FAITH UNFOLDING: VERONICA ABREA'S POWERHOUSE TESTIMONY

By Veronica San Juan Abrea

I was raised in a Catholic family. When I was younger, my mother often took me to Baclaran and Quiapo Churches. Growing up, my understanding of God was deeply rooted in my upbringing, greatly influenced by the teachings and examples set by my parents. Realizing this, I recognized that God consistently bestows blessings upon those who maintain a close relationship with Him. I witnessed this reflected in my family's circumstances, where we experienced a life of comfort and abundance.

Mr. & Mrs. JC & Nica Abrea

As I age, these convictions remained ingrained in me, especially after passing the board exam and swiftly securing a job, solidifying my belief in God's ongoing blessings. Meeting my husband within the organization where I was employed further strengthened my conviction. However, my experience in the workplace also brought about a culture shock, as I found myself in an environment vastly different from the life and teachings I had known.  At first, it prompted me to question it, but over time, it became acceptable, and engaging in bad habits felt okay. Indeed, to fit in, I indulged myself in drinking, smoking, and partying-- a reward for my hard work. Despite knowing that these actions were wrong, the undeniable excitement they brought made them difficult to resist. The newfound freedom I experienced was truly overwhelming. It led me away from my previous habits of praying and seeking God's guidance. Although guilt lingered, it seemed tolerable because God continued to bless me abundantly, even amidst my lapses.

Throughout our five years of marriage, my husband and I have achieved the basic dreams of a family – we have nearly everything one could ask for – a good family, a home, cars, and other comforts. I realized that despite often forgetting about Him, God continued to bless me. This realization helped me grasp that God's goodness extends to me even when I don't adhere to His teachings or seek to please Him. Despite my flaws, He has bestowed upon me a loving family and an abundant life. I continued to indulge in what I enjoyed. My husband and I delighted in the sense of power, comfort, and freedom that we claim to possess in our lives together. Little did we know that we were about to face a significant trial in our marriage.

The Abrea Family during their New Year Celebration

From left to right: JC, Jacob, Nica and Ethan (January, 2024)

In 2022, I encountered the most challenging period of my life. It marked a significant downfall, particularly within my marriage. Our relationship weathered a storm that we had not anticipated. Despite appearances of familial harmony, there lies the concealed reality of dark secrets, hidden struggles, and infidelities that we both strived to keep hidden. The things that once brought me joy have now brought sorrow into my life and marriage. I was reaping the consequences of the wrong choices I made, and I was being haunted by them as I sought for redemption. For over a year, I struggled in darkness, shedding tears of regret with no one to confide in about my difficulties. I harbored a fear of being judged by others, and feared the thought of my husband discovering my struggles.

There were times that I even thought of ending my own life, feeling as though I deserved the pain I endured. However, amidst my despair, I turned to God, pleading for His forgiveness and intervention. Believing in His unwavering presence and listening ear, my husband introduced me to his former church, where we began attending services and engaging in various church activities together. Through this journey, I had the privilege of meeting Pastor Erland, along with the community of Evangelical FREE Church, and Powerhouse. I knew God listens and prepares everything to fall in the right places and at the right time. Entrusting my worries and fears to the Lord, I allowed Him to lead the way in my life's most frightening battle.

(Top photo) Nica & JC attending their first Powerhouse mentoring session (February, 2023)

(Bottom photo) The couple in their first post-Powerhouse Weekend fellowship (January, 2023)

One day, I woke up with a sincere sense of needing to confront my challenges. I felt that only revealing the truth would alleviate the heavy burden I carried. Despite the fear of potentially jeopardizing our cherished family, I chose to confide in my husband. In that vulnerable moment, I felt God's comforting embrace surround me even more tightly. It was then that I fully surrendered myself to the Lord. Through His grace, our family was spared from destruction. With the guidance of Pastor Erland, we were led to a place where the boundless love of God reigns supreme. My husband and I made the decision to humble ourselves before the Lord, seeking forgiveness for our past failures and transgressions.

Nica & JC with Pastor Erland during the EFC Powerhouse Water Baptism (January 2024)

That decision paved the way for us to extend forgiveness to each other and strengthen our family even more. It was then that we realized, "Life is meaningless if the Lord is not at the center of everything." It was only then that I realized how empty my heart was without the Lord, as I had forgotten Him in my life and had been too blinded by what I thought was endless brightness. Life can be so dark without God, and He is the only light that shines in everyone's life. I am deeply grateful to the Lord that despite the mistakes I made, He continues to shower me with His unconditional love.

As Pastor Erland emphasized, "MY LIFE IS INDEED A MIRACLE." My daily existence is a testament to the Lord's miracles, something I thank Him for every day. This predicament opened my eyes to witness His power and experience the boundless love of the Lord. I firmly believe that God has placed me in these circumstances, not only to instruct me, but also to deepen my relationship with Him and to reclaim what rightfully belongs to Him. My conviction resounds with the truth that “There is no broken heart that God cannot heal and there is no relationship too broken that He cannot restore.”

Nica and JC during IRL Conference 2.0 Wheelhouse (August 2023)

Powerhouse Mentoring Sessions at the Abrea's Residence (General Trias, Cavite)

Last January 19, I decided to publicly affirm my faith in the Lord through water baptism. Here I stand, transformed once again by God into a new creation, fully dedicated to making Him the center of my life.

I am Veronica Abrea, embracing God as my Savior, once lost but now joyously found, returning to my rightful home.

JC and Nica publicly declaring their faith in Christ during the EFC Powerhouse Water Baptism (January 2024)

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away;

behold, the new has come into being."

-2 Corinthians 5:17

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Veronica Abrea is a police staff sergeant at the Philippine National Police, and is the newest addition to the editorial board of efcpowerhouse.org. She has also committed herself to the ushering and consolidation team of EFC Powerhouse.

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