Testimonies from the Fields

The following is the personal testimony of Nelia Cruz. “A warm Christian greeting in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is worthy above all names. I met Pastor Jojo at a weekly Bible study, which is held in the home of Ate Emily, one of the church members. To be honest, I was very open to all kinds of religion because I wanted to know the different teachings. But when Pastor Jojo taught the topic of spiritual birth, I understood that it’s not about having a religion, but having a personal relationship with the Lord. I realized that I was condemned by God because of my sin and at any moment I could experience the suffering of hell with other lost souls. So at the next study, I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Without doubt and in the light of God’s word, I have been born again. Since then, I have been attending Bible study with interest and realize that attending church is a blessing. My desire is to continue in the service of the Lord. Thus I would like you to pray for my family, loved ones and me, and also for my pregnancy. May the Lord take care of my baby and me, and may He provide for our daily needs.”

Nelia Cruz attends Pastor Antonio “Jojo” Parana’s church in Sulukan, Angat, Philippines

"I received Jesus as my God and Savior in February 2006, but realized later my conversion was not a true one because I still followed my own desires. Whenever someone would invite me to go on a drinking spree, I easily gave in. I disregarded my responsibility to my family and instead placed my friends and peers before them. I had a job in Tacloban City (about 200 kilometers from home) for six months, until my boss fired me. I was forced to go home. I found out that our home had no water or electricity. My wife had sold some of our appliances so that they could have food. We had great debt, which forced us to sell our home. It was then that I realized how I had messed up my life. I began to remember my disobedience toward God. I realized I am nothing without God. It was when I attended the funeral service of Pastor Felix’s father-in-law and heard the message that I committed my life to God. Now I am serving Him by leading the worship service. I pray that God will continue shaping and molding me for His glory. I know I still have so many things in my life that need changed. But God knows that I am willing to be changed by Him. I thank God for the second chance He has given me. I will always be grateful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Emmanuel Alevario

Emmanuel attends Pastor Felix Quiamco’s church in Calbayog, Philippines

The following is the personal testimony of Deolito Montecalvo who is 17-years-old: “I grew up in a place where drugs and drinking liquor were rampant. I fell to the pressure of my peers in living a worldly life until I met a true friend named Arvie. Arvie is the son of Pastor Jun Languido and is a year ahead of me in school. I noticed that Arvie had no vices whatsoever. He was very different from my classmates. I liked him as a friend because he is very industrious and kind. Arvie introduced me to his father and I started going to youth gatherings. There I learned how to sing Christian songs that revealed truths and from there God revealed Himself to me. Now I don’t miss a single Sunday. I like being with my other Christian friends and we are growing in number. Arvie challenged me to go to Bible school. Please pray for me. Pray also for my family. I want to bring my parents to church because I want them to experience the joy of being with true Christian friends. I hope that our Lord will continue to love me even when I’m unlovable. I want to serve Him all my life."

– Pastor Marlon Tabuzo, Dimaslang, Masbate, Philippines