Dharyl Joy Solomon — Journal

Youth Minsity - Discipleship

Dharyl Joy Solomon

Manila, Philippines

Calling & Mission

My calling is to be a HOPE DEALER — to share the hope, love, and salvation I found in Jesus Christ with every person I meet. I believe God can use even the most broken stories for His glory. My life is proof that Jesus still changes lives, restores dreams, and gives purpose to those who feel forgotten.

Serving Jesus

Since 2013

Manila, Philippines

Location

I am JOY

I was only 13 years old when our family faced one of the hardest seasons of our lives. Because of extreme financial struggles, we had no choice but to move to another squatter area in Tondo called Sitio Damayan a place beside a dumpsite where garbage surrounded the community every day.

I still remember crying to my parents because we did not even have a proper CR. Life felt painful, unfair, and uncertain. Yet even in those dark moments, my parents did everything they could just to provide for us. Looking back now, I realize that while we were struggling to survive, God was already searching for me.

In that broken place, God began writing my story!

First Invitation

One day, a pastor from Dumpsite invited me to learn how to play the drums. I had no idea that a simple invitation would become the beginning of a transformed life. At first, I only came to learn music but little by little, I started attending church. I experienced love, acceptance, and hope in ways I had never known before. God slowly opened my eyes to a different future.

Three years later, the government relocated many families from our area. During that season, God connected me to another pastor — his name is Pastor Ramil meeting him became another major turning point in my life through Pastor Ramil, I saw a new picture of ministry and leadership. He showed me what it truly means to love a community, serve people genuinely, and care for the next generation. His life became an example that deeply impacted me.

The Birth of J.O.Y

In 2014, I started a youth ministry called JOY — Jesus Over You.

I was still very young and had absolutely no background in leadership. I did not know how to lead youth, organize programs, or disciple people but Pastor Ramil believed in me and entrusted me with the ministry anyway.

As I began leading young people, I noticed something that deeply affected my heart every youth I was discipling was going to school — except me.

That realization pushed me to pray honestly before God.

I told Him: "Lord, if You allow me to study again, I do not want my parents to carry the burden of paying for it."

One night during a prayer meeting, while I was silently praying, someone unexpectedly handed me money — around 250 pesos, exactly enough for my Alternative Learning System (ALS) requirements and documents that moment changed everything for me. After being out of school for seven years, Jesus opened a door I thought was already closed forever.

A Miracle called EDUCATION

In 2016, I graduated from the ALS Program but for me, it was more than graduation it was proof that God can restore lost dreams.

Still, life was not easy.

My mom wanted me to return permanently to the province, but deep inside, I knew God was calling me somewhere else. I ran to Christ Power Grace Church, where Pastor Ramil welcomed me when he found out what happened, he personally brought me back to my mom not to fight with her, but to honor her.

Pastor Ramil spoke with my mom and humbly asked permission for me to stay in the church and continue serving there. Eventually, my mom allowed me to go with him, and from that day on, the church became my home, my training ground, and my family in ministry.

Yet my desire to study still burned in my heart.

Again, I prayed: "Lord, I want to go to college."

Then God did something unbelievable.

A Filipino man from Tondo offered to pay for my first-year first semester tuition fee. Honestly, I could hardly believe it. People usually look down on Tondo and believe nothing good can come from there but God used someone from Tondo I came from to help launch my future.

Year after year, God continued sending people who believed in me, prayed for me, and supported me through college and in 2020 by God’s grace, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Information Technology.

I never imagined finishing college not even once did I think it would be possible but God had bigger plans than my fears and by His grace, I became the first college graduate in our family.

HOPE DEALEAR

Today, my heart beats for young people who feel lost, forgotten, hopeless, and unseen — because I know exactly what that feels like.

I know what it means to grow up in poverty.

I know what it means to feel behind in life.

I know what it means to think your dreams are impossible.

But I also know the transforming power of Jesus.

The hope I found in Christ is the same hope I want to pass on to others that is why I proudly carry the identity of being a

“HOPE DEALER”

Not because of what I have done, but because of what Jesus has done in me

About my Work

I am currently serving full-time as a missionary and as the Director of YOUTHALB, focusing on youth ministry in Tondo and Cainta. My heartbeat is to disciple, mentor, and develop young people, helping them discover hope, purpose, and the love of Jesus Christ. I believe every young person matters, every story has value, and no life is too broken for God to restore and the same Jesus who found me in the middle of a dumpsite will also transform the lives of many young people through my life and ministry.

Favorite Verse

Dharyl Joy Solomon

I am JOY

First Invitation

The Birth of J.O.Y

A Miracle called EDUCATION

HOPE DEALEAR

“HOPE DEALER”

About my Work

I saw the Lord always before me because he is at my right hand

I will not be shaken

Acts 2:25

Dharyl Joy Solomon

I am JOY

First Invitation

The Birth of J.O.Y

A Miracle called EDUCATION

HOPE DEALEAR

“HOPE DEALER”

About my Work

I saw the Lord always before me because he is at my right hand

I will not be shaken

﻿ Acts 2:25

Acts 2:25