To all our dear friends and supporters,

Last week, we introduced you to Kuya Jireh, our new Area Staff for Cebu-Central.

This week, we are introducing you to Kuya Jefferson! The second “Kuya Jeff” of our team, Kuya Jefferson is definitely no stranger to Young Life, having been a volunteer for over 25 years. For those who are unfamiliar of who kuya Jefferson is, he has been the main person behind the re-establishment of Minglanilla as one our fastest-growing developing areas.

A full-time educator, devoted husband, and doting father, Kuya Jefferson’s entry to the team has proven to be one of the best things to happen in the past few months.

“How did you get started with YL?”

• I started Younglife when my buddy (who was part of a fraternity I wanted to join in) told me that as my fraternity entrance ritual, I would have to render service to an organization called “Young Life (Cebu-South)”. Everything is history from then on. My buddy’s name is Joevans (Korakol) Igonia, and he was a volunteer leader for Young Life Cebu-South.

“Why did you decide to join the YL Staff Team?”

• I decided to join as part of the staff because I want to continue my advocacy in reaching out to kids who are lost and are in need of guidance. I want to continue guiding them to Jesus.

“How did your involvement with YL impact your relationship with Jesus?”

• My involvement in Young Life allowed me to establish lasting relationships with fellow Christians and in walking strong with Jesus Christ himself. I’ve also learned to develop relational strategies, through the various experiences I’ve had in my many years as a volunteer: from the camps, to the clubs, to the leadership trainings, and simple conversations between leaders and staff.

“What are some dreams you have for your area? for YL?”

• I dream of having a continued committed relationship with God, and to be an instrument in establishing the same between Jesus and the kids of Minglanilla. Materially speaking, I dream of getting a van that I could use to go around bringing contacts to and from club!

“What are you praying for right now?”

• I am praying more volunteer leaders, having a center for YL Minglanilla, and having more supporters for the area.

Kuya Jefferson only recently started as part of the team, and he is doing this while maintaining a full-time job as a public school educator. So he definitely needs our help in prayer, amongst other things.

If you wish to support Kuya Jefferson on his journey of establishing a stronger YL Minglanilla, you may send us an email via [email protected].

Mabuhay, kuya Jefferson!

From all of us,

Your Young Life Philippines Family

What If?

by: Lesliey Aranco

Scripture:

Psalm 145:8-10

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you.”

Devotional:

The Scripture tells us that God is good, and His goodness is abundant and unwavering. But despite all the goodness our Lord has shown us, we sometimes still tend to doubt and have negative what-ifs in our lives.

I have a lot of what-ifs in my life. These past few months, I’ve been struggling with my emotions and with making the right decision. Because of this, there were a lot of what-ifs that popped up in my mind.

What if this is not meant for me? What if this is not His plan? What if it didn’t happen to me?

I started doubting and questioning God. If He really loves and cares for me, why did He let me experience those things? Does He really love me?

But despite my doubt, God proved just how much He loves me.

At the very lowest moment of my life, He gave me people I can rely on—true friends with whom I can express my disappointments and worries in life. It was then that I realized how God is so good to me every day.

Psalm 145:8–10 reminds me that despite my shortcomings and failures, God is gracious and compassionate. He sees my pain, struggles, and brokenness, and He cares deeply for me. In my daily life, I often fall short and make mistakes, but God's patience gives me the opportunity to repent, learn, and grow.  

So, let’s turn our negative what ifs into thanksgiving. Let’s always remember God's goodness to us. He loves us and He wants what’s best for us. He gives us so much more than we deserve.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

salamat jud kaayo sa imohang daku nga gugma diri sa akoa. Tabangi ko, Lord, nga sa akong pagdawat sa imong grasya, ma extend pa gyud ni nako sa uban ug dili nako i-take for granted imong kamaayo (I thank you for your great love for me. As I receive your grace, help me share that grace to everyone around me. May I never take your goodness for granted). Teach me to be compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love, just as you are.

Thank you, Lord!

Fritzel Faith “Ate Aizel” Calunsag | May 17 | Area Director, YL Bacolod Southsyd

Kimberly “Ate Kim” Codera | May 21 | Area Director, YL Cebu-Highland

Cherrilyn Aragon Pantano | May 24 | Volunteer Leader, YL Palompon

FROM: ROKSAN

Please pray for the Lord’s provision for my father’s medication and supplements, as well as career guidance for my sister.