Joy and sorrow often come hand in hand—and this was the experience of Bro. Robert “RJ” Jimenez, a clinic nurse at the CFC Global Mission Center (GMC). Bro. RJ and his wife, Lorna, have been in the CFC community for 36 years, community they so loved and learned so much from.
In March 2020, they were expecting a joyous event and milestone: the marriage of their son. Everything was set. Everyone was excited. But joy is oftentimes challenged. The wedding was not exempt from difficulties ahead.
As history would record, it was in March 2020 when the pandemic reached the Philippines with alarming impact. A lockdown was announced and .
Bro. RJ and the soon-to-be-wed’s families were informed through the church’s secretary that the wedding had to be called off due to the issuance of a lockdown, which would take effect on the 16th of March—three days ahead of the ceremony. Such terrible news for what should’ve been a joyous celebration!
But with determination, humility, and faith, everything is truly possible. Bro RJ’s balae, the bride’s father, tried everything he could to make it through. He pleaded with, even begged the parish priest to consider the wedding—to which the latter agreed but only through a simple blessing. No walking down the aisle, no mass celebration. It would just an intimate, simple, and sacred blessing for the couple to be held the following day.
They humbly accepted the approval. Although this news brought the couple sadness and disappointment, they were still grateful and happy for the blessing.
Still, the Lord truly answers the prayers of His faithful people, and surprises them with His plans. During the wedding day and prior to the ceremony, the church secretary called them, to their surprise and joy, to inform them that the priest had finally allowed the entourage to walk down the aisle, as well as for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. All of these, on the condition that all guests observed proper health protocols such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks.
The wedding was celebrated with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving. But amidst the happiness, sorrow had been creeping upon Bro. RJ’s heart. Throughout the wedding celebration he felt a mix of emotions: joy for his son, and fear and loneliness for a friend.
That was because his dear friend in CFC, Bro. Jomar Salumbides, was confined in the hospital and in critical condition. After just a few days, he passed away. Sorrow was not yet ended, because just a few days later, another close friend passed away: Bro. Phil de Guzman. Soon enough, the pandemic began to weigh heavily on everyone.
It was a devastating time for Bro. RJ and his colleagues in the GMC. As the pandemic virus affected many people, so did anxiety and fear. His colleagues showed COVID-19 symptoms and worried about what might happen to them, afraid they might have really contacted the virus or that their situation might get worse. As a nurse, they would often seek advice from him on what to do.
Bro RJ believed that it was the anxiety that triggered the symptoms more than the virus itself. So he advised them the basic health protocols and medication, as well as to pray and to put their trust in God who was in in control of everything.
All sorrow doesn’t last so long. With a grateful heart, he thanked the Lord for the healing that emerged from the pain and illnesses his colleagues experienced. He continued to hope that things will eventually be better again, that the pandemic would end, and people would heal.
Truly, joy and sorrow come hand in hand. 2020 didn’t end without better news. Aa he faced joy through his son’s marriage and sorrows brought by death and the pandemic, Bro. RJ was once again gifted with joy as his daughter gave birth to a child: his granddaughter Isabel. Although his family was challenged on how to deal with hospitalization during pandemic and he worried about his daughter and the baby’s health, they had much prayer and faith. Fortunately, God heard and answered their prayers—the processes went well, they were relieved and welcomed a healthy baby girl.
God is faithful and does not leave His children alone. Our faith will always be tested during dark times. Prayers are our weapon to life’s challenges. Trust and hope are our shield, and determination and obedience are our way to victory.
Bro. RJ’s faith and trust in God is an inspiration and a reminder to always search and hope for the light in dark times, to pray for each other, and to find joy amidst sorrow.
Credits:
Written by Shael Cardenas | Edited by Angeli Arellano | Photos by CFC DM Team | Graphics by Lester Dalumpines | Layout by Jay Lucena