by Kester Co Katindig
Before I came to know Christ, my life was far from God. I was the black sheep of the family—struggling with pornography, gambling, suicidal thoughts, and even hurting others.
I entered into an immoral relationship, searching for comfort and satisfaction in all the wrong places. But the more I pursued sin, the emptier I became. I was lost and heading toward destruction.
Everything changed in 2010 when someone shared the gospel in our classroom and explained the truth of John 3:16. For the first time, I truly understood how much God loves us.
I realized that Jesus did not come for the righteous, but for sinners like me. He loved me and gave Himself for me—not because of anything I had done, but purely by His grace.
At that time, I still had many questions about God’s Word. But as I continued attending church services and activities, I began to understand His unconditional love more deeply.
I learned that while hardships and trials would still come, the only way to endure them was by holding on to Him.
When I surrendered my life to Jesus, real change began to take place. My speech and habits were transformed. I became more obedient to my parents, and my suicidal thoughts completely disappeared. In time, God led me to serve in the music ministry and to share the gospel with others.
As God continued to transform my heart, He opened doors for me to reach the people around me.
During the COVID pandemic, when many were fearful, hopeless, and searching for answers, God used that dark season as an opportunity for me to share the gospel with my family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers who were longing for hope.
It was also during this time that I faced one of the greatest trials of my life. I was diagnosed with a stage 4 pancreatic and duodenal neuroendocrine tumor with liver metastasis. I was in pain, afraid, and deeply broken.
Yet the same gospel that saved me was the gospel that sustained me in my darkest moments. Even while confined in the hospital, I never questioned God’s plans or His purpose.
Instead, He gave me joy every time I was able to share the gospel with fellow patients, their families, and even the nurses.
Then came the day of a long and highly complicated surgery. I was on the brink of losing the battle. I cried out to God, pleading for my life, and I promised to serve Him for the rest of my days.
In His mercy, Christ heard my plea and walked with me through every moment of suffering and healing.
During my hospitalization, my parents and my then-girlfriend Maileen—whom I met while serving at CCF Cainta—became my caregivers. Despite intense pain, immobility, and even moments of hallucination, God surrounded me with people who loved and supported me.
He provided compassionate doctors and medical staff, and He faithfully supplied for my needs through many individuals and channels that helped cover my medical expenses.
After three long months in the hospital, God restored my health. Today, I give all glory to my Jehovah Rapha—I am now three years cancer-free.
Galatians 2:20 became the anchor of my life: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
My old self is gone. Christ now lives in me.
Every breath I take and every victory I experience is by faith in Him—not by my strength, not by my works, but by His grace alone.
I once lived in darkness, but now I serve God and His people. I was once lost and dead in sin—but now I am alive in Christ.
Cancer is not the big “C” in my life. Christ is, and all glory belongs to Him alone!
KESTER CO KATINDIG is a full-time ministry worker serving as Satellite Admin and Ministry Coordinator at CCF East Ortigas. Today, he faithfully serves in ministry alongside his wife, Maileen, and is a devoted husband and father.
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