December 16, 2014
Newly Baptized Testimonials: December 5, 2014
Read short testimonials of faith from some of MCGI’s youngest brethren baptized on December 5, 2014 at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga.
Sis. Evalor Virrey, 26, Former Catholic, Quezon Province
On Joining the Church of God
I joined because it’s where I learned so many things that can help me to live properly in this world.
I learned a lot of teachings that I didn’t learn from where I formerly worshipped. Then, it’s the teachings that have given me strength to face the problems that come. So why wouldn’t I get baptized when it’s for my own good?
When I was in high school, I had a friend whose religion was The Old Path [the Church of God]. I actually don’t know why I felt close to her.
Whenever I had a problem I would tell it to her, and she would give me wisdom that is from the Bible. She would give solutions to my problems and words of wisdom that were good for me.
I really wanted to be [indoctrinated]. I didn’t have a heavy problem, but I just felt Him. I obliged the first time I was invited to attend. And when I prayed, I felt it was effective; I felt that I was talking to Him, like we really had a relationship.
On Being Baptized
I felt like crying and I couldn’t explain it; it’s quite touching. But I believe in what He said, that He will not forsake me.
I’m from Quezon, and it was said that this is really the place for baptism so that’s why I’m here today.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope they continue to be guided by God so that they’ll be able to serve many more people who are in need, especially those who still need them.
~o~
Bro. Oliver Domingo, 25, Former Catholic, Bulacan Province
On Joining the Church of God
There came a time when there were many trials in my life, and I realized that I really needed to approach Him.
So I listened to the teachings, and I felt moved. I felt that it is really needed in our lives. Because you’ll ask yourself, “How do we live?”
Sometimes you see your mistakes, and you’ll eventually realize that we really need Him to correct what’s wrong in our lives.
My friend had a friend who was a member here. I’m a guy who’s really attracted to women who are modest, so I wondered what her religion was. So I gave her religion a try and I got convinced by how they set people straight.
It was on the Internet, on Youtube [that I first heard Bro. Eliseo Soriano]. Then I liked all the pages on Facebook, and watched everything until the time came when I wanted to attend in a locale.
Then, everything discussed there was in the Bible, and everything made sense. That’s what I admired about it, the logical connection of it all. In your mind, you’ll find no room for doubt; you’ll believe it immediately because it’s the words of God.
It’s in the Bible. It came from the Apostles of Christ so you’ll really believe. Even in old times before, they already spread the word of God to people. We just have to observe it. And I felt the need to respond to it.
As it was said here, the seed of Abraham, that’s [in] us. We just have to follow the path laid by the Father, so we will be righteous.
On Being Baptized
I was being asked by Bro. Lito [the baptizer] a few questions, and my heart was moved as I answered. I was crying but I was happy because I’m one of [those He called].
I have accepted all doctrines and I feel happy because despite my mistakes — I feel sorry for the things I’ve done — God made [me] feel hurt for Him to set them right.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I’m thankful because if it weren’t for them, I would not realize this sharing of the word of God through the Bible. They really pour their time into it despite having nothing in return.
What our preachers, Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel, want in return is for you to give thanks to God every day for what He has done for us. Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel don’t expect for you to give them anything, but for the Lord.
Because of them, I’ll be able to set my life straight as time goes by [with God’s help]. I’m thankful because they keep on doing good even to those who are not brethren in faith. They don’t ask for anyting in return. Everything is really in the Bible.
~o~
Sis. Maria Teresa San Diego, 49, Former Born Again, Manila
On Being Baptized
My family is very Catholic. Now, I was listening to the radio and found a Born Again group. I was baptized as a Born Again Christian, but I felt something was lacking.
Then I was able to watch Bro. Eli Soriano on television; sometimes, at night, sometimes at noon. When I got the chance to watch him regularly, I saw that his view of the Bible is different; what he says is different. I said, “He’s direct to the point,” something like that and hoped to be able attend one time.
Although I see a lot of The Old Path [Coordinating Centers], I didn’t know what to do. Then last May, my boyfriend and I were buying bread in French Baker at the Sta. Lucia mall.
Then my partner was the first to fall in line there, as I went to McDonalds. When I got there, he was already talking to a Bro. Arthur who is from Cainta, Rizal.
He introduced me to him he said, “Love, this is Bro. Art of The Old Path [the Church of God].” He just met him there, while [he was] waiting in line. We stayed there for about one and a half hour still. Bro. Art’s wife was also there, Sis. Dory.
Then, when we chatted, he invited us. “Why don’t you go to The Old Path in Cainta? There’s a locale there,” he said. He told us that we could attend indoctrination. So we tried it.
On Being Baptized
It feels so light inside, like I have surrendered all my problems to Him today. I have forgiven all; everything that happened to me, all the headaches, all the heartaches I have given to Him. So I’m okay now.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I thank Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel that through the teachings in the Bible, they preach on television, and I’m one of those people whom they have helped to change. I am elated. Many, many thanks.
~o~
Bro. Ryan Vasquez, 33, Former Catholic, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
I felt that God was calling me.
It was on radio, on [La Verdad] 1350. Perhaps God willed for me [to find it] because I just turned the dial and wasn’t expecting it.
I was looking for a music channel on AM – as it only had that frequency – on my truck’s radio when it zeroed in to 1350. Right at that moment was Bro. Eli’s program, Itanong Mo Kay Soriano [Ask Bro. Eli, the Bible Will Answer].
When I heard it, I said, “What is this? It’s different.” So I tuned in to it over and over again; I didn’t change the channel anymore, until I learned that there was a television program.
I think it was since a year ago, but my work hindered me as I have a 24-hour duty. Then when I went to UNTV on EDSA to seek [free legal advice] for my father, for my aunt.
It was then that I asked [about indoctrination] and learned that there was an individual service. I suddenly felt encouraged, and the immediate Wednesday after that, I went to [a locale] and asked for an individual service.
I invited my aunt, my siblings. At first my yaya and other sibling didn’t want to attend. But on the third session, they did so I was happy. They just made up for the two sessions they missed, and we continued with it until the seventh one last Wedensday. Then we are now here in Apalit to be baptized.
I investigated what they read and, with God’s mercy, we are now members of the Church of God.
On Being Baptized
Firstly, I was crying because when [the baptizer] was asking me questions, I told myself that this is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Because that’s what I really want to happen as well.
I learned that it feels good to help your fellow. After I answered yes, while crying, I still wept. The water mixed with my tears. When I got out of the baptistery, I felt light inside. It really feels good.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I owe a great deal of thanks to Bro. Eli, because firstly, he fights for truth and righteousness despite difficulties; the same with Kuya Daniel.
They not only save souls but also attend to personal problems of other people. They responded to my call of help. They successfully referred us to the DOTC [Department of Transportation and Communications], but we’re going to go back to give thanks. My father’s case is already closed.
