The Greatest Christmas Gift

The Night God gave me back my Angel

It’s been more than two years now since I lost the most important person in my life to cancer — my wife Eva. It’s been two years that I have been celebrating Christmas alone with my three beautiful daughters.

You see, the pain of losing someone you love gets more painful as the day goes by. They say time heal wounds, I say time deepens the wounds. As the days, months and years goes by, the more I miss her and longed for her.

Two questions arises everytime I talk to people I meet — it won’t be easy raising three kids alone and when am I going to get married again. My answer: I am not raising my kids alone, I am raising them with my God. Marriage they say? I am married again since my wife passed away. I am married to my Lord Jesus Christ.

Since the day my wife died, there’s only one thing I want more than anything else — to be with her again, even for just a couple of minutes. Day and night, I will pray to my Lord and Savior about this desire to be with her. For me to be able to tell her how much I love and miss her, and at the same time to ask for her forgiveness for all the shortcomings I made during her brief stay here on Earth.

God indeed answer prayers especially the prayers with Faith. God answered mine after two years of praying. I dreamt of my wife just last week, the first time in two long years.

The dream went like this: Tired from work, I went home looking forward to a nice meal, only to find my wife waiting for me at the living room. She was wearing her favorite red house dress. I rushed to her side and hugged her tight. With tears in my eyes, I kept kissing her and whispering to her how much I love her and miss her.

I sat down still hugging her, her back against my chest. My arms wrap around her body. We started to reminise our life, how we met, our courting days, the day we got married, the day we became mom and dad, the hardships we went through and of course the joy of being married for 18 long years. We were just laughing and hugging each other the whole night.

Then my three daughters came into the picture. She hugged them so tight, kissing them one by one, full of love and care. My wife reminded the kids to be diligent with their studies, to take care of one another and to strengthen their love, trust and faith to the Lord.

Then she turned to me and hugged me again. I whispered to her “Mom, I am sorry for all my foolishness and shortcomings. I am sorry for not being able to show you how much I love you the way you want me to. I am sorry for all the pain that I have caused you. Please forgive me”.

My wife answered “Dad, there is nothing to forgive. You have loved me the way God wants you to love me. During my five months of treatment, you have shown me and given me all the love and care a wife wants from her husband. More importantly, you have given me my life long wish — for you to accept God as your Lord and Savior.”

I was crying profusely and said “I miss you Mom so much” for which she replied “I am with you and the kids every night Dad. I am always around. Be strong and keep your faith. God loves you and the kids so much”. She then hugged me and the kids (like a group hug) and said “I love you all so much” and then she disappeared. The dream ended with me and the kids hugging each other.

Some of you might say that it’s just a dream. To me, it’s a dream worth keeping and telling. In the Bible there are constant references to communication between man and God, between man and the angels, and between man and his higher self through the medium of dreams.

I strongly believe that the dream I just related to you is God’s gift to me this Christmas — a gift of love. At the same time, the dream conveys a strong message to all of us that Christmas is about LOVE. More than the material things, Christmas is about giving love, so make sure you give it to the one you love, to the poor and give your love to our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God … Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7, 11-12

God Bless us all! Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year. Peace to you all!

Why Oh God… Why?

It was around 4pm that day, I just finished talking to my brother-in-law (Eva’s brother) regarding Eva’s condition.  Eva was confined in the hospital that time for two weeks.  All my savings were gone.  The hospital bills are piling up and I don’t know what to do then.

During my conversation, I can’t help but notice a lady at her 50s walking and giving us a glance.  When I was about to go back to Eva’s room, I saw the lady standing near our room.  She gave me a smile and said I can sense you have a big problem son?  Who’s inside the room?  I said it’s my wife Tita.  She has cancer.

Then I asked her, why are you here in the hospital Tita?  She said:  My daughter.  She has brain cancer.  Then I told her that all she has to do is to pray for we have a merciful and a loving God.

I find that hard to believe she said.  I asked her why?  Then she related her story:

I am a battered wife she said.  For no reason at all, my husband will beat me black and blue. I reached a point where I already lost my self-respect and the will to live. I had to hang-on and swallow my pride for my kids. Until the last straw came, my eldest son died in a car accident. That I cannot take anymore she said. I gathered my kids and left my husband. I started a new life. I regained my will to live again.

I know it’s going to be a tough life ahead of me, but I never thought it’s going to be full of trials. I was diagnosed to have brain cancer. I had to undergo a lot of treatments, pains and sleepless nights.  After years of treatment, my cancer was gone.  I was so happy.  I thought my trials are over.  But I was wrong, it was my husband’s turn to get sick.  My children keeps prodding me to accept him back.  I had no choice.  So I have to take care of my husband despite being beaten by him several times.  Now, I have to work for him to support his food and medicines.

I have to learn to live with it but another problem occurred, my daughter was diagnosed with the same cancer I had – Brain Cancer.  I really can’t believe all these things are happening to me she said.  So where is God she asked me?

To be honest, I don’t know what to say.  Being a new Christian, I don’t know what to tell a grieving mother. All I can say is for her to pray and pray. Yes she said, I am praying. I am asking God to take away my daughter’s cancer to give my cancer back. And if this is too much to ask, then I am asking God to end my daughter’s suffering. I wish that when I go back to her room, she will just be sleeping and never regain her conciousness again.

You know my son she said, I would rather see my daughter lifeless than see her in terrible pain. It’s tearing me apart she said. At this point in time, I really can’t say anything. All I can utter is don’t worry Tita, I will include you and your daughter in my prayers. She just gave me a smile and told me to take care of my wife. We went back to our respective rooms after.

The next morning, Eva (my wife) was to leave the hospital. I had to arrange all the necessary papers for her discharge. When I got out of the room, I saw Tita in front of me pushing a wheel chair.

I greeted her : Good Morning Tita.  She greeted me back and said this is my daughter.  I have to bring her downstairs for her laser treatment. We reached the elevator station and I told her : “Tita, always remember that with God, nothing is impossible. Have faith in him that He will heal your daughter. After uttering those words, Tita turn to me and hug me so tight and she whispered to me : “Yes my son. I know and thank you for reminding me of that love since yesterday”. Then she went inside the elevator with her daughter.

I don’t know what happen to Tita and her daughter anymore, that was the last time I saw them. But that experience sends shivers to my whole body. Being a Christian is not an easy task. It’s a journey. But am wiling to take the journey for I know God is with me all the time.

My Mission

The Story of Brother Jo
by: Jerry Liao

With what had happen to my life, some of my friends were saying that perhaps I was destined to become a pastor. I beg to disagree. I would like to believe that the Lord wants me to stay this way. For me to continue with what I do best but do it with the Lord in my heart.

As I’ve said before, I lived most of my life without the Lord in my life. HE made me successful because of his love, but when HE saw that I was at the brink of losing HIM – The Lord took away my angel on Earth, that broke me into pieces but now HE is rebuilding me slowly.

I just want to share with you how God has used my experience to bring other people close to HIM. Let me tell you the story of Brother Jo.

I met Brother Jo during Eva’s treatment at the ambulatory of St. Luke. Brother Jo was 60 when I met him. He came from Hawaii and was working for an airline preparing food for it’s passenger. Brother Jo had a number of illness then because he was a smoker – a heavy one. If my memory serves me right, he had problem with his lungs due to smoking, and some heart implications. Later on, he had liver cancer I think. The doctors in Hawaii gave Brother Jo six months to live that is why he decided to come home to the Philippines and continue his treatment here.

It was a Tuesday, Brother Jo was sitted in one of the recliners at the ambulatory where his chemo drug was being administered. He was so quiet and most of the time sleeping. Eva was two sit away from him. Since the treatment last around 6 to 8 hours, most of the patients at the ambulatory will end up knowing each other. They will share experiences with each other, perhaps to encourage one another.

Eva was the shy and quiet type, so in a way I was her spokesperson. And with a new found love from our Lord Jesus Christ, I was so excited to tell all of them how God transformed me. And that’s exactly what happen between me and Brother Jo. That same Tuesday, I sat between Eva and Brother Jo and start chatting with him. I get to learn about his sickness, his work in Hawaii and why he came back. He also related to me his vices, and his spiritual life. He do go to church but that was about it. His favorite pass time was to drink, smoke and play “Tong-Its” and “Pusoy-Dos” (card games).

Every Tuesday, I will meet Brother Jo and he will tell me a lot of his stories and I will share with him Eva’s experience and from time to time inject how the Lord changed my life. He will just smile and continue with his stories. As time passes, I observed that Brother Jo is slowly losing wait. He is getting thinner and thinner and becoming weaker.

When Eva was last hospitalized, I went to the ambulatory and look for Brother Jo – it was a Tuesday then. Brother JO was not in the ambulatory at that time so I thought he must be so weak to be in the hospital. I was on my way back to Evas room when I saw Brother Jo in the hallway lying in a hospital bed. I asked his wife what happen and his wife said Brother Jo is getting weaker and they were adviced by their physician that he be admitted to the hospital.

Brother Jo wants to defy his doctor’s order. He hates hospitals. I was surprised when Brother Jo held my arms and asked me my opinion if he should stay in the hospital or not. Of course I said yes at that time because it was his doctors advice. I told Brother Jo that Eva was also admitted. He readily agreed and told his wife that he wanted to admitted already. Eva was in room 406 then, Brother Jo stayed in room 404.

During his conversation with his wife, I overheard that he misses cornsoup. Since Brother Jo stays in the province, they are not so familiar with the places in the city. So one morning, I bought Brother Jo his favorite soup and I gave it to him before I visited Eva. He was so touched and thankful. I said that is too small a favor for the friendship we had. I always tell him to pray and ask for God’s forgiveness.

Every morning I will visit Brother JO and before I go home at night, I will again drop by his room just to check on him. On one of those nights when I visited him, I asked Brother Jo what he wants for breakfast. Brother Jo held my hand and said: “Thank you Brother Jerry, if there’s anything I want now, it’s for you to pray for me.” His request sends jitters to my whole body because that was the first time somebody ask me to pray for him. Brother Jo and I prayed that night and I can feel he accepted the Lord as his Savior right there and then. Brother Jo thanked me for the prayer and I told him to be strong and to have faith on the Lord.

Brother Jo left ahead of us, Eva stayed for two weeks in the hospital. That was the last time I talk to Brother Jo. We did talk on the phone one more time and he asked me if we’re going to see each other again. I said yes. But it never happen. Brother Jo pass away a few days after. I called his family on the phone and his wife told me that before he pass away, Brother Jo asked for their parish priest to visit him and say prayer with him. A proof that indeed the Lord is in Brother’s Jo heart and he is now paradise.

Next, I will tell you about my experience with a mother who’s daughter was suffering from brain cancer. God Bless us all!

When The Angels Came

The True Meaning of Life
by: Jerry Liao

“For the saved, death ushers us into the presence of Christ. “To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). So real is the promise of the believer’s resurrection, that the physical death of a Christian is called “sleep” (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 5:10). We look forward to that time when “there shall be no more death” (Revelation 21:4).”

Last February 15, 2007, I visited the wake of Brother Ed, the friend I met during Eva’s treatment. Yes, I wrote about Brother Ed in my previous story entitled “The Sure Hand of God”. Brother Ed passed away last February 12, 2007 at around 8:20pm due to colon cancer. He was 47.

The mood at Brother’s Ed wake was a bit different. As I enter the chapel, the atmosphere was so light and cool. Brother’s Ed relatives, friends and children were all there like one big happy family. Brother Ed’s older brother Dexter and Dexter’s wife Emma welcomed me as I arrived. I sat in one of the benches there, beside me is another good friend of mine Dr. Boy Medel.

Dexter related to me the last moments of Brother Ed. February 11 (Sunday), Brother Ed went into a comma due to Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). This is primarily because Brother Ed is barely taking in any food. He was rushed to a hospital and was given some medication which bring his conciousness back.

Then he was transferred to another hospital and had a relapse and was again given the same medication. At the hospital, Brother Ed told Dexter that he wanted to go home and had asked them not to give him anymore medicine if in case he will have another relapse. Brother Ed said that he’s body is already tired and he wanted to go. Words that put Dexter in a predicament – after all, letting go is not an easy task. Dexter consulted Dr. Medel about Brother Ed’s request and they arrived to a conclusion that they will take him home the next day.

A little over lunch of February 12, 2007, Brother Ed was already home. Dexter said Brother Ed was in a very cheerful mood. He requested that his favorite song be played and he wanted everyone around him to sing the song. He sang the song and even managed to move his body as if he’s dancing and following to the music beat. Brother Ed was also able to talk and meet all his children (Seven all in all), perhaps to tell them how much he love them all.

Dexter also told me that Brother Ed was able to say his apologies to all those he wronged before. He was able to put everything in place as well like his last will and testament. In other words, not only did the Lord gave Brother Ed the time to prepare the things he needed to be prepared, but the Lord also gave Brother Ed the time to experience the love, grace, blessing and mercy of our Dear Lord and Savior.

Later in the afternoon, Brother Ed called his Brother Dexter and said he was looking for Jesus Christ – his Savior, for the room was full of evil spirits. Dexter went to get his Bible and the Holy Rosary and prayed with Brother Ed. Brother Ed also asked for his own rosary and followed the prayers of Dexter and Emma. While these things are happening, Brother Ed was commanding all evil spirits to leave him for he said he is waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Minutes past, Brother Ed calmed down and told Dexter that all the spirits in his room left except one. Dexter asked Brother Ed where the lone spirit is. Brother Ed told Dexter that the spirit is right beside Dexter and it’s a good spirit. After uttering those words, Brother Ed went home to our Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe, just maybe, the good spirit Brother Ed saw was his angel, came down to Earth to bring him back home to our Fathers kingdom.

At the wake, while Dexter and Emma was relating to me all these, I can sense that Brother Ed has brought peace and love within his love ones. You can really sense the love around the chapel. Everyone was saying that despite what Brother Ed went through, they consider him blessed. And I couldn’t agree less, indeed Brother Ed was so blessed for he was able to experience the Lord’s love.

Brother Ed was able to receive the Lord’s love and promise. That all we need to do is to love and accept Him as our Lord and Savior and we will join Him in Paradise. A blessing that is offered to everyone, sadly not everyone accepts this blessing and promise from God.

Death is something that is surely to come to everyone. How and when is the only variable in this definite part of life. Some die in their sleep, some in accidents and some due to sickness. Death can come so fast that some can’t even say goodbye to their love ones – more so to accept the Lord in their life.

As my angel Eva said before: “After life, no amount of prayers can save you”. So the next question is: since the love and promise of the Lord is there for us to take, why are we not taking it? What are we waiting for? Wat do we got to lose by loving our Lord. NOTHING. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I have been there before, so I know how it feels, I know the difference between a life with God inside you and a life with no God at all.

Thank you again Brother Ed for the friendship. Not only was I able to gain a friend but also a family, a family that loves Brother Ed so much. And to all my readers who have not accepted the Lord as their Savior, this is my message: Do not wait for the same experience Brother Ed went through, you may not be able to handle it, more so you may not even have the same opportunity as what is given to Brother Ed. Receive the Lord now and accept him as your only Savior. I am giving you my word – you will not regret it.

The Sure Hand of God

The Story of Brother Ed
by: Jerry Liao

This story is about Brother Ed – a friend I met during the treatment of my angel Eva.

If my memory serves me right, it was August 1, 2006 that I first met Brother Ed. We were in place where we were hoping for miracles to happen – to save Eva’s life and his life as well. At that time, we have exhausted what western medicine has to offer. Our back is against the wall. We will listen, accept and do whatever we’re told just to be able to cling on something they call HOPE.

Just like my wife Eva, Brother Ed also has cancer, in his case its cancer of the colon – fourth stage. The first time I saw Brother Ed was when he entered the same room where Eva and I was. A place where alternative treatment was offered. Brother Ed came in quietly, sat down in one of the available chairs observing what was going on. I can automatically sense that there was some apprehensions on his part, but given his condition at that time, he is willing to give it a shot. Nothing to lose in other words.

My friendship with Brother Ed started when the next day we met he forgot to bring his medicine, a medicine that should be taken regularly. Fortunately, Eva was taking the same medicine and I brought with me some extra. I offered it to Brother Ed so that he won’t miss his medicine. He assured me that he will bring his medicine the next day to replace what I offered him, a promise he did as soon as he arrives the next day.

From that day on, Brother Ed and I will have a short talk during their treatment. He will arrive in the morning, go home and come back again later in the day for his afternoon treatment. He oftenly said he finds the session boring since he has no one to talk to and most of the patients at that time were women. Another reason why I think Brother Ed and I got closer is because we share the same passion – we’re smokers. So every given opportunity, Brother Ed and I will manage to puff one cigarette during his treatment. I did remind him that he has to quit smoking, Brother Ed will just smile at me and puff the cigarette again.

Since Eva and Brother Ed are taking the same medicine, they need to take it on the same schedule (9am – 3pm – 9pm – 3am). Before Eva takes her medicine, I will say a little prayer with Eva to thank the Lord for making the medicine available, and acknowledging the Lord that it is HE who is curing Eva, and the medicine is simply HIS tool. I will glance at Brother Ed and I will see him taking his medicine straight. One time, I told him to pray as well before taking his medicine, Brother Ed will just smile and nod his head. I told him that he can pray in his mind and that would be enough.

My meeting with Brother Ed was cut short when his family and I decided to rent our own equipment, and have the treatment at home. The communication was further cut when my angel Eva passed away last August 2006. Brother Ed and his family was not able to attend the wake, but they sent their condolences and it was enough for me.

Sometime November 2006, I got a text message from Brother Ed’s older brother Dexter asking if I have some pain reliever left which he will use for Brother Ed. Unfortunately I gave them all away. I asked Dexter how Brother Ed was doing and at that time, Dexter said Brother Ed is doing fine.

Sometime December 2006, I called up Brother Ed to ask him how he is doing. Brother Ed was glad to hear my voice again after quite some time. Brother Ed expresses his sadness over the passing of my wife Eva. Brother Ed revealed to me that his hope to be cured was renewed the day he saw Eva, because despite Eva’s condition at that time – Eva was full of life, she was always smiling and you can really sense that my wife Eva was at peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Brother Ed admitted that his condition has worsen. Sleeping has become an ordeal for him, not to mention the pain he’s experiencing. He said he has lost weight and has lost his appetite as well. All I can offer at that time for my Brother Ed are words of comfort. I told my Brother Ed not to lose hope and always pray to God for mercy and grace. I told Brother Ed that God will not put him in a situation without a purpose and all he has to do is to believe, trust and have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The following statements uttered by Brother Ed is something I never expected to hear from him. He said and I quote “Jerry, I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. HE is my only hope now, I surrendered my life to HIM and I am very much at peace with HIM. You will be surprised that I also talked to the Devil. I told the Devil that he may make me suffer, he make take my body and strength away, but one thing’s for sure – the Devil cannot take away my spirit and my soul for I have given and committed it to my one and only true God – Jesus Christ”. My tears fell after hearing those words from my Brother Ed. A true and clear demonstration of faith and love indeed.

I told Brother Ed that I am very happy to hear that he accepted the Lord as his Savior. I told him to continue to pray and have faith in HIM. Continue to develop his relationship with God. To pray and talk to our Lord regularly. And I told Brother Ed that I will also pray for him everyday. For with God, everything is possible and nothing is impossible.

I make it a point to call Brother Ed everyday, but in all ocassions, I was not able to talk to him. Dexter told me that Brother Ed is getting weaker everyday. I told Dexter that perhaps Brother Ed is getting weaker physically, but he is getting stronger spiritually. Dexter said Brother Ed is fully aware of my calls and messages and Brother Ed was also in tears, knowing that am praying for him and checking his developments. I told Dexter that despite the short time I met Brother Ed, the time and experience we shared together is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. It has helped me appreciate what life is really all about.

As I write this story, my Brother Ed is still fighting, but he did tell me that he is ready to meet his Creator anytime. After talking to Brother Ed, I finally realized what my God wants me to do – and that is to tell as many people as possible about HIS Greatness, perhaps through my articles, my programs, and in my seminars. God gave me all these talents for this purpose, and my conversation with Brother Ed is a confirmation of this calling.

To my Brother Ed, remember this: “But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God Bless you always!

The Homecoming II

Christ in Life – Christ in Death
by: Jerry Liao

The passing away of my angel Eva came as a surprise to me. I knew the day she will join our Creator will happen but never did I expect it would come that way. The first two days of her wake, my mind was full of questions and disbelief. What happen? Did my God forsake me? How come my prayers were unanswered?

August 30, 2006 – It was around 10am. I was at the funeral sitting in one of the benches there facing my wife’s coffin. I was alone with my wife that morning. I started talking to my God. I said: “Lord, what went wrong? How come my prayers were unanswered? I prayed hard day and night asking only one thing – save my angel Eva, heal her totally and bring her back to normal. I gave and surrendered my life to you, committed to serve you in whatever way you want me to serve you. Begged you for mercy and grace. Why did you allow this to happen? Why take away the most important lady of my life?”

I was crying and cannot believe what had happened. I tried and did everything possible. Treatment, medicines, research and prayers. Where did I go wrong? What did I do wrong?

Believe me my friends, I received my God’s answer right there and then. In so many words, HE said – “My Son, Not only did I healed Eva, but I also healed you and your family. You asked and prayed for her physical healing – I gave Eva, you and your family spiritual healing. Physical healing is temporary, Spiritual healing is permanent and eternal.”

“You asked me why I took Eva from you? Yes I did, for her purpose in life has been accomplished. She has brought you back to me and that was all she wanted. And I am giving her – her reward – and that is to be with me in Paradise.”

“But didn’t you realize that while I took Eva away from you – I also gave you three Evas? You have your three daughters with you and Eva is inside the three of them.”

“I gave you five months to show Eva how much you love her, care for her and how much she means to you. All this time you thought you were treating her – did it ever occurred to you that she was actually the one treating you?”

“All your treatment failed – but look at your family now – I am now at the center of your family – and I am now residing inside you and your families heart.”

After hearing this, I prayed and thank the Lord for his Love, Mercy, Blessings, Wisdom and Grace. Believe me friends, our God is a true God and HE is a Living God. We may not understand HIS works, but it is not for us to understand nor question HIS plans. All we need to do is to believe and have faith in HIM and trust and love HIM with all our hearts. My friends, with God in your life – nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37)

The message was so humbling. Who am I to question my God? And yet, HE still gave his answers to show HIS love, to comfort me and to assure me that HE was with us all along. HE never left us and HE heard our prayers and actually answered it – not our ways but HIS way – THE BEST WAY.

My angel Eva left with no goodbyes. Her last words were “I Love You Daddy”. There was never a time she was emotional nor dramatic. This has bugged me for awhile. But after careful thoughts, I realized my angel Eva left full of security, assurance and love in her heart. Most of us parents would want to depart this world only after seeing our children in a good situation – financially and emotionally. My angel Eva left only after she was certained that we her family was spiritually prepared. That we have our Lord and Savior in our lives.

Let me just share with you my friends two more messages I got from my God. The first was when I questioned my God why this thing had to happen to my Eva – Why Eva had the cancer? The Lord said to me: “When Eva had her cancer, you felt the need to save her. You gave her everything because you love her so dearly. You suddenly felt the love of a husband to a wife. To me, it was not Eva who has cancer but you because you don’t know me. And MY love for you is far more greater than the love you felt for your wife Eva”.

The other message was when I again questioned my God. I said, “Lord, I have been praying for months now, how come you have not healed my Eva”. My Lord answered “You just prayed and loved me for a couple of months and you have become impatient. I waited for you for 40 years and have accepted you still with open arms”.

How I will recover from this great lost is still a question. God brought me here for a reason. It is by his will I am in this difficult place, and in that fact I will rest. He will keep me here in his love, and give me grace to behave, as I should. He will make this trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons he intends for me to learn. In his good time he can bring me out again – how and when, only he knows and I will only trust and love him.

To all my readers, never let a day pass without assuring your love ones your love. Kiss them and hug them as often as possible. Tell them how much you love them. Accept the Lord as your Lord and Savior now. Put the Lord at the center of your family. Put your trust and faith in HIM. As Eva once told me: “Accept the Lord now – for after life, no amount of prayers can save us”. This is what my angel Eva lived for. She may had a short life – but it was a life lived fully. She loved her family and me with all her heart, and loved and served God till the very end. I love you my angel Eva and thank you for showing me the path to the real meaning of life.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” – but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

Praise be to GOD. To God Be the Glory.

The Homecoming

Christ in Life – Christ in Death
by: Jerry Liao

August 28, 2006 (Monday) at exactly 6:50 in the morning, Heaven was rejoicing and was waiting for the grand homecoming of their child – my wife and my angel Eva.

August 26, 2006 (Saturday) – Eva requested that she be allowed to eat some of her favorite food like fish and pizza. She was on a strict diet then – only vegetables and fruits. She told me that for one day only, there would be no food restrictions for her the next day. We told her that we will grant her request that made her so happy.

August 27, 2006 (Sunday) – As early as 8am, I went to market to buy Eva’s fish and pizza ingredients. By 10:00am, we’re already preparing Eva’s lunch, and we’re glad that a friend offered help. We prepared “Sinigang sa Miso – Tuna”. Eva enjoyed her lunch so much that she had two servings. She really missed having regular food. Around 2:30pm, she asked me to give her a bath which I did with the help of my daughter and yaya.

Around 4:00pm, Eva was already asking for her pizza. My daughter prepared an all-vegetable pizza which Eva jokingly said that it was all vegetable still. She enjoyed it and thanked my daughter for making the pizza for her. Around 6:30pm, she asked for the soup again and said she wanted it to be her dinner. Again, she enjoyed it a lot.

7:30pm – Eva asked my daughters to kiss her neck, head and arms, she asked me to kiss her legs. It ended the entire family was kissing her all over and that made her so happy. She was laughing out loud. Then we decided to relate some stories on some of our unforgettable moments together. You can sense that love is overflowing inside our room.

9:00pm – Eva suddenly complained of shortness of breath. I had to rush her to the hospital right away. When I was about to transfer her from her bed to her wheelchair, she slowly positioned her mouth and whispered to my ears “I Love You Daddy”. I told her that I love her too but we need to go to the hospital immediately.

9:30pm – Eva was already at the Emergency Room of St. Luke. She was still having difficulty in breathing. Eva then said “Lord – I Want to Live”. After uttering those words, Eva suffered a cardiac arrest. But it only took the doctors less than five minutes to bring her back to life. When Eva regained her consciousness, she was very lucid and she still knew who we are.

I went outside of the ER and talked to my Lord and Savior. I said “Lord, Thy will be done. If you think it’s time to take your child back, I am returning her back to you. All I ask is for you to give her a peaceful and a comfortable demise”.

3:00am – Eva was transferred to ICU. I can’t bear the site of seeing my angel Eva on a tube with a respirator attached to it. Around 5:00am, her doctors talked to me and said Eva needs to undergo a dialysis since her kidneys already failed. I gave them the go signal. Do everything to save my Angel Eva. During her entire stay at the ICU, her blood pressure was 120/70. One situation where her doctors find it hard to believe since she just came from a cardiac arrest.

My angel Eva saw me outside her room and called me into her room by nodding her head. I went inside and held her hand. I said “I Love You Mommy”, she nodded her head. I then asked her “You Love Daddy?”, she again nodded her head. Then she gave me the most meaningful look of my life, as if she’s saying “I Love You Daddy and Thank you”. Then she closed her eyes and her blood pressure starts dropping until it reaches a flatline.

The doctors came in and tried to revive her for 20 minutes. I told them to stop after another 5 minutes since I can’t bear the site anymore. My angel Eva was so tired am sure and it’s God’s way of giving her rest. She joined our Creator peacefully at exactly 6:50am of August 28, 2006.

I went inside her room, her lifeless body in bed and I whispered to her “I love you Mommy. Thank you for the love that you have given me and for saving my life by introducing the Lord into my life. You will now be in Paradise with our Lord Jesus Christ – a place where there is no pain and no sickness. Until we meet again”. I weeped and cried profusely while I kiss and hug her body. My angel has left me to be with our Creator. She passed away so peacefully with no struggle and no pain.

I am definite that my Angel Eva is with our Lord Jesus Christ – our last two prayers answered right there and then.

Thank you to all our friends, relatives and to the people who prayed, sent their flowers and messages to condole with our family. The outpouring of love somehow eased our burden.

Thank you to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for loving and protecting my angel Eva all the way. There was never a time HE left her. He again proved to all of us that he is a Loving God, a True God, and a Living God. Thank you Lord for giving me my Angel Eva and for giving us the chance to assure each other for one last time – that we love each other. Truly, in sickness and in health – we stood by each other, full of love and care. This we will treasure forever.

To my angel Eva, I love you very much baby. I am sorry if I was not able to show you how much you mean to me like the way you want me to. But I would like to tell you that in our 18 years of marriage, there was never a time I stopped loving you, and I will continue to love you more and more. You have been a perfect wife, a perfect mother, a perfect friend and a perfect spiritual light and partner. Thank you for the love and the memories. I am missing you terribly. Until we meet again.

If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord – Romans 14:8.

My Angel on Earth

The Lady Who Made Me a Better Man
by: Jerry Liao

For the past years, I have dedicated my life to improving my information technology skills by continuously learning innovations in the areas of computers and mobile technology. Every time I attend a press conference, I make sure that I come prepared expecting my host to be prepared as well. I attend events to learn more from what they have to offer, and in return I share them with my readers.

Ever since, I have been a perfectionist. I want to be the best in everything I do. From being a sales representative, software support person, encoder, developer, systems analysts, operating officer and media person – I make it a point to stand out from my peers. I want to be successful and make a difference.

I was brought up with business as my orientation. Every summer vacation, my parents asked me to help in manning our store. I did deliveries, checked inventories, and sometimes talked to customers. In other words, my siblings and I were trained by our parents to take over our family business. All the while, I really thought life was all about business; making money to enjoy life.

Religion was an alien word to me then. I grew up with no religion. I studied in non-Catholic schools. I never attended mass. The only time I visited churches were during weddings and baptisms; and I usually ended up more excited to attend the reception afterwards. During these occasions, I got to dip my hand in holy water and make the sign of the cross, not knowing what it was for.

When I was 11 years old, I lost both my parents. At that young age, I didn’t understand the value of having a mom and a dad and the repercussions of losing them. At age 14, I started doing my own business. I wanted to earn more money and become more successful, and to prove to everyone that despite being an orphan, I can be a successful businessman. I started my computer career at the age of 16 and things started to shape up for me; and I thought that hard work and determination was all I needed.

Then I met my wife Eva. I knew from the time I set my eyes on her she was God sent – she would be my angel on Earth. Eva introduced me to God. She would invite me to attend fellowships and was baptized during one of its services. But my goal in life has not changed despite being introduced to God. My goal is still the same – to be a successful businessman. Eva and I were blessed with three beautiful daughters. I made sure that they would be close to God, something I never experienced during my childhood. I am happy that at a very young age, my three daughters worship and love God very much.

During our years of marriage, Eva did nothing but serve me, from morning to evening. She prepared my toothbrush, my clothes to the office, breakfast, lunch, dinner and vitamins. There was a never a time when she complained about my attitude. She would just keep quiet every time I was in a bad mood. She supported all my desires and dreams. I thought all along that giving my wife and family everything the world has to offer would bring them happiness but I was wrong.

In 1996 I had my own television show (Infochat). I said to myself – not only will I be able to achieve my goals, but I will be famous as well. I did Infochat for 8 years, I appeared in other popular television shows, and even co-hosted a radio program. I may not be as popular as the other TV personalities, but being recognized in public is more than enough for me. Still God was nowhere to be found in my life. My time was so pre-occupied by my work.

In 2003 my angel Eva was stricken with cancer. It was one development that stopped me from pursuing my goals. Sadly, I turned to what medicine had to offer. I was confident that the advances in medical technology could cure my angel. I did pray for her recovery but deep inside, I relied more on what technology could offer. And indeed she was cured. I went back to pursue my objectives in life.

In September 2005, Eva’s cancer re-occurred. I was confident that she would be cured again just like before – until I saw her test results on March 9, 2006. Eva’s condition did not improve a bit. Reality set in; I could lose the most important person in my life any time. The technology that I relied on failed me. I had no one to turn to except God. Perhaps God said “Enough is enough. You have worshipped Earthly things so much that you have forgotten me. I will take away your most precious possession for you to notice me.” And I did. I surrendered my life to Him and have invited God to take-over and take control of my life.

Now, my angel Eva is still undergoing treatment. Eva’s battle against cancer is still ongoing, but this time I am fighting it with her. And I know we will see the light at the end of the tunnel because God is with us in this battle. I have accepted God as my Lord and Savior and I want to thank the Lord for still giving me the opportunity to take care of my angel despite me being a prodigal son. God broke me into pieces for me to love Him. Now that I do, he rebuilt me back so that my family and I can worship God together.

In December 2005 I had a dream. I told no one about this dream since I didn’t believe in dreams and God was never a part of my life. In my dream I was walking side-by-side with God. It was a beautiful place, a garden filled with beautiful flowers. I was so happy to be with God. Until God asked me this question: Do you think you deserve to be with Me in paradise? I wanted to say yes, but how could I? I never had a relationship with the Lord. If I said no, surely I will go to hell. I’ve been an articulate and an outspoken person all my life and yet I can’t answer one simple question: Do I deserve to be with God in paradise? How would you answer this question if it was asked of you now?

As we are about to celebrate Holy Week, always remember the greatest sacrifice the world has ever seen – God gave his only begotten Son to save mankind from its sins. As a parent, we may take a bullet just to save our children. But will we allow our children to perish for someone else’s benefit? God did; that’s why we are enjoying life now.

Let me just share with you what my angel Eva said during one of our conversations recently. She said and I quote “I am glad that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. This has been my prayer since we got married. If my ailment paved the way for you to accept God, then all my pains and sufferings are all worth it.” I cried after hearing this. I never thought that this is what my angel Eva was praying for and wanted all her life.

I am happy now that Eva’s life-long prayer has been answered. Thank you my angel for giving me peace and for opening my eyes to see my real purpose in life. I am thankful that God gave me Eva, my angel on Earth. Indeed, she made be a better man to serve God forever.

To God Be The Glory

Welcome to my personal website. I have decided to create this blog to share with you how the Lord transformed my life, in the hope that my experience will help you realize that our God is a living God.

This is my story – My Journey with our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Bless us all!