by Lily A. Montesines-Capalad
I’ve always believed that God is a God of second chances, and I’ve experienced this truth many times. My life has not been short of danger—whether it was a health crisis, being threatened by knife-wielding thieves, or being held hostage in a public van by holduppers.
In all these, God never left me. He protected me, just as He promised in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
One unforgettable incident happened many Junes ago. I was exhausted from work and eager to get home. I boarded a public van from Makati to Antipolo.
As passengers filled the van and we began to travel, I suddenly felt uneasy. A still, small voice nudged me to get off and buy something. But I was already seated and resting my aching back—so I ignored it. I wished I had listened.
As we reached Kalayaan Avenue, a man beside me—face partially covered by a white towel—declared a holdup. He and three others took control of the van, demanding that we surrender our bags, jewelry, phones, and money. All the looted items were placed into my bag.
They warned us not to make any movements. One showed us a .45 caliber gun and a (real or toy just to cause fear) grenade.
Then, instead of heading to Antipolo, they forced the driver to turn toward the South Superhighway. Eventually, they let all passengers go—except me, another lady (who quickly escaped), and the driver.
I was terrified. I didn’t know the roads in the South, and I felt completely vulnerable. But God was with me. At Sucat, I noticed highway patrol officers nearby. The men beside me crouched to avoid being seen. I gave a quiet signal by blinking.
When the van stopped, a gunfight broke out between the holduppers and the highway patrol. I remained composed inside the vehicle, silently bracing myself for the possibility of being hit by a stray bullet as gunshots rang out.
At that moment, I prayed and entrusted my family to God—especially my teenage sons back then—asking Him to care for them if this was truly my appointed time to leave this world.
Strangely, I felt no fear. The gunfire inside the vehicle sounded muffled, unlike the loud blasts I could hear from outside.
I didn’t even realize the holdupper beside me had been shot—I heard no sound, nor felt any movement that indicated he had been hit. He slumped, lifeless, he was hit just inches from my head. God had protected me miraculously. I believe He surrounded me with His divine shield.
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” – Psalm 34:7
In the chaos, one holdupper escaped with what he thought was the loot—I can only imagine their shock and disappointment when they realized that the bag they had grabbed in their escape wasn’t the one filled with stolen money—but instead, it was my bag filled with documents and diskettes.
At that moment, I was reminded of Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
Truly, anything gained through deceit never prospers, but what is earned through honest labor is lasting and blessed.
Meanwhile, I still had the passengers’ stolen items. Blood was on the road when I got out of the van. I walked to the highway patrol station where the others had regrouped. I returned their stolen belongings and informed the officers that the weapons were left in the van.
Once I felt safe, the trauma finally hit me—my stomach churned, tears flowed, and I could barely speak when I called my husband. A woman, whose car had been used by the robbers as their getaway vehicle, spoke to him on my behalf. Later, at the police station, we filed a blotter report.
My husband and I made sure each passenger was brought safely home, from Parañaque to Antipolo. We finally arrived home around 4 a.m.
Soon after, my church friends called to pray with me and offer comfort. The trauma lingered for days, but God, in His mercy, comforted me through His Word.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
As this column comes to a close this December, I look back with deep gratitude to the God who has carried me through every season—through trials, dangers, and even moments of fear.
Truly, He is my Deliverer.
In a time when wars rage, corruption spreads, and divisions deepen, may we not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came to bring light into our darkness, peace into our chaos, and hope into our weary hearts. His birth reminds us that even in uncertain times, Emmanuel—God with us—remains our steadfast source of joy and strength.
A Christmas Prayer of Hope
Heavenly Father,
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we thank You for being our Deliverer and Source of peace amid life’s chaos. Though the world groans with wars, corruption, and despair, we hold fast to the hope that Christ’s light still shines in. Let Your peace guard our hearts and remind us that Emmanuel—God with us—is our greatest gift.
May the God who delivers and sustains us fill our hearts with His peace, joy, and unshakable hope this Christmas and beyond. Amen.
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