How God Restored My Passion Through One Life

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Have you ever reached a point where serving God started to feel more like a routine than a calling? I never imagined I would.

On March 24, 2026, my mission partner and I arrived at our assigned mission field in Palauig, Zambales. The very next day, we began visiting homes, offering free health services, praying with families, and building relationships within the community.

Becoming a missionary had been one of my deepest prayers, and finally living that dream filled my heart with excitement.

During our first week, every house visit felt meaningful. We walked for hours under the scorching sun, but I barely noticed the exhaustion because I was filled with the joy of serving and the assurance that God was with us. Then came the second week. Homesickness quietly crept into my heart.

I missed my family, and the excitement I once had slowly faded. There were mornings when I no longer felt eager to go out.

We started leaving our quarters later than usual, and I realized my passion was slipping away. Instead of hiding those feelings, I brought them to God. Morning, noon, and night, I prayed.

One prayer stayed with me: "Lord, please restore the joy I once had in serving You. Remind me why You called me here. If You are willing, use someone or something to help me see my purpose again." God answered that prayer sooner than I expected.

One afternoon, while visiting a remote part of our mission area, we met Kuya Mark, a 45-year-old man living alone. He was suffering from severe cellulitis and gout, leaving him barely able to stand or walk. Kind neighbors brought him food because he could no longer care for himself.

Despite his situation, Kuya Mark shared only two simple wishes: to see a doctor and to own a pair of slippers so he could walk again. Then, with a smile, he said something I will never forget: "As long as there's breath, there's hope."

Those words hit me harder than he could have known. A few days later, we returned with our pastor and surprised him with the slippers he had been hoping for. His face lit up with genuine joy. Before we left, I jokingly said, "Kuya Mark, maybe you won't even get to use those slippers." Without missing a beat, he smiled and replied, "I will. I'll be walking again soon." His faith challenged mine.

Since then, we've continued visiting him every week—bringing food whenever we can, praying with him, and reminding him that he is never forgotten.

By God's grace, Kuya Mark can now walk a few steps on his own. He still gets tired easily, but every small step is a reminder

that healing is possible.

We continually pray for his complete recovery. Looking back, I realize God didn't answer my prayer through a dramatic miracle. He answered it through one person. Through Kuya Mark, God renewed my passion, strengthened my faith, and reminded me that ministry isn't about always feeling inspired—it's about faithfully showing up where God has called you.

Sometimes, the person you think you're helping ends up being the one God uses to heal your heart. And that's exactly why I still choose to say "yes" to His calling.

Name: Daniella Enot

Batch: 66th

Mission Field: Palauig, Zambales