Right at Home

More than a decade ago, in the midst of family struggles, Jenny Hong was filled with hope and a longing to know more about Jesus after reading The Purpose Driven Life. Over time, that hope began to fade when her search for a church home only led to repeated disappointment. Discouragement overshadowed Jenny’s desire to continue her quest — until a postcard in her mailbox regained her focus.  

Jenny was a practicing Catholic, but learned from The Purpose Driven Life that getting to know God involved much more than practicing religious rituals. It meant studying the Bible and learning from a church that based its teaching in the Word of God. Jenny began praying for God to lead her to a church where she would not only be truly welcomed, but also a place where she could grow spiritually. After visiting a number of churches, she was disappointed to discover that each one presented circumstances that kept her from returning. Whether it was unruly members, leaders who didn’t walk the talk, teaching that didn’t focus on God’s Word, or being confronted for not tithing enough, not a single one filled her heart with the love and acceptance she was seeking. For a time, she even joined a local church’s women’s Bible study group. While she enjoyed the company of the women and learning more about God’s love, Jenny would not commit to any of their church ministries.

Despite her overwhelming feelings of disappointment, Jenny continued to pray for God to lead her to a church home. Adding to her heartbreak was the reality that her marriage had deteriorated beyond repair. When her family fell apart, Jenny moved to a nearby flourishing suburb in Manila hoping to start anew.

One morning, Jenny found a postcard in her mailbox inviting her to attend a worship service at a new local church — Saddleback Church South Manila. As her mind flooded with memories of the other churches she had visited, Jenny immediately dismissed the thought of attending Saddleback. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to throw the invitation away. Each time she prayed for God to bring her to a church home, her thoughts were redirected to the postcard. When Jenny learned from that Saddleback was founded by Pastor Rick Warren — the author of The Purpose Driven Life — it became clear that God was leading her to this new church.

Jenny’s first visit to Saddleback South Manila was such a positive experience that she continued coming back. Two months later, she was among the first in the church to be baptized. She now helps in welcoming guests to the worship services every Saturday and is also part of the Prayer Ministry. Much to her heart’s contentment, Jenny’s sons have also been attending with her and have expressed an interest in taking part in a ministry.

What originally began as a place to visit quickly turned into a place to belong. From her first moments at Saddleback South Manila, Jenny knew that God had answered her prayers and her search was over -- she was finally home.

Saddleback South Manila is sharing the unli (unlimited) love of Christ with the communities of Santa Rosa and beyond. To learn more about this campus, click here or go to saddleback.com/southmanila.