Hi to all of you! I am Bro. Rodel Donato. I want to thank and acknowledge God in my life.
Last August 24, when I was driving my way home from Cabuyao, Laguna, an incident happened. I dashed into a motorcycle that was smashed with another, along the Governor’s Drive. I thought it was just an ordinary accident because of the suddenness. I checked the man, but I didn’t see a mark of blood, nor any major injury. When the rescue team came and removed the helmet, I saw the rider’s eyes were fainting, so I prayed for him. He was then brought to the hospital. Unfortunately, he was declared dead on arrival. Anxiety came over me. My only desire is to serve the Lord, but never have I imagined that something like this would happen. Yet, I believe that there is a purpose why God allowed this situation.
When I met the victim’s wife, she told me that she would be filing a case. Then for 4 days, from Friday to Monday, I was imprisoned because I was not able to pay the bail.
At first, I didn’t understand why this was happening. I remembered one of my leaders who testified that he was also imprisoned. I’ve experienced how difficult it is to be with 22 prisoners who are struggling to make themselves comfortable in a tiny space. I could not sleep nor move. We looked like sardines in a can. The place was filled with smoke, and orders from what they call “mayor”. Despite all these things, the Lord instilled to me His love in the darkest 4 days of my life.
On August 26, the victim’s wife came over and she would be pursuing the case, since apparently their family was affluent. Before the accident happened, the victim and his family was about to migrate to America, which made it even more heavier for me. But I surrendered all to the Lord. Hereafter, the victim’s wife came back and made an agreement of P600,000. I told her that I could not pay it, and then later on settled down to P300,000. Still, I could not give her favor, but I just prayed continuously. I am thankful that my brothers in Christ in Cluster 3 helped me prayed, and also comforted me at that time.
August 28, the day that I would be undergoing inquest if I could not give the P300,000. Then, the rider’s wife made another agreement that I need to pay her P200,000 that day and the remaining P100,000 would be paid by installment basis. The investigator gave me a chance to decide until 12 noon if I would give P200,000 or the case would proceed.
I asked for help from my siblings and cousins. I was really nervous because I had no means to produce the amount she was asking that time. But just before my deadline, I saw the woman crying and she decided that the case would be terminated!
In Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Sometimes God allow things to happen so we’d have the opportunity to love and trust Him even when we cannot comprehend. Glory to God! The victim’s wife has settled with me for P100,000, which I pay weekly.
I thank the Lord for my fellow brothers in Cluster 3, led by Bro. Rey Mame, who were praying for me. It’s very relieving when you have brothers who pray for you in your darkest moment.
Living with God is gratifying. When the Lord took my faith to a higher level, I persistently serve Him even more because of His strong love and compassion despite of all circumstances. I thank God that my testimony shares God’s love for people who are imprisoned and hope for the people in hopeless situation. Thank you!
