 1998 when I noticed my whole body becoming jaundiced. I consulted a doctor and the prognosis was grim. I was infected with a rare kind of disease – Hepatitis C, which if chronic eventually leads to cancer of the liver with no known cure yet. At that instant, I didn’t know why, but I did not question the Lord. All I told Him was that if this was His will, let it be done but please spare my children. I also asked Him to tell me very clearly what He wanted me to do for Him for the remaining years of my life.

But God is so good, that though he grants trials, He as well gives the grace to carry-on. After being physically examined, my doctor told me I had a very enlarged liver and I had to undergo an ultrasound test for her to see exactly how large my liver had become. The night before my scheduled ultrasound, I requested for prayers from my then Couples for Christ community who were having a vigil at the Adoration Chapel. Exactly 39 hours after my doctor told me of my enlarged liver, I underwent the ultrasound test and an hour later, the results were released. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I read the results – ‘all internal organs are normal in size’! Intercessory prayers do work and prayers can bring about miracles! But still, I had to continue undergoing laboratory tests because I have to be observed for the next 6 months according to my doctor.

The Lord knew I am not financially capable, so He sent me a wonderful lady doctor who never charged me a single cent from the day I first consulted her to the last time I visited her! In addition to that, my doctor searched for a pharmaceutical company to sponsor a comprehensive Hepa C package (which was very expensive) so I can be further tested.

At that time, I got a go-signal from my doctor that I can go back to work. After 3 weeks of hibernating at home due to my yellowish skin and eyes, I set foot at the Good Shepherd Parish on a Sunday to attend mass. During the announcement, a call was made to those interested to become Lectors. At that instant, I heard the Lord speaking to me, “This is what I want you to do for Me”. At the back of my mind, I was in doubt if with my physical condition, I will be able to go through the 2 ½ months training. I retracted those doubts though and believed that if this is really what God wants me to do for Him, then I will make it through.

While undergoing the training for Lectors, I was continuously undergoing lab tests to monitor my condition. At this time, the results of my Hepa C package came out and you guessed it right – NEGATIVE! But my doctor couldn’t seem to believe it. It had only been 4 months, 2 months short of her initial recommendation for a complete close observation of my condition. Inspite of the negative results, she requested me to undergo more lab tests. Until on a Friday before my first schedule to read on a Sunday mass, my doctor said, “I’m giving you a clean bill of health. Just see me if there would be any problem” .

What a way for the Lord to confirm to me that it is indeed through the Ministry of Lectors that He wants me to spread His message to His people!

For the next 3½ years, I served as the Parish Coordinator of the Ministry of Lectors, handling about 65 Lectors from the main parish and its 8 chapels covering 33 subdivisions. Inspiration from the Holy Spirit made those years fruitful for the ministry. I just allowed myself to be carried away with the passion the Holy Spirit abundantly blessed me. It was my thanksgiving and submission to God’s will for me – reading His word to His congregation.

Praise and thanksgiving to the Divine Healer!

[This column is open to those who want to share how God touched their lives in different ways – as an individual, a parent, a sister, a friend.]