Belle Villegas

A Testimony Of Restoration God’s Grace Brought Me Home

There was a season in my life when I drifted away from my calling and became separated from the ministry. Because of my shortcomings and wrong decisions, I carried feelings of failure, shame, and unworthiness.

For many years, although I remained active in life and profession, the ministry never truly left my heart. Yet deep inside, I believed that my failures had permanently disqualified me from serving God again.

But God had another plan.

During the height of the pandemic, I listened to the message from the Home Free Global Online Crusade 2, preached by then-Bishop Jonathan S. Ferriol. What seemed like an ordinary online crusade became an opportunity to hear God’s call of hope. The story of the Prodigal Son was no longer merely a biblical parable; it became my own story.

As I listened, it felt as though God Himself was speaking directly to me. Every word pierced my heart. Tears flowed freely, not because of emotion alone, but because I felt the loving voice of the Father reaching out to His wandering child.

What moved me most was not simply the return of the prodigal son, but the compassion of the father who eagerly waited, watched, and ran toward his returning child. One statement from Apostle Jonathan deeply scarred me: “Remember that the father was so compassionate… Every day, he hoped, prayed, that his son would come to his senses and return… He will give you that great embrace.”

Those words became God’s personal invitation to me.

While many may have heard that message as a call to salvation, I heard it as a call to restoration. In that moment, I felt the warm embrace of God’s forgiveness and acceptance. Despite my mistakes, failures, and weaknesses, I experienced His mercy once again.

That message became the beginning of my healing. For the first time in many years, I felt that God was calling me back, not merely to church, but back to my first dedication in the ministry.

What struck me most was the emphasis on grace. It reminded me that God’s love is not limited by our failures. His mercy reaches beyond our mistakes, and His desire to restore is greater than our fear of returning.

I came to realize that the Church is not a place of condemnation but a safe space, a place of compassion. God’s arms are never too short to reach those who have wandered far. Because of this realization, I decided to surrender my life once again and return to the ministry.

What further strengthened my conviction was a simple yet powerful confirmation.

I am naturally a reserved person. I seldom send messages, especially to well-known individuals, and I rarely post on social media. Yet after hearing that life-changing message, I felt compelled to send a message of gratitude to Apostle Jonathan.

To my surprise, he responded. His reply was brief, yet life-changing: “Do not be afraid to pursue your calling in the ministry.”

These words became God’s confirmation in my life. At that moment, I realized that my past did not disqualify me. could use every wound, every failure, and every ery broken piece of my story for His glory.

Before returning to the ministry, I had achieved many things professionally. I was blessed to secure a good position at a respected information technology institution in Manila.

I conducted trainings and seminars nationwide, worked with educators, and established networks with various companies. Yet despite these accomplishments, there remained an emptiness within me. I was breathing, but I was not truly living.

Today, by God’s grace, that emptiness has been replaced with purpose. Though I cannot change the past, God has given me a new beginning. His grace has restored me, not merely to a position, but to a calling.

Just last year, by God’s mercy, I was ordained as a Pastor during our convention. I have also been given the privilege of serving in the Education Ministry at Maranatha Christian Academy, Baguio, under the guidance of Bishop Reynald Sulayao, Presbyter Yollie Sulayao, and Pastor Princess Cabantog.

Every opportunity to serve today is a reminder that God’s restoration is real. This second chance is not something I take lightly. It is precious. It is a testimony of God’s grace. Today, I no longer live with regret. I live with renewed purpose.

My testimony stands as living proof that no matter how far a person may wander, God’s grace reaches farther still. And when God calls us home, His grace always runs faster than our failures.

To God be all the glory.