Testimonies from the Fields

“Before I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior, my life was like a donut—there was a hole in the middle. Although I grew up Catholic, I still felt I had no connection with the one we call God. I was praying the rosary, but it seemed as though my prayers could not pass through the ceiling and could not be heard by God. I joined a lot of activities conducted by the church, believing I would discover the truth, but I still left those activities feeling empty. My first encounter with God was in April 2002. I took summer classes and accepted an invitation from my housemate to attend a youth service. It was a very strange place for me because it was the first time I saw people my own age wholeheartedly worshipping God. When the pastor preached about faith and God, a living God, I felt all my questions were answered. I wanted to give my life to God and received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Ate Mylene Dolores, one of the youth leaders at that time, discussed salvation with me and I was able to confirm this as truth. The hole I was feeling before vanished. I began to realize my real identity as God’s princess and that He loves me very much. I continue to join in church-related activities, but now in a Christian church. And now I have a purpose in joining these activities—to glorify God.” – Karen Maniebo

Karen attends Pastor Rodolfo Milanay’s church in Rosario, Batangas, Philippines

"I am a high school graduate and a resident of Cawayan, Masbate. My father is a farmer and does carpentry on the side. My mother is a housewife. My parents can hardly makes ends meet because of their educational attainment; they were married at a very young age. Their families’ religious background, and mine too, is with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I happened to meet Pastor Marlon when I was looking for work to help support my parents. When Pastor Marlon shared his doctrinal beliefs, I was really insulted. But I kept on asking questions. I was offered a job, but I had to meet Pastor Marlon’s one condition—that I join his daily Bible study. I lived with his family and indeed witnessed a true Christian family. They lived far beyond my expectations. At first, I was a fault-finder, always looking for ways to point out their sin so I could prove to them that their religion was nothing but a man-made religion. But, I was shocked, as this family led me with love to our Savior, Maker and Redeemer. I was stunned to know that I was a sinner in need of salvation. Having been raised in a very religious family and having served Jehovah in my youthful days, I thought that I was holy and did not need to confess my sins. But the Lord showed me my character flaws. This helped me face myself. Oh, His love is indescribable! I shared this truth with my family who persecuted me. But I stood on God’s word. I am serving in the music ministry with my God-given gift as a singer. May His name be glorified in my life!” – Richel Ompoc

Richel attends Pastor Marlon Tabuzo’s church in Dimaslang, Masbate, Philippines

“I witnessed a healing miracle during one of the crusades. I want to tell you about this so you can pray for this woman. She was brought to us by her family members because she had been having terrible stomach pains for a very long time. She came for prayer. We spent some time talking with her about being a Christian and I shared the scriptures from the Romans Road. She received Christ into her life and we prayed, asking God to take away her pain. Afterwards, her pain was gone! This was a great answer to prayer performed by the great God!! God is good. This woman stood up and walked home. We give all the glory to God who performed this miracle.”

– Pastor Atitso Kodjo, Lome, Togolese Republic