The story of Jessa. Was she born with a curse?
J15 SCHOOL CLUB MODULE
SONG: Who am I? (Casting Crowns)
SALAWIKAIN: “Habang may buhay, may pagasa”
DISCUSSION 1: 45 Minutes
DISCUSSION 2: 45 Minutes
READ STORY: (3 Minutes)
Jessa was born without limbs, just like Nick Vuijic. People looked down on her like she was a “freak show.” Some relatives suggested she was a cursed child, while others made fun of her.
She was desperate for intimacy and got involved in several relationships that were NOT pleasing to God. Jessa saw people as her source of security. With tensions in the family, life was not easy.
Still, she found strength, mastering daily independent tasks such as using the computer, cooking, washing dishes, or riding a jeep by herself.
Yet, her greatest trial isn’t physical but enduring insults like “Malas, ipinanganak ka ng may sumpa!” (Bad luck, born with a curse) As loneliness grew, occasional depression ensued, posing a profound question: “Sino ang magmamahal sa akin (Who will ever love me)?”
Despite struggles and questionable choices, God continues to lead her back to the right path. Jessa’s life took a significant turn in 2021. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
WATCH VIDEO: (6 Minutes)
DISCUSSION 1: (30-45 Minutes)
- IMAGINE: You are Jessa, and you are going to ride a Jeep. How do you feel about walking and commuting now? (5 Minutes)
- BLIND EXPERIMENT: Stand up and line up with closed eyes for a full minute. Afterward, each person will walk 5 feet across the room with closed eyes. Open your eyes and return to your seat until everyone is done. (10 Minutes)
- REFLECT: How do you feel about your present problem vs. having no hands or feet or being blind? (5 Minutes)
- REFLECT: In Jessa’s life, would you say “Habang may buhay, may pagasa?”
- READ 1 Corinthians 15:51-53: What does it mean to you to be transformed into a “glorified body.” (5 Minutes)
- REMEMBER: “Habang may buhay, may pagasa.”
- Watch the music video. (6 Minutes)
DISCUSSION 2: (30-45 Minutes)
- Watch the music video. (6 Minutes)
- READ: 2 Corinthians 5:17
- REFLECT: How do we become a new creation? (5 Minutes)
- READ: Psalm 139:13-14
- REFLECT: Why should we praise God even if we don’t like the way we look? (5 Minutes)
- GRATEFUL LIST: List 15 things you are thankful for and post them on your social media account (public or private, add #thankyouJesus #john15rocks) (10 Minutes)
- REMEMBER: “Habang may buhay, may pagasa.”
BIBLE REFERENCES:
1 Corinthians 15:51-53
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!
52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown.
For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.
53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
John 1:3
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
