Bien and Chato Guevara’s Christian life was a journey of transformation, one that began in the ordinary but blossomed into an extraordinary life of faith. Happily married with two daughters and two grandchildren, the couple has been living in Milan, Italy for two decades, now serving as the Country Heads of Couples for Christ (CFC) Italy. Behind their strong faith and steadfast service lies a story of conversion, surrender, and divine healing.
Bien and Chato’s romance began as a friendship that blossomed into a lifelong commitment. Like most typical couples, they lead a conventional life revolving around mundane routines. Churchgoing was not a habit, and Christ was nowhere near their family life. With a stable job and more than enough income, Bien was able to support his family, and, unfortunately, his vices. He was drawn by peers into bacchanalian indulgences and greed-laden cockfights, and the constant squabble strained his married life. Through it all, Chato endured in patient frustration.
Their encounter with Couples for Christ came unexpectedly. Their friend, Bro. Eddie, a member of the community, invited them to attend the Christian Life Program (CLP) back in Batangas. Bien vehemently resisted the persistent invites, citing prior commitments amongst a litany of alibis.
On the day of the CLP orientation, their youngest daughter suddenly fell ill, prompting them to rush her to the hospital. But as soon as they arrived, her condition unexpectedly improved and was cleared by the attending physician. Left without an excuse, they finally relented to Bro. Eddie’s persistence.
Their “yes” marked the beginning of a new chapter. A year after joining CFC, Bien faced a crisis at work, which forced him to find an alternative source of income. Meanwhile, Chato was forced to move to Italy where it is more financially rewarding but emotionally consuming.
Eventually, Bien followed her in Italy. Now, imbued with faith, the first thing Bien sought upon arriving in Italy was not a job, but a CFC community. Reconnection with the CFC community in MiIan proved pivotal in their transformation. With this, their service to the Lord deepened.
They began leading CLPs, serving as coordinators for Youth for Christ (YFC), Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) and Servants of the Lord (SOLD). In 2009, they joined a five-couple mission group, traveling across Italy to establish CFC communities in the regions such as Udine, Bassano del Grappa, Padua, Bologna, Venice, and Modena. They would leave home on Fridays or Saturdays to visit and strengthen the communities—and return by Sunday evening to resume work the following day. Despite the physical toll, they were filled with joy knowing that their labor was for the Lord.
However, in the midst of their mission, their faith was put to the test. In 2009, Chato discovered a lump on her left breast. Her employer, a doctor, immediately arranged tests, which later revealed Stage 3 breast cancer. Doctors advised her to avoid strenuous activities, late nights, and stress. But Chato, firm in her faith, continued to serve. “Aalagaan ako ng Panginoon (The Lord will take care of me),” she told Bien. “Kung ito na ang oras ko, gusto ko gamitin ang natitirang oras ko sa paglilingkod sa Kanya. (If this is my hour, I want to use all the time I have left in serving the Lord.”
By God’s grace, they spent on medical expenses. Chato’s employer, who happened to be the President of the European Nuclear Medicine Council, ensured that she received the best care without delay. Through every trial, their CFC family became their strength, surrounding them with prayers and encouragement.
In March 2010, Chato underwent surgery and was advised to rest for several months and prepare for chemotherapy. Yet, shortly after her operation, she accompanied Bien to Como to give a sharing for a CLP talk. The rocky journey was physically painful, but she felt an immense sense of peace. After the program, she returned home feeling light, joyful, and without pain.
Soon after, her test results came back completely normal. No trace of cancer remained. The doctors were baffled, believing it was a diagnostic error. But Bien and Chato knew better. It was a miracle, a gift of healing that affirmed God’s faithfulness.
Today, Bien and Chato continue to serve as living witnesses of God’s grace. Their story reminds us that when we say “yes” to the Lord, He transforms every hardship into a testimony of hope. In their words and in their lives, one truth echoes deeply: Everything will come at the right time, according to God’s plan.
Through faith, love, and service, Bien and Chato’s journey stands as a testament that indeed, Christ heals.
Credits:
Written by Manuel Rabanes | Edited by Angeli Arellano | Graphics by Clarysse Nicole Catugal | Layout by Jay Lucena