There is nothing more gratifying than to see a destitute but determined person reach his or her goal. Often, the only thing that holds a person back from achieving his goal is poverty. In the past 30 years, hundreds of students had written asking for financial help to go to school.
Coming from my humble beginnings in Odiongan, Romblon, I, too, dreamed of obtaining a Christian education. Having 9 siblings and a huge money problem, going to college seemed impossible for me. But I trusted Jesus, the Ultimate Provider who created me for His honor and glory. I claimed His promise in Jeremiah 33:3 to show me great and mighty things that I do not know. And He did! After much supplication, I found an address label on a church magazine. I wrote to a Beryl McLarty of Memphis, Tennessee. Grandma McLarty sponsored me to school.
But when poverty is coupled with a physical condition – especially a life-threatening condition, the chances of that person reaching his goal could be slim to none – unless divine help comes. God places people together in the right place at the right time. That’s what happened one Friday evening on April 2007. My husband JR Moore and I went to Butuan, Philippines and attended vespers in a church there. I was inside the church when my husband said, “Come outside. There’s a young boy who looks like he needs help!” I followed my husband outside but we did not find the boy. Suddenly, there was a movement in the darkness and then I saw him. A feeling of pity overcame me. “We have to help him,” I told JR.
Twelve-year-old Jezreel has encephalocele – a birth defect that results in a hole in the skull through which brain tissue protrudes. Because of no funds, Jezreel couldn’t get medical help. As soon as JR and I got back home to America, I started looking for help for Jezreel. Donors sent funds and Jezreel had his surgery at Manila Adventist Medical Center. What a wonderful day it was for Jezreel!
The following year, Jezreel’s brother wrote. “Mom Reva, please help Jezreel. He wants to go to high school. We do not have any money.” Again, I made an appeal and thank God because donors sent funds and soon Jezreel was on his way to Matutum SDA Academy.
After he graduated, Jezreel wrote. “Mommy, I wish to go to college. Please help me.” Again, I sent out appeals for Jezreel so he was able to go to South Philippine Adventist College. Before each semester started, Jezreel would remind me that it was time to enroll again and so I’d send tuition money to the college. I couldn’t keep up with Jezreel, and a few days ago, he wrote to tell me that he was graduating with a degree in Computer Science! To God be the glory!
Yesterday, Jezreel wrote: “That night in Butuan, meeting you and Daddy JR, was the happiest night of my life!” My eyes welled up with tears upon reading Jezreel’s note.
Someone took a chance on me when I needed help to go to school and so it warms my heart to be able to help poor and deserving students like Jezreel.
There were many others who had written and who are now working for the Lord. Junas Carreon, a theology student wrote to me with this heading, To: Jesus Christ. Junas was so determined to get help and wrote to the King of kings and Lord of lords. I had tears in my eyes while reading Junas’ letter. Jesus sent Junas help. His two younger brothers were also recipients of Jesus’ help through our ministry.
Then there’s Dorel, the little boy who was abandoned in a Boy’s Home in Bacolod, Negros Occidental. Dorel was born without legs. My appeal for Dorel was answered by one of our sponsors who sent Dorel to college. Today, Dorel is married and has a young daughter. Dorel had worked for Negros Occidental Conference under Adopt a Minister International.
Then there’s Peter John Barcelona, born without limbs. Peter John is in college and is being helped by a sponsor in Oregon.
These are just a few of the hundreds of our sponsored students. The majority are theology students who had graduated and now bringing thousands of precious souls to the feet of Jesus.
There are three of us who work our ministries: Adopt a Minister International and Help the Needy, Inc. My husband JR Moore, Mary Grace, and myself. Mary Grace, the one-handed pianist was born without a right arm and has a short right leg. Yet, she did not let her physical limitations deter her from serving God. She has dedicated her whole life to the work of the Lord. Mary Grace gives concerts all over the U.S. to promote our ministries. We three do all these for the honor and glory of God. To God be the glory!
God sees every heart and when we go to Him, telling Him of our life’s desires, He is more than willing to help us. God created us for His honor and glory and has great plans for us. And when we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Psalms 37: 4.
Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.