“Mountains to climb and Valleys to go”

“Mountains to climb and Valleys to go”

An interview with Sis. Emernelita Ilas-Peralta

By Umipig, Dana Rose A.

Croissy Bakeshop at City of Imus, Cavite

People go into business for many reasons. Some go into business for satisfaction. Some want to enter business to serve the society through the goods and services they offer to the customer. But the most common reason is to earn profit.

In business world, businessmen and women consider these questions: “How are we going to start business? How are we going to manage our business?” some we’re asking: “How long can we manage the business?” There are so many questions yet we don’t even know how we are going to answer our own questions. Through “Proper management and use of time, money, energy and other resources of Gods purpose” this is one of the good principles I heard and came from Sis. Merly.

Sis. Emernelita Ilas-Peralta also known as “Merly Peralta” with her husband Bro. Benito Vargas Peralta started a small business in 1982 when Imus Public Market opened. While being employed in a private company, they thought of finding a means of living after Bro. Benito has finished his two years overseas contract. They opened a retail business of clothing and accessories which lasted for 18 years. After that, they join her brother’s newly started business of groceries and beverages dealership. This dealership is in the retail and wholesale of soft drinks and beer and lasted for 24 years.

During those years, when they were growing in their Christian faith they had a conviction to stop selling beer. “This is not a good witness to our Christian faith…” said Sis Merly. “There are so many reasons, simple and complicated that we cannot stop the beer business. We prayed hard and asked God to guide us on what to do, and how to stop without going in financial distress.” she added.

They’ve tried the orchid growing, selling of plants and garden accessories, but it did not go for a long time. God saw their dilemma and gave them a chance to start again the bakery business in 1996. ”We made the decision to stop the beer business. God had given us all the provisions to continue the bakery up to the present and hopefully for a lifetime and to be transferred to the next generations according to His will.” according to Sis. Merly.

Despite the fact that Sis Merly has a busy schedule managing their bakery business, she still have time in serving the Lord. She’s in the ministry for 29 years and involved in Teaching Ministry; leading bible studies at times led Sunday School. She’s also involved in the Gigeon ministry as an Auxiliary of the Gigeon International. Last 5 years she also led a women’s cell group in Palico with bible study. While her husband Mr. Benito is involved in Evangelism and Gigeon Ministry.

“Work has not hindered our ministry in the church. With proper scheduling, we were able to be involved in church ministry as volunteer, part time.” As a child and server of the Lord we must also have these kind thoughts. Whatever we do or how busy we are, we should always seek time serving and praising our Lord Jesus Christ.

 The couple had exceeded the dilemma of getting into business. But since we are still in the world were life is continuous we will still encounter some problems. “The Economic situation of our country affected the industry since flour and other ingredients are imported. Only a small amount is locally made. Stiff competition in the bakery business. Some personnel problem also, but minimal.” These are the problems they encountered in the Bakery Business.

How did they solve their problem?

Sis. Merly state that prayer is a part of their life. It is through prayers and guidance of the Holy Spirit they can solve their problem. God has sustained their financial needs. “In business there are mountains to climb and valleys to go but God is always our partner.” She added, “God gives us, much more than what He asks from us. My guiding verse: “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” from the book of Psalm 23:1

To their personnel problem –“We tried our best to treat them fairly and consider them as close friend/relative”. She also added “I see them as equal human being with soul, body and spirit.” It is the principle of reaping what you sow.  “If you sow love, you will reap the fruit of love. We make it a point to share the word of God to them.” She said.

To those who want to enter business Sis. Merly gave some advice and suggestions for the starters. These are:

1. Ask God for guidance on what business to start, and then consult experts and books on how to do it.

2.      God should be a partner of the business in all aspects.

3.      Prayer is an important part of the business.

Sis. Merly is thankful to the Lord and will always remember the things that God had done to them. God uses their friends, associates church mate and relatives to support them in their endeavor in the business. As we ended the conversation sis Merly state these words.

“With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we managed to use time, energy and financial resources for God by proper scheduling of activities. We balanced out time for work and play, for the church and family. We do follow God’s principle of tithing and giving.” As the bible mentioned, “we should all do them with joy in serving God”

This is a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Peralty with Croissy's employee.