Celebrating God’s Goodness

Celebrating God’s Goodness and Provision

Tears of Joy and Thanksgiving: All is well, that ends well!  Darelene Lagumbay, a Read to Grow volunteer from RTG Himaya, Bacolod is also a recipient of MEANS College Scholarship program.  Darlene became a follower of Jesus through a home bible study conducted by Pastor Romeo Rutor of Himaya Maranatha Baptist Church in Bacolod. Abandoned by her parents when she was a small girl, Darelene grew up with her grandparents.  When her grandma died in 2023, she was left alone with her 80-year-old grandpa who drives a tricycle for a living.  Life is a struggle for both of them.  Pastor Romeo, his wife Ann Rutor and the church community take turns in helping them.

Darlene’s first involvement with Read to Grow literacy classes was in her senior year in high school. It was in RTG classes that her dream of becoming a teacher started.  After her high school graduation, Means decided to help Darlene in her college education. She wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.  She applied and was accepted at Bacolod City Colleges, a government run school. In college, She kept herself busy by studying hard to earn good grades.  At the same time she continued to help teach children in RTG classes.  It was in RTG that her calling to teach was confirmed. On June 15, 2026, she graduated from Bacolod City Colleges Bachelor in Secondary Education (Magna Cum Laude).

She wrote: “To God be all the Glory! Thank you very much, MEANS GLOBAL!  Your heart for this ministry is a blessing to hopeful children—once just like mine. May God continue to use you to inspire and transform many lives for His glory. I speak blessings upon blessings over you all. May the Lord reward your labor of love and grant you joy, strength, and favor in all that you do.”

While writing their stories, my heart is full of praises and gratitude to God who provided for them.  Thank you to our donors too for God has touched your hearts to give.  All praises truly belong to Him.

“For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;

I sing for joy at what your hands have done.” Psalm 92:4