February 10, 2016
Newly Baptized Testimonials: January 1, 2016
Read short testimonials of faith from some of MCGI’s youngest brethren baptized on January 1, 2016 at the Ang Dating Daan Convention Center.
Bro. Raul Sanchez, 53, Former Catholic, Bulacan Province
On Joining the Church of God
This is where I felt the truth as compared to the other religious sects I’ve been in. In the latter, I felt that they were just deceiving me.
It’s because their teachings are mostly just like advertising. Whereas here, the teachings are truly based in the verses of the Bible. That’s why I was encouraged to join.
I had the opportunity to attend Bible Expositions despite being tired from work, I pursued going there because our souls need it right?
So since I was given by God the opportunity, I am very happy this day. It’s the first day of 2016. It’s such a wonderful day for me.
– – –
I know this sounds bad but I’ve been listening to Bro. Eli since 1982; I listened to his debates.
His station was DZBB, on Don Manolo Favis’ program. Many were in opposition to him in that program, but compared with them, his biblical point of view is different. Bro. Eli is really remarkable.
My only regret is that I’ve been hearing his statement of “Don’t delay [to do what is good upon hearing God’s words]” since then, and yet I tarried.
I think it’s because I made my being busy at work as an excuse then, that’s why I kept saying, “Later,” or “Tomorrow.”
Now that my work is nearer, I really have no excuses. My work got transferred near a locale, so I said, “I guess I don’t have anymore reasons to say “No.”
So here I am now. I have finally gotten what I have long been desiring for in life: To be complete.
On Being Baptized
Well, before I was baptized, I was actually feeling cold and feverish. But after I got immersed in water, I felt energized, especially as I was getting dressed.
When I went to eat here [meals are provided for free], I felt really happy. I didn’t anymore feel that fever that made me feel like I was going to fall. [Laughs]
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I wish him good health, because he has already lead many [unto the truth]. In fact, the volume of believers now is astounding as compared with before.
Compared with other religious sects, we are many. If we will be able to reach [other nations], then the more we will be able to hear Bro. Eli’s preaching.
Because if you are really analyzing [or concerned for] your spiritual state, this is it; you will find Bro. Eli’s teachings. They are really remarkable, him and Bro. Daniel.
~o~
Sis. Olivia Tampoya, 31, Former Catholic, Bataan Province
On Joining the Church of God
Of all the religions I’ve been to, this is where I saw the right teachings.
On Being Baptized
Inexplicable. [Laughs] I couldn’t refrain from crying back there. My tears were really just flowing. Also, I feel relieved now.
Actually, I haven’t had sleep as it was noisy last night, and we cooked as well. I prayed that He may give me strength. Until now I’m okay.
I’m anemic. My blood dilutes whenever I don’t have enough sleep. But with God’s mercy, I feel fine. I have really dreamed of this, as I’ve also bore children consecutively. [Laughs]
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Many thanks. Thanks them, because of their preaching, I became a member. Many, many thanks.
~o~
Sis. Minda Donaire, 53, Former Catholic, Bataan Province
On Joining the Church of God
I was abroad where I had a friend who is a member here in The Old Path [the Church of God International].
She said, “Ate [older sister], when you get to listen to The Old Path, you will see that it’s good, and you will know everything.”
I then replied, “What kind is that?” She said, “You will see things in the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s called The Old Path [based on Jer. 6:16].” I told her that I will find it once I get back home.
I actually only know her nickname. I call her “Nene” [little girl]. But I don’t know her real name as we just met once, during an emergency.
– – –
I went to Bataan to spend my vacation at my sibling’s house. But going here wasn’t in my heart and mind then.
Now, our neighbor is a member here, but she’s just been recently baptized. While she was talking with someone about their beliefs, I asked “What religion is that?” They said, “Ang Dating Daan” [The Old Path]. I instantly remembered what my friend said.
Then I asked, “What kind is that? What kind of teachings are taught there? Who is being worshipped there? Is it like the Jehovah’s Witnesses?” At the time, there were still Jehovah’s Witnesses that went to my house and I entertained them.
Finally, I asked them, “Can I go with you?” Sis. Kristina replied, “Sure, you can come with us.” It was a Thursday then, and I was told that at around 7 pm there was a service.
– – –
If you want we can just listen. I actually didn’t have any formal dress then. I just had pants and a shirt. I had only two pairs of clothing as I was just on vacation.
I went with her to the Locale of Balanga to attend the service. I went there and listened to the preaching.
When I attended, even the songs alone already pierced my heart. Actually, even when we were just talking about it, I felt I already wanted to join. I had no more doubts.
While in the locale, Sis. Katrina told me that there was an indoctrination schedule at the time. I asked, “What is that?” She said, “You can go downstairs and listen to it.” I did and they welcomed me warmly.
When I listened, I cried. I received it; for me, it’s truth. So from that worship service, I continued all the way.
One day, I wasn’t able to attend as I didn’t have any money for fare. I really have no money… Something unfortunate happened to me abroad. I didn’t have any fault, but something like that happened to me. I just found out one day that the place where I saved my money was empty. I didn’t expect that would happen to me.
On Being Baptized
Now, I feel light, and I feel in my heart the teachings of Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope that they could give me a job as I am having a difficult time. What I do for a living now is I clean in cemeteries; I maintain the grass around the sepulchers green.
I hope that I will have a job that is different from being a housemate. I’m alone in my house; it’s a nipa hut. I hope that I will be given a job. If I will be able to return abroad, then no problem.
~o~
Sis. Noela May Gilboy, 16, Former Freelancer, Laguna Province
On Joining the Church of God
I learned the right way to pray. Also, the woks in the Church, you’ll see that they are united in doing them. That’s what I really I liked about the Church, the unity.
The brethren help each other. My family was given help by this Church, the Church of God International.
We were helped through the Munting Pangarap [Small Wish, is a livelihood-granting program on UNTV]. We were given capital to start a small business.
– – –
I learned about this on television, through listening to the Bible Expositions. I’ve heard about this since I was a kid. But my mind then was still on playing. However, when I was around 15 or 14, I’ve learned about the Church of God International.
The words of God that I heard from the Bible Expositions on TV are what urged me to join. I heard on TV the teachings of Bro. Eli and saw his charities to people.
And despite that there are defamations against him, he still continues to do good unto all. That’s what we need to do, to do good to others.
On Being Baptized
I felt chills while I was in the water, and my whole body was trembling. I said “Amen” to all of the questions [of the baptizer].
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope that they will be able to continue preaching the word of God unto all people. Through this, I was able to realize that people learning the word of God is important for people; it is our obligation.
We are here on earth for us to do our worship to God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
