An “All Things Work Together for Good” Story
In celebration of our ninth year of migrating to New Zealand, I want to share a testimony of God’s faithfulness, how He works in all things together for our good.
And Romans 8:28 continues… for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I made a bold emphasis on the phrase, “of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” because it is important to know that Romans 8:28 doesn’t stop on the word “good” as some of us would mention.
So, Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
We came to New Zealand on a work-to-resident (WTR) visa. The WTR visa allowed us to come and work in NZ for nine months.
Once the principal migrant finds a full-time job that’s relevant to his or her qualification, NZ Immigration will grant you a resident visa. Of course, it comes with other minor but important requirements.
New Zealand job experience needed
So, when we arrived in Auckland, we started applying for jobs right away. Although I brought with me my online job from the Philippines, I needed a New Zealand job experience.
My former online client in Christchurch employed me on 2nd December, but it was a part-time job, which I accepted anyway.
On 7th December 2011, I sent my CV to Kelly Services, North Shore Branch, a known recruitment and staffing company. I didn’t hear from them right away.
I got a couple of emails from Kelly Services in January 2012 informing me that my application wasn’t successful.
We prayed continually and committed everything before God. We never lose hope.
Participating and winning the online survey
Since I was working part-time at that time, I took the time to fill up the KGWI (Kelly Global Workforce Index) research survey that Kelly Services requested after I have submitted online my CV.
I never heard from Kelly Services again until 29th February 2012. After almost two months, I got a call from the main office’s Marketing Manager.
“Hi, Jonan. I’m (her name). I’m the Marketing Manager of Kelly Services. How are you?”
“I’m fine. Thank you, (her name)!” I replied.
She congratulated me and told me that I have won the KGWI research survey prize.
Giving an honest answer
Then the Marketing Manager asked, “How was your experience with Kelly Services?”
I paused for a moment. I was figuring out what to say because I haven’t been successful in getting any job through her placement company.
So, I honestly told her, “Actually, I hadn’t had any positive experience with your company yet because I haven’t been successful since sending my CV.” I tried not to be as blunt as possible but I have to tell the truth.
The Marketing Manager was surprised by my response. She was apologetic, and she started asking about my circumstance and shared how she could help my wife and me.
A few hours later, she sent me an email to officially inform me of my winning the survey and my prize. Below is a screenshot of her email.
I immediately responded, thanking her for the prize. I also thanked and appreciated her genuine concern regarding finding better job opportunities for my wife and me.
She responded with two successive messages and what heart-warming responses.
Please read them below:
Hi Jonan
Thanks for your quick reply! Please advise me your wife’s full name and if possible and not too much trouble, please email me both your CV and your wife’s as if applied online I think I might know what went wrong with that, there was a small technical hitch, but we couldn’t tell who had applied during a period of time.
I will then talk to the Branch Manager of the North Shore branch.
I will get the vouchers to you asap.
Thanks
Hello Jonan
On reflection, I will send your vouchers to the Branch Manager of our North Shore office as she would like to present the vouchers to you, and so we are sure they don’t go astray in the post.
She would also welcome the opportunity of meeting you and discussing how we may be able to assist your search for employment for both yourself and your wife.
Thanks
God’s wondrous ways of answering our prayers
In the course of my email exchanges with the Marketing Manager, I accidentally used my work email and she also replied to that email.
My boss learned about this and he called my attention. He asked me about my plans. I explained to him our visa situation and that I needed a full-time job.
He understood my situation and told me that starting 16 March 2012. He will be increasing my work to 40 hours per week. So, I didn’t pursue further my application through Kelly Services.
Our meeting with the Branch Manager paved the way for Jewel in getting a full-time job with a call centre in Auckland CBD. Thank you, Kelly Services.
Faith-wisdom lessons from this experience
This experience nine years ago allowed us to learn the following faith-wisdom lessons:
- For nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). He will find a way if you continue to trust and obey.
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Don’t be easily affected when things don’t go according to your expectation. Trust Him! He is working for your good.
- “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
In our almost a decade of living in New Zealand, we have many more testimonies of God’s goodness that I will be sharing over time.
Thank you very much for reading. To God be the glory!
Jonan
Inspiring one💖. God is always there in times of need. His good works shine on us that others would believe on His Powerful and Miraculous way of lifting up and blessing His children!
To God be the Glory!