Newly Baptized Testimonials: November 21, 2014

Read short testimonials of faith from some of MCGI’s youngest brethren baptized on November 21, 2014 at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga.

Bro. John Ray Salas, 23, Former Catholic, NCR

On Joining the Church of God

I was able to listen to him [Bro. Eliseo Soriano] through my cell phone as it had TV on it. I was just surfing the channels that time until I saw him.

When my phone broke down, I followed him on Youtube. It was there that I got to listen to Bro. Eli’s debates. I also saw there defamations against Bro. Eli that I found to be untrue.

He had debates with various religions. I also scrutinized the teachings then, and for me, he is right.

On Being Baptized

I feel light, like I’m floating as I was walking. I actually have coughs and colds; I just kept expectorating the phlegm a while ago and now it’s gone. I feel light and happy.

On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon

May God make their lives longer that they may be able to serve and preach to others. May they lead many more brethren unto the Church of God.

~o~

Bro. Ian Roi Lagarde, 21, Former Catholic, NCR

On Joining the Church of God

My father watches [The Old Path] on television, so it’s like he was also instrumental for me to be able to listen to the teachings of Bro. Eli.

Through Bro. Eli, God called me to serve Him, as I have wasted many opportunities already. There have been many times when I was in danger, and whenever I called to God, He didn’t forsake me. He always helps me. Now, in return, I want to serve him with the life He continues to give me.

I’m thankful that Bro. Eli opened this wide discussion, and through him many have been encouraged to return to the true Church of God.

On Being Baptized

It feels good. I felt like I’m in the right Church that lost people or lost souls in other religions must tread in.

I felt light; it’s like I felt how it is to be resurrected, and to leave the past behind. I also felt blessed by God, and that He has given me new purpose in life to live and serve Him and encourage others to do the same.

On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon

I’m thankful to all the workers of Bro. Eli Soriano; they also encouraged me to join the Church.

I’m thankful also to the teachings of Bro. Eli [and Bro. Daniel] because they don’t depend on others. What they defend are the true words of God; they don’t resort to other words to encourage others.

They want to preach to all and inform other people that the word of God is not something to be disregarded. It is something that must be learned. Though it may be hard, we still must obey it.

~o~

Bro. Kevin Samson, 21, Former Aglipayan Church Member, Bataan Province

On Joining the Church of God

My relatives and father are already members. I’ve been listening for a long time and with God’s mercy, I have been given an opportunity to be indoctrinated and baptized. I am now a member with God’s help.

Even at the start of my listening, I felt and learned that it is the true word of God and true teaching of God.

On Being Baptized

I cannot explain it, but I’m happy. It’s a different feeling that is difficult to put in words. I feel very light.

On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon

To Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel, I’m exceedingly thankful because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to hear the true doctrines of our Lord God. I hope that their days on earth will multiply that they may be able to preach more the words of God.

~o~

Bro. Benjamin Narvas, 43, Former Catholic, Bataan Province

On Joining the Church of God

I’ve been watching [Bro. Eliseo Soriano] on television since about two years ago. As I was watching one day, I heard Bro. Eli inviting people [to attend indoctrination]. I said, “I’ve got time?” So I attended. The doctrines are so true. This is where I found the true teachings.

On Being Baptized

I feel happy, like my life was changed. I feel light and have forgotten the things I’ve done in the past.

On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon

I hope you continue your works. May you lead many more brethren.

~o~

Bro. Dale Ward; 58; Non-Denominational; Texas, USA

On Joining the Church of God

I was brought up a Baptist and I was married into Church of God in Christ, and the most recent was non-denominational. Up until now I found the truth, being in the Church of God International, through the doctrines that have been taught.

From times past, it was just like bits and pieces of the truth in my former religion. And it was only just enough to appease or satisfy the congregation there. I guess it was going for more of a comfortable type of religion or “comfortable church” where any individual could feel comfortable about some of the vices that they were doing, where they can continue to do some of the ills… A comfortable church, that’s what I would call it.

But presently here with the Church of God International … man, it’s like … wow. It’s just like it’s the other side of the leaf that wasn’t shown to you for 58 years of age. And now, I’m receiving the true light and the continuation.

And I thank God for the brothers whom God introduced [to us who steadfastly] continue with this ministry. It’s just blowing the devil’s socks off, because a lot of young, middle-aged and seniors are coming around from different denominations. And I’m just elated myself.

Like I said, today was my baptismal day, my regeneration, my recreation day: 12:07 pm, November 21, 2014. And as long as I can, with God’s will, I will be a part of it, and to help make me become a kingdom citizen.

To be a kingdom citizen, I must learn the ordinances and the laws and the regulations [needed to be] a profitable citizen. And I just thank God for this opportunity: All the way from Texas, USA [laughs].

Well, there’s a Church of God there in my hometown, but not Church of God International. So I began to look at the international aspect of it. And I said, “Wow. Over here in the Philippines.” So I was at my plan to come to the Philippines. I said “Wow. I need a place to worship.” So I prayed to God and God sent a door, and the door was open and thank God He provided [laughs].

There was another individiual that was instrumental in my being made closer and being more aware.

On Being Baptized

First of all, I had to keep everything else out of my mind to see how sacred this is. So everything else was turned out, and I was thanking God for just doing this thing in me, giving me this opportunity, because many guys my same age have the same opportunity but they neglected it and some have died. But He allowed me to have this opportunity to further my purpose in life.

With that, I just felt like my burdens were lifted. And a lot of cares that I cared about, I don’t need to care about no more. No more worries, because I’m gonna have some but I’m gonna have victory over them. At 58 and being baptized? Man!

Oh, wow, I’m still high. And it’s not with intoxicating drugs or alcohol. It’s the Spirit and love of God, and this ministry. It’s just something to keep and sustain us.

On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon

I want to tell the brothers to continue, and that God continue strengthening them to bring forth the word, and everything that they do and their families.

[May] they keep feeding us the good news of the Gospel. By it, we will grow and we will be better kingdom citizens and a better help to one another on this earth. And our prayers are with them both and their families. Salamat sa Dios (Thanks be to God). To God be the glory.

~o~

Bro. Mark Anthony Padua, 28, Former Catholic, Bicol Province

On Joining the Church of God

The instruction is right. The teachings we receive here are good, and the religion is true. The reason why I joined is because I want my sins to depart from me.

I was invited by a member here to the indoctrination sessions. I went with him because it’s in the name of God, so I didn’t refuse.

I already got interested with what I heard the first time. So I attended every night of the indoctrination sessions, even though my friend wasn’t with me at times, because I wanted to attend without fail.

I learned prohibitions and righteousness. Also, the reason why I wanted to be indoctrinated is because I wanted to live a new life. And I’m thankful that I was given a new opportunity for my sins to be forgiven. I thank the Lord that I became a member here.

On Being Baptized

It’s good; it’s really good. It’s like my heart became good. During baptism, I felt nervous, but I fought the feeling because I know that this is [the truth], why deny it?

I overcame something that was whispering to my mind. So I’m here now, and it feels so good that I will be serving the Lord.

On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon

To Bro. Eli, I thank him because firstly, he teaches many people. I’m thankful for his service to us. He doesn’t neglect us, so I’m thankful to him as well as to Bro. Daniel.

I hope that they may be able to lead many more who are still in the world. God willing, they may still preach, and that I will be able to lead my mother and my siblings here. I also want them to be saved.

To God be the glory