Hitting Rock Bottom to Soaring on God’s Provision

After hitting rock bottom and battling suicidal thoughts, Pastor Maribie Valdez found hope and healing through International Teams Philippines. Amidst her inner struggles, she stepped out in faith and struck a sacred covenant with God. She chose to follow Him against all odds but lost her old church and ministry in the process. God rewarded her obedience by replacing those losses with a wider territory that spans across Southeast Asia and North America, miraculous provisions, and a renewed, soaring purpose in life.

Hidden Despair to Rekindled Hope

It was 2022. No one could tell that Ptr. Maribie Valdez was living a double life. To the world, she was a busy church leader and thriving entrepreneur. Deep down, she was drowning, desiring nothing but “permanent rest” as she battled severed depression and suicidal thoughts.

Interestingly, even in her vulnerable state, when she did not care about money, customers and income kept pouring into her business.

Desperate to escape, she was willing to shell out ₱12,000 for an opportunity to attend a church seminar outside the country. She thought that a trip abroad could take her mind off her inner struggles. Her hopes of having a relaxing time and unwinding abroad, however, were dashed as the plan did not push through, leading her to deeper hopelessness.

But God’s timing is precise. Just when Ptr. Maribie hit rock bottom, she had the opportunity to attend an Access 1 training. She sat silently in the back, tears streaming down her face as Bishop JM Cayetano spoke about global missions. Ptr. Maribie did not say a word. But something shifted in her heart and a spark of excitement was rekindled.

For the first time in years, she dared to dream again.

The Cost of the Covenant

With renewed fire and purpose, Ptr. Maribie decided to attend a mission conference in Singapore followed by Access 2 mission exposure in Malaysia. Her heart was full of excitement in Singapore but she faced harassment and chaotic travel mishaps in Malaysia, such as getting lost and being trapped in a train. However, it was also in Malaysia were she found something unexpected: true freedom.

During her Access 2 training in Malaysia, she made a sacred, intimate covenant with the Lord. She surrendered her timeline, her pain, and her future as she clearly heard His call: SUMUNOD (follow). This covenant became the turning point in her life.

Obedience, however, rarely comes without a cost. As she focused on fulfilling her covenant with God and aligned her life with God’s global vision, she had to let go of the ministry and church she had spent years building. God took her away from her local comfort zone.

The process of stripping away was painful, but it cleared the ground for a massive spiritual upgrade―for something far wider, bigger, and profoundly meaningful.

Flying High on God’s Provision

The rewards of missionary life are not always measured in material wealth, but God delights in honoring the radical obedience of His children.

When Ptr. Maribie surrendered her local territory, God expanded it across Southeast Asia. But He was not done yet. Next, He opened the doors to the West! She was granted a US visa and received a first-class ticket worth half a million pesos―complete with her own bed a truly luxurious flight― without spending a single cent! The favor did not stop there; soon after, she was also blessed with a visa to Canada.

More than the luxury of travel, these perks and gifts were a tangible embrace from our loving Father. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

International Teams Philippines became the incubator where her broken wings were healed. This is where she was taught how to fly and eventually take off.

When she feels so undeserving and asks God, “Who am I?” The Lord gently reminds her, “You are fulfilling your end of our agreement. And I am fulfilling My part.”

As Bro. Bong De Guzman’s song “Pagsunod” perfectly captures her covenant with God,

Di ko alam, O Diyos ang kasunod [I do not know what follows after this]

Alam ko lamang, ang sa `Yo ay sumunod [What I do know, is to follow You]

Are you tired of pretending? Are you standing at a crossroads, wondering if there is more to your life and faith than the heavy burdens you are carrying?

May Ptr. Maribie’s testimony inspire you. Experience deep healing, discover your global purpose, and let God expand your territory beyond your highest hopes or biggest dreams. God is still looking for people who are willing to surrender everything and heed the call, SUMUNOD.

Written by: SR