ABout the BOOK
About the book
Somebody believesWhat is the power of hope? What happens when somebody believes?
Edgardo G. Gonzales grew up in the poverty-stricken district of Tondo in Manila, Philippines as one of ten children. Raised by his strong and resourceful mother, life changed dramatically when he was sponsored by the Christian Children's Fund (now Children Believe) and World Vision Philippines. Sponsorship provided him not only bread and school supplies, but hope, self-respect, and inspiration. Somebody Believes is Gonzales’ autobiography, tracking his extraordinary life over six decades to present day and his current work for World Vision Canada. Today, Gonzales’ example encourages us to believe in ourselves, in God, and in one another. |
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Praise for
somebody believes
Somebody Believes is an inspirational narrative of a sponsored child whose life was transformed by the generosity and partnership of his child sponsor and World Vision! What’s also compelling about Edgar’s story is his faith and belief in God’s goodness and faithfulness! Somebody Believes underscores the importance of being good stewards of God’s blessings and trusting Him to transform our lives! Thank you, Edgar, for your faithfulness, vulnerability, and desire to radiate the love of God!
- Patrick Canagasingham, Chief Operating Officer at Habitat for Humanity International (USA)
Reading Somebody Believes helped me remember so many people who believed in me and contributed to who I am today. With Edgar’s life story, I am even more inspired by what we do at World Vision, that is, co-writing the life-changing stories of millions of Filipino children impacted by World Vision in the Philippines for the last 65 years.
- Rommel Fuerte, National Director at World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (Philippines)
I had the privilege of hearing my friend, Edgar, speak on September 16, 2009, during our time together at World Vision. He brought me to tears as he shared his powerful testimony, a former sponsored child overcoming countless obstacles simply because so many believed in him. He managed to do it again today as I finished this book. In six decades, Edgar has overcome immense personal loss, health scares and real adversity. It’s a remarkable story of hope that the world needs more than ever. I have no doubt it will remind you what’s truly possible with a little faith … and when we simply believe in one another.
- Jason Matta, Vice President of Marketing at Plan International Canada
A truly remarkable life story tells the innate prowess of deep faith in God and oneself to confront the highs and lows of living and emerge fulfilled, lifting the lives of children and families in need. Author Edgar Gonzales’ tell-it-all narrative inspires, informs, and entertains—the mark of a true scholar of caring, thoughtfulness, and humanity.
- Hon. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, First Canadian Filipino Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister
Edgar is a wonderful storyteller, and I was immensely moved and blessed by reading through the book. It is very moving. I praise God for Edgar’s life story and the ongoing work that God is doing through him and his wonderful family.
- Richard Oduntan, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder Re2 Capital
Knowing Edgar personally makes it easy for me to relate to this book because I can pull mental images from recent memory while going through the prose. That does not mean the ordinary reader who has never met the author will enjoy it any less. The depictions are vivid, and it is because the stories were written from the heart with no intent to impress but simply to touch other hearts. The book’s message is truer today than yesterday. While crucibles build character, affirmation provides the endurance to survive the extreme heat.
- Joey Bermudez, Founding CEO at Iskaparate.com, Founding Chairman Maybridge Financial Group
I’m really impressed with this memoir. It was a beautifully written human story and replete with inspiration. It would be a great blessing to all who are privileged to journey through its pages.
- Patrick Rimple, Senior Pastor and Founder of Joshua Generation Ministries, Former Spiritual Advisor at World Vision Canada
Edgar’s spirit is on fire with his faith in God and in His creation and His love for humanity. One cannot help but find personal parallels through his empathetic writing. His vulnerability in sharing his raw and intense emotions through life’s precious moments and memories draws you into his journey with an indescribable understanding and willingness to hear the call to consider, “What do I have to give?” Someone somewhere is just waiting for our generosity and kindness to spread the contagion of love for an epic ripple effect for infinity.
- Nicole Hrehirchuk, Chief Executive Officer The Robb Nash Project, President, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Manitoba Chapter (2020-2022)
Edgardo Gonzales’ book, Somebody Believes, takes readers on a journey of faith in God with whom all things are possible. As a child born into a loving family yet with challenges of food insecurity, losses, and fearful experiences, by faith he migrated to several countries, was blessed with a great family, achieved a successful professional life, overcame cancer, and eventually began to work and serve in the very missions organization that sponsored and supported him as a child. This book is a must-read that will challenge your faith, inspire your faith, and ignite a greater faith in you to achieve the great plan that God has for your life.
- Pat Francis, M.Div., D-C.P.C., D.Min., Ph.D., President & CEO Chayil Transformation Inc. Global Transformational Speaker and Leadership & Business Consultant
I met Edgar during my tenure at WVC and immediately created a bond based on his infectious positive spirit, great big smile, and selfless heart strategy. When we started to collaborate after connecting with Fred Penner, that bond grew at a velocity that couldn’t have been predicted. After reading Somebody Believes, I had no idea of the depth that my friend’s life had presented because of his consistency in being extremely humble. He will always be inspiring and this book, and his story, will touch the hearts of those who can sometimes forget or stop believing in themselves as it has for me. Thank you for being you, Edgar.
- Michael T. Fox, Director of Business Development, Genni agency. Former Head of Music Partnership, World Vision Canada
Edgar’s heartfelt sharing of his life journey which began as a sponsored child has validated my World Vision child sponsorship journey—you can change someone’s life by believing in them as a child.
- Glenn Hofland, President of John G. Hofland Ltd.
I loved it. A great testimony to God’s work in Edgar’s life. I loved the letter that Mariyah wrote when Edgar was going through that really hard time … so heartwarming.
- Richard Chapman, Philanthropy Advisor, World Vision Canada
Very inspiring! Give us hope to dare dream again. An inspirational story! Foretold with great perseverance and passion! A “must-read book.” Thank you and congratulations, Edgar!
- Agnes Miranda, Executive Vice Chairman at World Financial Group (WFG)
When God’s intervention intersects in the lives of His children, He uses spiritually engaged people willing to be used. That point of intersection, in utmost certainty, will change the trajectory of the lives it will touch. Somebody Believes chronicled that intersection in the life of Edgardo Gonzales. May we be inspired to be spiritually perceptive of God’s prodding to also believe in someone.
- Julius Tiangson, Conscious Entrepreneur
An exceptionally inspirational chronicle of a dreaming father, from his struggling younger days in Manila through numerous years of being a migrant worker in the Middle East to his accomplishing life in Toronto, Canada. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing and relevant mostly to overseas settlers. The book tackles the writer’s humbling beginnings, his ambivalent and challenging years as a professional, a family man, and a church leader. It courageously exposed his vulnerability to life’s adversities and illnesses both physically and spiritually; his self-confidence and faith were intensely tested BUT emerged triumphant because many people around him simply “BELIEVED.” This book will certainly inspire you, will give you hope and will deepen your faith!
- Roberto Geronimo, Parliamentary Officer Finance & Risk, Department of Parliamentary Services State Parliament of Victoria, Australia
A good read—very encouraging to the heart. Rock on!
- Dr. Mark Phillips, GP
Somebody Believes is a riveting and encouraging life story of the power of hope, inspiration and faith poured into a young boy that blossomed into a world changer. Edgardo’s story exemplifies the importance of believing in others and supporting those around us because miracles genuinely happen when “somebody believes.” The book will deposit a desire to impart words of life and hope to others.
- Samuel Mills, Senior Executive Pastor, Sanctus Church
Edgardo has many God-given talents, and this writing piece gives you a view of his amazing story! I am so blessed to have served with Edgardo and to be his friend. Congrats with love!
- Paulette Kinmond, Chief Development, Marketing & Communications at Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
As a part of the World Vision family, I sometimes just want to hear that part where World Vision did this and that for you or for any sponsored children and their families. But World Vision is just another channel of God’s grace. God uses so many people and circumstances in our lives to draw us closer to Him, to find Him in the details of life … to feel the warmth of His embrace when we’re most cold or numbed by the bleak realities in our lives. Edgar, the joys and happy moments you experienced in life helped you go through the challenges and struggles. The pains and difficulties created a humble spirit in you. No one has it all together. It’s only in Jesus that we’re able to experience fullness of life.
- Jun Godornes, Director Resource Development at World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (Philippines)
Somebody Believes is a touching story of faith in God and resilience in the face of adversity as well as a tribute to what is possible when a person chooses to believe in another. It is also a sobering reminder of the difference we can make in each other’s lives if we are willing. May we be willing and may our willingness make a powerful impact in the world.
- Deborah Holbrook, Family Law Lawyer & Chair, World Vision Canada Board of Directors
What a remarkable testimony of love, hope, and persistence working in unison with God’s providence! Edgar’s story will lift your spirits as you watch the hand of God lead him through his incredible life across the world. It has been an honor to work alongside Edgar with his infectious joy and deep wisdom. After reading “Somebody Believes”, I now understand where his strength comes from. What an amazing reminder for all of us to continue to have the heart to believe in a child’s potential and to help it reach its fullness!
- Anita Tong, Chief Finance and Administration Officer at World Vision Canada
Edgar’s story demonstrates how a life can change when someone simply believes—in God, in a dream, in the potential of a child. It’s an inspiring account of how dramatic transformations unfold through the miracle of little kindnesses.
- Andrew Kooman, critically acclaimed Author of “She Has a Name” and Co-Founder of Unveil Studios
Several years ago, I heard Edgar share a devotion about a lighthouse experience he had in Nova Scotia, at Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. Shortly after that I heard a young Brazilian Christian Gospel singer, perform the song “Sonda-me, Usa-me” by Aline Kistenmacker. “Barros dos Santos,” translated “Use Me Lord.” The lyrics of the second stanza resonated with the experience Edgar had shared, “Like a lighthouse that shines at night … I want to be used, the way that pleases You … Use me Lord.” Edgar wanted God to use Him. As I read this book and especially “The Peggy’s Cove Experience—Maritime Vacation of 2005,” the same rush I felt when Edgar first shared his experience came over me in a greater way when I realized what Edgar had been through. The light has shone through Edgar’s life, and it flows through to others through his amazing testimony. Starting with his mom, who never stopped dreaming for all ten of her children, her strong faith and unwavering hope that the best was still yet to come. The CCF and World Vision sponsors who believed and invested in Edgar, his family, and friends and most of all, the Lord’s revelation at Peggy’s Cove lighthouse … indeed, miracles truly happen when somebody believes! This is a muchneeded book during this post-pandemic season—for anyone who thinks they’ve hit rock-bottom or for those on the mountain top who want to be a beacon of light—this is a call to believe, not just in ourselves but to believe in someone and invest in them, to let the light of faith shine in and through us!
- Paskwa Mutunga, Director of Technology, Analytics and Projects at Children Believe
- Patrick Canagasingham, Chief Operating Officer at Habitat for Humanity International (USA)
Reading Somebody Believes helped me remember so many people who believed in me and contributed to who I am today. With Edgar’s life story, I am even more inspired by what we do at World Vision, that is, co-writing the life-changing stories of millions of Filipino children impacted by World Vision in the Philippines for the last 65 years.
- Rommel Fuerte, National Director at World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (Philippines)
I had the privilege of hearing my friend, Edgar, speak on September 16, 2009, during our time together at World Vision. He brought me to tears as he shared his powerful testimony, a former sponsored child overcoming countless obstacles simply because so many believed in him. He managed to do it again today as I finished this book. In six decades, Edgar has overcome immense personal loss, health scares and real adversity. It’s a remarkable story of hope that the world needs more than ever. I have no doubt it will remind you what’s truly possible with a little faith … and when we simply believe in one another.
- Jason Matta, Vice President of Marketing at Plan International Canada
A truly remarkable life story tells the innate prowess of deep faith in God and oneself to confront the highs and lows of living and emerge fulfilled, lifting the lives of children and families in need. Author Edgar Gonzales’ tell-it-all narrative inspires, informs, and entertains—the mark of a true scholar of caring, thoughtfulness, and humanity.
- Hon. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, First Canadian Filipino Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister
Edgar is a wonderful storyteller, and I was immensely moved and blessed by reading through the book. It is very moving. I praise God for Edgar’s life story and the ongoing work that God is doing through him and his wonderful family.
- Richard Oduntan, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder Re2 Capital
Knowing Edgar personally makes it easy for me to relate to this book because I can pull mental images from recent memory while going through the prose. That does not mean the ordinary reader who has never met the author will enjoy it any less. The depictions are vivid, and it is because the stories were written from the heart with no intent to impress but simply to touch other hearts. The book’s message is truer today than yesterday. While crucibles build character, affirmation provides the endurance to survive the extreme heat.
- Joey Bermudez, Founding CEO at Iskaparate.com, Founding Chairman Maybridge Financial Group
I’m really impressed with this memoir. It was a beautifully written human story and replete with inspiration. It would be a great blessing to all who are privileged to journey through its pages.
- Patrick Rimple, Senior Pastor and Founder of Joshua Generation Ministries, Former Spiritual Advisor at World Vision Canada
Edgar’s spirit is on fire with his faith in God and in His creation and His love for humanity. One cannot help but find personal parallels through his empathetic writing. His vulnerability in sharing his raw and intense emotions through life’s precious moments and memories draws you into his journey with an indescribable understanding and willingness to hear the call to consider, “What do I have to give?” Someone somewhere is just waiting for our generosity and kindness to spread the contagion of love for an epic ripple effect for infinity.
- Nicole Hrehirchuk, Chief Executive Officer The Robb Nash Project, President, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Manitoba Chapter (2020-2022)
Edgardo Gonzales’ book, Somebody Believes, takes readers on a journey of faith in God with whom all things are possible. As a child born into a loving family yet with challenges of food insecurity, losses, and fearful experiences, by faith he migrated to several countries, was blessed with a great family, achieved a successful professional life, overcame cancer, and eventually began to work and serve in the very missions organization that sponsored and supported him as a child. This book is a must-read that will challenge your faith, inspire your faith, and ignite a greater faith in you to achieve the great plan that God has for your life.
- Pat Francis, M.Div., D-C.P.C., D.Min., Ph.D., President & CEO Chayil Transformation Inc. Global Transformational Speaker and Leadership & Business Consultant
I met Edgar during my tenure at WVC and immediately created a bond based on his infectious positive spirit, great big smile, and selfless heart strategy. When we started to collaborate after connecting with Fred Penner, that bond grew at a velocity that couldn’t have been predicted. After reading Somebody Believes, I had no idea of the depth that my friend’s life had presented because of his consistency in being extremely humble. He will always be inspiring and this book, and his story, will touch the hearts of those who can sometimes forget or stop believing in themselves as it has for me. Thank you for being you, Edgar.
- Michael T. Fox, Director of Business Development, Genni agency. Former Head of Music Partnership, World Vision Canada
Edgar’s heartfelt sharing of his life journey which began as a sponsored child has validated my World Vision child sponsorship journey—you can change someone’s life by believing in them as a child.
- Glenn Hofland, President of John G. Hofland Ltd.
I loved it. A great testimony to God’s work in Edgar’s life. I loved the letter that Mariyah wrote when Edgar was going through that really hard time … so heartwarming.
- Richard Chapman, Philanthropy Advisor, World Vision Canada
Very inspiring! Give us hope to dare dream again. An inspirational story! Foretold with great perseverance and passion! A “must-read book.” Thank you and congratulations, Edgar!
- Agnes Miranda, Executive Vice Chairman at World Financial Group (WFG)
When God’s intervention intersects in the lives of His children, He uses spiritually engaged people willing to be used. That point of intersection, in utmost certainty, will change the trajectory of the lives it will touch. Somebody Believes chronicled that intersection in the life of Edgardo Gonzales. May we be inspired to be spiritually perceptive of God’s prodding to also believe in someone.
- Julius Tiangson, Conscious Entrepreneur
An exceptionally inspirational chronicle of a dreaming father, from his struggling younger days in Manila through numerous years of being a migrant worker in the Middle East to his accomplishing life in Toronto, Canada. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing and relevant mostly to overseas settlers. The book tackles the writer’s humbling beginnings, his ambivalent and challenging years as a professional, a family man, and a church leader. It courageously exposed his vulnerability to life’s adversities and illnesses both physically and spiritually; his self-confidence and faith were intensely tested BUT emerged triumphant because many people around him simply “BELIEVED.” This book will certainly inspire you, will give you hope and will deepen your faith!
- Roberto Geronimo, Parliamentary Officer Finance & Risk, Department of Parliamentary Services State Parliament of Victoria, Australia
A good read—very encouraging to the heart. Rock on!
- Dr. Mark Phillips, GP
Somebody Believes is a riveting and encouraging life story of the power of hope, inspiration and faith poured into a young boy that blossomed into a world changer. Edgardo’s story exemplifies the importance of believing in others and supporting those around us because miracles genuinely happen when “somebody believes.” The book will deposit a desire to impart words of life and hope to others.
- Samuel Mills, Senior Executive Pastor, Sanctus Church
Edgardo has many God-given talents, and this writing piece gives you a view of his amazing story! I am so blessed to have served with Edgardo and to be his friend. Congrats with love!
- Paulette Kinmond, Chief Development, Marketing & Communications at Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
As a part of the World Vision family, I sometimes just want to hear that part where World Vision did this and that for you or for any sponsored children and their families. But World Vision is just another channel of God’s grace. God uses so many people and circumstances in our lives to draw us closer to Him, to find Him in the details of life … to feel the warmth of His embrace when we’re most cold or numbed by the bleak realities in our lives. Edgar, the joys and happy moments you experienced in life helped you go through the challenges and struggles. The pains and difficulties created a humble spirit in you. No one has it all together. It’s only in Jesus that we’re able to experience fullness of life.
- Jun Godornes, Director Resource Development at World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (Philippines)
Somebody Believes is a touching story of faith in God and resilience in the face of adversity as well as a tribute to what is possible when a person chooses to believe in another. It is also a sobering reminder of the difference we can make in each other’s lives if we are willing. May we be willing and may our willingness make a powerful impact in the world.
- Deborah Holbrook, Family Law Lawyer & Chair, World Vision Canada Board of Directors
What a remarkable testimony of love, hope, and persistence working in unison with God’s providence! Edgar’s story will lift your spirits as you watch the hand of God lead him through his incredible life across the world. It has been an honor to work alongside Edgar with his infectious joy and deep wisdom. After reading “Somebody Believes”, I now understand where his strength comes from. What an amazing reminder for all of us to continue to have the heart to believe in a child’s potential and to help it reach its fullness!
- Anita Tong, Chief Finance and Administration Officer at World Vision Canada
Edgar’s story demonstrates how a life can change when someone simply believes—in God, in a dream, in the potential of a child. It’s an inspiring account of how dramatic transformations unfold through the miracle of little kindnesses.
- Andrew Kooman, critically acclaimed Author of “She Has a Name” and Co-Founder of Unveil Studios
Several years ago, I heard Edgar share a devotion about a lighthouse experience he had in Nova Scotia, at Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. Shortly after that I heard a young Brazilian Christian Gospel singer, perform the song “Sonda-me, Usa-me” by Aline Kistenmacker. “Barros dos Santos,” translated “Use Me Lord.” The lyrics of the second stanza resonated with the experience Edgar had shared, “Like a lighthouse that shines at night … I want to be used, the way that pleases You … Use me Lord.” Edgar wanted God to use Him. As I read this book and especially “The Peggy’s Cove Experience—Maritime Vacation of 2005,” the same rush I felt when Edgar first shared his experience came over me in a greater way when I realized what Edgar had been through. The light has shone through Edgar’s life, and it flows through to others through his amazing testimony. Starting with his mom, who never stopped dreaming for all ten of her children, her strong faith and unwavering hope that the best was still yet to come. The CCF and World Vision sponsors who believed and invested in Edgar, his family, and friends and most of all, the Lord’s revelation at Peggy’s Cove lighthouse … indeed, miracles truly happen when somebody believes! This is a muchneeded book during this post-pandemic season—for anyone who thinks they’ve hit rock-bottom or for those on the mountain top who want to be a beacon of light—this is a call to believe, not just in ourselves but to believe in someone and invest in them, to let the light of faith shine in and through us!
- Paskwa Mutunga, Director of Technology, Analytics and Projects at Children Believe
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