A grateful heart who knows its God will always find a way to honor Him. This is the story of mother-and-son Marylie and Chris Guibao and their gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The mother and son joined their churchmates from the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Bauang, La Union as they boarded the bus going to Luneta. They will all join the celebration of JIL’s 39th anniversary. But unlike the rest, Chris boarded the bus and travelled for more than seven hours siting on his wheelchair. Chris has motor delay, a condition that makes his motor skills develop slowly. In the words of Sis. Marylie, “His muscle stretch reflexes are absent.”
Chris is wheelchair dependent, but his mother is always beside him to do what he is unable to do.
Chris said he does not mind the physical tiredness of going to Luneta, as he said that “Being here is a blessing.” He always has a pleasant disposition and, in fact, to the brethren in JIL Bauang, Chris is jolly, friendly, and encouraging.
Marylie said that the bus driver helped their other churchmates assist Chris in getting off the bus. “I took it as an opportunity to share to the driver the Gospel of the Lord and His goodness to our family,” Marylie was happy to recount.
Blessed with pastors
“I am very blessed with Pastors who grow old serving the Lord through thick and thin,” said Marylie.
“They never tire serving the Lord, and it has become my inspiration amid many life trials,” the mother shared.
She fondly remembered Pastor Corazon Tongco from JIL Macau where she attended services for six years when she was working in Macau. Marylie has known Pastor Cora as a good example Christian. Marylie also mentioned Pastor Angelina Espiritu of JIL Bauang, who is very humble, and Pastor Concepcion Oliveros of JIL Muntinlupa who always intercedes for her family. They all have grown old serving the Lord, and their service for God has stood the test of fire and time. For her, they are persons to look up to as a model of encouragement in life. And of course, she looks up to Bro. Eddie whom God used for her to know the Lord Jesus and grow in her faith.
Marylie is in Luneta, despite having to bring Chris on a wheelchair because, “I would love to hear and learn more about the theme ‘Know your God’ through the message of Bro. Eddie.
Committed to serve
It has been 17 years since Marylie first attended the worship service in JIL Hong Kong. She has since attended services in other JIL chapters where work brings her. For God’s faithfulness in her life and her family, Marylie said that she will continue to serve the Lord. At present, she and her family are workers in JIL Bauang. This is their humble way to honor God.
Elizabeth A. Mañalac