By Den Asis
The air was thick with anticipation and hope as members of the Sangandaan Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en las Islas Filipinas (IEMELIF Church) SIC Youth – Lumiere, of Sangandaan Caloocan City, along with friends and family, gathered for a concert for a cause on September 22, 2024. Held at the Tandang Sora IEMELIF Church in Quezon City, this wasn’t just another concert—it was a testament to the power of community, love, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
Sis. Jaime “Jem” Jimenez, a 24-year-old youth leader and a dedicated Social Science teacher at STI College in Caloocan City, has been battling Stage 4 Metastatic ROS1 Lung Cancer, a diagnosis that wrecked the hearts of many who know her, especially in the church. Despite the heavy burden of her illness, Jem’s spirit has remained unbroken, inspiring her church community to come together to support her fight.
The concert, aptly titled “JAIME: Jesus Allows the Impossible through ME,” kicked off at 4:00 p.m., and from the very first beat, the atmosphere was electrifying. The evening began with a heartfelt performance by The Lumiere, the SIC Youth’s own music group, setting the tone for what would be a deeply moving event. As they sang, you could see the determination in their eyes—the kind of fire that only comes when you’re doing something you truly believe in, and on this case, to help Jem.
The highlight for many was the SAGA Dance Group from STI College Caloocan, who brought the house down with their energetic rendition of Gary Valenciano’s “Shout for Joy.” Watching them perform, it was easy to forget, even if just for a moment, the gravity of Jem’s situation, and to be swept away by the joy and passion that filled the room.
In between the performances, attendees participated in a raffle draw, with special tickets priced at PhP 500 and regular ones at Php 200. It wasn’t just about the excitement of winning, though. Each ticket sold, every piece of merchandise bought, was another step toward helping Jem in her fight—a tangible way to show that no one fights alone.
Sis. Xiaresse Anne Andaya, one of the evening’s performers and a driving force behind the concert, shared that it wasn’t just about raising funds but about giving Jem the strength to keep going. “We wanted her to feel how much she is loved and supported,” she said.
As the evening drew to a close, Pastor Jimmy took to the stage, inviting everyone to bow their heads in prayer. And as The Lumiere sang “More than Able,” the audience were emotionally moved, especially as the song was more felt in the present ordeal of Jem . At that moment, it wasn’t just Jem who was fighting—it was every single person in that room, standing with her, believing that miracles can and do happen.
Jem herself took the microphone, her voice steady but laced with emotion. She shared her journey, the pain, the uncertainty, but also the incredible love and strength she’s drawn from her faith and her community. “This isn’t just my fight,” she said, “it’s ours.”
For everyone who attended, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of life, love, and the belief that, even in the darkest of times, we can find light. And as they left that evening, hearts full and spirits lifted, they carried with them the knowledge that sometimes, the most impossible things become possible when we face them together.
When a community comes together for a cause, especially when one of its own is in need, it becomes a powerful force of compassion, solidarity, and hope. The shared bond among members fosters a sense of belonging, making each individual’s struggle feel less isolating. In these moments, collective efforts like fundraising events, emotional support, and acts of kindness not only provide financial assistance but also create a comforting environment where the person in need feels seen, heard, and supported. It’s a reminder that no one has to face their battles alone, and that the strength of a united community can make even the most daunting challenges feel conquerable.
