Prophet Jeremiah, author of the Book of Lamentations in the Old Testament, is widely known as the “depressed prophet” or the “weeping prophet” for his deep sorrow and despair as he meets suffering and rejection through fulfilling his duty to the people. Such a scenario is even present in modern times, as many continue to pursue their mission despite facing countless breakdowns.

Struggling with mental health issues alongside physical ailments—including asthma, scoliosis, and a red blood count comparable to the first stage of leukemia (an unofficial diagnosis)—a pastor from a small community church in Montalban, Rizal, serves as a modern example of perseverance through pain, continuing to lead, counsel, and pray for healing.

His name is healing

He is known as Pastor Raffy Eñerez. Real name, Rafael, 28 years old—the very name which means “God heals,” from the Hebrew root rapha (heal).

Yet contrary to his name, he was born with a weak immune system, though called to serve and be an image of strength.

“I feel like the Scripture is alive in me,” he told DAILY TRIBUNE, citing 2 Corinthians 12:10: “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

When he prays for people’s healing, they often recover, like one bedridden grandfather who is now able to stroll around the community on his own. But for him, his physical struggles have been a constant test of endurance since childhood.

In countless instances, he has been seen preaching despite being in poor condition.

One church anniversary Sunday even ended with him rushing to the hospital after forcing his body to deliver the message.

Last year, the congregation saw him on the pulpit using crutches until he recovered from a fracture. This year, he was temporarily away from preaching for two months as his blood condition worsened. With visible bruises all over his body, he just returned to service this month.

“Healing for me is not just physical or mental recovery. Healing itself is showing up,” he said. “We often think of healing as a miracle like curing leprosy, but we fail to see that healing is also standing strong.”

It’s a yes and forever

In celebration of Pastor’s Month this October, he reflected on his nine years of service in the ministry as something he has never regretted, despite beginning at the tender age of 19.

His youth was dedicated to shepherding a community established as a relocation site for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Like the people he served, his young heart was also tested and sought refuge. Just like many uncertain youths, he attempted to resign numerous times, drafting letters of surrender and even breaking down in tears while confiding in a few church leaders. Yet those moments remained mere impulsive thoughts.

He also admitted to struggling with counseling others while also battling persistent depressive disorder, especially after the pandemic, when adapting to the “new normal” church setup brought another wave of emotional and environmental changes.

Yet he believes those low points are beneficial, helping him empathize with others and turning his “hopelessness into a testimony of hope for the congregation.”

Looking back, he is grateful for those experiences, as they allowed him to recognize his own limitations as a human and reaffirm that he is truly called to dedicate his life to spiritual leadership. Over the years, his leadership has grown, and he now serves as the head pastor of three community churches in Montalban.

Today, Pastor Raffy is still awaiting a complete medical diagnosis regarding his blood condition. But he remains steadfast, holding on to faith despite the pain.

“For me,” he said, “that is healing.”