Testimonies from the Fields

“I came to the Hallelujah Church Takamatsui at the invitation of a friend last Christmas and I have been attending regularly with my two children ever since. My husband is having an affair and is living with his mistress. I am separated from him, so I work and care for my children alone. My husband and his mistress say many cruel words to me which really affects the way I think and feel. I prayed without even knowing God, saying, “Oh, God, help me.” And, He is. I have decided to live for Jesus Christ and to die to my old self. I am now baptized. In the past, I would fight with my husband when he would call me, but now I can truly forgive him. Even now, when I receive harassing phone calls from the woman, I know there is hope. More than anything, I want my family to be restored; my children want their father back. I am studying the Bible every week and living faithfully. I worship the Lord in tears every Sunday and He blesses me by His Holy Spirit. Please remember me in your prayers. My husband says he wants to reunite, but continues to live with the other woman.” – Mrs. Marytes Villamro To-Ong

Marytes attends Pastor Teppei Yamakawa’s church in Kagawa-ken, Japan

“As an adventurous person, I found myself setting my path in life to being a career-oriented person. I was consumed by the freedom and the pleasures the world offered me—the freedom of having nearly all that I ever wanted. But, I was empty and incomplete. I seemed to have all that I needed and wanted, yet I was never satisfied. I found myself making one wrong decision after another, making things so complicated that I nearly gave up. But in the midst of this crisis, God found me. He reminded me of my decision long ago to take the road that leads toward Him—His way. I’m thankful He called me. I am thankful to be a part of the family of God and to be a student of the Word. My pastor teaches me to use and apply what I am learning from my readings. The Lord is teaching me about the cost of committing one’s life to the ministry. I am learning different things about God and His people. Being a child of God is very difficult and challenging, but it is necessary. God is preparing me to be the person He wants me to be. I encounter all sorts of problems, but I have the opportunity to correct my mistakes through confession, repentance and discipleship; thus, experiencing the grace of God. I am helping my pastor as a volunteer worker in the church. I believe God will reveal more of Himself to me as I continue to strive after His own heart.” – Edwin

Edwin attends Pastor Sonny Iblasin’s church in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite, Philippines

“My husband and I are blessed with five children—four girls and one boy. I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of Pastor Alinio. He visited us and shared his knowledge of natural farming, teaching us the latest technologies. (My husband and I are farmers.) We do not own the land we toil; nevertheless, it is where we get our means of living. Pastor Alinio did not just share what he knows about farming, but was persistent in sharing the Bible with us, too. He told us about the love of God—that Jesus Christ died on the cross. I received God’s offer of salvation. In the past, I was always visited by the Jehovah’s Witness of Watch Tower Ministry, but I never learned anything about God. I was born a Roman Catholic, but I never knew what salvation is. I really thank God for this opportunity to know Him and for sending Pastor Alinio. I am now attending Bible study regularly and am happy to share that I am growing in the faith. Please pray for me, that I will be able to share my faith with my husband, who is very reluctant, and the children.” – Imelda

Imelda attends Pastor Elizer Alinio’s church in Calbayog, Samar, Philippines