Apr 5, 2023 Winning with Jesus

Our lives revolved around gambling, shared Rosamie tearfully. But Jesus truly delivered us from that desperate, depressing cycle.

Renie and his wife Rosamie live in the rural mountain suburbs on the Zamboanga peninsula, a Southern region in the Philippines. Before Renie gave his life to Jesus, he used to drink and gamble frequently. His addiction went on for years. Nights were late, full of drinking, cards and emotions. He and his wife had frequent money problems: stress over losing, finding extra work to pay bills, how to make more money to keep on gambling. Renie reflected on his mental state looking back at that time in his life.

I was in denial about my gambling addiction, confessed Renie. I just didn’t want to face it. I was always so sure someday I’d win big. It was an emotional roller coaster. I wasted so much time and moneyÑon top of the damage it caused my family.

Rosamie shared how the constant tensions surrounding gambling and money hung over their home like a dark cloud. She struggled with depression, and she and Renie had frequent arguments.

I didn’t know how to best support my husband, said Rosamie. Many nights I would be unable to sleep, worrying about money and how to feed our family. I’d be lying in bed, praying silently, crying.

God saw those tears and heard those prayers.

QHM gospel workers in Zamboanga have strategically been visiting each of the villages. It takes them about 1-3 hours to drive there on a QHM-sponsored motorbike, and some roads are not paved. Fuel and funds for spiritual materials like Bible study guides and books are challenging to find. Getting the correct language for books is difficult and sometimes impossible.

Most people in this region are of the Subanen tribe, and many speak pure Lumads, which can make communication with gospel workers difficult. But the gospel workers have persisted in their efforts and prayers for Rennie and Rosamie.

After visiting them, befriending them, and showing care through conversations and prayers, Renie and his family opened up to the gospel. Renie shared about the day he made a full surrender to Jesus.

It was like a heavy weight had been lifted. I didn’t have the strong desire for gambling anymore. My security is now in Jesus and His provision for me, shared Renie.

This was the turning point for Renie and his family. Friends from Renie’s gambling circles were amazed. They noticed that now Renie is so calm and peaceful. He’s shared with them how God has brought peace to his heart and familyÑa peace that nothing in the world can never give. Now Renie and his family love to study the Bible and learn more about God’s love and care for them. And praise God! Renie and Rosamie and their whole family have given their lives to Jesus in baptism!

Renie is now a church elder, and he and his wife Rosamie are actively involved in the local Adventist church in Setio Mongong. They don’t have their own Bible, but they love to study with QHM gospel workers and listen to Christian messages on the radio. The gospel workers and church members continue to encourage and support them as they grow in their faith.

A QHM gospel worker shared his hopes for the Zamboanga region, and for families like Renie and Rosamie’s.

There are so many people and families in Zamboanga, just like Renie and Rosamie, who need Jesus, he said. Your prayers and financial support keep us going. Please pray we can get the funds to give them a Bible and a hymnal.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

---