FAITH UNFOLDING: EDITHA TAMOR'S POWERHOUSE TESTIMONY

By Editha Tamor

Despite our varying religious backgrounds- my mother being a Seventh-Day Adventist and my father practicing the Roman Catholic tradition, we always respected each other's beliefs in the family. Although I attended masses in the Catholic church on Sundays, there were occasions when my siblings and I would visit my mother’s church. Though each church had its unique way of worshiping, what mattered most to me was my unwavering belief in God.

I attended a religious school known as "The Sisters of Mary School" in Silang, Cavite during my high school years. I graduated without incurring any expenses – everything was provided for free, including food, clothing, and school supplies. We participated in Sunday masses and various ceremonies. Additionally, we recited the rosary daily and received education on Catholicism.

During my initial year at school, I underwent my Confession, First Communion, and Confirmation, which taught me a great deal. While some may believe that being a devout Catholic as I was back then, involves attending Sunday mass, reciting the rosary, performing acts of kindness, receiving sacraments, and engaging in other customary practices, it was only part of what we HAVE to do but it does not mean that I have truly devoted myself to God.

I have committed wrongdoings. I engaged in appropriate behaviors. Unlike the sisters (the nuns) and my fellow students, I am not very religious. During our lessons, they also explained the distinction between mortal and venial sins. However, even before all these, I believe that through faith, regardless of our sins, once we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, we will be saved.

Since graduating and being out of school, I have met people from various backgrounds, including those with different faiths. I've heard explanations of how they worship God. I still practice the things I’ve learned from school but as time passes, I started asking myself. "Why do I continue praying the rosary and keep repeating the same prayer?" This led me to keep on reading the Bible. Matthew 6:7-8 says, “Don’t recite the same prayer over and over as the heathen do, who think prayers are answered only by repeating them again and again. Remember, your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” This was when I started to rethink of the teachings of the Catholic church.

Years passed and I met Pastor Arnel Tamor, who was then the Pastor in FREE Christian Church in Timbao, Biñan, Laguna. I also met my husband who invited me to their church. I was hesitant at first because I was not fond of singing out loud during mass. I found it annoying. This changed when I saw how they worship God is very different from Catholics.

There was even a time when I was praying, I suddenly cried a lot. I talked to the Lord wholeheartedly. This was the very first time I felt good to bow down before the Lord and tell Him what was in my heart. I felt that I was born again. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior who saved us from hell and gave us His life with God in heaven. After that, I started attending their church without hesitation.

There were times when I felt exhausted. My routine consisted of coming home from work, sleeping, and eating, repeating the same cycle day after day. I barely had any time to communicate with my kids and husband. The exhaustion would lead me to arguments with my husband on several occasions. During those moments of anger, I regretfully uttered hurtful words towards my partner and those around me.

Unfortunately, I neglected prayer and reading the word of God. I felt heavy and burdened. One very tiring day, I cried out and talked to God. I realized that no one would be there for me except Him. He will listen. He will answer. Be it a great day or a bad day, He will always be there for me. I repented for my mistakes. I prayed for strength when I was weak, courage when I was afraid, comfort whenever I was alone, and wisdom to do my job.

At that point, I was promoted to a sub-leader position, and everything changed. I shifted from using negative language to speaking kindly to my husband, leading to no more arguments between us. Moreover, some colleagues invited me to join their Saturday Bible study group at the company. Truly, God shines as the light of the world.

Though I was busy at work, I managed to meet other members of the church. Last month, I decided to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. I want to fully receive the Holy Spirit and Jesus to be the center of my life and my family.

---

Editha is one of the young wives and moms of EFC Powerhouse. She has also committed herself to the EFC Powerhouse Ushering and Consolidation Team.

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