The pandemic was a time of immense struggle. A virus threatened the world and brought regular movement to an abrupt standstill. Not everyone was safe, even within the confines of their homes. Frontliners and medical professionals braved danger to care for others, and among them was Sis. Racel Raval, who served on the frontlines as a medical technologist.
She and her husband have been part of the CFC community for 28 years, and both have worked in the medical field. She is thankful that her entire family, including her children, is involved in the community. Before the pandemic, they were able to establish a medical clinic that served as their family business, but it was forced to close temporarily when the pandemic hit.
It was through the God’s word in Philippians 1:16 that she was able to fight through the struggle and never give up. Through reflecting on the verse: “God did not bring you this far to leave you…” she was able to see hope and grace despite her challenging situations.
It was through conducting RT-PCR tests that they found a source of income, as well as opportunities to help operations on the frontline. As Sis. Racel and her husband moved from one company to another, their children started to worry about their safety. After all, it was very dangerous to serve the frontlines in dealing with diseases and viruses whose cures weren’t developed yet.
Even with all the PPE and safety precautions, they were still tested for COVID-19—and while waiting for the results, they attended their household meeting. She was worried, as many people were dying from COVID at that time, including some community members. During the household, she received a verse from Jeremiah: “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are the one I praise.”
Receiving this affirmation made her hope that she would be spared from the virus, but she later tested positive. Yet this experience allowed her to see how God heals us through the wounds we receive in life. And how in those wounds, we learn to cling more to His grace and to surrender ourselves more deeply to Him.
They were able to heal as her husband had no symptoms and she only had mild ones. Then through being permitted to provide RT-PCR tests, they were able to sustain their expenses and the needs of their staff and medical clinic. Through God’s grace and blessing in these opportunities, they were blessed to heal and more blessed to serve those who are in need during the Covid times.
They eventually recovered: her husband remained asymptomatic, and she experienced only mild symptoms. Later when they were permitted to provide RT-PCR testing, they were able to sustain their household expenses as well as the needs of their staff and medical clinic. Through God’s grace and the opportunities He provided, they were blessed with healing as well as with the privilege of serving those in need during the most challenging moments of the pandemic.
Truly, prayer and perseverance can be a source of healing. May this story be a reminder of how God bless us abundantly that we can also bless other people through our professions.
Credits:
Written by Miko Gabriel C. Clemente | Edited by Angeli Arellano | Graphics by Clarysse Nicole Catugal | Layout by Jay Lucena