Let's Join Our Hands for Nature

God is Real.

A Divine Prompting in Fairfield

In 2006, while I was driving through Fairfield, I suddenly felt a strong urging deep in my heart—an unmistakable voice within me saying, “Go to the nearest church.” It wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it was a repeated command that echoed with urgency and clarity.

“Go to the nearest church.”

I couldn’t ignore it.

Uncertain where to go, I pulled over at the nearest store to ask for directions to the closest Catholic church. I didn’t know what I would find there—but I knew I had to obey.

Not knowing exactly where to go, I stopped by the nearest store and asked for directions. They pointed me to Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Dove Street.

I drove straight there. As soon as I parked and stepped out of the car, I saw a Filipina lady nearby. I approached her and asked how I could enter the church to pray.

She gently said, “Sorry, Brod, the church is closed right now—but if you want, you can join us in our prayer meeting.”

To my surprise, it was a charismatic prayer meeting.

At that moment, I realized—this was an answered prayer. For five years, I had been praying and asking God to show me where I could serve Him. And here I was, led not by coincidence, but by the Holy Spirit.

He brought me here.

The prayer meeting

When the Spirit Moves — Again

Charismatic Prayer Meeting

That evening at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we proceeded to a room located in the church dome. The prayer meeting was led by Sister Emma Bautista from the Disciples of Jesus (DOJ) ministry of Holy Spirit Church.

They had a special guest speaker that night—Brother Alejandro V. Aguspina Jr., a renowned international evangelist from Cebu.

As Bro. Ale began to speak, suddenly, there was a brownout. The power went out, and the talk was cut short. Instead of a full session, we simply spent time getting to know one another. It was unexpected, but somehow still filled with grace. That night left a mark on me.

Fast forward, I transferred to a new job at Chadbourne Dialysis Clinic in Fairfield.

To my great surprise, one of my co-workers, Moreland, turned out to be the husband of Sister Emma—the very same leader of that prayer group where it all began.

And even more incredibly, Emma eventually became our Regional Boss. I couldn’t help but marvel at how God orchestrated all these connections.

Then came my first day on the job. I was just about to insert a needle to begin a patient’s treatment when—believe it or not—another brownout happened.

I couldn’t help but smile.

In all the ten years I worked at that clinic, we never had a brownout—except that one moment, on my very first day. It felt like a wink from heaven. A divine reminder that God was once again affirming, “You are exactly where I want you to be.”

A Light in the Darkness

It made me smile when Father Jess Soriano asked me to share my witnessing of God’s presence during our gathering.

As I was walking up to give my testimony, something unexpected happened—

the power went out. The entire church went dark.

I stood there for a moment, almost in disbelief.

Of all times, now?

But deep in my heart, I smiled. Because I knew—

God was in that moment too.

It felt like a divine reminder:

Even in darkness, His light still shines.

Even when the power goes out, the power of testimony lives on.

It was almost poetic. I was about to speak of how God had guided every step of my journey, and there He was again—writing one more line in the story, reminding us all that His presence does not depend on electricity, sound systems, or perfect timing.

He is simply there. Always.

Because when God calls you to speak, He will be your light,

This Time, You Speak Not With Words—But With Your Life

As I stood in the darkness, ready to share my testimony, I realized something deeper:

God wasn’t just asking me to speak—He was asking me to live.

This time, it wasn’t about eloquent words or prepared lines.

It was about a life lived in obedience, in service, in faith.

Because the most powerful testimony is not always spoken—it is seen.

It is how you love your family.

How you serve quietly behind the scenes.

How you show up even when tired.

How you choose prayer over comfort.

How you carry joy even in trials.

This time, you speak not with your words, but through your way of life.

And that’s what brings others to believe—not in you, but in the God who is alive in you.

It’s not just a coincidence it a story of spiritual connections.

Start of my Spiritual life in America

Planted by God, Rooted in Community

When I migrated to America in 2001, I prayed earnestly and asked the Lord to give me a community where I could serve and grow spiritually.

For five years, I waited, trusting that in His perfect time, God would answer.

And He did—in the most unexpected way.

One afternoon in 2006, I was out driving to buy some plants for my garden. Along the way, I stopped by a garage sale on Georgia Street. As I walked in, I overheard two women talking about the Santo Niño.

That caught my attention immediately—Santo Niño has always been close to my heart.

I politely interrupted and asked about their conversation. Little did I know, these two women—Sister Virgie and Sister Frances—were the servant leaders of the Saint Vincent Charismatic Community.

They invited me to their Life in the Spirit Seminar—and to my amazement, their main speaker was none other than Brother Ale Aguspina, the same international evangelist I had met during that earlier prayer meeting at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

It was as if God had brought everything full circle.

From 2006 to this day, I have remained part of this vibrant, Spirit-filled community. Here, I have not only grown in faith but have also witnessed miracles, healing, and deep spiritual transformation.

Life in the Spirit Seminar

Bringing My Family to Christ

It all started during a church event at Saint Catherine Church, where different programs for families were being introduced. One particular program caught my attention—ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor), a mission that serves impoverished communities in the Philippines by building homes and providing scholarships for children.

That moment planted a seed in my heart and led me to join Couples for Christ (CFC).

As I grew in the community, I felt a deeper conviction:

“Leading your life spiritually is a powerful step—but to live fully in the Holy Spirit, you must bring your family to Christ.”

That realization became the turning point.

It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

At a time when most people were focused on working long hours just to provide for their families, I chose to make time for prayer meetings, worship nights, and community service.

Many would ask, “How could he do that?”

I was working two jobs, both on 12-hour shifts, and still found time for ministry.

The answer is simple:

It was in those prayer meetings where I was refilled and recharged—by praising God.

That’s where I drew my strength.

God is faithful. He is loving. He guides us, strengthens us, and provides for what we truly need.

Indeed, all He asks is that we believe and obey.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

— Joshua 24:15

Today, I Invite You to Join Me in Supporting ANCOP and Serving the Church

Together, we can answer the cry of the poor—by building homes, sending children to school, and bringing hope to families who need it most. Through ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor), we bring not only material support but the love and light of Christ to the marginalized.

But it doesn’t end there.

Let’s make faith real through action.

Let’s bring more families to Christ through the many ministries that God has entrusted to His Church.

Mensa Christi – serving and feeding the homeless in our local community Charismatic Renewal, Cursillo, and Couples for Christ – spiritual formation and fellowship for individuals and families Music Ministry, Liturgy Team, Eucharistic Ministers, and more – all vital to our worship life and parish growth

There are so many ways to say “Yes, Lord, here I am.”

Our Church needs hearts that are willing, hands that are ready, and souls that are open to serve.

If God has touched your heart today, I encourage you to take the next step—get involved, volunteer, and support. Whether through ANCOP or a local ministry, you can be an instrument of grace and healing.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

— 1 Peter 4:10

How God Answered our Prayer.. John Life Journey

One at a time. His time and his ways.

A Divine revelation?

2020 I posted Mount Carmel church a great way to Evangelize but was not posted on Facebook, they sees it and look at it as a spam. Hmmm

2024 We are here at Mount Carmel for our Northern California Evangelization Rally of Couple for Christ

This is now happening

FEBRUARY 17, 2024 Evangelization Rally

God is good

What made us grow in Spirit.

It’s the Prayer from our community

EVERY CHRISTIAN IS A MISSIONARY

Bro. Pidz Banasan

Evangelization Rally 2024

Our Lady of Mc. Carmel

Every Journey Becomes a Pilgrimage

I truly believe that everything that has happened in my life is no coincidence—it is surely the work of God.

During one of our trips to Manila, we stayed at a vacation house. To my surprise and joy, there was a Mount Carmel Chapel nearby.

It was as if God was gently reminding me again:

He is alive. He is present.

And He brings His Church to us—through the loving presence of Mother Mary, and the intercession of all the angels and saints.

Moments like these are not just part of a vacation.

They become a pilgrimage.

Wherever I go—whether near or far—I find myself led to holy places, quiet chapels, and sacred encounters. And each time, I know: God is guiding every step.

From a Simple Yes to a Life of Purpose

In 2025, we had our Couples for Christ Conference in the very same church where my journey began—Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

But this time, I returned not as a seeker, but with greater service and responsibility. I stood in that sacred space with a heart full of gratitude, remembering how it all started…

With a simple yes.

I didn’t have all the answers—I just obeyed.

This is my story:

A journey with God and my family, led by grace, sustained by faith, and anchored in the Holy Eucharist.

I believe with all my heart that God is alive in the Blessed Sacrament. And if you follow Him, He will build a storyline of His presence in your life—one chapter at a time.

But this story isn’t meant to be kept hidden.

It’s meant to be proclaimed, so that others may believe.

Because your life, your testimony, may be the very sign someone else is praying for.

“Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”

— Mark 5:19

To God be Praise

Through every simple “yes” that turns into something greater.

Believe. Obey. Follow.

Because when you do, God will write a story in your life—not for you to keep, but to proclaim, so that others too… may believe.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

— Joshua 24:15

Amen