My Journey of Faith

by Maria Lourdes Galit

I am Maria Lourdes Galit (nicknamed Lody) a widow with five wonderful and responsible sons, four of whom are married and the youngest still a bachelor.

My journey through life is one marked by ups and downs just like any other person. I had a happy childhood and grew up in a close-knit and happy family.

I graduated in 1979 and passed the Certified Public Accountant board exam in the same year.

I immediately found work at one of the subsidiary companies of San Miguel Corporation as a bookkeeper and then as Chief Accountant of Shakey’s and Dunkin’ Donuts.

There, I met my destined husband who was a working student until he completed his law studies, passed the bar exam, and became a practicing lawyer.

I thank God, he was a very responsible and good father. I gave up my work and fully devoted myself to my husband and growing sons.

My husband was a good lawyer to his clients and our neighbors. He always gave his best to win cases.

The seemingly blissful marriage and happy family life were shattered when in June 2018, while we were on our way out two gunmen, pointed their guns at us and gunned down my husband who died instantly with 13 gunshots. While I survived.

Two of the subdivision’s gate guards were also gunned down. The senseless murder of my husband left me devastated, helpless, broken, and hopeless. His murder case is still unresolved to date.

I knew I had no control over the situation and chose to put my faith and trust in Him. He gave me the strength and power to live with confidence.

Together with my cousins, we sold our inherited lot in Pampanga and my share of the proceeds enabled me to build a new house for my family.

Amidst the isolation of the pandemic, I found myself seeking avenues to secure income.

Regrettably, driven by a mixture of greed and pride, I entered into a high-risk investment contract with someone I trusted. With promises of substantial returns, I eagerly anticipated the rewards.

However, when the time came to withdraw my invested funds, I discovered that I had fallen victim to a scam, leaving me devastated and financially compromised.

In the midst of darkness, a flicker of hope emerged as I stumbled upon the gospel video messages of Christ Commission Fellowship’s (CCF) pastors on YouTube.

Guided by providence, I found myself welcomed into the loving arms of the CCF community, where I was embraced by a discipleship group (DGroup) led by Marilou Rojero, whom I found to be very compassionate.

I found healing for my fractured spirit and my burdens were lightened by the love of kindred spirits.

The True Life Retreat became a turning point in my journey—where I encountered the presence of God in ways I had never imagined.

During the retreat, my soul underwent a profound transformation as I gained insight into:

1. The divine nature of the Lord God—the Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

2. The transformative power of Jesus in redeeming sinners and guiding them towards spiritual sanctification.

3. The importance and efficacy of fervent prayer in deepening our connection with the divine.

4. The significance of humble repentance and forgiveness in paving the path towards spiritual renewal.

5. A clearer understanding of God’s purpose for our lives on this earthly journey.

6. The comforting assurance of eternal life through the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

7. The symbolic significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ, who liberated us from the shackles of eternal death.

To show my public acceptance of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior I joined the water baptism together with other attendees who were also convicted by the Holy Spirit to confess and repent of their sins to receive forgiveness, be born again (spiritual rebirth), and be regenerated.

After my baptism, empowered by the Holy Spirit, I embarked on a journey of service and discipleship, eagerly embracing every opportunity to share the boundless love of Jesus with a world in need.

I excitedly joined the following ministries: Shepherd Staff and its Worship singing group, Dawn Watch Saturday Devotion, Together in Prayer, Women to Women, and other activities that I may be bound to serve to praise and give glory to God, who gave me the True Life.

I hope and pray to continue as an instrument to draw more people to Jesus using my life testimony of faith and transformation which is only possible by the power of His Holy Spirit in me; without Him, I am nothing!

“To have faith, is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:18)

MARIA LOURDES GALIT is enjoying true life which she found only in Jesus Christ, the Savior.