In their own words

Jenella’s parents separated when she was just three, leaving her and her brother to be raised by their grandparents. Growing up, she endured hunger, poverty, and abuse. By age 13, her grandmother could no longer afford to feed her or keep her in school, and Jenella feared being forced into a dangerous job at a bar.

In desperation, she confided in Ps. Elaine, who reassured her, saying, “We will find a way for you to eat and stay in school.” That promise became a turning point in Jenella’s life, offering her hope and a path toward a better future.

Jenella found refuge in the church’s dormitory, surrounded by love and care. There, she became part of the FL scholarship program, escaping the heartbreaking risk of being drawn into prostitution at a young age.

Through faith and resilience, she chose to overcome the pain of her past, extending forgiveness and compassion to those who once caused her deep wounds. With a heart full of love, she tenderly cared for her grandmother in her final years—an act that ignited a passion for serving both children and the elderly.

With the help of FL, Jenella has now graduated as a certified caregiver, equipped not only with skills but with a heart to heal and uplift others.

Once a child in despair, now a beacon of hope. Her story is a testament to the power of love, forgiveness and loving community.

At seven, Claudine lost her father, and her grieving mother turned to drugs before abandoning her. Forced to survive alone, she took on odd jobs in the slums just to get by.

At twelve, Ps. Elaine found Claudine, ensuring she had food, education, and a safe place to live. For the first time, she experienced love, stability, and hope for the future.

While many of her peers faced teenage pregnancies, Claudine had the strength to choose a different path. She became a leader at both school and church, showing resilience and strength beyond her years.

At sixteen, her estranged mother returned, gravely ill. Despite the pain of abandonment, Claudine chose forgiveness, cared for her, and witnessed a miraculous recovery that restored their family.

At twenty, with the help of FL, Claudine graduated from Culinary School and pursued a career as a chef. But her true calling went beyond the kitchen.

Today, she serves full-time in the church as a passionate leader of the youth ministry—mentoring, guiding, and inspiring young people to realize their God-given potential. Through her unwavering faith and dedication, Claudine has become a voice of hope and encouragement, empowering the next generation to rise above their struggles and walk in their purpose. Claudine’s story is one of resilience and transformation. From abandonment to empowerment, she proved that with faith, support, and perseverance, even the most difficult beginnings can lead to a brighter future.

At twelve, Mark was introduced to illegal drugs. By fourteen, he wasn’t just using them—he was selling, running with a violent gang, and walking a path that was destined for destruction. His future looked bleak, filled with crime, fear and hopelessness. But at sixteen, everything changed.

An invitation to church led him to hear a message of hope—one that pierced through the darkness. That day, Mark surrendered his life to Christ. It was a turning point, a chance at something new.

Soon after, tragedy struck—both of Mark’s parents passed away, leaving him an orphan. In his darkest moment, the church became his refuge, offering him love, support, and a family.

With the church’s help, Mark received an FL scholarship, an opportunity that saved him from the fate of so many of his former friends—some lost their lives far too young. Others ended up in prisons housing the most dangerous criminals.

Today, Mark is an honor student in Senior High, determined to become an IT programmer. His life reflects the power of grace and transformation.

Mark credits FL and God for saving him and giving him a second chance. His story proves that no past is beyond redemption and that faith and guidance can rewrite any future.

Twelve years ago, Christian and Angelo lived in the slums with their six siblings. Their father was a drug addict, and their mother, Airene, had no job to support them. Hunger, violence, and poverty defined their lives.

Hope came when FL began its regular feeding program.

Airene started volunteering as an FL cook, giving her purpose, and the family was given a safe place to live in the church dormitory.

With FL scholarships, the children continued their education and, surrounded by a loving community, embraced new opportunities.

During this time, Airene’s husband was imprisoned, but through faith, the family found the strength to forgive, heal and rebuild.

Christian graduated as Valedictorian. Both he and Angelo have been consistently on the Dean’s List at their university. Angelo is about to receive his Bachelor of Education degree, marking a significant milestone as the first in his family to earn a college degree. Their story is a true testament to resilience, faith, and determination.

By God’s grace, they no longer live in the slums. Airene continues to serve as an FL cook, giving back to the community that once gave her family hope, proving that transformation is possible through faith and opportunity.

A miracle that started with a meal. Analie and Edgar struggled to provide for their family, facing frequent conflicts at home. Learning about the FL Feeding Program, Analie brought their four children for much-needed meals and support. The family became regular beneficiaries, and in gratitude, Analie volunteered at the center.

Edriana (7) and Edna (5) grew spiritually, served actively, and excelled in school. This paved the way for them to be granted FL scholarships covering tuition, supplies, transportation, and meals, motivating them to work even harder.

A family transformed. Edriana graduated as Valedictorian and is now an FL University Scholar studying accounting, while Edna excels as an honor student and serves in the church’s youth ministry. Grace and EJ continue to earn school awards for their academic achievements.

Through the strengthened relationship of the family with FL, their father, Edgar, received livelihood assistance to fulfill his dream of owning a pedicab. With half of his payments covered, he expanded his business and now leads the local Pedicab and E-bike Association as a respected community leader. He loves to share the word of God and tell others of the hope he found in Jesus.

Their mother, Analie, serves on the church prayer team, blessing families in the community. Together, they have grown in love and in faith.

The Ferrera family’s journey is an undeniable testament to the power of faith, support, and community.