Testimonies from the Fields

“I am currently studying Information Technology and will graduate next year with a Bachelor of Science degree. In this next year, I will be doing on-the-job training and taking a few classes. I grew up in a Christian family, learning things that other kids wouldn’t normally do, like praying and reading the Bible. I grew up in a family that didn’t use bad words. I was a normal kid, though, going to school and playing with other kids. There were times when I wondered about my life and the people around me and why it seemed that they could do things that are unpleasant in God’s eyes and yet, go unpunished. I wondered why I was not allowed to do these bad things that seemed cool and non-threatening. As a kid, I worried that others wouldn’t want me as a friend because I couldn’t do what they normally would do. As I grew older, my curiosity became greater and I did some things that were not right before God. At first, it seemed to be okay, but then God’s Holy Spirit convicted me. Then came the realization that all those ‘cool’ things were wrong and that I had hurt God by doing them. I thank God because His blessings, grace and forgiveness are sufficient. He loves me so much that He didn’t allow sin to conquer me. “Now I am actively participating in the church’s ministry as a musician and praise and worship leader. I am also giving lessons to young people who desire to play instruments like the drums and guitar. I am discipling Matthew, a 16-year-old lad who is willing to be used by the Lord in music. I am also involved in a local organization here in Tarlac, the ASTIG group (Action-Service Team Inspired by God). My dad often tells me he pictured me as a preacher someday. It seemed awkward at first, but I had my first opportunity last month at the family camp. Praise God! Please include us in your prayers, that God will continue to provide my financial needs and other expenses related to school. Pray for God’s will in my life as I graduate and try to work in order to help my parents financially. Pray also for my ministry to the Lord and for the cell groups I’ve started. Pray for my family’s safety and our relationships with one another and with the Lord. To God be all the glory!” – Emmanuel Ilagan

Emmanuel is the son of Pastor Leonardo Ilagan, church planter in Camaling, Tarlac, Philippines

“ I am from the Mangyan tribe of Hanonoo in the southern part of Oriental Mindoro. I consider myself very blessed to know and receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I came to know Him when I visited a friend in Mindoro who happens to be a Christian. She introduced me to Pastor Danilo. It was such an awesome feeling to know what Christ has done on behalf of mankind and me, in particular. I have come to realize how sinful I am and my need for a Savior. I started to attend the local church led by Pastor Danilo and I am learning more about God and His plan for me. I praise the Lord because I was given the opportunity to attend a youth camp this month. I pray the Lord will direct my path and that He will use me mightily in His kingdom. Please pray I will be able to finish my studies in high school because life here in our province is very hard. Thank you so much.” – Bea Ihoy

Bea attends Pastor Danilo Macuha’s church plant in Mindoro, Philippines

“ I thank God for the opportunity to share my testimony with you. I am 22 years old. I live in San Policarpio, Calbayog City. I am single. Before I knew Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I thought God was only for old people who couldn’t enjoy life anymore. I believed that young people like me should take all the chances in the world to enjoy life in whatever ways they could. But my beliefs changed when I contracted a sexually transmitted disease. This destroyed my self-esteem. I tried to hide it from my family and friends because of my shame. But my family began to notice, so I had no other option than to admit it. I thank God they understood. My mother took me to a doctor to receive treatment. I was so depressed so I contacted my friend who is a Christian. I then met Pastor Quiamco. He invited me to a Bible study. He shared God’s word with me. I learned that I should have already been worshipping God and serving Him, that we should not wait to become old because we don’t know if we will still have the strength to do it. It was through Pastor Quiamco that I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Now I am active in church, particularly in the youth ministry. I am using my personal testimony to show the youth what will happen to a person if God is not the center of his life. I am very involved because I know they are vulnerable to fall into sin and I want to warn them by using myself as an example. I don’t want them to experience what I did. I thank God for the second chance He gave my life.” – Leo

Leo attends Pastor Felix Quiamco’s church in Hamorawon, Calbayog, Philippines