Testimonies from the Fields

“I learned about God through Pastor Luther’s Bible study. It was through this time that I was able to fully understand about God and His purpose for my life. I believe and receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It is my heart’s desire to bring my entire family to Him. I pray they will have the salvation I have now.

I am starting to invite my wife and children to the church, but they are a little bit hesitant to go with me. My wife did not make any comment on the decision to convert, but I could tell by her gestures that she would rather not talk about it. Somehow, she gives me the freedom to attend church and with my children if they want to. Pastor Luther does visit our home occasionally and has established a good relationship with my wife and children. I am not yet involved in any ministry because I feel I need to learn more before getting directly involved. Please pray for me, that the Lord will use me in His work here.” – Dominador Burgos

Dominador attends Pastor Luther Ambag’s church in Upi Maguindanao, Philippines

“ My family came from the Visayas Island. My parents’ means of living is simple because they were not able to finish their studies. Our family has already established itself in the neighborhood and we have many friends. Two years ago, a pastor visited our home and started a Bible study. We were receptive to the messages he preached and my mother decided to be a member of his small church.

A few months later, I followed Christ. Yes, we understood the message of salvation, but this pastor’s ministry was not sustained. I would like to praise God for Pastor Wilson because he obeys the call of God. He was able to visit us and revive the spiritual longings in our hearts—not only for myself, but also my neighbors and friends. I am in a right relationship with Jesus, but my mother has a very weak desire to follow Him. I am beginning to doubt she is truly born again. Please pray the Lord will speak to her through His word and that she will be revived to a right relationship with God.” – Mary Rose Cezar

Mary Rose attends Pastor Wilson Andres’ church in San Juan, Kalyaan, Philippines

" Before I came to know Christ, there were so many things I did that were not pleasing in His sight, especially when I was in college. I was a drug addict and a member of a fraternity. Despite my vices, I was able to finish college having majored in nautical engineering. I went to Cebu City and applied for a job with a shipping company. I was hired, and after three years, I became the captain of the ship. It was at this time in my life that God called me. But, after I got married, I became inactive at church. I was very busy with my business I started after retiring from my work as a seaman. The business became successful, which made me forget God completely.

But after two years, I became ill. I had liver complications on top of diabetes. I lost my business and became very thin. All that I had earned and saved were gone in an instant. What was worse was that my wife and three children left me. When I was in the hospital for two months, my brother and sister were the ones who cared for me. Despite all this, God still showed His grace and mercy to me. I was healed from the liver complications and am now dealing with the diabetes. Through this experience, I realized there is nothing more important in life than God. The material things this world offers cannot give us eternal security. It is only God who can give it to us. Now I am attending church again and helping in the ministry. I pray I will continue to grow in Him. Glory to His name!” – Lewellen Nacario

Lewellen attends Pastor Junery Berden’s church in Labangon, Cebu, Philippines