May 8, 2015
Newly Baptized Testimonials: May 1, 2015
Read short testimonials of faith from some of MCGI’s youngest brethren baptized on May 1, 2015 at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga.
Bro. Louie Enriquez, 40, Former Born Again Christian, Pampanga Province
On Joining the Church of God
I feel and see that the teachings of Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel are true.
My father has long been a [member], for more than 10 years now. I got to live with him recently and he encouraged me [to listen to Bro. Eli].
It was about two months ago when I attended. The last time, I was supposed to be baptized, but I wasn’t able to go on with it. Perhaps the Lord did not will yet for me [to be baptized].
I already finished the indoctrination sessions then. But maybe there just wasn’t yet the calling; I was still reflecting on things. Then one day, I felt it, and told the [deacons] about it. So they assisted me and I got through to the baptism.
On Being Baptized
I felt both nervousness and happiness. After I was immersed, I felt happy. I used to have ill feelings [laughs]. But after that, no more.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope that they will be stronger, and may they continue to spread the Good News. That’s all.
~o~
Sis. Areej Gabrielle Rollon, 17, Former Catholic, Romblon Province
On Joining the Church of God
From constantly listening to Bro. Eli’s Bible Expo, I felt something [urging] me to join here. Also, it’s because of mama. It was about two or three years ago [when she became a member].
My youngest sibling is a KNC [Kawan ng Corder or Flock of the Lamb]. I heard about this when I was about 15 years old.
My mother would bring me to the locale near us in the province. I think it was a Thanksgiving service [that I attended]; the one that happens weekly.
The doctrines will really melt your heart because you’ll hear the right [teachings], not the adulterated ones from my previous [religion]; I was a Catholic before.
On Being Baptized
I feel so happy. It’s like “I’m finally here. I’m a new person again.” It’s really just so… I can’t explain it.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Thanks to them because it’s from them that I heard the true doctrine. I hope that they will continue bringing the word of God to all men, that many more youths like me may join here.
~o~
Sis. Krisha Teopinto, 18, Former KNC, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been hearing Bro. Eli because of my parents. Also, I was a KNC before. And I’ve known that my parents are in the right Church from my childhood. That’s why I joined here.
When I was in third year high school, I stopped in the KNC. I returned lately. From then on, I always listened in Prayer Meetings, Worship Services, and Thanksgivings. I also attended ITGs [International Thanksgivings to God].
On Being Baptized
It’s different, like the feeling is so light. Before I was immersed, it felt like I had a lot of burdens. It was heavy to bear. But when I got out of the water, I felt happy. I felt light, like all my problems have been gone.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope they won’t tire in proclaiming the word of God, and may the Lord keep them.
~o~
Sis. Norma Parico, 57, Former Catholic, Pampanga Province
On Joining the Church of God
This is the only way to… I want for my life to change. I believe that my life will be better.
My former life … It’s because in Catholicism, I had no peace of mind. I just kept attending mass, but I never learned anything about the Bible. [But] I saw it in the Bible Exposition. That’s where I learned it. And it’s all right.
Before, I worked in Parañaque. What happened was I couldn’t commit to always watching [The Old Path] as we always had work. Then, there’s overtime; we we’re not allowed to not go overtime. Our supervisor gets angry when we leave work.
—-
But one time, I attended there. My daughter, my youngest, is really active here in The Old Path [the Church of God International].
My daughter told me, “Ma, you’re with age already. You need to be in a [good place]. I already became a member.” I then told her, “Don’t worry my child, we’ll get to that point someday.” Of course, I already got focused on that.
With God’s mercy, our dream finally came true. Two more members of our household are not yet Church members. I have an eldest child, and my teenage son who is in Taiwan right now. I will encourage them both [with God’s help and mercy].
On Being Baptized
I felt relieved as I had many problems, especially with my children. But I felt that I got somewhat comforted with that as well, like I obtained peace of mind.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
My message to Bro. Eli is, may he have a longer life that he may be able to guide many more brethren, that he may lead other Christians lost [in the world]. I hope that he may be able to help many more people.
~o~
Sis. Melchora Delos Santos, 47, Former Born Again, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
I was searching a place where my soul would be strengthened. And it was like I was so hungry for righteousness, for living the right way. I heard Bro. Eli’s teaching and I got enlightened.
I have friends who led me here. Ten years ago, someone invited me, but my mind was still closed. I was still in the Born Again then; I still lived in sin.
Then, the Lord gave me many trials: Our business went bankrupt; my father had a stroke. He removed every comfort in our lives.
Our wealth really [dissipated]; our comfortable life was gone. I really felt down; there were many difficulties, sufferings. So that’s when I started searching for the Lord.
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I wish that I had heard [Bro. Eli’s teachings] long ago, so that my family would not have experienced the devastation and suffering that we went through.
I sinned, committed adultery and unfaithfulness; I made a great transgression against the will of the Lord. If only I had known Him then.
I didn’t know Him in the Born Again, and that was since 1986 in De La Salle University; I was still a student. It’s because the teachings there aren’t complete. It wasn’t able to make me righteous. That’s why I erred.
If only I was able to lead my family [to good], they wouldn’t have sinned, and we wouldn’t have suffered like this.
On Being Baptized
I’m happy. I felt light inside, and also had that feeling of knowing that you have been forgiven by the Lord. Even I couldn’t forgive myself with the wrong things I’ve done, so it’s like I got free from bondage.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Bro. Eli, I hope that I had heard your teachings back then. I wish that I had met you early on.
When I was in high school, I saw around Taft Ave. a Church of God. It got imprinted in my mind, but I didn’t give any attention to it…
I really wish that back then, I had… I’m really greatly thankful that I was able to push through now in knowing [the teachings]. I hope that I will be able to serve, as I really want to be able to serve the Lord.
~o~
Sis. Camille Leong, 18, Former KNC, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
Of course, I was a KNC before. But now, the reason why I got baptized is because I [felt] that I was being called to join, formally.
On Being Baptized
I feel like I’m floating. I feel light.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
May the Lord continue to guide them in the ministry. May they be given more strength that they may be able to help people more.
~o~
Bro. Francis Suriaga, 41, Former Catholic, Cavite Province
On Joining the Church of God
I want to have a new life, and for me to be also saved from damnation. So when judgment day comes, I have hope in salvation.
It was my cousin who was first to be a member of Ang Dating Daan [the Church of God International], and he told us that [it’s] good.
Now, my father saw The Old Path on TV. He then said that it was good. The time soon came when both of us would watch it, until my parents got baptized first…
The doctrines are good because you’ll learn everything. I was formerly a Catholic, and I went to mass. But then I thought, “I’ve long been going to mass, but still I didn’t know a single thing about the Bible.”
So it’s only now with Bro. Eli that I learned everything: All [the doubts], the questions in your heart will be answered. I also found out what [a person] must do, and what he needs for him to be able to control himself.
On Being Baptized
I felt happy inside, that feeling wherein you have no burden at all. It’s unlike before when my heart seemed to bear many heavy loads. But now, it doesn’t anymore.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Of course I’m thankful for Bro. Eli because he teaches every good thing. Also, he is a faithful preacher.
