Cresty Tomenio | #YPMissionary

We first met this young woman serving in one of the Easter events of the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar. We saw Cresty’s passion, dedication and her willingness to do everything for the Lord. Never did we knew that she was a teacher by profession. Months ahead, we met her again in Manila as part of the Caritas Manila team. Her desire to help those in the peripheries shines in and through her.

Now ,she is working as one of the missionaries of ANCOP Foundation. One of ANCOP’s main thrust is education and providing scholarships to those who can’t afford to study. Being a teacher that she is, Cresty is amazed on how God led her to serve Him, bringing her desire, passion and profession together.

Get to know this week’s featured missionary, Cresty Temenio.

Tell us about yourself and your journey of knowing Christ

I grew up a practicing Catholic influenced by my grandmother. She would always remind me to go to church. My grandfather (my mom’s uncle) is also a priest! My parents too played a big role for me to grow in my relationship with Christ.

I also became a member of the Parish Youth Choir in my home parish – St. Peter of Alcantara in Eastern Samar. Eventually, I became a YFC member. When I finally crossed over to Singles for Christ, my relationship with Him deepened. Never did I know that my young heart was being prepared for greater service, in ANCOP. Currently, am now serving as a Unit Head in SFC West C-3A and a full-time worker of CFC ANCOP Global Foundation.

What or who made you decide to be a missionary?
Can you share to us your journey of becoming a missionary?

Only by God’s grace! When I joined the CFC community, I become so active that I tried not to missed any activity. This also allowed me to serve in the Diocese of Borongan. I got inspired even more by people I knew who were serving the Lord too. Being a teacher by profession, I remember withdrawing my application for a teaching job in Korea while I was joining the Singles for Christ community. I felt the Lord was telling me to stay. I worked as a mission worker in Eastern Samar then transferred to Manila to work for Caritas Manila. Months after, the Lord led me to ANCOP.

ANCOP provides programs and projects for the poor with the help from our generous partners and donors. That’s why we always work with urgency because the poor shouldn’t be kept waiting. Handling the flagship program of ANCOP which is Education, I’m amazed how the Lord put together my profession, the mission and my passion.

What makes you feel like a child?

I already have five nephews and nieces. Being with them becomes my playtime too. It always brings me back to my own childhood: noisy, playful, crowded, and fun.

What are your simple joys?

I love playing and talking with children. It brings me so much amazement how they can converse so much wisdom.

In your missionary adventure, what were your joys, struggles, challenges and even difficulties?

My joy is whenever I attend (ANCOP) Moving Up Days and listen to parents’ testimonies about how happy they are listening to their children finally read. It also makes me happy reading “Thank You” Letters from our scholars, checking their progress reports, and knowing in my heart they are stepping closer towards fulfilling their dreams. My heart skips whenever a beneficiary appreciates us.

But working away from my family means being absent from some important occasions and celebrations, that’s what challenges me sometimes.

How do you define joy?

The laughter of my best friends, the smiles on my parents’ faces whenever they see me, the excitement of my siblings, nephews, and nieces whenever I’m home. Tears from a thankful beneficiary, an encouraging message from an officemate, This is how I define joy, little things which help me sleep soundly at night with feelings of fulfillment and contentment.

In who and what you are now, what are your other dreams or do you still have anything you want to achieve?

I’m a believer of “you cannot give what you do not have”. I am currently praying about taking up a Master’s degree for my professional growth. I know God didn’t make me a teacher for nothing. In the future, I want to give English-related trainings for our ANCOP volunteers and beneficiaries. Wherever God is leading me, I will not fear.

What is your message to young people who are now feeling lost, who are still finding their purpose, who doesn’t know what to do with their lives?

It’s okay to feel a little lost, to still be searching because life is a continuous search. It’s even okay to look back; it will help you see how far you have come. Don’t be afraid to reset, it’s a brave thing to do. Just don’t forget to keep on moving forward. Above all, allow the Lord to journey with you.

What is your message to young people who wanted to serve but do not know how?

Mean it, God will bring you there.

If you have a favorite Bible verse, what is it and why.

“I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be hindered” (Job 42:2)

I have been through a lot of life’s crossroads. But I am assured thatwhat is for me will be for me. At the end of the day it’s always “Your will be done, Lord”.

Cresty Tomenio | #YPMissionary

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