FAITH UNFOLDING: APRIL LIM'S POWERHOUSE TESTIMONY

By April Lim

I grew up in a Christian family where Sunday is the most special day of the week. I used to attend Sunday School classes and started to be in the ministry when I was 9. At age 12, I became part of the worship team of Evangelical FREE Church and this has strongly shaped my heart for the Lord’s work.

The Lim Family (Rachel, April, Charvin and Bella)

When I got married in 2014, I worked in Singapore with my husband, and we started our own family. As a person who is used to being at the church and was always involved in the ministry, to say that it was a big adjustment for me is an understatement.

Still and all, when I came back to the Philippines, I found it hard to go back to the life I used to have here, perhaps, because I was not physically attending the church. I had this urge in me to reconnect but there was also this feeling of hesitation to get involved again. I felt like I was not welcome anymore.

In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, I struggled with postpartum depression. I felt the need for friends and a circle with whom I could talk, speak what was on my mind, and somehow make me feel that I was not alone. It was also the time that my husband could not travel back home due to restrictions and all, so I did everything on my own. It was very difficult juggling motherhood, breastfeeding a newborn, and running a small business all at the same time. I was longing for a circle where I could share the struggles I have had. It was also a time that I was searching for a ministry where I could serve the Lord again.

One Sunday evening, I saw Pastor Erland via Facebook livestream giving his lecture during Powerhouse Weekend. I was so happy to see my friend, my “kuya” and my former youth pastor standing in front and preaching again after so many years. To my excitement, I sent him a message telling him I was so happy to see him back. Right then and there, he invited me to attend Powerhouse Weekend and introduced me to this new church ministry for young professionals.

However, as a mom, I cannot afford to go out and spend time outside leaving my kids at home, especially during the pandemic. Instead, I just watched Powerhouse Weekend online until one Sunday, when I got back from Singapore, after a few months of staying there, I was able to finally attend this event for young professionals. I felt everyone's warm welcome. I saw familiar faces but to my surprise, there were also a lot of new ones smiling at me, greeting me as if we had known each other for a long time. I felt like I belonged to this family. They want me here!

April and Charvin during the “In Real Life Conference 2.0” (August 2023)

Joining EFC Powerhouse made me feel that I am not alone. I found the safe circle that I was praying for. I have that excitement every time I see my brothers and sisters in the faith again. Even my kids are always excited to attend Powerhouse Weekend. This ministry also taught me the importance of choosing my circle that will always encourage me to thrive not because I want to prove something but because this is what God wants for me; not allowing jealousy to take over anyone within the group but making each others’ successes our inspiration and motivation. As they learn something from my journey, I also learn so much from them. Through the Powerhouse family, I finally found my safe space.

Powerhouse is such a blessing for me and my husband, especially Pastor Erland. The Lord is using his mentorship for us to build a strong and Christ-centered marriage. We are thankful to him for always correcting us and encouraging us to live in Christlikeness. Add to that, the EFC Powerhouse family has always welcomed me with arms wide open without any judgment.

April's last fellowship with the Powerhouse family before leaving for Singapore. (March 2024)

I recommend EFC Powerhouse to all the young professionals out there, single and married alike. This ministry will push you to go further in life and reach your goals in your career and will definitely give you encouragements and prayers. You will feel the love of the Lord reigning in this tribe through the people He is using in this ministry.

And now, we are so blessed to be a blessing to the ministry and the people inside this community. I will always be grateful to the Lord for leading us to EFC Powerhouse.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

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April Lim is an entrepreneur and the owner of UR NOOK, a food and beverage store, and of AnongDIYsenyo, an online craft, educational, and printing service. Currently, she is also the business manager of EFC Powerhouse and one of the worship leaders of the PH Band.

Just like April, if you have stories to encourage your fellow young professionals in the faith, e-mail us at efcpowerhouse@gmail.com.