The sweltering heat of the Philippines hung heavy in the air as Reynan trudged by the local church, which was hosting a medical mission for Reynan’s community.
Amidst the business, a young boy from the church approached Reynan with two copies of the Book of Hope. Both were Bible story booklets, but one was tailored for teens like him while the other was a children’s book written in his native dialect. With a dismissive shrug, Reynan stuffed the books into his backpack, not expecting to give them a second look.
Reynan receiving the Book of Hope from the church
Reynan didn’t believe in God—how could he, after everything he’d endured?
Reynan’s life had been a series of hardships. The memory of his parents’ violent argument was seared into his mind, the final blow that led to their separation. As the eldest of five siblings, he suddenly bore the weight of his family’s shattered world. They moved in with their grandparents, whose poverty-stricken home offered little respite. Reynan, feeling the crushing burden of responsibility, dropped out of school. He was ensnared in a relentless cycle of despair and hopelessness.
Reynan and his siblings he took care of
A chance for change appeared when a friend invited him to the Republic City. Without hesitation, Reynan grabbed his belongings and left. In the bustling city, he found work at a tailor’s shop. The shop buzzed with conversations among workers from various religious backgrounds.
One day, a coworker asked him pointedly, “Who is God to you?”
Reynan was unable to answer because he had decided that God must not exist, yet the conversation had sparked something in him.
Almost a year after receiving the books, he suddenly felt the inexplicable urge to find them. Rummaging through his backpack, he found the copies of the Book of Hope. As he held them in his hands, a question echoed in his mind, “Is this the hope I’ve been missing?”
Reynan finding the Book of Hope from the prior year
Reynan’s fingers traced the pages, and he began to read. The words resonated deeply, mirroring the teachings of the Bible and stirring a profound realization within him.
Returning home, Reynan sought out the pastor of the church that had initially given him the Book of Hope. The church, with its warm embrace and supportive community, quickly became a type of family for Reynan.
Before long, Reynan found himself on the frontlines of outreach missions, distributing the very Book of Hope that had ignited his relationship with Jesus.
“This is the book that led me to know God! God is working miracles in my life!” he joyfully told his team.
His heart brimmed with excitement as he shared the gospel, realizing his journey had only just begun. Today, Reynan teaches at a private Christian school in Quezon City, guiding young minds towards the love of Christ.
Reynan in his classroom where he teaches kids about God
Looking back, Reynan sees the hand of God in every step of his journey. “I am the loving father you’ve been searching for. I am the hope you missed because you hated your parents,” God had whispered to his heart. This revelation empowered Reynan to forgive his parents and embrace a deeper relationship with Christ.
Reynan now brings the same Book of Hope to other children in his area
“God will use these books as He did in my life,” Reynan declares, now filled with the unwavering hope that comes from knowing Christ.
Watch & Share Reynan’s Story to spread the powerful message of hope through Christ.
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