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!
admin
August 22, 2011
Wow! Imagine that! True healing from listening to the words of God!
James
August 22, 2011
A mercy from God!.. Happy to hear stories like this about the goodness of the Creator…
Raphael Soriano
August 22, 2011
How can I know that it is the Church of God?
Elmer
August 22, 2011
Napakaganda mo balita iyan sa mga kapatid natin nag hahanap nang mabuting salita nang DIOS sa sanlibutan. naway bigyan nang kaliwanagan ang mga taong ayaw makinig sa ADD.
mike verbo
August 22, 2011
sobra naiyak ako naalala ko ang araw ng nakilala ko ang isang tao na isinisigaw ang mga katagang “salamat sa DIOS sa mga kaloob na di masayod”…..ngayong oras na ito namimis ko sya….ngunit alam kung may Dios na gumagabay sa kanya….
mike verbo
August 22, 2011
magtumibay tayo kapatid…isang bagay lang ang alam ko laging sinasabi ng taong ito….manalig tayo sa aral ng Dios…..dahil ang magtiis hanggang wakas ay syang maliligtas…
jo
August 23, 2011
when you heard the true doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ, you will understand the real meaning of love to your family, especially if you are a father, the first thing come to your mind is to bring your children to the faith you discovered and believed, for they will sure be in good hands just like you.
and these doctrines that comes from the messenger of God, will marked on your heart, that will create a new man, a God-fearing and loving man.
how i wish my parents will enter our fold sooner, God willing.
Angel
August 24, 2011
Kung kay Eli Soriano din lang na Church. Think 100th times before you enter ang gropo niya. Baka nagkakamali ka! Otherwise nasa huli ang pagsisisi! Magsuri ka rin sa iba para may comparison ka. Pero sa pagsusuri mo dapat open mind ka. Okey! Thanks and good luck for Church Hunting!!!!
L
October 9, 2011
Hello Angel. Ako, ilang beses na akong nagsuri. Bata pa lang ako.. Kinokontra ko pa nga noon si Bro Eli dahil ang first impression ko sa kanya ay masama dahil sa mga paninira ng iba. Pero di talaga matutulan ang mga katuwiran na sinasabi niya dahil biblical talaga. Ikaw ang magsuri. Wag kang padaya sa mga sinasabi ng iba. Kaluluwa pinag-uusapan dito. Start living your life, not what others want for your life!
lavionagee
August 24, 2011
to God remains the glory forever…
e
August 24, 2011
is it dad’s friend or the friend that was a womanizer?
e
August 24, 2011
i mean dad’s friend or the dad?
nalra olles
August 25, 2011
Thanks be to God for this one!!!
Joanna Letran Lam
November 25, 2011
total change!! thanks be to God!!
Rodolfo de Robles
December 13, 2011
I’m also a drunkard. I remembered. And Thanks be to God ,I’m here in the true church.
Kent
January 12, 2012
I noticed that in the center and middle of these personal blogs is a man named Eli Soriano. Unlike Roman Catholics who have Mary as the center of their lives.