“Kung mobalik na si Jesus, Mang, makalakaw na ko balik?”
(When Jesus comes again, Mang, will I be able to walk again?)
“Makadalagan na pud ko?”
(Will I be able to run again, too?)
These were the questions that nine-year-old Jhed would whisper to his mother, simple yet heavy with a longing so deep that words seemed too small to hold it.
His mother would pull him into a reassuring embrace, swallowing the lump in her throat as she fought back tears. She understood the hope behind his questions, so she gently reminded him of the Bible’s promise in Philippians 3:20–21 (NIV), which says that Jesus will return and “transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” She would also share Isaiah 35:6 (NIV), which says, “Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” Though she could not promise him when it would happen, she held on to the same hope he did: one day, Jesus would return, and everything would be made new.
For Jhed, the promise of Jesus’ return is not just a distant hope but a dream he holds close to his heart. It is the day he imagines himself walking again, running with joy, and doing all the things that have slowly slipped from his grasp.
A Childhood That Took an Unexpected Turn
Jhed was an energetic, cheerful, and compassionate child. He was particularly fond of animals, often befriending stray cats and dogs and making sure they had something to eat. At home, he could be trusted with simple chores, and his friendly disposition helped him get along with other children.
His mother, however, began noticing changes in his physical abilities. He would complain of painful leg cramps at night, and during their nightly massages, she noticed that his calves were gradually becoming enlarged. Eventually, he began experiencing frequent falls, difficulty standing from a sitting position, and an increasingly unsteady gait.
What initially seemed like ordinary childhood growing pains turned out to be something more serious.
At around seven years old, after undergoing several medical examinations, Jhed was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness.
The diagnosis was heartbreaking for the family. When his mother asked whether there was a cure, the doctor explained that there was none yet. Available treatments could help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of muscle weakness, but they could not reverse the disease.
By the age of nine, Jhed had begun using a wheelchair.
Yet even as his body changed, the heart of who Jhed was remained untouched: his bright spirit, his deep love for family, his endless curiosity, and, most beautifully, his blossoming love for God.
A Heart That Loves the Word of God
Now at 12, Jhed still finds delight in uncovering new stories from the Bible. He loves watching Bible story videos and eagerly shares what he learns with his family and cousins, who have become his closest friends.
At night, Jhed is often the one to remind his family to have worship and volunteers to lead the closing prayer. He also enjoys memorizing Bible verses, with John 8:12 (NIV) being his favorite: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
He listens attentively to the lessons in the Children’s Division during Sabbath School, where he continues to participate while seated in his wheelchair.
During the week-long “Jesus Saves Series 3,” conducted by Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo, Jr., and aired from October 25 to 31, 2026, Jhed found another opportunity to deepen his understanding of God’s Word.
He became a devoted viewer, his excitement growing each night as he tuned in to the livestreamed series on Facebook and YouTube.
After each session, Jhed would joyfully share his thoughts and discoveries, filling their home with warmth. His eagerness to understand and discuss spiritual things became a wellspring of encouragement for everyone around him.
When asked what he understood about baptism, he answered, “Paghugas sa atong mga sala.” (The washing away of our sins.)
When asked why he wanted to be baptized, he responded, “Para masulat akong ngalan sa Basahon sa Kinabuhi. (So that my name will be written in the Book of Life.)
But perhaps one of the moving questions was this: “Kinsa imong unang pangitaon pagbalik ni Jesus unya banhawon na ka Niya?” (Who will be the first person you will look for when Jesus returns and raises you from the dead?)
Without hesitation, Jhed answered, “Akong pamilya.” (My family.)
Though he has used a wheelchair since he was nine, Jhed remains a faithful presence at church. His situation has never dimmed his desire to worship, learn, and be part of his faith community.
Like any child, Jhed is still learning, growing, and sometimes stumbling along the way. He has his own flaws and struggles, and his faith journey is not without its bumps. Yet his parents pray that God will keep guiding his steps, shaping his heart, and blessing his days, so that in all he does and wherever God leads him, his life will shine for the One who gave it.
Jhed still dreams of all that awaits him when Jesus returns. He longs for a world made new, a place without pain, sickness, or any of the limits he knows now.
And perhaps, on that glorious day, he will finally experience the joy he has been asking his mother about since he was nine years old.
He will walk again.
He will run again.
And he will no longer have to ask when these things will happen, because the One he has been waiting for will finally be there.
By Jazzen Filares Sael