March 31, 2015
Newly Baptized Testimonials: March 6, 2015
Read short testimonials of faith from some of MCGI’s youngest brethren baptized on March 6, 2014 at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga.
Bro. Eliezer Duazo, 58, Former Catholic, Rizal Province
On Joining the Church of God
It’s really a great opportunity to become a member here. Since I was able to watch it [The Old Path] on TV, it’s like I have been fully enlightened.
Every time I get home, I would turn on the television and look for the Ang Dating Daan program. Every word he [Bro. Eliseo Soriano] speaks is about the Bible; what he says is truth and righteousness. My mind was gradually [enlightened].
I said to myself, “For the longest time, it’s only now that I heard such words that give life and light to every person that hears it. That’s when I proved that [the Church] he speaks of is true: And that is the Church of God.
As I continued listening, [my faith] developed, until I decided to [become a member]. At that time, and I remember it well, it was January 9, 2014, they broadcast [a Mass Indoctrination] invitation.
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However, I wasn’t able to attend it as there was a hindrance at the time. Being a poor man, what hindered me was my yearning for materials things.
Until 2015 came, and they announced again [Mass Indoctrination sessions]. I told myself that … Coincidentally, that date [completion of doctrines] would be near my birthday in March.
I promised myself that when I turn 58, I will be baptized. That’s why I strove to be one [of the baptized] this day, that my sins may be washed, that my entire self may be changed. That’s how simple my desire is really.
[I remember,] I turned the dial to UNTV. I said, “This is okay.” Until now, each time I get home, I tune in there, and I share it with my acquaintances as the name Ang Dating Daan is famous. They say to me, “Maybe you’ll become a member there.” So thanks be to God that I am now here.
On Being Baptized
It’s like I feel pleasant inside. It’s my first time to be baptized by water, so thanks be to God.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I am greatly thankful because God used them to teach and profess the Good News. I can see that they are really striving to establish, to give the right teachings of Christians to those who wish salvation. Like me, I yearned for salvation. So here I am.
I thank them for their persistence, concern, and care for [us]. Also, to those who facilitated in the [locale], and special thanks to Bro. Edwin who assisted me until the indoctrination sessions were over. Thanks be to God that I am now here.
~o~
Bro. Michael Pangan, Former Iglesia Ni Cristo Member, Rizal Province
On Joining the Church of God
Firstly, I was a Catholic, but I became an INC on April 23, 2011.
Our boss, Sir Felix invited us to watch Ang Dating Daan [The Old Path], Bro. Eli Soriano. He invited us every 12 noon. As we ate, we had a Bible Study. [A Church Worker would play videos of Itanong Mo Kay Soriano or Ask Bro. Eli videos during their lunch break.]
Now, I listened to it, and found it to be good. What Bro. Eli says is true. I listened continually, and then one time, I talked to my co-worker, who is a [Church] member.
I said to him, “Brother, I don’t know you yet, but I’m Michael Pangan. I find the doctrines good.” He then asked, “Why? Do you want to listen to the indoctrination sessions? Where are you from?”
“I’m from Angono,” I replied. He’s Bro. Jun Paras by the way. I was then able to attend the indoctrination. I was [convinced] by the indoctrination. That’s where I learned the whole [teachings].
On Being Baptized
The doubts in my mind were gone. I felt light. The things I worried about like our livelihood, our business, [I feel] that the Lord God will help me with it.
I hope that now, with the help of the Lord God, after I go out [of this Convention Center] and go home, that my dealings with my family will be better, and that I may also bring them [to this Church].
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Bro. Eli, I’m Michael Pangan from Angono, Rizal. All I can say is that you are really honest in your words, and straightforward as well. What you preach to the world is the truth and only the truth. I hope that your life will be longer. That’s all I ask, that many more will join our organization.
~o~
Bro. Neil Bongkinki, 47, Former Catholic, Bulacan Province
On Joining the Church of God
I learned the truth in the Bible. What Bro. Eli does is [in] the Bible, which other pastors don’t do.
Although it’s really hard since we are from different [religions], but we must change our ways. It was through him that I felt the truth that the Bible speaks of. I saw in Bro. Eli all that is in the Bible.
Ever since I was born, I didn’t understand anything about the Bible. So when I got to listen to him that time (It’s been a long time now, about four years ago. It stopped, but then resumed recently), that’s when I realized that I should continue with it. For why else search for the truth about the Bible?
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My father was in Saudi then, and wars were commonplace. Of course, I was worried about my father. I listened to him, because I was amazed by him. When he explains about the Bible, it seems that he doesn’t need to read from it as he has memorized it. He knows what answer he will give you, and he also knows why things are like this and like that; he knows all of those things.
[My listening] stopped for about three to four years until a colleague invited me, and it went continually from then on. That’s when I realized that I had to continue, so that at least, I will get closer to God, that we may know our [purpose]. We are growing up and we don’t know the truth of God.
Actually I have long wanted to be baptized, but it happened only now since it’s vacation also.
On Being Baptized
I felt like there’s this relief in my heart, in my mind. My worries disappeared.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope he will have a longer life. If it were possible, may he last until the appearance [of the Lord]. He’s already in that place [wherein] he can save many people’s lives. Actually, he’s the only one I see who is like that.
He is able to save many people who believe in him, like us who had no idea about the word of God – from childhood to maturity. But now, we have this opportunity, let’s grab it.
~o~
Bro. Mark Christian Suarez, 29, Former Jesus is Lord Member, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
It’s because of their teaching that’s true, unlike in other religions wherein they teach only what they wish; they (other religions) don’t teach what’s in the Bible. I saw in Bro. Eli’s preaching that all he says are true. All the explanations are in the Bible.
I have long been listening actually. I have also been a member of the BREAD [Bible Reader’s] Society so it wasn’t hard for me to be convinced. It was in 2007 when I became a member of BREAD.
Until time came that I would listen through UNTV, Itanong Mo Kay Soriano [Ask Bro. Soriano]. And I really saw that what he teaches is true. That’s what persuaded me to be baptized today.
On Being Baptized
I’m so very happy. That feeling that I received is what we can say as, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
May their lives be longer, that they may save many more people. May they always be in good health.
~o~
Bro. Stardy Gabinete, 35, Former Catholic, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
Actually, I have long been listening; perhaps, for at least 10 years now. But I was investigating; I was thoroughly investigating what I was listening to. Also, many things troubled me.
My siblings, they are the ones whom I thought to be people who are hard to be changed, but they got ahead of me in being converted. Actually, all my siblings, my parents have already been members since 2006.
I, on the other hand, continued with worldly activities. I was so busy at work. But then, they had always advised me that I may be reprimanded by God. They weren’t wrong.
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God did reprimand me. I believe that what I experience now is just that, because I’m ill; I have a disease and I undergo dialysis.
The doctor told me that the longest I could stay around is five years. But ever since I heard Bro. Eli, it’s what encouraged me to go on. And I didn’t let myself lose heart with what I heard.
It hurts for me to know that [what the doctor said] would be what’s going to happen to my life. I feel anxious. But on the other hand, God noticed me. As my brother said, “God’s way of noticing each of us is just different.”
If that was how God noticed me [begins to cry], then I will regard that as a treasure; though it hurts; though it’s terrible.
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The 35 years that had passed, I won’t regret that; that’s over. If I indeed only have five years left of my life, I will give it to God. I don’t want to go back to my previous ways anymore.
Until now, I am strong because I believe in God, and I have faith. Whatever happens, if things will push through or not, I will be thankful to God for it.
I don’t have any ill feelings towards Him. What’s important is He noticed me. And I will enrich the little time that is left of me. I just hope that I will be forgiven of the things I’ve done.
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Sometimes, when I see people while coming out of the hospital I say, “These people are lucky. They’re not sick.” But when I was alone at my house, I tried to talk to God. I tried to cleanse my heart first before I approached Him.
As Bro. Eli said in his preaching, I discovered that I was lucky after all. Because amidst my sickness, I found Him. And that is something I don’t regret.
I’m so happy today because I don’t have fears anymore, only for God. And that comforts me. Whenever I feel pain, whenever my sickness attacks, I always give thanks, because that’s the time that I hear in my mind: “I am already here. You’re the one who forgot. But I found you. It’s because you were gone for a long time.”
I thought I knew everything as I was from a convent. I know nothing; all the knowledge I have is just enough for a Bible quiz. I found out that true knowledge comes from God. No matter how high my grades were, I was found to be a fool before His eyes. The one who knows His teachings and does it is truly wiser.
On Being Baptized
It’s as if I were in heaven. I feel as if pain is of no consequence. I can’t explain it; I’m shaking. All my fears are gone away.
All my doubts, all the things I’ve done wrong rushed back to me, and I got ashamed of myself. It sent chills down my spine [recalling] what I did. I didn’t think that I was already like that.
I felt relieved [afterwards]. I have long kept that. I didn’t even want my parents to see that I was in pain. And it’s because I want them to be strong. I don’t want the time to come that when [I’m] gone, they will blame someone.
I always tell them, “We don’t have to blame anyone for what happened. Whatever this may be, God will not give us anything that is not good. All is good.”
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Actually, I can’t say anything about them, because ever since, there aren’t any other people that I know who are more patient than them.
I listen to them, and it seems that they don’t mind whatever threat comes to their lives, considering the seriousness of their words and the teachings they speak. They are really aided by the Spirit.
So all I ask for, should my life be shorter, I hope theirs will lengthen, because they are more needed by people like us who were lost.
For me this is okay: To be able to help in my little way. But they will be able to help others all the more greatly as their lives lengthen. I hope they will not tire in helping others. May they continue to be guided more by God.
[Bro. Stardy has chronic kidney disease.]
