We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Our community knows pain. We know what it means to lose a church building not once, but twice. We know what it means to lose people we loved, neighbors, members, a bright young child, to a typhoon that came without warning. We know what it means to rebuild with almost nothing, again and again. But here is what we have learned: pain is not the end of the story. Pain is often where God does His deepest work. The Bible never promises us a life without suffering. In fact, Scripture tells us clearly: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3 Perseverance. That word means something different to people who have walked up a mountain of rocks just to worship. It means something different to people who have watched a typhoon take everything and still shown up the next Sunday. We didn't survive the storm because we were strong. We survived because God carried us. And every time we rebuilt, it wasn't because we had the money or the resources. It was because we had faith that God was doing something bigger than what we could see. If you are walking through pain right now, grief, loss, fear, uncertainty, know this: God is close to you. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 Pain does not mean God has left you. Sometimes it means He is about to rebuild something in you that is stronger than what was there before, just like He has done in Kusiong, one wall, one storm, one Sunday at a time. Whatever you have survived, whatever you are still surviving, you are not alone, and your story is not over. God bless brothers and sisters in the Lord.

I’m Pastor Merlito, and I want to personally thank you for being part of this community. It is truly a blessing to have you here. My prayer is that this will be a place where we can grow together in God’s Word, encourage one another, and continually fix our eyes on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Life is not always easy. We all experience seasons of joy, uncertainty, pain, and waiting. But through every season, God remains faithful. Whatever you’re going through today, know that you are not alone. The Lord is with you, and His love never fails. I encourage you to stay close to God, keep trusting Him, and never grow tired of serving Him. Let us continue to walk by faith, pray for one another, and be a light to those around us. Thank you for joining us. May the Lord bless you, strengthen your faith, and fill your heart with His peace. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9 (NIV) God bless you, and welcome to the Kusiong Foursquare Gospel Church family.