Superbook Miracle in the Philippines

The people of Boho province, Philippines, struggled to recover from the devastating earthquake that hit and killed two hundred people. One man who lost his son in the quake reveals how a happy memory caught on camera has given him hope, and new life.

When the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck, JR, his parents, and sister ran towards his six-year-old nephew Jyle, who was then playing outside their house. He said they huddled together when suddenly the Earth beneath them opened up, trapping them 26 feet below.

JR was the only survivor, but he was buried up to his chest and could not escape.

“All I saw was the foot of my father sticking out of the rubble. After being stuck for six hours, I lost hope” shared JR. “I wanted to kill myself by burying my face in the soil, until I heard my younger brother’s voice calling us and I was rescued.”

Rodel, JR’s older brother, was away from home on business. He regrets not being there to rescue his son Jyle.

“I should’ve been there beside my son to help him, but I was not able to do anything.”

The horrific scenes from that day when JR and Rodel’s loved ones were buried alive in this sink hole are still haunting their minds. But believe it or not, a simple video of the animated series Superbook has now become their source of healing and hope.

Rodel surprised us when he showed a cellphone video of his son, Jyle and daughter Kresia, singing the Superbook salvation song.

The animated Bible series reached even this remote part of the Philippines, and has become the favorite of a boy swallowed in the earthquake.

“They asked me to record the salvation song from the television, because they want to memorize the song” Rodel fondly recalled. “I like the show because it has made my children more respectful. They showed more affection, and they prayed for all the members of our family every night.”

Rodel’s daughter Kresia shared how much she and her brother loved watching Superbook. “I love Superbook because it’s about the Lord. My brother was always excited to watch it with me.”

A CBN councilor explained the meaning of the Superbook song to JR and Rodel, and invited them to accept Jesus as their savior. Both brothers bowed their heads in prayer. 

JR’s eyes lit up as he shared from the heart. “Now that I have accepted Christ, I feel strong and whole, and I’m ready to face life again!” 

The CBN’s Superbook Project team gave Kresia DVD copies of Superbook. “I really miss my brother, but every time I watch Superbook, I will be happy. Because I know Jyle is in heaven, because Jesus saved him.”

The Superbook Project brought Rodel, JR, and their family more than just temporary disaster assistance. The spiritual guidance they provided will endure forever. And these Filipinos now know that God’s word and promises cannot be destroyed or shaken by even the strongest earthquake.