“Nagpapasalamat po kami na napili kami dito sa ANCOP. Higit sa lahat, napalapit kami sa Panginoon.”
(We are thankful that we are chosen by ANCOP. Above all, we were drawn closer to the Lord)
-Roberto Bolilan, Homepartner
The newlywed couple, Roberto Bolilan and Annie Jen Bolilan moved to their new home in CFC ANCOP Saskatchewan Tabaco Community in Tabaco, Albay the same day they got married – July 22, 2017. Their matrimony was coordinated by the Couples for Christ of the area.
They formerly live with Roberto’s siblings in a small house near the rice fields. The house was made of light materials which made them be in a state of fear every time a typhoon hits the country.
These events made them experience being in an evacuation center, specifically during the Super Typhoon Glenda in 2014.
They also narrated their hardship in 2016 when Typhoon Nina pounded the Bicol Region.
“Noong bagyong Nina, dun kami natakot, dun nasira yung bahay namin.” (During the Typhoon Nina, that was the time we were really afraid, our house was destroyed) told by Annie as she recalls what they’ve gone through during the storm.
It resulted in moving to their relatives for a while and rebuild the shelter with the materials left by the typhoon.
The two also shared how grateful they are when they were blessed with a new home through the Shelter Program of CFC ANCOP. “Nagpapasalamat po kami. Kahit papaano po, napakalaking bagay na nabigyan kami ng bahay… Nawa’y puspusin pa sila ng Panginoon ng biyaya para marami pa silang matulungan” (We are thankful. It is a big help that we are given a home… We hope that the Lord will bless them so that they can help more people).
Both are now part of the Couples for Christ. They shared the difference the ministry has brought in their lives. “Ang daming pagbabago, sa bisyo… Ngayon palagi na kaming nagseserve sa Panginoon. Madami ring activities katulad ng Family Day at palagi na kami nag prayer meeting” (There are lots of change in vices… Now, we always serve the Lord. There are also lots of activities like Family Day and we always have prayer meeting).
The couple’s prayers now is to have their own family. Along with their hopes is the continuous unity and happiness they now experience within the community.