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Hope in the Hands of “Bandidos” by: Bro. Don Bejamin Paredes

It wasn’t my plan to travel abroad but it was indeed a blessed journey coming to Abu Dhabi where my SFC journey started, unexpectedly.

It was one fine Sunday morning, me and my brother went to church. After the mass, my brother then went to CLP for CFC.  On the way out of the church, a brother suddenly approached me and asked me if I am a bachelor and I just said yes. He did invite me to attend SFC’s Christian Life Program if given a time and my SFC journey began with that simple and willing response “Yes po”. Well, just to make the story a bit short, I was not able to complete attending the CLP as scheduled due to my work timings, but capped the rest of the talks during make-up sessions.  But GOD is so good that I was able to squeeze my time and eventually became a member of the Singles for Christ Abu Dhabi Chapter A2 in 2013. 


I could still remember some of the moments I had with my first Household group. At first, I was really too shy and scared to open up my stories to them. I’m not at ease yet in sharing myself to my household head, I thought he was so quiet and serious.  But then it was just a wrong first impression as usual, he was kinda cool in return. He was there during my ups and downs.  I’ve learned a lot from him especially during my down times when I don’t believe that there is God. He never left me and through continuous communication, I came to realize that I don’t know much about God. He then became one of God’s instruments that showed me how loving and faithful God was. We may not see God, but through some people that God allows us to meet, we will be able to know Him with His presence in their lives. I am so thankful to Bro. Rain Manansala (my first household head) and to all my first household brothers, Bro. Gerald, Dennis and Ferds. I remember all the fun and the laughter during our household meetings, we were trying to be serious sometimes, but we still end up laughing out loud most of the times. 

Then, it was a big swing of emotions during the first ever re-shuffle that happened last January 2016. I was one of those who felt the big change, well, for most. From then on, changing household head/group became usual for me and I’ve been to different household groups.  The adjustments, different schedules and getting to know every stage was such a demanding experience for me during that time and I felt like I kind of lost my connection with God, for quite some time I’ve been isolated probably due to sudden changes and that I was not able to cope with the continuous transitions.



But I praise the Lord for He did not give up on me and He kept holding on to me and brought me back to His embrace. I then became one of what they named our brotherhood, the “Bandidos”. With a new household head, again, I thought he was snob, suplado by his looks but then first impression never really lasts until you get the chance to know the person.  He was one of the coolest, a very down to earth and inspiring persons I’ve met.  A known personality in the community, Bro. Paul Padua, a man of faith, the kuya that I look up to! And with my new brothers, Bros. Dhan Anthony Bien, Arjay Senoran, Eddie Habana, Gabby Dizon, Brian Bilay and Jaypee Penuliar. I was again back on track, I came to know more about God through them. With every household meeting, the life and happiness having His presence is indeed overwhelming.  I gained confidence! I’ve found new joy with this new flock God has given me. They became my new family here in Abu Dhabi!


I did ask GOD once before why am I having the difficulties in life ~ the work issues, depression, struggles are real and there are moments when I even want to quit.  But then God never ceases to love me, to love us.  He is giving us a new beginning every time we wake up in the morning.  Every day He is giving us a new life to live in this world and not to be drowned with worldly things but conquer every trial. Every day He is giving us a chance to be with HIM, through prayers. I do believe in the power of prayers for this was all I have learned and what I had with my new found family here in Abu Dhabi! Such a great impact and hope I had in the hands of Bandidos and I am so grateful and thankful to God for all the guidance He poured upon me and to all of us. 

By the way, I am currently in a new headship with Bro. Reggie dela Cruz, again, a new leader but now I know and understand that there will be more great adventures ahead of us, knowing God and Him alone will be the center of this new brotherhood.



Where amazing things happened, may GOD be praised! 
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