My dad’s friend was a drunkard and womanizer before he ever listened to Bro. Eli
My father was silent when he came home. Then, he summoned us to the living room. He explained that we needed God’s grace and mercy to live in this world. I cannot remember everything that he said. But I was crying quietly the whole time he was talking to us
By Katherine Gay A. Ortega
When I was in high school, I was searching for something – I just didn’t know what that was. This may sound like a cliché but this is true to me.
Before I became a member of the Members Church of God, International (MCGI), I was a “confused” churchgoer. I say confused because I didn’t know what and where the true church is. I was only attending the Catholic Church because of my parents and joining Protestant’s “fellowships” because of my friends. All I knew was that I (and my family) badly needed a religious group to belong to so that we can worship God. At that time, I was praying hard every night for it. I knew in my heart that there is a God although I just didn’t know Him yet.
My father came to know about Bro. Eli Soriano through “Ang Dating Daan” program before I did. The TV program and the Church were introduced to him by his friend who happens to be a member of MCGI. I have not met his friend but all I knew was that he was a drunkard and womanizer before he became a Christian.
I heard my father and mother talking about this man over dinner. My father was amazed at the changes. So, this piqued his curiosity on Bro. Eli and Ang Dating Daan. And this had changed our TV habits.
We have our TV in our bedroom. I usually do my homework while watching shows on TV. I was in college at that time. I was a TV addict. However, when my father was at home, I couldn’t watch any show on TV except the ADD program hosted by Bro. Eli.
Being an adolescent teenager, I was annoyed by it, not because I didn’t see truth to what Bro. Eli was saying but because I can no longer watch my favorite shows. Nonetheless, I stayed inside the room thinking that I will be able to change channels as soon as advertisements came. Little did I know and realize that there were no commercial breaks during ADD program! It went on for weeks.
Then, they decided to listen to the indoctrination sessions of the MCGI. They did not coerce nor force us to join them. Little by little, we came to know the church. Then, my father was baptized! I cannot forget that day.
My father was silent when he came home. Then, he summoned us to the living room – my mother, my sister and me. He explained why he finally made a decision to join the Church. He was enlightening us how we need God’s grace and mercy to live in this world. I cannot remember everything that he said. But I was crying quietly the whole time he was talking to us.
I can’t help myself but my tears came pouring from my eyes endlessly. At that moment, I realized that this is the answer to my ardent prayers! So, when my father asked me to attend the indoctrination sessions, I willingly obeyed. Then, the joyous and blessed moment of my life came – I was baptized on May 29, 2002 at Maya, Leyte by Bro. Noli Molero!
I will be forever grateful to God for His loving-kindness for calling us to His Church. Furthermore, I thank God for Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon.
Many people may not accept change in their lives, but this is the change that I needed and wanted in my life. I have waited for this. I have searched for this. And I passionately embrace this change in my life. Now, I am a Christian. This year is my 9th year in the Church, with God’s help and mercy. Despite all the hardships and struggles in my life, I know I am in good hands because I have God in my life. What a pleasure it is, serving God in His Church!
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