March 31, 2015
Newly Baptized Testimonials: March 19, 2015
Read short testimonials of faith from some of MCGI’s youngest brethren baptized on March 19, 2015 at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga.
Bro. John Lazona, 31, Former Catholic, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
It’s here in Ang Dating Daan [The Old Path], the Church of God International where I saw the true Church.
It’s here where all the doctrines of God are taught to all the members. Before, when I wasn’t a member yet, I was able to watch the program of Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel on UNTV. That’s why I decided to join.
I just happened to watch it. Also before, it was my habit to read the Bible. That’s when I had an idea. I was formerly a Catholic. [But] I can see that the Church is beautiful and orderly that’s why I decided to become a member.
On Being Baptized
I felt a while ago that I was a newborn baby, like a new person. It’s so relieving after baptism.
All the [doctrines] went straight into my heart, that the doctrines of God can work greatly in every person.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope that you will continue your preaching to all people in the whole world. I hope that your lives may be longer that you may be able to help many more people like us.
~o~
Sis. Marilou Pascua, 52, Former Catholic, Batangas Province
On Joining the Church of God
At first, it was all hazy to me. I was a catechist before. Then, my daughter became a member, and we always had arguments, because she would criticize my Catholic practices.
It was about four months that she invited me to listen. But I said no because I had a duty in Catholicism. When she stopped convincing me, that’s when I had an interest in watching the television program.
I was alone at home when I watched until time came that my interest deepened more and more. I would watch until 12 or 1 am.
—-
My daughter didn’t yet return. Before, she would text me. When she stopped [trying to convince me], she didn’t know that my belief had already rooted…
Then I told her that I would stop teaching in the Catholic religion. She said that what Bro. Eli says is right.
Time came when I really decided [to stop in catechism], and I told my daughter about it. I presented myself to her; she laughed and said, “Really? Seriously?” I replied, “Yes. I don’t teach anymore.”
I just really waited for the schooling period to end. I told them, “I won’t be returning.” Then, I also opened the matter up to my colleagues… They didn’t want me to leave. They said it would be wrong.
—-
“Do you know Bro. Eli?” they asked me. I said, “Why do we need to judge a person? How about us? Do we know the priests?” It was through him that I found [wisdom]. Please don’t get mad,” I said.
I lost many things [starts to cry]. I’m crying about it because I love them. But if they will judge me… We all have rights, don’t we? Also, I feel like I have long been being called here.
Actually before I became a catechist, I was a Born Again member. And it’s because I was really looking for a Bible study. Even when I was a child, my grandmother would always bring me to church. [And] I have joined them all, Born Again Christian, the charismatic movement, etc. But I asked myself, “Why is there something lacking?”
On Being Baptized
I feel relieved.
Truth be told, I’m not used to this kind of appearance. My livelihood [before] was photography, so I am used to touching things up. I would make my customers look beautiful, and so that’s where I learned to make myself look pretty as well. It’s only really now that I dressed like this… But it’s okay, I can learn it for the Lord.
I learned a lot. I’m not saying that I’m a good person, but perhaps, I will the more be a better one. And it’s because there’s nothing better left to do than to give thanks and praise, and share what is given you. I really learned much.
[My daughter] was laughing and laughing last night. She said, “Oh? Really?! You’re kidding.” I told her, “I’ve decided [to be baptized]. Her best friend is with me today.
Before, when she had just heard three doctrines, she said that, “I think I won’t be able to [finish] because there’s still something hindering me.” I said, “Perhaps, it’s the manner of dressing…”
She always wears shorts… But then she said, “I’m not used to that kind of attire. But with the help of God…” All those things can be learned. Besides, it’s just appearance. All of us, when we die, there’s no look we can be proud of.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I am very much thankful because [they] opened my eyes to the right doctrine. I really learned a lot. [Their] teachings are all right. I told myself that I have no doubts because all is correct; everything is in the Bible.
~o~
Bro. Allan Taniog and Sheryl Mejia, 34 & 35, Former Catholics, Cavite Province
On Joining the Church of God
Bro. Allan: That’s where I saw the true teachings that are from the Bible.
Actually, my father is a member, and so is my brother. They would watch television [The Old Path], and I would just hear it until I developed an interest in it. It’s like their way of leading me here as well.
Sis. Sheryl: [At first], I was somewhat annoyed at him because he always listened to Ang Dating Daan [The Old Path].
Our television set is in the living room; and though we were in our room, the TV would still be running even in the wee hours of the morning. He would say, “I’m listening though I’m not watching.”
I felt irritated whenever he turned [the TV] on. But when I heard the verse read by Bro. Eli about graven images, my interest was piqued as I was an idol fanatic… So that’s how I have proven that what he reads in the Bible is true.
Bro. Allan: It started in about 2002 on radio, when my father listened, then on television. But I didn’t mind it much then. It was only recently, just last year, when we were already together that I listened continually.
It came to the point that we didn’t watch any other program, until the time came that we decided to be baptized. Actually, it was supposed to be since last month, but [our decision] coincided with the arrival of our baby.
Sis. Sheryl: It was the time when I had to deliver our baby that time. So we continued and grabbed the opportune time [after that], and we brought our baby along with us. We already had about one year of listening.
Bro. Allan: Before, I just listened, but didn’t pay due attention to it. However, I had no choice since it was my father who was watching it, and I couldn’t change the channel. It was only when we’re together that [my listening resumed]. I would list down verses that Bro. Eli is reading, until here we are now.
Sis. Sheryl: With the mercy of God, we have been baptized.
On Being Baptized
Sis. Sheryl: Emotional.
Bro. Allan: True. There was a time that I couldn’t explain what I was feeling. Perhaps that’s what was said: The Holy Spirit who will change you.
Sis. Sheryl: Even when I was just in line, I was already weeping. I have never experienced this in my previous religion wherein I had vows. Never. It’s just in here.
While in line, “Why am I crying?” Maybe I’m just happy. Actually, when the baptizer was asking me questions, she almost wasn’t able to hear what I was saying. But with God’s mercy, after I got out of the water, it’s a new me.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Bro. Allan: May God lengthen [their] lives that many more people will be lead here, for their own sake.
Sis. Sheryl: We know that Bro. Eli has many detractors. I hope he won’t be [distracted]; he will get through it I believe. I hope that he won’t be affected by them. Also, he is always in our prayers. May he have good health, and a long life. We want to meet him in person.
~o~
Bro. Ramon Macaraeg, 47, Former Catholic, Bulacan Province
On Joining the Church of God
When I watched on television, I saw the righteousness. So when I [conferred with] the Bible, I knew that the preaching was right.
I’ve been [listening] for a long time, perhaps since the 1980s. I wanted to become a member then, but there were hindrances. I hadn’t an opportunity.
Now when I got transferred in Bulacan, there was someone who invited me to listen. I didn’t have any second thoughts. Maybe it was the chance for me to [finally join].
On Being Baptized
This is what I have been waiting for a long time. I believe that all of my sins have been [washed away]. It’s like I feel light inside.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope that many more will be able to hear their teachings that many more will be with us in facing the Lord.
~o~
Bro. Juan Udan Jr., 32, Former Catholic, Cavite Province
On Joining the Church of God
It’s where I heard doctrines that are true, that are from the Holy Scriptures.
My wife also opened my eyes to this as she became a member first. She likes reading the Bible. She became a member just last November.
I was busy at work until… She was really avid in watching Bro. Eli. She had almost read all the Bible’s [verses she listed down] when she watches on TV on cable; it was 24 hours anyway.
Sometimes, we would argue because all she ever watches is UNTV, Bro. Eli Soriano’s programs. [I told her] that once I know that Bro. Eli’s teachings are okay, that his words come from the words of God, I will see, and I will get indoctrinated. If it’s really okay, I will join.
I said that she didn’t need to persuade me. However, I’ve watched some of [Bro. Eliseo’s] programs, until [my watching time] doubled, and it went on from there.
There are many odd things in other religions, just different. Their doctrines are various. But with Bro. Eli, he dissects every version of [the Scriptures]; he explains every verse written in the Bible.
On Being Baptized
Actually when I wasn’t a member yet, I always get into accidents. But even before, I always prayed when I drove. I knew even then that it’s like the Lord was calling me already. So I thought of getting indoctrinated already, that I would listen to all the words of God.
Before I’ve been baptized, I forgave all of those who had sins against me. Then I asked for forgiveness. I felt light.
It’s like my chest was overflowing with [emotions]. Somehow my breathing got better. It felt like there was magic that really [happened] when the water overtook you. I felt light inside.
So then I delivered the news to my wife: “We’re siblings-in-faith already.” My wife said to me, “Welcome to the Christian world!” She was thankful because sometimes we would argue about it.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
I hope that [their] lives will be longer, that [they] may reach various people in different parts of the world.
~o~
Bro. Jhonas Ryan Grijaldo, 23, Former Baptist, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
I saw the righteousness of the word of God in the Bible. I also saw the wisdom that Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel is preaching that I didn’t see in other churches.
I was from Catholicism and from a Baptist [church]. Then, I investigated the teachings that I heard from Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel. I was able to compare teachings with that of the Baptist and the difference is great.
I realized that my becoming a member of the Baptist church wasn’t right. So I decided to become a member of the Church of God.
I’m a seaman; I go aboard ships. Our captain often watched [Bro. Eliseo]. He had CDs, copies of the Bible Expositions and the debates. I copied them all. And with God’s mercy, I was called through that. Since then, I listened to the Bible Exposition and debates nightly.
On Being Baptized
It feels light inside. All the burdens that were on my shoulders are all gone. It really feels good. It can make your heart really feel light. I can breathe easily now.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
May they continue with the evangelization, the preaching, and to expand the ministry of the Church the more. I am eager to hear many more teachings, and true teachings at that from the Bible, the true teachings that the Saviour Jesus Christ taught. Thanks to Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel.
~o~
Sis. Elizabeth Ramos, 15, Former KNC, Batangas Province
On Joining the Church of God
Ever since I was a child, I already know [the teachings] and I have been raised by my
parents in the Church. So I got encouraged to join here as well.
When I was younger, things weren’t that clear to me. “Why is it like that?” I asked myself. But when I got older, I understood it and it went straight to my heart. The teachings here are indeed very different from those of other religions.
On Being Baptized
After I got immersed, I felt I had peace of mind. I felt appeased.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel, I miss you already. I don’t see you anymore. I love you. We love you.
~o~
Sis. Josephine Ronquillo, 53, Former Catholic, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
My knowledge expanded with what I was watching on TV. It’s like that. It has been about six months now.
I often listened, but I didn’t yet attend [Church gatherings]. It’s because I was also busy at work. My daughter even got ahead of me [in joining] last year.
Truth be told, I was the one who lead my daughter here. It’s just that she got baptized first. I was just surprised one day when I found out that she became a member already. I didn’t hinder her.
I got interested with what he teaches. I investigated it, and I got touched. My spirit was awakened.
On Being Baptized
It feels light inside. Wherever the Lord wills [for me to be], that’s where I must be. He’s in charge. I pray to Him that whatever way He wants me to go, [that it may be followed].
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
May Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel continue their works for the people whom the word of God will be able to lead [unto the Church]. May they be given more bodily strength that they may continue their service to many more people.
~o~
Sis. Bangie Puerto, 37, Former Catholic, Manila
On Joining the Church of God
It’s here where I saw that everything is being taught; nothing is hid. Then, this is where I found that [something] I’ve been looking for.
Actually, my husband was the one who brought me to the locale. It was our first date, and he brought me to the locale, which was actually an answered prayer of mine. I prayed for a partner that will also be my partner in the Lord…
From then on, I always went to the locale. He would bring me to the locale, and it would be our meeting place.
My first impression was is that this is the Church that I’ve been looking for. I have been to a lot of churches already. Then I said, “This Church is unique.”
It’s here where I saw worshippers who really bend their knees in prayer. It’s the only one I saw with knees that are really bent.
—-
The first Sunday [I attended], the man I married said, “Okay, God willing.” Those words were a good sign that this man is a person with wisdom. Then I told him that I would just go there by myself.
So we met in the locale. And I was shocked because I thought it would be just any other church. Then when I saw it, [the sign] read “Church of God International” and then “Ang Dating Daan” [The Old Path].
I said, “I sometimes just hear this on radio,” and that I wasn’t aware about it much. I just heard “The Old Path,” and just wondered about it. But that time, I didn’t take it to heart as I was in another religion.
And then, I finally understood what it was, and I always went to the locale and got indoctrinated. My partner is the kind that doesn’t persuade. He told me that he wanted for me to learn on my own, for me to prove in myself what is true, that what he shares with me is without hypocrisy.
On Being Baptized
I had mixed emotions. I felt then that I knew that there was the Lord who is very loving, who didn’t mind who I was before.
I’m thankful that He called me. I’m thankful for the person he used to lead me to the right religion, the true Church that hides nothing but teaches all, verse by verse and in detail, which is needed and rightful.
On Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon
My message to them, as faithful and true preachers, I hope that they will continue in preaching faithfully and truthfully, which, as with water, without impurities.
Because this is where I learned, and I’m thankful to the Lord that He used them. I hope that they will have many more opportunities in life, and lead countless more people like me.
