A Journey of Faith……. Teacher Claire Santillan
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, a verse that one can hold on. But the journey is not always easy. Many times we struggle, making each turn a question of continuing or quitting. And yet God has a way to reach us and comfort us. Making His plans in our lives to come true.
The goodness of God has been an apparent pillar in the life of Teacher Clarita Santilla, or Teacher Claire, a partner teacher of Mission Ministries Philippines for over 2 decades and appointed as on-call supervisor.
Teacher Claire was of different faith before she became a preschool teacher. Although she had always been a woman of strong moral values, her faith had never been a central part of her life.
She came to know Jesus when she applied to a preschool managed by Christ Jesus Our Life church, which happens to be a partner school of Mission Ministries Philippines. The school’s mission to foster holistic development in children resonated with her deeply. As she began her role, she was not only introduced to a supportive professional community but also to the Christian faith. Teacher Zeny Ignacio, the pastor’s wife and the owner of the school, became her spiritual mentor.
What started as an ordinary job for her, as a means to alleviate her family’s daily needs, was God’s way of bringing her to knowing the Blesser of everything.
Her faith strengthened over time. And as she walks in her faith, another tragedy tested her. Her husband passed away leaving her with 4 kids. Her eldest, Andrea, at that time was only first year high school, Inah, grade 6, Tom grade 4 and their youngest Jerry was only one and a half years old. In the wake of her husband’s untimely death, Claire faced the daunting task of providing for her young children alone. Financial struggles and emotional turmoil became her daily companions. One would have crumbled, but Teacher Claire stood to her faith that God will never forsake her nor leave her.
As she worked day and night to sustain her family’s needs, she continued to grow deeper in God’s word. Embracing her faith in Jesus provided Claire with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. The biblical teachings emphasized the importance of trust in God’s plan, which helped her manage her anxieties about the future.
The life of Teacher Claire shows how God moved in different ways. How true that He will take care of the widows and the fatherless as mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:18. Despite all the struggles, 3 of her children are all degree holders now and her youngest is in high school. Teacher Claire would just be awed how God sustained them throughout the years.
One of her prayers is in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my household we will serve the Lord” She serves in her church as one of the leaders and president of the Women’s Ministry Nationwide, and true enough, all her children have their ministry in their church.
Today, Teacher Claire enjoys her time travelling. Another blessing from God.
Truly God’s promises are true and dependable, a strong fortress, and the perfecter of our faith. When we face dead ends, tragedies, challenges and trials, God is always there to open new doors, a new hope. For the battles is not ours but His. He will fight for us.