Ruben, the Dreamer

Ruben Perpetua dreamed of becoming a teacher. But financial constraints only afforded him a year in college. It forced him to pursue work instead of a teacher’s degree. As years passed, education got more expensive and his chances became more limited. He saw his dream like a distant star rather than a clear rainbow in the sky. To ease his frustration he focused his attention on his work. It provided somehow a diversion and puts some semblance of normality in a life forced by circumstances. Soon routine revolved around work, plaza (to while away time) and rented room. Until one day in 2004.

A serious illness brought Ruben back to the folds of his family. They brought him to the hospital. Getting admitted was easier but not the needed prescription. They put it off even when his life depended on it. Four thousand pesos for one injection alone was quite a fortune and they did not have even a fraction of it. It was a very difficult time and healing seemed as distant as his dream.

One Sunday, a lay minister came to distribute communion. When he came to Ruben’s bed he asked if Ruben was a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

Ruben’s parents are both Catholics yet they were married in the INC for delicadeza. The house of his mother’s parents was standing on INC property. They were married again in the Catholic Church after they moved out.

“KBL.” It means “kasal, binyag, libing.” That is how Ruben describes his parents during his growing up years. It means they only came to church occasionally. If ever they went, they went without their children. Although Ruben was baptized in the Catholic Church and his 4 siblings as well, he never came to appreciate his Catholic faith. Going to Mass was not part of his life or any of the church activities before his conversion. There was Catechism class while attending public school but he had no consciousness of it.

The lay minister’s question brought Ruben to his senses. It seemed to penetrate his darkened mind and made him conscious of God. Yes, he is a Catholic but that did not have any meaning at all. But the communion appeared to offer a life vest at a time he was slowly drowning in hopelessness. He took a sudden turn and asked for communion. Heavy with emotion, he pleaded with God.

Something was happening. “Nakapikit ang mata ko. Na-feel ko parang buhay na dugo na dumadaloy. And I said, ‘Lord, kung bibigyan mo ako ng pagkakataon, papasok ako ulit sa simbahan.’ Lumulundag na buhay na dugo ang naramdaman ko sa aking katawan pagkatapos,” Ruben recalls.

When the doctor came later, he was surprised to see him alert and looking well. He asked if the prescription he ordered was bought. The answer was no. It was a miracle, a sure sign of God’s love and mercy, of that Ruben was certain. Two days after, he left the hospital.

Overflowing with gratitude, Ruben attended the Holy Mass the following Sunday despite his mother’s worry. When he heard an announcement in their GKK for a kaabag, he volunteered himself. He knew what he wanted: to offer his life in the service of the Lord. Then in 2005-2006, he served as a catechist. When he went back to work in General Santos City, he continued his Church involvement through the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) in 2010-2012. During one of their meetings in 2010, he saw a Philippine Catholic Lay Mission (PCLM) leaflet.

“Baka pwede ako dito,” Ruben thought. He inquired via text message and a prompt response came: fill up a form. The PCLM vocation promoter also visited him. But the application process took very long. He got impatient and discarded his old number. He thought that was the end of it.

“Ruben, gusto mong mag-mission?” The text message went. That was sometime in 2012. Almost 2 years after. PCLM has his family’s address from the application form he submitted. A representative came to their house and got his number. Ruben responded yes.

The lay mission helped Ruben realized his dream. After his training, he was sent for his first mission in Bicol from 2013 to 2016. His mission was to teach and help organize BEC’s or Basic Ecclesial Communities. Though alone for lack of lay missioners, he was undaunted. Though he had to walk for miles, even on muddy pathways, cross rivers and climb mountains to reach his assigned 26 barangays, he was happy. “Hindi ako nag-iisa. Kasama ko ang Diyos. Misyon niya yon na ipinagpatuloy ko lang. Kaya yong pagod hindi nakaka-distract,” he shares. The love that people he served gave him more than compensate for the difficulties, he adds.

Ruben is now 38 years old. He chose to remain single to be able to serve the Lord full time. He feels that God confirms his choice through a dream. He sees himself still serving and following Christ in the future “hanggang sa huling hininga iaalay ko ang buhay ko sa Dios at sa tao.”

Ruben gives a piece of advice to those who want to follow in the footsteps of the Lord. “Palakasin ang pananampalataya sa Dios dahil walang imposible sa kanya. Palaging mananalig sa Dios.”

(If you want to become a lay missioner, contact PCLM-Davao at (082) 296-0807 or 09203356314 or email them at pclmdvo@yahoo.com.)