STIMMEN
Buhay verändert Leben. Hier erfährst du mehr von Personen, die etwas mit buhay erlebten.
Akon Tresvalles – My Story
Good day, I’m Akon Tresvalles, 16 years old, and currently studying at Eusebio High School.
I was 13 years old when a terrible accident happened — one I will never forget. It was the afternoon of August 17, 2021. My parents asked me to get some food from the kitchen, but I didn’t realize that my mother was also boiling hot water at the time. I accidentally bumped into the kettle, and the boiling water spilled all over my legs. It was the most painful experience of my life. I suffered third-degree burns and cried a lot because I didn’t know what to do.
During that time, we were still under COVID-19 restrictions, so my parents couldn’t take me to the hospital immediately. We had to stay inside the house, and since my parents were out of work at the time, we couldn’t afford any medicine or medical help. I developed a fever and endured almost unbearable pain for four days.
By the grace and love of God, help came. Ma’am Joana and Buhay found out about my situation and arranged for me to get to the hospital, even though minors were not allowed to leave their homes. They brought me to Quirino Memorial Medical Center. After my surgery, they also helped me recover and supported us with our medical bills.
Thank you so much, Ma’am Joana, and to all the sponsors who helped me. ♥️
Troy Kim Capunong: A Journey of Transformation
At 19, I worked as a food cart vendor at Recto, and at night I was a cashier at a bar. Because of the nature of my work and as a way to escape the wounds of my broken family, drinking alcohol became a daily habit.
During the funeral of my best friend Lorenzo, who died by suicide, I met some people from Buhay. I was in deep anguish and grief, and they were the ones who encouraged me.
They offered to send me back to school, but I was hesitant at first. Eventually, I told myself this might be my only chance to change my environment and finally get some rest from working.
So, I took the chance, and Buhay sent me to a private school, where I also received English tutorials. At first, it was hard to adjust with the other boys—we argued a lot. Many times, I wanted to leave, but the Lord kept saying to me, “Stay here; I still have a purpose for you.”
I am very grateful to the Leben Foundation. I never expected I would go back to school; I had already resigned myself to the idea that my life was going downhill. Buhay also supported my dad during his TB treatment, and I get to go home to visit him in the province.
I used to be a troublemaker, but now I’ve learned to channel that fighting spirit for good. I no longer internalize what others say about me and have learned to see the beauty in meekness. I know the Lord has good plans for me, and He won’t let go of me. Buhay taught me to be grateful for what I have, to increase my patience, and to learn to love others.
Troy is currently in Grade 11, taking HUMSS at JBEST School of Technology and Practical Skills. He is an aspiring criminologist.
Buhay bedeutet Leben.
Weil jedes Leben wertvoll ist.
– Joana Karlguth
Romel Bato – Finding Purpose and Direction
Before I became part of Buhay, my life felt colorless and without direction. I was just going with the flow, and at that time, I had tuberculosis. My family didn’t have the money to support my treatment.
I first became involved with Buhay in May 2019. I saw people from different nationalities and many children. One of my prayers was to be involved with a foundation that helps others, especially the elderly and children, because I know how it feels when no one cares about your sickness.
Buhay had a big impact on me. The foundation provided healthy food, like vegetables, which improved my health and brought color back into my life. Buhay also helped me with my sickness, especially Joana, who stood by my side even when I didn’t fully understand her due to the language barrier.
Buhay supported me physically and emotionally by introducing me to Jesus and teaching me what is right and wrong in life. They assisted me with food, medical bills, and school expenses.
Buhay trusted me with leadership roles, allowing me to lead outreach programs, including one at U.P. Diliman. I’m happy because I’ve gained more knowledge, developed my talents, and grown in my abilities.
I see Buhay continuing to grow, with more lives being surrendered to Jesus and more facilities being built. I’ve learned from Buhay that money doesn’t grow on trees and that I must be thankful for what I have and trust in God with all my heart.
Raven Bardaje's Journey – From Struggles to Success
Back in 2017, when I was 20 years old, life was challenging. I worked as a data encoder during the day, attended classes in the afternoon, and then worked as a crew member at KFC until midnight to help support my family. Despite all these efforts, financial difficulties forced me to pause my studies. Weekends were filled with additional part-time jobs—delivering medicine to hospitals, making sandals, helping at a rice dealer, and even working on construction sites. I did all of this for my mother, who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. During this tough time, I began serving at our local church, praying for her healing.
In 2018, everything changed. I met Joana, who visited our church. The moment I saw her, I felt a connection—like God was working through her. She saw something in me too, noticing my smile and my dedication to service. Shortly after, I became part of the Buhay Foundation, which would later become the Leben Foundation.
Then the pandemic hit in 2020. It was an incredibly difficult time for everyone, but even in those uncertain days, the Foundation supported my family. Every month, we received help; although it wasn’t much, it meant the world to us. The support nourished not just our bodies but also our spirits. Joana’s words during those days still resonate with me: “I can’t give you everything you need, but I can share what I have.” Those words gave me hope and strength to keep going.
With the Foundation’s encouragement, I was able to return to school. In June 2023, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Today, I have a full-time job and can provide for my family. My brother, thanks to the Foundation’s help, is on his way to becoming a licensed criminologist.
All of this has been possible because of the generosity of people who believed in me and countless others like me. To God be the glory. I am forever grateful to the sponsors and volunteers who make a difference in our lives. You bring light to those of us who need it most, offering not just assistance but a second chance at life. You help us become better versions of ourselves.
I pray that God will continue to use me to reach others, just as the Foundation reached me. Thank you for your unwavering support, your prayers, and your love.
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