Testimonies from the Fields

The following is the personal testimony of 17-year-old Charlene: “Before I got saved, I was not aware of what people said about me. I didn’t care if I hurt them. I used to fight easily with anyone, and it was easy for me to say bad words to others. I was also fast in judging people. But now that I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I am observing these attitudes that are now gradually changing. I learned about God when I was invited to attend Vacation Bible School this past April. I was able to hear God’s word and memorize verses. Then after that, I was invited to attend a youth camp. It was at this camp that I received Jesus as my God and Savior. Today I am part of Love in Action Youth Ambassador. I thank God for the salvation that I received from Him. I am glad that I am able to know Him at a young age so that I will have long years of serving Him through His grace and mercy. I just pray that He will also speak to the hearts of my family members. I pray that they will receive Him as their God and Savior. I also want them to experience the joy that I am feeling now.”

Charlene attends Pastor Michael Bausin’s church plant in Cavite, Philippines

The following is the personal testimony of Benson Chua, 25 years old: “I learned about God through Mrs. Cora Casuga, who is my teacher and the wife of Pastor Casuga. I was one of her students in the Alternative Learning System. I thank God for her life, because she not only taught us academics, but also nurtured us spiritually. She shared and taught us the word of God and the importance of having Him in our lives. She invited me to attend their Sunday service one time. This was when I received Christ as my God and Savior. When I heard the preaching of Pastor Casuga, I did not hesitate. I can now see how God is transforming me into a new being. Before, I was a slave of vices—smoking cigarettes and drinking liquor. My life had no direction. But now I am beginning to see God’s plan for me. He is gradually changing me into the person He wants me to be. I am a guitarist for the church. Pastor Casuga serves as my spiritual adviser. He helps me grow in my faith. As of now, I am the only Christian in my family. I pray that my family will also be Christians someday. I am planning to study at a Bible School after my graduation, because I want to be a pastor.”

Pastor Daniel Casuga has planted a church in Antipolo City, Philippines

The following is the personal testimony of Jeff Vergara: “When I was not yet a Christian, I was always involved in fights. I was a member of a gang. Everyone was afraid of me, even my neighbors. I got hooked on things like alcohol, cigarettes, girls and gambling. One time when I was in a fight, the barangay tanods (a groups of men in charge of the peace and order in the community) brought me to the barangay hall and the barangay captain told me that I have no future. He said that I am a hopeless case and nothing can be done to change me. But God proved him wrong. He showed me and the people around me that in Him, nothing is impossible. I found myself cornered one day by a man who brought me into his church and shared the word of God with me. I wanted to run and hide, but I was unable. I found myself listening to His word and surrendering my life to Him. When this happened, I felt released from all the anger and hatred that I had in my heart, especially toward my father. I was able to forgive him from all the heartache and pain he had brought to my family and me. Now, my life has a new direction. I want to finish my studies, so I enrolled in the Alternative Learning System. I am also an active youth leader in our church. My ministry is to share the word of God to the youth who are misdirected in life. I am using my life as a personal testimony to them. This is also my way of thanking God for the salvation I received through His grace.”

Jeff attends Pastor Getulio David’s church in Rosario, Philippines