Newly Baptized Testimonials: October 24, 2014

Read short testimonials of faith from some of MCGI’s youngest brethren baptized on October 24, 2014 at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga.

Bro. Roniel Castillo, 26, Former Catholic, Tarlac Province

On Joining the Church of God

My life has been changed.

I used to be wayward, and my family’s life was hard. Our situation became bitter; there were always problems.

When I frequented watching Ang Dating Daan [The Old Path], my attitude somewhat changed. So I tried getting indoctrinated, and now I have been baptized.

I didn’t pay attention to religion before; it was just nothing to me. Then, I got to rethink about it when I had so many problems in life.

I wanted to know about God then. I joined a Born Again group, and got baptized there. But I didn’t accept it because I wasn’t ready to, until I searched for the right one, and got to watch The Old Path.

On Being Baptized

I feel happy. I even cried because I have done so many wrong things in my life. But now I’m elated because my sins have perhaps been forgiven.

I felt light, and I couldn’t help but smile because of being overjoyed.

On MCGI Leaders

Many thanks to them because they have been instruments [by God]. I hope that many more lost souls will continue to be saved. May The Old Path prosper. Thanks be to God.

~o~

Bro. Renz Bryan Gorospe, 23, Former Born Again Member, NCR

On Joining the Church of God

I wanted to turn back to God, to [be in] the right path.

My co-worker invited me to a Bible Exposition. Afterwards, I went everytime there would be a Bible Exposition. I also attended Thanksgivings after work. I learned a lot about the false doctrines of other religions; it’s unlike here where the teachings are truly based in the Bible.

On Being Baptized

I feel really light; I really can’t explain it. It’s like I’m a new person today. It feels light inside. I felt something is gone away from me. I’m happy.

On MCGI Leaders

Many thanks to you and your teachings that have made me turn back to God. Thanks be to God.

~o~

Bro. Alberto Tuballas, 37, Former Born Again, Rizal Province

On Joining the Church of God

I liked the teachings, the doctrines. I wanted to be baptized so that my views about the Lord will be changed.

My co-worker invited me [to a Bible Exposition], and I liked it the first time, so I returned immediately. That’s why I got baptized; because of the doctrines that are different from other religions that I have been to. That’s why I’m here.

On Being Baptized

I felt happy, and it’s different from other religions. This is better.

I was baptized before, but there was no doctrine involved. They just told me that it was a baptism, not even telling what it’s for. Now, I’m happy and feel as if the Lord is just by my side.

On MCGI Leaders

I’m thankful that they are able to help many people to learn doctrines that are in the Bible, that are right in the Bible. So I hope that our leaders will be able to lead many more, including my family.

~o~

Sis. Michelle Bornales, 16, Former Protestant, Manila

On Joining the Church of God

I was still young then when I started watching [The Old Path] frequently. We attended our protestant church before, but I liked listening to Bro. Eli’s program on television.

My father always watched it, and last year he got baptized, followed by mother. And now, it’s my turn.

[Despite my age], I somehow understood Bro. Eli’s answers to people’s questions to him. He really knows what he’s talking about – a thing I have admired. Then recently, when I got to attend Church gatherings like Thanksgivings and Special Prayer Meetings, I learned the truth.

On Being Baptized

As Bro. Eli said, the feeling is light. It’s like my problems are gone all of a sudden. It’s like my chest became suddenly unloaded.

On MCGI Leaders

Bro. Eli, Bro. Daniel, I love you, and many, many thanks for all the truths you teach us. May God always take care and guide you in teaching us doctrines and the words of God. I love you and I miss you. May God take care of you.

~o~

Bro. Rocky Ignacio, 36, Former Catholic, Manila

On Joining the Church of God

What is in the Bible, Bro. Eli teaches word by word, all is true; nothing added nor taken away.

A Church member invited me. I’m a driver and a vehicle operator. So one day he invited me to a Bible Exposition. Actually, I attended indoctrination last month, but it’s only now that I got baptized with the Lord’s  mercy.

There was also no hindrance [this time] as I explained to [my family] the reason why I’m joining. They were asking why I’m going to change my religion. I said, “Because this is where I found the teachings in the Bible.”

I was able to listen to [Bro. Eli’s answer] to a person asking about signs that the Lord is calling you. It’s when you are having an interest in the Gospel, Bro. Eli explained; so I got the more strengthened in faith, and had no more second thoughts.

I took the doctrines to heart. I became calm, though I’m usually hot-headed, that my loved ones will know that I’m serious in my joining this religion, that I’m not going to play here, to gamble, nor to womanize. I entered [because of] the doctrines, the Church. That’s my aspiration. It’s why I got baptized; this is the first step to salvation, and to learning the [mysteries] of the Gospel.

My belief is that Bro. Eli is the one sent by God because the words he speaks are purely truthful; what God wants to say, he preaches. If other preachers get angry with him, of course, it’s only expected since their teachings are erroneous. After all, it is written in the Bible that hypocrisy is bad; if something is wrong, you don’t tolerate it.

On Being Baptized

Of course, the primary reason why you got baptized is for your sins to be cleansed. As Bro. Eli explained, your sins will be buried with [your former self] and you’ll rise renewed with Christ. I feel happy and light.

On MCGI Leaders

May the Lord will for their lives to be lengthened that many more brethren that have not yet heard the preaching may hear God’s words, that those who have not yet listened to the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ may hear them as well.

~o~

Bro. Ernesto Barrientos, 49, Former Church of Christ 33 AD Member, Rizal Province

On Joining the Church of God

I have long been listening to the program of Bro. Eli, and in that long period of time, it was really in him that I received the true teaching. I learned so much from him than in the 22 years I spent in my previous religion.

I accidentally heard him on radio in 2002, and it continued from there. Though, I stopped listening for about three years, until I accidentally found him again via the Internet. It was on Youtube, on Facebook.

I would check out his debates. I disliked the teachings in my previous religion; we stilled obeyed tithing then. When I got to listen to Bro. Eli’s debate regarding tithes, I saw that Bro. Eli’s points were valid.

On Being Baptized

I felt like crying; I couldn’t understand it. I was happy and crying at the same time. I also saw that Bro. Eli is really like that, he cries in prayer. That’s what I like. I feel touched because many, who once lost their remembrance of the Lord, are now happy in worshipping Him.

On MCGI Leaders

I hope that he will be given a longer life. I will always pray that his service may lenghten that many more will be able to hear his preaching.

I’m delighted at Bro. Eli, because I felt from him that he really perseveres. Before he was able to dissect the Bible, he strove for it, as is written in the [Scriptures] that the reader persevere in his reading.

The Lord gave him the knowledge he now has, through his patiance as well. I don’t think that there is anyone else who did what he did of dissecting and searching the truth in the Holy Scriptures. He really persevered in finding the true teachings.