“I dream big because I have Jesus on my side”

In a vibrant community of stilt houses, where the ebb and flow of the tides shape daily life, a 12-year-old girl named Jenny is carving a new path for herself and future generations.

Jenny comes from Southern Philippines, where opportunities for education seem far beyond her reach. In Jenny’s culture, tradition often overshadows the pursuit of education, leaving many youngsters to follow the familiar path of marrying at an early age, often as soon as they reach puberty. Early marriage has long constrained the potential of countless young women in Jenny’s community, which is why Open Doors local partners started a literacy class there – to give Jenny and many others like her an alternative option, and allow them the opportunity to dream.

Jenny usually helps her mother and sister at home with the chores. Her father toils tirelessly as a fisherman to provide for their needs, while her mother dedicates herself to nurturing their household. After helping her mother, she goes to school with her older sister, walking 30 minutes away from their home.

In school, Jenny says she is discriminated against by judgmental classmates and teachers who base their opinions solely on her tribal background. Consequently, she often finds herself isolated, without many friends. “They treat me badly because I can’t buy the same things as them. Even though we are in the same place, they stay away from me. I also hear mean words, not just about me but also about my family.”

Now in fourth grade, Jenny has a passion for learning that burns brighter than ever. With the literacy program, Jenny is not only equipped with the necessary tools to excel academically, but a powerful spark within her has been ignited – now, she can dream, and dream big. “Through the literacy program, I have developed strong reading and writing skills, enabling me to thrive in my studies,” she shares.

“I want to be a teacher!”

Jenny’s favorite subject is math. She likes the thought of being able to solve problems – in fact, now, she can help her mom. “When mama and I go to the market together, I help her with counting the payment when we buy food.”

Today, Jenny stands among the top students in her class. “I want to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” she shares. “I want to be a teacher.”

Jenny and her family have endured immense heartache and distress as a result of the prejudice they face, simply because they belong to a low-ranking tribe. This cruel discrimination has led to devastating economic hardships.

“My father works very hard, day and night, going far away from home to catch fish and provide for our family. When he comes back, we all gather as a family on Sundays for worship, which is a precious and cherished time for us.“

Jenny’s father, a devoted fisherman, faces persecution alongside his fellow fishers. Criticized for his unwavering faith in Jesus, he is unjustly restricted from fishing in certain areas. These obstacles have amplified the challenges he faces, making it increasingly burdensome to sustain their livelihood. However, their difficulties are further compounded by rival fishers who seek to dominate the fishing grounds. This has resulted in threats, violence, and even killings within the community, leaving Jenny’s father at constant risk. Despite these hardships, they trust that God will provide for their needs.

One particular day etched itself into Jenny’s memory, as she witnessed her father shedding tears for the first time. “It was truly heartbreaking to see my father return home devastated after days of demanding work,” she recounts, her voice breaking. During that time, there was chaos in the fishing area caused by rival fishers who resorted to violence and even targeted and killed fellow believers. “My father could not fish for several weeks due to the unsafe conditions,” Jenny continues. “It was a tough time for our family, but I am grateful that God took care of us and helped us.”

Jenny’s unwavering love for learning shines brightly, even in the face of tremendous adversity. Despite enduring mean comments and judgment from classmates and teachers due to her tribal background, she remains determined and thirsty for knowledge. Her resilience and unwavering spirit inspire those around her, offering a glimmer of hope that challenges can be overcome with perseverance and support.

Jenny wants to express gratitude to the people who are helping her learn: “I am truly thankful for the support provided for the literacy class. It has not only helped many children, including myself, but also inspired us to dream big, knowing that we have Jesus by our side.”

During Christmas, Jenny, and her family, along with their house church, come together for worship filled with singing and dancing, followed by a joyful shared meal. When asked about what she thinks of Christmas, she shares: “I absolutely love Christmas because it fills me with happiness! We play games, enjoy delicious food, and exchange presents. It is the only time I receive a gift, which makes it even more special for me!” She added, “Isa Almasih died for our sins. During Christmas, I remember how much He loves me and my family.”

Last Christmas, Jenny wished for good health for her parents. She dreams of growing up and making her parents proud with God’s help, as she envisions the person she will become. “I want to become a youth leader in the house church, like my older sister. I pray and hope that one day, I can help others grow in their faith, just as my older sister does now.”