Testimonies from the Fields

The following is the personal testimony of Nestor Blancaflor: “My wife Wilma became a Christian at a film-showing held in our barangay plaza. Since then, she joined Bible studies and consistently invited me to join her. I kept on rejecting her offer and instead would drink and use illegal drugs along with my old, worldly friends. This is the main reason why my wife and I would quarrel. We almost separated. Then I met Bernardo Tamis, a friend of Pastor Ilagan. I began to understand God’s love for me so I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and now let Him rule in my life. Today, God is using me as a group leader in our ministry. I am a co-driver for the church, picking up the brethren for our Wednesday and Sunday meetings. Please pray for my family’s spiritual and financial needs. Pray also for my mother who had a stroke and suffers from arthritis.”

Nestor and Wilma attend Pastor Ilagan’s church in Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines

“We give all the glory and honor to our most high God, Jesus Christ, for the blessings He gives to us each day. We praise the Lord for the life of Mark Bontog because He has molded and used him mightily and effectively in the ministry. Mark came to know the Lord Jesus Christ through our basketball ministry. We started this ministry two years ago in order to reach young people with the gospel. I had been praying that the Lord would give me a player to disciple and God answered my prayer with Mark. Mark’s life before Christ was full of darkness. It was so empty. He had many vices including alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction. He also had many girlfriends, because he thought this was fulfilling. But when he really understood God’s word, Mark’s life began to change. It is only by God’s grace that Mark is a new person now. He is actively attending our Sunday worship service and he helps me with visitation and Bible studies. I really praise the Lord for the new life God has given Mark. Mark is also sharing the gospel with his family; we praise God because his brother Joel and many of his cousins have received Christ. In fact, we just opened a Bible study in one of Mark’s relative’s home. I praise the Lord for the grace and strength He has given Mark to say “no” to the temptations of the past. To God be the glory!”

– Pastor Jason Magalona, Umapad, Mandaue, Philippines

“ I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior during my involvement on the choir team at school. At one of the competitions, we were asked to stay afterwards for a Bible study. My choir mates and I stayed and we heard the word of God preached by a pastor. Right then and there, I realized my own sinful nature and I felt God was working within me as I responded to His call. That was the turning point in my life as a teenager. I was baptized a year later and am now serving in the church here in Palawan. There have been many changes in my life since my real conversion in the Lord. I regularly attend Bible study and I learn about the word of God. I read my Bible often. Now I have the passion to share Christ with my classmates at the university where I study. My only prayer is that He will continue to provide for my family and that I can finish my studies so that I can help my family in the future. There are many people with whom I share the gospel, but most respond as if they have heard nothing. However I know deep in my heart that the Lord will work in their hearts; my part is to persevere in sharing the gospel.” – Ruby Ann

Ruby Ann attends Pastor Jose Monares’ church plant in San Vicente Island, Northern Samar, Philippines