26/12/2024
2024 is about to end in a few good days. Allow me to share beautiful moments that made very big differences in their lives after a 2024 Oasis of love spiritual encounter - Walking with Jesus Seminar, as related by a dear friend & Oasis of love Brother, Nilo Oliva.
FAITH UNDER FIRE: GOD'S DELIVERANCE
THROUGH TRIALS
Truly, God has been my refuge and protector, delivering me from persecution in various forms—through criticism from local print and broadcast media, legal cases filed with the ombudsman, and court proceedings
These trials emerged as I faithfully implemented transformative seminars—most notably the Walking with Jesus Seminar (WJS), previously known as the Life and Spirit Seminar (LSS). The seminars were offered voluntarily as part of an optional religious and values education program designed for 3rd and 4th year high school students, parents, and teachers. This initiative was made possible through the dedicated collaboration and spiritual guidance of the Oasis of Love community, led by the Head Servant, Tatay Nonito "Dodong" Limchua.
Despite the opposition, the fruits of this mission were undeniable. I witnessed firsthand how lives were being changed—students rediscovering purpose, parents finding healing in their families, and teachers reigniting their passion for guiding the next generation.
TESTIMONY of TRANSFORMATION – A STUDENT'S STORY:
One student, Maria, stood out vividly. She was on the verge of dropping out, burdened by family issues, and overwhelmed by academic pressure. During the seminar, she shared how she felt lost and disconnected from God. But through the sessions, something shifted.
On the final day of the seminar, with tears in her eyes, she stood up and said,
"I came here expecting nothing. I thought this was just another boring program, but today, I feel like I’ve met Jesus for the first time. I’m leaving with hope that I didn’t know I still had."
A few months later, Maria returned to school with renewed determination. She became active in campus ministry and even started leading small prayer groups with her classmates.
A PARENT'S STORY – HEALING AT HOME:
A father approached me after attending a parent-focused session of the seminar. He had been distant from his children, preoccupied with work, and struggling to balance family life. After one of the talks about forgiveness and humility, he felt compelled to reconcile with his teenage son, with whom he had been estranged for years.
"That night, I hugged my son for the first time in a long while and apologized. It was awkward, but I knew it was a step I had to take. Since then, our relationship has begun to heal. This seminar didn’t just touch me—it changed my family."
Hearing stories like his reminded me that the impact of the seminar extended beyond the walls of the school.
A TEACHER'S STORY – REKINDLING PURPOSE:
One teacher confided that she had been contemplating resignation. She felt burned out and questioned if her role made any difference. During the Walking with Jesus Seminar, she found herself deeply moved during a reflection on the call to serve with love, even in the face of discouragement.
"I was reminded why I chose this path. Teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. I left that seminar with a lighter heart, knowing that God had not forgotten me. I am needed here."
Her renewed energy was reflected in her classroom, and she became a key advocate for expanding values education within the school.
Though the weight of opposition seemed overwhelming, and for a time it appeared that the persecution had succeeded, God, in His unfailing mercy, miraculously delivered me from it all.
This experience reaffirmed a profound truth—God is ever faithful to His promises. In moments of adversity, His grace sustained me, turning what seemed like defeat into a testimony of His power and love.
Looking back, I now understand that those challenges were not in vain. They became a refining fire, strengthening my faith and drawing.
By Bro. Tatay N.B. Oliva
Retired Schools Division Superintendent
Oasis of Love – Cebu
