“Trust the still, small voice inside of you that says, Start because you can. It is a privilege to do work to accomplish what God wants you to do in this world. Years from now, you will measure the days of your lives according to how many times you were brave enough to say ‘Yes’ and to start the things that matter.”
Growing up, Junver Arcayna’s family depended on rain for their comfort room needs. He and his brother would carry 10 gallons of water which they retrieved from a community deep well each day, and then use clean white cloth to filter the water. Junver knows how it feels like to be one of the 16 million Filipinos who lack access to clean water because he lived in that condition for almost all his life. This inspired Cent to Change (centtochange.com), a non-profit organization established by Junver and his friend Louie Aroy, whose aim is to provide clean water to disadvantaged communities in the Philippines.
Before starting Cent to Change, Junver worked for several multi-national companies. Coming from a poor family, opportunities were scarce, yet he worked hard for scholarships to complete a degree. Through his dedication, Junver graduated and became a Certified Public Accountant, enabling him to secure positions in well-known corporations. But despite the stability of his jobs, Junver felt restless and empty. He realized that his entire life, he was trying to convince everyone that he was worth something, and that he could be something.
One day, Junver met William, a man who was confined to a wheelchair. In spite of his condition, William felt complete and secure. It was through William that Junver truly learned about Jesus, and how He came to save us and demonstrated His love for us, a love that was not something we had to earn or work for. For the first time in his life, Junver realized that he will not have to prove his worth to receive unconditional love. In the eyes of God, through the cross of Christ, he was whole and complete. Junver subsequently received Christ as His Lord and Savior and surrendered his life to Him, a decision that immediately filled the emptiness in his heart. He found purpose by knowing the Lord, and was moved to serve by joining the Real LIFE Foundation where he worked for 3 years before setting up Cent to Change.
“If I did not choose this current path, I would not have known God as intimately as I do now. This season in my life made me understand that even imperfect individuals like me can be an instrument for God to come to life to those who need Him the most. Cent to Change allowed me to dream bigger, not just for myself and my family, but also for the community,” Junver shares.