by Rolly and Caleb Dela Cruz
What began as an ordinary evening turned into a life-and-death battle, one that would ultimately reveal God’s power, faithfulness, and the strength of a praying community.
On the evening of Nov. 16, 2024, while my wife and I were attending a DG Leaders’ Assembly at CCF Angono, Caleb sent a reassuring message: “Bahay na po.” (“I’m home now.”)
As a family growing in faith and serving God together, we never expected that our faith would soon be tested in such a profound way.
When we arrived home around 9:00 PM, we were met with a terrifying scene.
Caleb was lying on his bed, unresponsive, with dried blood on his nose and signs of vomiting. He was incoherent.
Without hesitation, I called Caleb’s DGroup leader, and together we rushed him to the nearest hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to a larger medical facility.
During the ambulance ride and upon arrival at the emergency room, Caleb began experiencing violent seizures—screaming, convulsing, and repeatedly losing consciousness. It took six people to restrain him.
He was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Doctors delivered devastating news: Caleb had only a slim chance of survival.
An emergency open-brain surgery was performed to relieve pressure caused by severe internal bleeding. The injuries were extensive—swelling, multiple areas of bleeding in the brain, and a skull fracture. For nearly a week, the bleeding persisted. He also developed ICU-acquired pneumonia.
We were overwhelmed, gripped by fear, uncertainty, and the growing burden of hospital bills that had already exceeded one million pesos.
In the midst of despair, God moved through His people.
Caleb’s DGroup leaders and our church community initiated a corporate prayer and fasting movement.
Beginning Nov. 19, a daily “Pray O’Clock” via Zoom was held at noon, continuing for 16 days until Caleb’s discharge. Family, friends, church members, and even strangers joined together in prayer.
At the same time, financial provision came in unexpected ways. Fundraising efforts were launched, and assistance was sought from foundations and government agencies. Each time payment was due, funds or guarantee letters arrived just in time.
Eleven days after surgery, Caleb was taken off the ventilator and sedation. The following day, he was transferred to a regular room.
When he regained full awareness, he was surprised to find himself in the hospital. His last memory suggested that he may have slipped and hit his head.
As his parents, our greatest fear, that he might not recognize us, was quickly replaced with relief and gratitude.
By God’s grace, Caleb recognized everyone. After just 20 days in the hospital, Caleb was discharged.
Despite a total bill reaching millions, our family was only required to sign a promissory note for ₱200,000. Shortly after, we received news that the remaining balance had been fully covered through a guarantee letter.
As Caleb continued his recovery, doctors observed something remarkable—his locomotor skills were completely intact.
What would normally take six months of recovery after open-brain surgery was accelerated. Within three months, his skull replacement procedure was successfully completed.
While speech therapy remained part of his healing journey, Caleb stood once again—strong, restored, and able to testify.
He has since shared his story on a radio program and continues to speak in various church gatherings. Even his academic journey continued uninterrupted, as his professors extended special consideration to support his recovery.
One of my colleagues, who had not yet personally known Christ, remarked that Caleb’s healing was a result of the church’s faith and prayers.
Indeed, countless prayers were lifted—not only by family and friends, but by an entire community of believers.
As written in James 5:14–15, “The prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
This testimony is living proof that God hears and answers prayer. All glory and praise to our Almighty God!
ROLLY DELA CRUZ, a devoted husband to his wife Lanie for 22 years, is a father who has faithfully committed his family to the Lord since joining Christ’s Commission Fellowship in 2019.
CALEB DELA CRUZ, their 21-year-old son, serves as a DGroup member and leader, and is part of the core leadership of Elevate Angono, as well as the Exalt and Host Team Ministries of CCF Angono.
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