By: Larry Tiamzon

Have you ever experienced being lost in a thick fog with no flashlight on hand? I have and here is my story….

In the summer of 2006, my business started to have a big financial setback. What used to be a smooth sailing suddenly became huge, rough waves that were very hard to handle, and it really terrified me.  And to top it off, our business was audited by the IRS and was assessed to pay a huge six figure amount plus interest and penalties.

That was when I began losing my reins. I started to have sleeping and eating disorders. I could no longer force myself to have the same enthusiasm to go to our office and take care of business. The only thought that occupied my mind was FEAR. Fear of losing our business and fear of losing our house. My family became so concerned that they stopped me from managing our business. My wife, Ellen, took over. I also had to take a leave from my service in City On The Hill (COH) because of frequent anxiety attacks. My ability to concentrate had dissipated, coupled with terrifying thoughts so intense that most of the time I became immobilized with fear.

During all this time, my family was always with me, praying unceasingly to God so they can lead me out of the thick fog that had rolled in. Yet, it was very difficult for me to see my way out. Our Men’s and Women’s Group (MWG) fully supported us in this difficult period of my life. They were always there for me and my family.

It’s been years now and I am sharing this to stand as witness to God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.  Our God is an awesome God and He will lead us out of the thickest fog we can ever encounter.  In June 2007, God opened up another door for us to venture in. Our business started to pick up again.  And my despair turned to hope. 

The result of the IRS audit, which we have contested, was reversed in our favor.  Instead of paying for that huge amount, we were even given a refund - enough to pay for a month of our house amortization.  This was made possible through the persistent efforts of our accountant, a fellow member of COH, to whom we will be forever grateful. God really works in mysterious ways.

The ‘state’ I had been in was very hard to explain, but with the prayers and support of COH members, I was able to overcome it. I want to thank God for the new life He has given me and the clarity and understanding to appreciate it even more.  I realized that I would have never seen our God with the same eyes if it were not for the trials and tribulations in my life.  The Lord has made me strong and He will make me even stronger.

In ending, let me share with you my thoughts.  An angel once whispered to me:  “Never borrow from the future.  If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain.  Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice”.  To our God be the glory!!!.