You Will Never Know What God Can Make of You Until You Give Yourself Fully to Him
As an 11-year-old, I learned a profound truth from my mother: “Whatever you offer to God, He will return you double.” This became real to me during my First Holy Communion year. One day, with just a 10-paise coin given by my mother for snacks, I decided to offer it in the chapel, praying for a 20-paise coin, which in those days was like gold to me. By evening, as I bowed before the chapel gates, I found a 20-paise coin under my foot. That day, God became real to me—He wasn’t a distant figure but a loving presence who cares even about small desires.
"Christ now lived in the crib of my heart"
Another unforgettable moment came during my First Communion. The long Easter Vigil left me parched, but when I received the Holy Eucharist, my thirst vanished. Returning home early that morning, I saw a comet in the eastern sky. To me, it was a sign: Christ now lived in the crib of my heart.
Years went by, and life brought its share of work, family responsibilities, and challenges. Through it all, God’s presence remained constant. At 55, my wife and I decided to leave our worldly engagements and dedicate ourselves entirely to Him. Today, we serve as Household Servant Leaders in Couples for Christ, preparing to become full-time missionaries for Christian families in our diocese.
"Christ is not the object of our faith; He is a real person who lives with us."
In our journey, we’ve discovered that Christ is not just the object of our faith but a living person who walks with us daily. He’s been present in every moment—comforting us, guiding us, and reconciling us to one another. Marriage, for us, has become a reflection of Christ’s love, where surrender and unity in Him have brought healing and strength.
Whenever challenges arise—be it disagreements or life’s struggles—we’ve learned to discern the real enemy and lean on God’s grace. Through the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Rosary, we’ve found the strength to persevere and grow closer as a family united in Christ.
"Whenever we share our journey with others in Couples for Christ, it strengthens our faith"
Our involvement in Couples for Christ has given our faith community and purpose. Weekly household meetings, prayer assemblies, and sharing our journeys with other couples have been sources of encouragement and inspiration. These experiences remind us that God works powerfully through community.
A significant milestone in my faith journey came through Catholic Apologetics Training in 2014. Learning to understand and defend my beliefs deepened my faith and gave me the confidence to share it with others. This training, along with the mentorship of Fr. Vincent Barboza, has been a great blessing in my life.
"God calls us not to burden ourselves with perfection but to rely on His strength"
Our story is one of surrender, grace, and transformation. God has been faithful, even in our weaknesses. He calls us not to burden ourselves with perfection but to rely on His strength. As my wife often says, “Our weaknesses are where His power shines the brightest.”
Together, we praise Him for His reconciling love and His presence in our lives. May this testimony encourage you to trust fully in the Lord and experience His transformative love.
Jude & Jeyanthi
Couples for Christ – Chennai
Jude Fernando is a committed Christian leader from Chennai, serving as a Household Servant Leader in Couples for Christ with his wife, Jeyanthi. At 55, they left worldly pursuits to dedicate themselves to God and family. Jude’s faith journey, rooted in childhood experiences, deepened through Catholic Apologetics Training in 2014, equipping him to articulate and defend his faith. He is now preparing to become a full-time missionary.