RACQUEL MONZON
At that moment, I was thinking, I should just believe and calm down and leave everything to God. And I know that his immense power will just prevail and He would make miracles on how our situation was.
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[On-screen graphic: Virgilio Castro Ramos has two children and two grandchildren. They are a close family.]
He always would bring us to our grandparents, to my cousins, and he always said, “Have fun! always have fun! Let’s have time quality time with each other.” My dad would always help everyone, in the Church.
[On-screen graphic: He is now 75 years old. ]
RACQUEL RAMOS MONZON – Winnipeg, Canada [lower 3rd graphic]
But then he gets shortness of breath. And I thought it would always be asthma. He would always go to the emergency.
Then all of a sudden, the doctor said to him that it’s not asthma attacks anymore, but it’s due to the buildup of fluids in his lungs and he said that it’s heart failure.
It’s kind of scary to hear from the doctor.
Around the first week of July, we had to already meet the heart surgeon.
And then he said that my dad would have at least a triple bypass and a mitral heart valve replacement,
[On-screen graphic: Source – www.epainassist.com ; www.mayoclinic.org ]
and because my dad is 75 years old now, it would be a lot riskier to him.
[on-screen graphic: During this time of uncertainty for Racquel and her family, the Church Of Christ was preparing to celebrate its 105th anniversary.
On the day of the worship service, Racquel drew added strength from the pastoral letter of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.]
“The thing that stood out, really to me, is in the…those verses in the Bible.
“Lord, don’t abandon me. I’m old and feeble. Please rescue and hurry to my aid.”
“Cast all your anxieties and worries…”
[On-screen graphic: A few days afterward, Racquel’s father would undergo his triple bypass surgery.]
The aorta was ripping. Because the procedure had been 12 hours already, he [the doctor] said that my dad wouldn’t make it anymore.
He become weak…really weak. All we can do is pray.
I told God I would ask Him for a big favor. I asked Him to please help my father go through that very risky surgery. I asked Him to please give me the strength to accept whatever He decides on because I know that He has purpose on all things that are happening in our lives. So I told Him that I am surrendering all my worries, anxieties, and concerns to Him.
[On-screen graphic: Undaunted, Racquel remembered the pastoral letter of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.]
When I hear that, it just remind – everything hits me – it’s just reminding me – stay calm, hold on, just believe and have faith. Everything will be fine.
This is a good day! My dad just went home. And he’s doing well.
RACQUEL RAMOS MONZON – Inspired by the pastoral letter of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo [lower 3rd graphic]
Even the doctors and nurses there, they were so amazed with how my dad survived everything and not a single setback.
It’s God’s miracles on us and our family.
I am very, very grateful for all the works that you [Brother Eduardo] have done for the Church [of Christ]. We feel so much closer to the [Church] Administration and it really gives me – it gives me hope. It gives me inspiration during my darkest times.
RACQUEL RAMOS MONZON – Inspired by the pastoral letter of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo [lower 3rd graphic]
I could just feel that I have someone always reminding me – God’s miracles, God’s immense power, and to just believe and and stay strong.
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